Magmove City Review: A Fancy Mid-Drive on a Budget!

The Magmove City features a Bafang M200 mid-drive motor which is a solid performer. It packs 250 watts of nominal power and works with a torque sensor to deliver smooth and responsive acceleration. If you want to know why torque-sensing mid powertrain is a big deal, check out my in-depth torque vs cadence and hub vs mid explainers!

The motor is fueled by a 36V 13Ah (468Wh) lithium battery from Lishen. You can ride the bike in 2 modes: pedal (cycling) and electric assist. The assist mode offers five levels of assistance, making it easier to adjust motor output when climbing hills vs when riding on flats.

Overall, the Magmove City offers a smooth and powerful ride that’s perfect for urban commuters who need to get around town quickly and efficiently.

With 65Nm of torque, the Bafang M200 mid-drive system is the best that China has to offer. In fact, Bafang has built a great international reputation for itself and the brand is also known for its exceptional local service.

And then there’s the torque sensor! The motor responds immediately, the instant you start pedaling. I mean the smooth and consistent acceleration was no surprise for me, considering the torque-sensing mid-drive powertrain.

Unlike cadence-sensing hub e-bikes, you have no jerky or jarring feel when the power kicks in. Even at the lower power levels, it’s easy to pick up speed and navigate through city traffic with ease. And when you need a burst of power to accelerate quickly, the M200 delivers a strong, steady acceleration that will get you where you need to go.

One thing to note about the Magmove City is that it’s designed specifically for the European market, so the top speed is deliberately limited to 25km/h. 

However, the power reduction is gradual and seamless, so you won’t feel a sudden cut-off in power as you approach this limit. This allows you to maintain a comfortable cruising speed without any interruptions or unexpected changes in power output. 

Before I get to how the Magmove performed on hills (spoiler alert, it did great!), let me discuss some e-biking 101 basics. 

Compared to a typical hub motor with cadence sensor, a mid-drive motor with torque sensor always offers DRAMATICALLY superior hill climbing capabilities. The torque sensor can sense when you need more power and provide it instantly, while the cadence sensor only measures how fast you are pedaling and may not provide the same level of assistance on steep inclines. 

And as far as the mid motor is concerned, it has a complex gear reduction system to boost torque… and also due to its placing between the cranks, it can (by default) use the mechanical advantage of gears (unlike hub motors that work independent of your drivetrain). 

So, the end result is…. massive torque… and exceptional hill climbing ability! And Magmove didn’t disappoint. Thanks to its powerful Bafang M200 with torque sensor, hill climbing was a breeze. In fact, I felt like I was riding on a level ground.

Since a mid-drive motor can take advantage of the bike’s gears to maximize torque output, it results in a more efficient power delivery than a hub motor (which cannot benefit from the bike’s gears). So, a mid-motor delivers MORE for LESS!

Likewise, a torque sensor is WAY more efficient than a cadence sensor. It detects how much force the rider is applying to the pedals, enabling it to provide power in a more nuanced way that matches the rider’s effort more closely. 

It works in real-time, which means there are no energy losses! The greater efficiency of a mid-drive motor with a torque sensor system leads to a longer range per charge – and this was evident in the range testing of the Magmove.

Range testing was done by my colleague. He weighs 135lbs and he was able to ride for over 65km on PAS 5 in a park with little to no word. What’s impressive is that he still had some battery left. Of course, this range may vary depending on the terrain and weather conditions you ride in, but it seems like the Magmove City e-bike should be more than sufficient for most people’s daily commutes.

The Magmove offered a natural and intuitive riding experience… just like any mid-drive torque-sensing bike should! Since the motor is mounted in the center of the bike’s frame, the weight distribution and ride balance was as fine as it could get. I found the Magmove to be stable and easier to handle on flats, while navigating hills, and even when taking tight turns.

The natural and seamless riding experience was also due to the torque sensor that measures the amount of pressure you apply to the pedals in real-time and adjusts the motor’s power output accordingly. This allows for ultra-precise and ultra-responsive power delivery. 

The motor only provided power when I needed it, making me feel as if I have superhuman legs. One thing I really missed was the throttle (but we can’t have it all). That’s the trade-off you get when you go for a mid-drive! 

While power delivery was great, the ride wasn’t particularly comfortable. The saddle had an ergonomic design that felt comfortable at start, but it became uncomfortable after prolonged use, typically around 30 minutes or so. 

This is a common issue with city bikes because they are designed for short commutes or trips around town, rather than long-distance rides. One possible solution to this discomfort is to invest in either a more cushioned seat or seat padding.

The Magmove City is equipped with dual hydraulic brakes, with a rotor size of 180mm. The right lever controls the rear brake and vice versa. During my test rides, I found the braking performance to be impressive, with quick and responsive stopping power. Here are the results of the braking test.

Even when riding at high speeds or on wet roads, I felt confident in my ability to come to a smooth stop. The combination of hydraulic brakes and the bike’s overall stability certainly makes for a safe riding experience.

The Magmove e-bike features a front coil suspension that I found adequate for navigating through city streets. The fork isn’t lockable, but is adjustable to suit your preferences. 

The Magmove has Shimano Altus 8-speed transmission which I found to be efficient and smooth. Shifting gears was effortless, and I never experienced any slipping or jamming while riding. I think an 8-speed chain transmission is more than enough for a city e-bike.

The Magmove City e-bike features a 6061 aluminum frame with a bamboo-topped rear rack. The frame is sturdy and reliable, providing a solid foundation for the bike’s weight and cargo-carrying capabilities. And though the bike may not be the lightest ride in town, weighing in at 27kg, it certainly makes up for that with its impressive weight capacity. 

