Michael Thompson
If you’ve been exploring the growing world of folding electric bikes, chances are you’ve come across the NARRAK S129. Aimed squarely at urban commuters and outdoor enthusiasts alike, this bike combines rugged fat-tire versatility with modern e-bike convenience. Over the past few weeks, I had the opportunity to thoroughly test the S129 in real-world conditions—across city streets, gravel trails, and even a few sandy patches near the coast. What follows is a deep-dive, no-fluff review based on actual usage, with honest takes on both the highlights and the minor shortcomings.
So, what exactly is the NARRAK S129? At its core, this is a 20” fat-tire folding electric bike that offers both step-over and step-thru frames, catering to a wide range of riders. It features a robust 750W (peak 1100W) rear hub motor, a removable 48V 13Ah lithium battery, a SHIMANO 7-speed gear system, dual disc brakes, and a smart LCD display—all bundled into a foldable frame for maximum portability.
Launched by NARRAK, a company gaining momentum in the electric mobility sector, the S129 is designed to serve commuters, campers, travelers, and anyone seeking versatility without sacrificing performance. It reflects NARRAK’s recent focus on blending rugged performance with everyday practicality, and as a result, it’s packed with both utility and thoughtful features. Since its launch, the S129 has benefited from several quiet improvements—especially in battery security and frame strength—which have helped cement its place in a competitive market.
Is the NARRAK S129 For You?
The S129 exists to solve a specific problem: how do you enjoy the power and utility of a fat-tire electric bike without the burden of bulk and storage hassles? This bike’s folding design means you can store it in an apartment, office, RV, or even the trunk of a car with minimal effort. That alone makes it a strong candidate for anyone who needs flexibility—city dwellers, weekend adventurers, or folks who travel with their bikes.
It’s also ideal for riders who crave a bit of everything: a bike that handles daily commuting just as well as occasional off-road excursions. The fat tires (20″ x 4″) and front suspension tackle rough paths, potholes, and sand with ease. On the flip side, the powerful motor and pedal-assist modes make hills and headwinds a non-issue, while the step-through option opens the door for shorter riders, older adults, or anyone who prefers easier mounting.
Who is it not for? If you’re after a pure mountain bike for hardcore off-roading, or if you want the absolute lightest e-bike possible, the S129 might not be a perfect fit. While the folding frame is sturdy, it adds some weight (around 63 lbs), and the fat tires, while grippy, are less nimble on technical single-track. It’s also a “mid-priced” e-bike—affordable compared to most fat-tire models, but not the cheapest folding option out there.
For beginners, the S129 is absolutely friendly. Setup is straightforward, the controls are intuitive, and the ride modes let you ease in gently or go full-electric with a twist of the throttle. It’s accessible, but not “entry-level” in terms of performance.
What We Like About the NARRAK S129
First and foremost, the ride quality is impressive. The combination of the fat tires, front suspension, and robust frame makes for a surprisingly smooth and stable ride, whether you’re crossing tram tracks in the city or bouncing over gravel on a country trail. Unlike many budget e-bikes that feel twitchy or underpowered, the S129 accelerates confidently and soaks up rough terrain with ease.
The motor and battery combo is a standout. With a peak 1100W output, it handles hills, headwinds, and heavier loads better than many folding bikes I’ve tested. The throttle response is immediate, and the pedal-assist system feels natural, not jerky. Real-world range lives up to claims—expect 30-40 miles in throttle mode and up to 60 miles using pedal assist, depending on your weight and riding style. Recharging takes around 4-6 hours, which is very reasonable.
Portability is where this bike shines. The folding mechanism is solid and smooth, making it genuinely practical to load into a car trunk or tuck away in an apartment. Despite its rugged appearance, the S129 folds down to a surprisingly compact size.
There’s also a lot of attention to practical details—from the integrated headlight/taillight setup, sturdy rear rack, and clean cable management (internally routed for safety and looks), to the intuitive M5 LCD display and the overall ergonomic feel. The bike feels thoughtfully designed, not slapped together.
What We Don’t Like About the NARRAK S129
Of course, no product is perfect, and there are a few areas where the S129 could improve.
Weight is the first thing you notice. At 63 lbs, this isn’t a bike you’ll want to carry up several flights of stairs on a daily basis. The robust construction and fat tires are partly to blame, but portability does have its limits.
Folding the bike, while straightforward, does require some practice to do efficiently and safely. The locking mechanisms are secure, but they can be a little stiff until broken in. Also, the size when folded, while compact for a fat-tire bike, is still larger than most ultra-light folding bikes, so plan accordingly.
The suspension fork does a good job on most surfaces, but it’s not as plush as what you’ll find on premium mountain bikes. It handles bumps and potholes well, but don’t expect to float over every obstacle at speed.
