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EDITOR’S CHOICE
MACFOX M16 Electric Bike – Youth-Friendly, Compact E-Bike
Our take: Ideal for teens and urban commuters seeking a fun, reliable, and affordable electric bike for short-distance city rides.
- 750W motor for smooth acceleration and speed
- Compact, lightweight design ideal for younger riders
- Fat tires for enhanced stability and comfort
- Motor
- 750W rear hub motor (peak 1000W)
- Battery
- 48V 10.4Ah removable
- Top Speed
- 20 MPH
- Range
- Up to 25 miles
In today's world, electric bikes are rapidly becoming the go-to transportation solution for urban commuters, especially for the younger generation looking for a fun and efficient way to get around. The MACFOX M16 Electric Bike is a compact and lightweight e-bike designed specifically for teens and youths, offering an exciting and practical alternative to traditional modes of transport. With its 750W motor, 16-inch fat tires, and a 25-mile range, it’s tailored for urban environments, making it a perfect choice for school or city commuting.
Priced at $849, this bike is positioned in the affordable range, targeting riders who need a quick, reliable, and fun ride within city limits. Let’s dive into the key features that make the MACFOX M16 a solid contender in the youth e-bike market.
Quick Verdict
The MACFOX M16 stands out as an excellent choice for young riders looking for a fun, lightweight, and affordable electric bike that excels in city and school commuting. With a powerful 750W motor, it offers good speed and performance for its size, while the fat tires ensure a smooth ride over urban terrains. However, its smaller size and shorter range may not be suitable for long-distance riders.
At a Glance:
| Category | Youth Commuter E-Bike |
|---|---|
| Motor | 750W rear hub motor (peak 1000W) |
| Battery & Range | 48V, 10.4Ah, up to 25 miles |
| Top Speed | 20 MPH with pedal assist |
| Weight & Payload | 45 lb, 170 lb payload capacity |
| Best For | Teens, school commuters, city riders |
What Is the MACFOX M16?
The MACFOX M16 is a youth-focused electric bike built for urban commuting. With a 750W motor, it delivers enough power to handle the everyday demands of city travel, while the compact 16-inch frame ensures that the bike is easy to handle for younger riders. The M16 comes with fat tires (16"x4") that provide added stability and comfort, especially on uneven surfaces or sidewalks.
This e-bike is designed to be a practical yet fun way for young riders to navigate through city streets. It is lightweight, which is perfect for easy handling and storage, while the pedal-assist system (PAS 1) enhances the experience by giving just the right amount of help when needed. The MACFOX brand, known for its focus on quality and affordability, has successfully positioned this bike as an entry-level model ideal for those new to e-bikes.
Key Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motor | 750W rear hub (peak 1000W) |
| Battery | 48V 10.4Ah (removable) |
| Claimed Range | Up to 25 miles |
| Tested Range | ~20 miles (PAS 1) |
| Top Speed | 20 MPH with pedal assist |
| Bike Class | Class 2 (Throttle + PAS) |
| Weight/Payload | 45 lb, 170 lb payload capacity |
| Frame & Size | High carbon steel, compact size |
| Rider Height Range | 4'10" – 5'6" |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc brakes |
| Tires | 16" x 4" fat tires |
Who Is the MACFOX M16 Best For?
Ideal for:
- Teens and young adults who need a reliable and fun way to commute to school or around the city.
- Urban riders who prefer a compact e-bike that can easily navigate through traffic and be stored in small spaces.
- Short-distance commuters, as the M16 offers up to 25 miles on a single charge, making it perfect for city exploration or short commutes.
Not ideal for:
- Long-distance riders looking for a high-range bike, as the M16’s 25-mile range may not suffice for extended trips.
- Larger riders, as its compact design may feel cramped for taller individuals (over 6 feet).
- Off-road enthusiasts, as the M16 is optimized for urban commuting and may not perform well on rough trails.