With a whopping 150kg load limit, the Magmove is perfect for carrying all of your gear, groceries, and anything else you need for your daily commute. The rear rack is also up to the task, and can hold at least 65kg.

The Magmove City boasts a sleek step-over commuter design that is sure to turn heads. Its alloy frame is a real eye-catcher, with a modern and minimalist aesthetic that gives it a clean and sophisticated look. 

Even though it doesn’t have internal wiring (which is weird, considering the tag), the wiring was thankfully not cluttered. Also, the welding is very uniform and tidy. One of the standout design features is the hidden battery, which is neatly integrated into the downtube. 

The Magmove City has a geometry that leans towards a sportier riding posture, with a bit higher seat position compared to the Engwe P26 city commuter bike that I last tested. 

Unfortunately, the handlebar was not height adjustable. The lack of an adjustable handlebar may be a downside for some riders who prefer a more customized fit, but overall, I found the riding geometry to be comfortable.

The Magmove City e-bike comes with a 36V 13Ah battery from Lishen, which is hidden within the downtube for a clean and sleek look. The battery is removable and lockable for added safety and convenience… and the charging time is approximately 5-6 hours, which is standard for most e-bikes in this class.

In terms of portability, the Engwe P26 is a bit on the heavy side. 

The EU version of the bike weighs in at 57.8lbs (26.2kg), while the US version weighs 53.3lbs (24.2kg). This makes it a bit difficult to carry around. That being said, the bike is still portable enough to be transported on a car or in a bike carrier. 

One thing to note is that the bike’s rated rider load is 220lbs (100kg), which is a bit low compared to other commuter ebikes. This means that heavier riders may need to be careful when riding the bike to avoid putting too much strain on the frame or components.

The Magmove comes with both front and rear lights for riding in low-light conditions. However, it does not have the brake connected to the controller, which means the brake light is on all the time once you start riding. 

This is in contrast to the rear light of the Engwe P26 (or most bikes, for that matter), which only lights up when you press the brakes, making it more intelligent and energy-efficient. Nevertheless, having a rear brake light on at all times can still be beneficial for visibility and safety on the road.

Also, the front light placement is poorly thought out. When the front rack is installed, the light is entirely covered up, making it useless. This can be a safety hazard while riding at night.

The LCD display on the Magmove City is small and sleek, located on the left side of the handlebar. The display is black and white, which some riders may find to be a bit outdated, but it still provides all the necessary information such as speed, battery level, and riding mode. 

It’s also not backlit, but still very easy to read in most lighting conditions. Overall, the display is simple and straightforward, which fits well with the minimalist aesthetic of the bike.

The Magmove is equipped with 28×2.0″ tires from Kenda, which offer excellent stability and grip on the road. These tires are a perfect match for city riding, providing a smooth and comfortable ride while also being durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. 

The size of the tires also makes them ideal for tackling a variety of terrain, including uneven surfaces and bumpy roads. Whether you’re commuting to work or just cruising around town, these tires are sure to deliver a reliable and enjoyable ride.

According to the manufacturer, the battery is covered for 24 months or 500 lifecycles, whichever comes first. Their website does not say anything about the coverage of the motor and other components.

The Magmove City comes with a range of accessories that make it a practical and versatile option for everyday commuting. One of the standout features is the built-in lock, which adds an extra layer of security when you need to park the bike. The bamboo rear rack is also a nice touch, providing ample space to carry groceries or other items on your ride. 

You can also get a front basket as an add-on, which will also neatly disguise the wiring in the front. In addition to the lock and rack, the Magmove also comes with dual full-length fenders, which help keep your bike clean and dry in wet weather. The kickstand (though flimsy) is also a useful accessory, allowing you to park the bike wherever you want. 

After spending some time with the Magmove City e-bike, I can say that it is definitely a great value for its price. 

The Bafang M200 mid-drive motor with torque sensor provides a smooth, natural, seamless, intuitive, and responsive ride with impressive hill-climbing capabilities… And the precise and responsive power delivery also makes for a more efficient system with no energy losses, resulting in a longer range.

The hydraulic brakes are also remarkable, providing quick stopping power when needed, and the Shimano transmission allows for effortless gear shifting. The sleek and modern styling with hidden, removable battery is definitely one of the strongest points. I also greatly appreciate the range of accessories that come with the bike, including the built-in lock, bamboo rear rack, and dual fenders.

However, there are some areas where the bike could be improved. The weight of the bike is on the heavier side, which may not be ideal for some riders. The saddle is too uncomfortable for longer rides… and the lack of adjustable handlebars may be a problem for many riders. 

The front light placement, in particular, is poorly thought out… as it entirely gets covered up when the front basket is installed. Additionally, the kickstand on the Magmove City is quite fragile, and it doesn’t hold the bike upright very well. Even a light touch can tip the bike over, which can be inconvenient and frustrating, especially when parking in tight spaces. 

These design flaws may be disappointing, but they do not necessarily detract from the strengths of the bike. It is still a reliable and efficient urban commuter… and can be a solid choice for those looking to enter the mid-drive club on a budget!

• Motor: 250W Bafang M200 mid-drive
• Max speed: 25km/h
• Riding modes: 2 (Pedal/ Electric Assist)
• No. of assist levels: 5 
• Battery: Lishen 36V 13AH
• Range: 60-100km
• Charging time: 5-6 hrs
• Battery life: 1000 cycles
• Brakes: Dual hydraulic disc brakes
• Suspension: Front coil shock absorption
• Frame material: 6061 aluminum alloy
• Max load: 150kg
• Transmission: Shimano 8S gear system
• Display: LCD
• Tire size: 28×2.0 inches
• Product weight: 27kg
• Gross weight: 32kg
• Product size: 186x70x108cm
• Package size: 152x26x86cm
• Rider height: 160-195cm (5.25-6.4ft)