Lastly, while the LCD display is bright and easy to read, it lacks some advanced features—such as app connectivity or navigation—that are becoming more common in the higher-end e-bike market. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something tech-savvy users might miss.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful 750W (1100W peak) rear hub motor | Heavier than most folding bikes (63 lbs) |
| Fat 20″ x 4″ tires handle all terrains | Folding still leaves a fairly large package |
| Long-range 48V 13Ah removable battery (up to 65 miles) | Suspension is adequate but not high-end |
| Step-over & step-thru frame options for all riders | Lacks advanced smart features (e.g., app integration) |
| Dual disc brakes with safety power-off | No included fenders (unless specified in your package) |
| Smooth SHIMANO 7-speed shifting | Stiff folding mechanisms at first use |
| Bright integrated headlight & taillight | Not suitable for extreme mountain biking |
| User-friendly, easy assembly | |
| Sturdy rear rack for cargo | |
| Excellent value for mid-priced fat-tire e-bike |
What’s Included?
- NARRAK S129 folding electric bike (step-over or step-thru)
- 48V 13Ah removable lithium battery (pre-installed)
- Charger (compatible with standard outlets)
- User manual (clear, detailed instructions)
- Tool kit (basic assembly and adjustments)
- Integrated headlight and taillight
- Rear rack (attached)
- Detachable luggage rack (depending on package)
- M5 large LCD display
- Suspension front fork
I was very satisfied with what comes in the box. Everything needed for setup and first rides was included, and the packaging protected the bike well during shipping. The tool kit isn’t comprehensive, but it’s more than enough for assembly and basic maintenance. The only thing I would have liked to see is a set of fenders, especially for wet-weather riders. Otherwise, the package feels complete and considered, with no obvious omissions.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Motor | 750W rear hub (1100W peak) |
| Battery | 48V 13Ah lithium (removable) |
| Max Speed | 28 MPH |
| Range (PAS/Throttle) | 55-65 miles (PAS), 30-40 miles (Throttle) |
| Wheel Size | 20″ x 4″ fat tires |
| Frame Material | Aluminum alloy, foldable |
| Suspension | Front fork (shock-absorbing) |
| Brakes | Front & rear 160mm disc brakes |
| Gears | Shimano 7-speed |
| Display | M5 LCD |
| Rider Height Range | 5’2” – 6’3” |
| Weight | 63 lbs |
| Load Capacity | 280 lbs |
| Charge Time | 4-6 hours |
Features
- 1100W Peak Power Motor: Confident hill climbing and rapid acceleration
- 48V 13Ah Removable Lithium Battery: Long rides without anxiety, secure lock with keys
- 20” x 4.0” All-Terrain Fat Tires: Handles sand, snow, gravel, city roads, and more
- Dual Disc Brakes: Responsive stopping, enhanced safety, power-off system
- Step-Thru and Step-Over Frame Options: Inclusive for various heights and flexibility needs
- Folding Frame: Quick and easy storage for travel, RV, or apartment living
- Front Suspension Fork: Smoothes out bumps and rough terrain
- M5 Large LCD Display: Tracks speed, mileage, battery, PAS level at a glance
- Integrated LED Lighting: Bright, safe riding day or night
- SHIMANO 7-Speed Gears: Reliable, precise shifting for all terrains
- Multiple Riding Modes: Pedal-assist, throttle, walk mode, traditional bike
- Sturdy Rear Rack: Haul groceries, gear, or a backpack with ease
Looking at these specs, it’s clear the S129 offers a lot for its price category. The motor and battery are genuinely above average, especially in the folding bike space, and the fat tires turn a “city e-bike” into a go-anywhere adventure machine. I’m especially fond of the dual frame choices—few folding e-bikes give you both step-over and step-thru, making it far more accessible for all users.
The only weak spot is that, while the suspension and brakes are good, they’re not on par with what you’ll find on a $2000+ off-road machine. But for daily use and moderate trails, they’re perfectly adequate.
Final Breakdown
9/10
The NARRAK S129 stands out as a versatile, powerful, and user-friendly folding e-bike that checks almost every box for its target rider. It’s well-built, comfortable, and genuinely fun to ride, whether you’re heading to work, cruising through a park, or exploring the coastline. The blend of high-capacity battery, strong motor, thoughtful features, and folding convenience makes it a rare find in this price range.
Why not a perfect 10? The S129’s only real compromises are weight and the lack of “smart” app features. The folding size, while excellent for a fat-tire model, is still on the large side for small apartments or frequent carrying up stairs. And though the LCD display is great, some may wish for more connectivity.
Still, these are minor quibbles. The ride experience, build quality, and versatility are so strong that they far outweigh any shortcomings. If you’re seeking a do-it-all folding e-bike that doesn’t cut corners on power or range, the NARRAK S129 deserves a top spot on your shortlist.
Highly recommended for commuters, RVers, travelers, and anyone who wants adventure on tap—without storage headaches.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | NARRAK Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike, 48V & 624Wh Lithium Removable Battery, Peak 1100W Brushless… | $650.00 | View on Amazon |