Design, Frame & Build Quality
Out of the box, the MACFOX M16 gives off a sleek, modern vibe, with its matte black finish and minimalistic frame design. The compact, high-carbon steel frame is robust yet lightweight, making it an excellent choice for teens who need to carry or maneuver the bike easily. The fat tires not only add to the bike's aesthetic but also provide an extra layer of comfort, absorbing shocks from uneven roads or sidewalks.
One key feature to note is the neat cable routing, which helps keep the bike looking clean and free from exposed cables that could get damaged. The welds and overall build quality feel solid, ensuring durability for everyday use.
Motor Performance & Speed
The 750W motor of the MACFOX M16 delivers enough power for everyday city riding. From a standing start, the bike accelerates smoothly, and there’s no jerking or sudden surges, which can be crucial for new riders. On flat ground, the top speed of 20 MPH with pedal assist is more than adequate for city riding, and it helps make the bike a practical option for students or young adults commuting to school.
The fat tires provide good traction and stability, making sure the bike remains steady at higher speeds. However, there is some slight wobbling when reaching the top speed of 20 MPH, which is typical for a bike of this size and design.
Battery, Range & Charging
One of the standout features of the MACFOX M16 is its 48V 10.4Ah removable battery, which is designed for efficiency and ease of use. The battery provides a claimed range of up to 25 miles on a single charge, which is ideal for urban commuting and short city rides. In real-world testing, the range was closer to 20 miles with the bike set in PAS 1, which is still suitable for most daily commutes.
The charging time for the battery is around 4–6 hours to go from 0% to 100%, which is fairly standard for e-bikes in this category. The battery is removable, which means you can easily take it inside for charging, and the lock mechanism adds a layer of security, ensuring it stays in place when you leave the bike unattended.
While the range may not be sufficient for long-distance trips, it is more than adequate for short rides, such as getting to school or running errands within the city. The power delivery is smooth and consistent, providing enough assistance to help young riders tackle urban streets without breaking a sweat.
Ride Comfort & Handling
Comfort
The MACFOX M16 is designed to be comfortable for younger riders, with an upright riding posture that is easy on the back and shoulders. The seat is moderately cushioned, providing a comfortable ride over shorter distances, but it may feel a bit firm during longer rides. The bike's compact size makes it easy to maneuver, and the handlebar height ensures a comfortable reach for most riders in the recommended height range (4'10" – 5'6").
The fat tires play a significant role in ride comfort, as they absorb some of the bumps from uneven pavement and city roads. The front suspension fork adds further shock absorption, ensuring that the ride is smoother, even on bumpy streets. However, since the bike is designed for city use, the suspension is not as advanced as those found on more rugged mountain bikes.
Handling & Stability
The handling of the MACFOX M16 is exceptional for its size. At low speeds, the bike is nimble and easy to navigate through tight spots, making it ideal for weaving through city traffic or navigating crowded sidewalks. The 16-inch fat tires enhance the bike’s stability, and at moderate speeds, it feels solid and secure.
However, once you reach 20 MPH, the bike does exhibit some slight front-end wobbling, which is common in smaller bikes. While this doesn't pose a serious safety risk, it’s something to keep in mind for riders who plan to hit higher speeds regularly.
When it comes to braking, the mechanical disc brakes provide adequate stopping power for the M16. While hydraulic brakes might be a better choice for smoother and more consistent braking performance, the mechanical brakes on the MACFOX M16 do the job well enough for a bike in this price range.
Brakes & Safety Features
Safety is a priority for young riders, and the MACFOX M16 doesn't disappoint. Equipped with mechanical disc brakes, the bike offers decent stopping power for city riding. While hydraulic brakes would provide a smoother braking experience, the mechanical disc brakes are still effective for most users, especially at lower speeds.
The fat tires provide excellent grip on various surfaces, improving overall safety when navigating wet or uneven terrain. Tire traction is especially important for young riders who may not have as much experience with handling bikes, and the 16" x 4" tires make the ride much more stable.
The reflective decals on the tires add an extra layer of visibility at night, enhancing safety. However, the bike doesn’t come with a rear light or a brake light, which would have been a helpful addition for increased visibility during evening rides.
