Onyx LZR Review: The Dirt Jumper E-Bike That Feels Like a BMX (But Smarter)
September 19, 2022
Onyx surprised me with the LZR. Instead of chasing the biggest battery and the wildest top speed, this bike aims straight at that sweet middle ground between a “normal” e-bike and the heavier, moped-style machines.
After spending time with it up close and putting real ride time on it, the best way I can describe the LZR is this: it feels like a dirt jumper/BMX hybrid that just happens to have an extremely well-tuned electric push behind it.
A quick note on my test bike
The LZR I spent time on was a prototype, and Onyx mentioned a few details could change in the final production version (including the seat finish and a small change to the display placement). My impressions below are based on hands-on time with that bike.
Design that looks like it’s not trying (in a good way)
The first thing that hit me was how clean the bike looks. The frame has that ultra-smooth, almost one-piece vibe where the weld areas don’t jump out at you. In person, it’s the kind of finish people will mistake for a much more exotic frame material.
The graphics are minimal, which I appreciate. Dirt jumpers and non-electric bikes in this category often look like rolling billboards. The LZR feels more grown-up and intentional.
Onyx also kept the silhouette stealthy with an internal battery and a mid-drive setup. If you’re into the “is that electric?” look, it nails it.
The cockpit and controls feel purpose-built
The integrated LED display is refreshingly simple. It’s basically there to give you what you need at a glance—charge indication and assist level—without pulling your attention away from riding.
There’s also a clever quick release/axle setup that stood out because it’s not the typical hardware you see on everyday bikes.
Up front, the bike runs an air fork with adjustability and lockout. I didn’t fine-tune it to my exact weight during my ride, but even out of the box it was already doing real work smoothing out uneven ground.
Pedal assist that feels natural (and that’s the whole point)
I’ve ridden enough pedal-assist bikes to know within the first few seconds if the tuning is going to annoy me.
The LZR didn’t.
Even in the lower assist levels, it moves out cleanly and smoothly. There’s no weird surge, no awkward delay that makes you feel like the bike is arguing with your legs, and none of that “jarring” on/off feeling that some systems have.
As I stepped up through the assist levels, it stayed consistent—just more of the same smoothness with a stronger hit of torque.
What I loved most is that the support feels synced to your pedal stroke. It’s the kind of tuning that makes you stop thinking about the motor and start thinking about where you want to ride.
Leveling up the power: where it gets fun
By the time I rolled into the higher assist levels, the bike started to show its personality. It picks up quickly, but it still feels controllable. It’s not trying to be a rocket ship—it’s trying to be a dirt jumper you can actually use.
That matters if you’re doing anything that needs quick acceleration in a short run-up. The LZR gives you that immediate boost without making the bike feel twitchy.
And it’s quiet. That’s a bigger deal than people think until they ride a powerful e-bike that doesn’t sound like it’s working overtime.
Handling and balance: light, playful, and confidence-inspiring
The LZR feels light the moment you start moving. Onyx quoted it at about 40 lbs, and on the ride it absolutely backed that up. It has that “throw it around” vibe—more like a BMX/dirt jumper than a mini-moto.
The 26-inch wheels help it feel like it has some real stability and roll-over ability, but the bike still keeps that playful stance where you naturally want to stand up and cruise rather than sit and spin like a commuter.
Center of gravity felt right to me. The bike didn’t feel top-heavy or awkward in transitions, and I could see it accommodating a wide range of rider sizes because the general riding position is more “active” than “seated.”
Braking: real stopping power
The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes delivered exactly what I want on something that encourages you to ride aggressively: strong, predictable stopping power.
I did a few harder brake checks and came away trusting them. For a bike that’s likely to see street sessions, skate park runs, and hard-pack trails, that’s non-negotiable.
The BMX-style seat and dirt-jumper vibe
The seat is BMX-inspired, including grab areas that make sense for moving the bike around or for trick-focused riding. Onyx said the final production seat will be a cleaner version (without the diamond pattern shown on the prototype).
This is not a “sit and pedal for hours” saddle. It matches the whole concept: stand up, move around, be playful.
Who I think the LZR is for
After riding it, I see a few clear types of riders who will immediately get it:
Stunt-focused riders who want something lighter and less intimidating than the high-power moped-style options, but still torquey and fun.
Riders who grew up on BMX or mountain bikes and want that same feeling with a modern assist system.
People who want an Onyx aesthetic without signing up for a heavier, more DIY-leaning experience.
Beginners who want something approachable and “ready to ride,” but still special.
It’s also the kind of bike I’d point to as a gateway into higher-performance machines. Not because it feels cheap or limited—it doesn’t—but because the overall experience is so accessible.
What We Like
Smooth, natural-feeling pedal assist that doesn’t surge or lag
Lightweight, playful handling that encourages you to ride like a kid again
Quiet performance with strong torque when you bump up assist levels
Clean, minimalist design with a stealthy integrated look
Hydraulic brakes with legit stopping power
Versatile vibe: street, hard-pack dirt, pump track energy
Things To Consider
My ride was on a prototype; small details may change on production bikes
This is a BMX/dirt-jumper style experience: you’ll likely stand and move around more than “sit and spin”
If your top priority is maximum speed and maximum power, Onyx’s RCR/CTY2-style bikes may fit better
Final Thoughts
The LZR feels like Onyx intentionally stepping into a new lane: less about brute force, more about ride quality, balance, and design.
What stuck with me most is how good the assist tuning feels. It’s smooth in a way that makes you want to keep riding, keep exploring, and keep looking for little spots to play—curbs, grass, hard-pack trails, open lots. That’s the magic.
If you want an e-bike that blends BMX and mountain bike energy with a polished, modern electric system—and you don’t want a heavy moped-style ride—the LZR makes a strong case for itself.
Links
Get $100 off your Onyx order with our referral code: RUNPLAYBACK https://www.onyxmotorbikes.com/
RunPlayBack Merch: http://shop.runplayback.com/