At only $500, the MacWheel 16 fits into the ultra budget Amazon category but not necessarily in terms of looks and quality. Lots of companies are starting to jump on the cheap ebike bandwagon, but the MacWheel feels a bit different.

Let's go over the specs. The MacWheel 16 is a 250 watt e-bike with a top speed of 15.5 miles per hour. The bike is powered by a 36 volt, 7.5 amp hour battery that's seamlessly integrated into the straight tube of the frame. The horizontal design gives it a very streamlined, almost aerodynamic look. Although this means the battery isn't removable, it shouldn't be an issue as the whole aesthetic of this bike is portability. You can easily transport and store it indoors.

As far as components go, the MacWheel 16 has dual disc brakes, a single speed gear, an integrated front headlight, adjustable seat post, fenders on both wheels, a bell, twist throttle, and a quick folding stem. These are a lot more features than I expected for the price - especially in the foldable ebike category. This foldable design stood out to me because only the stem collapses and not the actual frame. This design makes it extremely portable and ideal for urban commuting.

In terms of looks, it really is quite striking with the glossy black and orange colorway. The gum color tire trim combined with the mag style rims give the bike a very modern and sleek look. The only knock on the design is that the stem isn't adjustable so it looks a bit odd proportionately but isn't really noticeable when riding. The LED Display is basic but gives you all the data you need like remaining battery life, the speed setting and headlight indicator. You also get a twist throttle instead of the traditional thumb throttle which is a nice touch. It also has 3 riding modes, traditional, throttle and pedal assist. You can disable throttle but you can't disable pedal assist unless the speed setting is at zero.

So our first impressions are that the MacWheel 16 is a fine, cheap ebike off Amazon that works well, has good reviews and looks pretty different when compared to what's out there in the same class. You can tell there was some thought put into the aesthetics and design. I do have a few minor nitpicks such as wishing the stem was not only foldable but also adjustable. Also the rear reflector is integrated so seamlessly that it feels like a missed opportunity that it isn't an actual tail light - especially since the headlight is integrated. Again these are minor issues that really aren't big issues at all and actually keep the costs down.

The MacWheel 16 will get you where you need to go and back. This isn't a model that's being pushed by a large, influential ebike manufacturer battling for marketshare. This is for anyone who isn't ready to drop one to five thousand dollars on their first ebike. This is for anyone who enjoys high performance ebikes but want their kids to learn on something safe and affordable. If you follow this blog at all, then you know we understand the practicality of high performance ebikes. For example, this winter has shown an increased amount of expensive ebikes hitting the market. Once the hype and sheen wear off, many users have realized that it's no longer financially responsible or feasible to maintain a high powered ebike. I've mentioned this over and over again that owning an expensive ebike is not an investment, it's a lifestyle choice. My rule of thumb is that if we can't afford to buy three of something in cash, then we can't afford it.

The MacWheel 16 is for the budget conscious, entry level rider and even the ebike enthusiast who wants to add something cheap to their collection. No you won't go 40 miles per hour on this bike and if you ask that question then you've completely missed the point. But for everyone else, if you want something affordable that you can toss in the trunk and share with your family, the MacWheel 16 is for you.

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