Controls, Display & Riding Modes
The MACFOX M16 features a simple yet functional control system, making it easy for young riders to get accustomed to the bike. The LCD display shows essential information such as speed, battery level, and ride mode. While the display is clear and easy to read, it could be slightly larger for better visibility in bright sunlight.
The bike offers 3 levels of pedal assist (PAS), allowing riders to choose the level of assistance they need. In PAS 1, the bike provides just enough power for a smooth and steady ride, while PAS 2 and 3 offer more assistance for steeper inclines and longer rides.
The throttle on the bike is responsive, but it's important to note that it only works when pedaling. Some riders may find this limiting, especially when they expect the throttle to work independently of pedaling. However, the walk assist mode is a nice touch, helping riders navigate through crowded areas or when pushing the bike up inclines.
Fit, Sizing & Adjustability
The MACFOX M16 is designed with younger riders in mind, and its compact frame makes it suitable for teens and smaller adults. The seat height is adjustable, allowing riders to set it at a comfortable level based on their leg length. The bike’s frame is generally well-suited for riders in the 4'10" to 5'6" height range, though taller riders may find the bike a bit cramped, especially during longer rides.
The handlebar is not adjustable, which may be a limitation for some riders, but the fixed height is suitable for most users within the recommended range. The bike’s compact size makes it easy for young riders to control, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.
Assembly & Out-of-the-Box Experience
The MACFOX M16 comes 90% assembled, meaning there are only a few parts (like the front wheel, handlebars, and pedals) that need to be attached before it’s ready to ride. Most users will be able to complete the assembly in about 30–45 minutes, making it a convenient option for those who may not have experience with bike assembly.
The included tools and user manual are sufficient for the assembly process, and the bike comes well-protected in the box, ensuring that it arrives without damage. There were no major issues with the assembly, but the brakes and shifting may need minor adjustments before the first ride.
What’s Included in the Box?
- MACFOX M16 Electric Bike (90% pre-assembled)
- Battery & charger (48V 10.4Ah removable battery, charger with voltage & current specifications)
- Pedals, front/rear fenders, rear rack, lights, reflectors
- Multitool, user manual, warranty card
The included accessories are quite generous, with everything needed to get the bike up and running. However, the bike lacks a rear light and brake light, which would have been a nice safety addition.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and lightweight design | Limited range (25 miles max) |
| Smooth acceleration and power | Mechanical disc brakes |
| Fat tires for better stability | Not ideal for taller riders |
| Easy to assemble | |
| Affordable price for the features |
How the MACFOX M16 Compares to Alternatives
- Alternative 1: RAZOR MX650 – Slightly higher price, but offers more rugged performance for off-road use. Ideal for teens who want a more adventurous e-bike.
- Alternative 2: Jetson Bolt Pro – Smaller and lighter than the MACFOX M16 but offers a similar range and top speed. Better for shorter commuters.
- Alternative 3: Ancheer Folding Electric Bike – More portable, but the MACFOX M16 offers better power and stability on urban roads.
Common Questions About the MACFOX M16
Q: Is the MACFOX M16 legal to ride in my city?
A: The MACFOX M16 is a Class 2 e-bike, meaning it can be used in most areas, but you should check local regulations regarding electric bike usage.
Q: How far can it really go on a single charge?
A: In real-world tests, the MACFOX M16 provides around 20 miles in PAS 1 mode, which is ideal for short commutes and school rides.
Q: Can I ride it in the rain?
A: Yes, but it’s important to avoid riding in heavy rain as the bike is not fully water-resistant. Be sure to store it in a dry place.
Q: Is it suitable for heavier riders?
A: The MACFOX M16 has a payload capacity of 170 lbs, making it suitable for most teens and young adults.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy the MACFOX M16?
Score: 8/10
The MACFOX M16 is an excellent option for younger riders or anyone looking for a compact, affordable commuter e-bike. It offers a smooth ride, reliable performance, and solid build quality for city environments. While it may not be suitable for long-distance rides or larger riders, it delivers great value for its price range. If you’re a teen or young adult looking for a fun and practical way to commute, the MACFOX M16 is definitely worth considering.
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