Full-suspension and fat tires are often considered the ultimate combination for e-bike comfort. While they might be overkill for every situation, many first-time electric bike buyers are drawn to this setup. The problem? These features typically inflate the price tag, often pushing e-bikes well above the $2,000 mark. But what if you could get a full-suspension fat tire electric bike without breaking the bank? The Mukkpet Tank aims to do just that, promising this sought-after combination at a surprisingly affordable price. We were eager to put it to the test and see if it lives up to the hype.
While the official MSRP of the Mukkpet Tank electric bike is $1,299, it’s frequently available at a sale price of $999. This consistent discount makes it justifiable to consider it an electric bike under $1000, at least for most of the time.
To see the Mukkpet Tank e-bike in action, you can check out our video review below. For those who prefer reading, keep scrolling for our detailed written review. Or better yet, do both!
Mukkpet Tank E-bike Tech Specs
Before diving into the ride experience, let’s examine the Mukkpet Tank’s specifications. These numbers provide a good overview of what this budget-friendly full-suspension fat tire electric bike offers:
- Motor: 750W rear-geared hub motor
- Top speed: 25 mph (40 km/h)
- Range: Claimed up to 50 miles (80 km)
- Battery: 48V 15Ah (720 Wh)
- Weight: 86 lb (39 kg)
- Payload capacity: 400 lb (181 kg)
- Tires: 26 x 4″ fat tires
- Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes
- Suspension: Full-suspension fork
- Drivetrain: Shimano 7-speed
- Display: Color LCD display
- Lights: LED headlight, tail/brake light
- Features: Included fenders and rear rack platform, cast rims, kickstand
Riding Mukkpet Tank e-bike on trail
Riding the Mukkpet Tank: Good, Not Great, But Good Enough
Let’s set realistic expectations right away. When you’re looking at a full-suspension electric bike priced under a thousand dollars, you shouldn’t anticipate top-of-the-line components. And indeed, the Mukkpet Tank electric bike doesn’t boast premium parts.
However, “not top-notch” doesn’t equate to “bad.” Understanding the price point, certain compromises are expected. The crucial question is: how do these compromises impact the overall riding experience of this affordable fat tire e-bike?
Take the suspension, for instance. High-quality suspension systems are costly. The Mukkpet Tank’s suspension is not exceptional, but it proved functional. It absorbed impacts from uneven terrain that would have been jarring, even potentially throwing the rider off balance, on a hardtail e-bike. Imagine encountering those sidewalk upheavals caused by tree roots – the kind that turn smooth paths into bumpy obstacle courses.
Such terrain can be bone-jarring, but the Mukkpet Tank electric bike smoothed out these bumps, keeping the ride manageable and the rider comfortably seated. It’s not designed for high-performance, sporty handling. Instead, it’s engineered to minimize the impact of larger bumps, transforming them into minor road imperfections. In this regard, it performs adequately. While the suspension might sound and feel a bit basic – indicated by clicks and clacks often associated with cheaper springs – it effectively serves its purpose, which is often the primary concern for budget-conscious e-bike shoppers.
Mukkpet Tank e-bike front suspension
Performance-wise, the Mukkpet Tank reaches a top speed of 25 mph (40 km/h), which is ample for most riders. While it doesn’t hit the Class 3 e-bike limit of 28 mph (45 km/h), the speed is sufficient for commuting and recreational riding. The 48V 15Ah battery is surprisingly generous for an electric bike in this price range. The claimed 50-mile (80 km) range might be optimistic, requiring significant pedaling assistance alongside the 750W motor to achieve. However, expecting around half of that range, even with throttle-dominant riding, is realistic.
Lower-cost electric bikes like the Mukkpet Tank often forgo premium features like UL-certified batteries to keep prices down. This is a trade-off consumers must consider. Is the added peace of mind from UL certification worth a higher price, or is saving money the priority? This is a personal decision for each buyer.
The 400 lb (180 kg) max weight rating might also be a bit overstated. While most riders won’t approach this weight limit, it’s something to be mindful of, especially for heavier individuals or those planning to carry substantial cargo.
Mukkpet Tank e-bike rear rack
Mukkpet Tank e-bike folded
Mukkpet Tank e-bike display
Mukkpet Tank e-bike front view
Mukkpet Tank e-bike side view
The rest of the Mukkpet Tank electric bike components are a mix of adequate and surprisingly good for the price. The 7-speed Shimano derailleur is sufficient for casual riding. The robust rear rack is a pleasant surprise, offering ample space for securing bags or attaching a basket.
Mechanical disc brakes are functional, though they will likely require more frequent adjustments compared to hydraulic brakes. The color LCD screen is another unexpected bonus, exceeding typical expectations for an e-bike in this category. Similarly, the cast rims, instead of traditional spoked wheels, are a notable feature. They enhance the bike’s aesthetics and eliminate concerns about spoke maintenance, like rust or breakage.
One significant drawback is the noticeable pedal lag. This delay between starting to pedal and the motor engaging is a common characteristic of lower-cost cadence sensors used for pedal assist systems. For riders who prefer a responsive pedal assist, particularly in hilly areas, this lag can be frustrating. However, for those who maintain a consistent speed on flat terrain or primarily use the throttle, the cadence sensor delay might be less bothersome.
Another potential downside is the Mukkpet Tank’s weight. At 86 pounds, it’s a substantial e-bike. However, this heft is partly attributable to the full-suspension and fat tire features that contribute to its comfortable ride.
Mukkpet Tank e-bike rider
Final Verdict: Who is the Mukkpet Tank Electric Bike For?
In summary, the Mukkpet Tank is an e-bike with a somewhat unusual name that offers full-suspension and fat tires at an attractive price. The suspension isn’t high-end, but it delivers a more comfortable ride compared to hardtail e-bikes. The speed and power are commendable, the battery range is reasonable, and the overall build quality is decent for the price.
While it lacks premium components and has some compromises like mechanical disc brakes and a cadence-based pedal assist system with noticeable lag, the Mukkpet Tank effectively fulfills its purpose as an affordable, foldable fat tire e-bike with full suspension. It prioritizes comfort and functionality at a budget-friendly price.
Long-term durability remains to be seen, and the absence of a UL certification is a consideration. However, the Mukkpet Tank electric bike still presents a compelling value proposition for specific riders.
While it might not be the ideal primary e-bike for everyone, it could be a great option as a second bike for friends to join rides, especially those who prioritize full suspension. For riders who don’t necessarily require full suspension, alternatives like the Lectric XP 3.0 might offer better overall value. However, if full suspension is a must-have feature, the Mukkpet Tank delivers it at a more than reasonable price point.
