Macfox X1S E-Bike Review: The Budget Bad Boy That Doesn’t Pretend to Be More Than It Is

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Let’s get one thing straight from the jump: the Macfox X1S isn’t trying to be your dream ride. It’s not whispering promises of mountain-slaying power or sleek European engineering. No, this thing is more like that scrappy old friend who always shows up—rough around the edges, brutally honest, and just reliable enough not to die on you in the middle of nowhere. It’s barebones. It’s blunt. It gets you where you need to go and maybe even lets you smile along the way—if your expectations are in check and your spine can handle the bumps.

This is the no-frills knockoff of the polished e-bike influencers parade around in Venice Beach. And you know what? That’s exactly its charm.

First Impressions: Budget Brawler Vibes

Out of the box, the Macfox X1S looks like someone tried to design a Super73 while on a tight deadline and tighter budget. It’s 85% assembled, which sounds like marketing fluff until you realize that’s actually decent. Slap on the front tire, handlebars, pedals, kickstand, and front light, and you’re on the road in about 25 minutes.

This thing isn’t dripping in sleek lines or aerospace-grade carbon fiber dreams. It’s got a steel frame, some decent welds, a cruiser-style seat that feels better than it looks, and fat 20×4″ tires that whisper, “Hey, I can handle a pothole or two, but don’t get cocky.”

It feels like what it is: a stripped-down urban bruiser with just enough guts to get you to work or the corner store and maybe have a little fun doing it.

Riding on the Macfox X1S: All Grit, No Glamour

Let’s talk about how this thing actually moves. Spoiler: it’s fine.

Powered by a 500W rear hub motor (750W peak), the X1S doesn’t exactly launch like a bat out of hell. It’s more like a stoned mule with a decent work ethic. Torque is a modest 65Nm, which translates to okay acceleration if you’re under 200 pounds and not in a hurry. Macfox claims a top speed of 25 mph, but in the real world—flat ground, 175 lb. rider—you’re tapping out around 22 mph, and that’s with the throttle twisted to the gods. Pedal assist starts to feel like a placebo after 15 mph. You’re just ghost-pedaling at that point, pretending to be part of the action.

Single gear. No derailleur. No drama. That’s the good news. The bad news? You’ve got one damn gear. That means no hill-climbing heroics and no sweet-spot cadence adjustments. It’s either motor on or leg burn. Choose your poison.

Battery’s a 48V 10Ah unit. Translation: not a lot of juice. You’ll get about 38 miles on pedal assist if you’re babying it, closer to 25 miles if you throttle like a maniac. And forget about adding a second battery. There’s no mounting bracket, no wiring provisions, nothing that hints at future upgrades. If a dual-battery setup is part of your master plan, you’ll need to buy the right model from the start—because buying a second battery later isn’t in the cards. This isn’t that kind of party. Want dual-battery capability? Pony up for Macfox’s pricier models.

Macfox X1S Comfort & Handling: The Suspension of Disbelief

There’s front suspension—but don’t get excited. It’s non-adjustable and feels like it was lifted off a department store mountain bike from 2003. It’ll take the edge off a crack in the pavement, but God help you if you think this thing is ready for off-road adventuring. It isn’t. Not even close.

Bumps are felt. Deeply. Emotionally. If your idea of a smooth ride involves gliding over gravel like a caffeinated hawk, move along. This ain’t it. It’s not a torture rack, but it definitely lets you know what’s under your tires.

Max load is 220 lbs., which means big boys and gear junkies might be pushing it. The seat, oddly enough, is a highlight. A motorcycle-style saddle that’s surprisingly forgiving—comfortable on long rides, well-cushioned, and a true bright spot in an otherwise rugged setup.

As for handling? With those 20×4″ fat tires, you get decent stability and grip. It eats up road grime and keeps things planted in tight corners. But again, keep your expectations in the commuter lane. You’re not carving up trails or slicing through downhill switchbacks here. It’s road-ready and trail-curious at best.

Brakes, Lights & All the Other Almosts

Cable-actuated disc brakes. Ugh. They work—let’s start there. They do the job. But in 2025, we’re well past the point where a $1,000+ e-bike should be cutting corners with cables. Hydraulic brakes aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re the difference between stopping smoothly and squeezing your fingers like you’re ringing out a dishrag.

Lighting? Surprisingly solid up front. The headlight is bright and even has a riding light mode. But then Macfox shrugs and walks away—no taillight. Nada. Just a reflector pretending to care. In traffic, that’s a sin.

Want fenders? You’ll have to buy them separately. Or just embrace the backspray and let the mud tattoo your spine like a road-weary warrior.

Safety & Certification: Just Enough to Get You Rolling

There’s no UL certification here, so don’t go looking for peace-of-mind branding or gold-standard battery reassurance. It’s not a deathtrap, but it’s also not packing anything that screams “cutting-edge safety.” The battery? It works. Doesn’t overheat in normal use, doesn’t have wires hanging out like a DIY science project. It’s enough to get you from here to there without making you sweat.

The Vibe: Barebones with Swagger

Let’s call it like it is—the Macfox X1S is the broke man’s Super73. It’s the kind of e-bike you get when you want the look, but not the markup. It’s not pretending to be a performance machine. It’s not trying to sell you on torque curves or top-tier components. Hell, it’s barely dressed.

But that’s kind of the point. This bike is all about showing up, looking tough, and getting the job done without whining or breaking the bank.

You won’t get the stares that come with a high-end e-bike, but you also won’t flinch when it gets scratched, rained on, or knocked over during a chaotic city rush hour. It’s utilitarian cool. Like a leather jacket that’s been through every kind of weather and still refuses to quit.

The Verdict on the Macfox X1S: Worth It? Yeah… Kinda.

If you’re expecting fireworks, look elsewhere. The Macfox X1S doesn’t dazzle. It doesn’t soar. It doesn’t whisper sweet nothings into your helmet at 30mph. But it does move. It rolls. It survives. It gets you from Point A to Point B with a dash of style and a sprinkle of fun.

And here’s the kicker: it walks a fine line. On its own, the price might make you squint and wonder what you’re really paying for. But stack it next to a Super73 and suddenly it starts to look like the underdog with potential. Catch it on sale, and the value proposition makes more sense. It’s the back-alley cousin of the premium e-bikes—scruffy, a little wild, and just charming enough to convince you to hop on and ride into the chaos.

Would I recommend it? Depends. If you’re a speed demon, a comfort queen, or a tech junkie—hard pass. But if you’re budget-conscious, mechanically curious, and not afraid of a little rough riding, the Macfox X1S just might be your new two-wheeled misfit soulmate.

Final Score:

6.8/10 — Budget brawler with more bark than bite. Won’t win races, but damn if it doesn’t earn its keep.

You’re not buying a dream here. You’re buying a ride. One gear. Two wheels. No B.S. Strap in and hang on. For more info or to check one out for yourself, visit www.macfox.com.