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Blix Ultra Review

A Class 3 fat tire e-bike with modular options and unique dual battery capability
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Blix Ultra Review (The Ultra is long and stable at speed.)
The Ultra is long and stable at speed.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Price:  $2,099 List
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Manufacturer:   Blix
By Joshua Hutchens ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Jun 1, 2023
74
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 8
  • Ride - 25% 8.0
  • Range - 25% 6.0
  • Power - 25% 9.0
  • interface - 15% 6.0
  • Assembly - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Blix Ultra is a capable and comfortable electric bike with a 400-pound weight capacity and dual battery capabilities. The Ultra features modular upgrades like racks and kid seats that can transform its purposes and seriously upgrade its capabilities. The ride quality of this long wheel based cruiser is ultra-smooth, stable, and comfortable over a variety of terrain. The powerful 750W hub motor gives a substantial boost even with the bike fully loaded. If you're looking for an e-bike that can double as a grocery getter or kid carrier without feeling compromised when unloaded, the Ultra is a great choice.
REASONS TO BUY
Capable
Customizable
Comfortable
400 lb weight limit
Dual-battery capability
REASONS TO AVOID
Modest range on single battery
Large footprint
High standover height

Compare to Similar Products

 
blix ultra
This Product
Blix Ultra
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Moped Style Class 3 Electric Bike
 Editors' Choice Award
Best Class 3 Fat Tire Electric Bike
 
Price $2,099 List
$2,099 at Blix Bikes
$2,395 List
$2,345 at Ride1up
$1,895 List
$1,795 at Ride1up
$1,999 List
$1,699 at Aventon Bikes
$1,399 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line This Class 3 fat tire, off-road capable utility bikeA comfortable, moped-style errand runner that won't limit you to a certain type of terrainFun, moped style Class 3 that excels in the city and holds its own off-roadWith a clean design, powerful motor, large battery, loads of features, and fat tires, this bike is ready for adventureA big, capable, fat-tire bike for those on a budget, this bike isn't quite as refined as others we've tested
Rating Categories Blix Ultra Ride1Up Revv 1 FS Ride1Up Revv 1 Aventon Aventure.2... Lectric XPeak
Ride (25%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
Range (25%)
6.0
10.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
Power (25%)
9.0
10.0
10.0
9.0
9.0
interface (15%)
6.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
Assembly (10%)
7.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Specs Blix Ultra Ride1Up Revv 1 FS Ride1Up Revv 1 Aventon Aventure.2... Lectric XPeak
Wheel Size 26-inch 20-inch 20-inch 26-inch 26-inch
Battery Size (Wh) 672 1,040 780 720 672
Sensor Cadence Cadence Cadence Torque Cadence
Motor Power 750W/1350 peak 1000W 750W/1200+ peak 750W/1130 peak 750W/1310 peak
E-bike Class Class 3 (Can be configured in Class 1 and 2) Class 2 (Can be configured Class 3) Class 2 (Can be configured Class 3) Class 3 (Can be configured Class 2) Class 2 (Can be configured Class 3)
PAS Settings 5 5 5 4 5
Top Speed Throttle 20mph 20mph 20mph 20 mph 20mph
Top Speed Pedal-Assist 28mph 28mph 28mph 28 mph 28mph
Measured Distance Range 22.7 miles 37.17 miles 30.8 miles 28.1 miles 24.6 miles
Claimed Range Up to 80 miles 30-60 miles 30-60 miles up to 60 miles 45-55 miles
Frame Material Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum
Weight Limit 400 lbs 350 lbs 350 lbs 400 lbs 330 lbs
Measured Weight 69 lbs 8 oz 96 lbs 13 oz 84 lbs 75 lbs 9 oz 76 lbs

Our Analysis and Test Results

Santa Cruz, CA-based Blix bicycle company has been producing and selling electric bikes since 2014. We've tested several previous models like the Blix Packa and the Packa Genie and have been impressed with their thoughtful and purpose-driven approach to building bikes. The Ultra represents a “do it all” utility with many expansion possibilities. This class 3 bike utilizes a 750-watt hub motor and a 672 Wh battery. The Ultra is comfortable and capable with giant 26" x 4.0" all-terrain tires. Customization options for the Ultra include an extra battery (doubling range), a heavy-duty rack with or without a child carrier, front and rear baskets, fenders, and a VIP section that keeps kids contained.

The Ultra boasts a 400-pound weight capacity, strong hydraulic disc brakes, and a suspension fork to absorb the larger bumps.

Performance Comparison


blix ultra - charging through the sand, the ultra feels all terrain.
Charging through the sand, the Ultra feels ALL terrain.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Ride


The Ultra features an exceptionally long wheelbase that provides a stable and comfortable ride. Its monstrous tires ensure confidence over most types of terrain and don't limit you to just pavement. The seating position is comfortable yet neutral, with only limited adjustability to its cockpit.


The Ultra features a relatively high top tube that isn't super user-friendly; stylistically, it looks cool, but the upward kink in the top tube isn't exactly a feature we'd duplicate. The stem and handlebar are adjustable up or down about 1.5 inches, and the seatpost has a range of 10.5 inches. Blix lists a height range of 5'6" to 6'2", which seems accurate, although riders with shorter legs would be wise to stand over the top tube of this bike before buying; its listed height is 29.17, but for useful purposes, we'd call it 31 inches.

blix ultra - the standover height of the blix ultra is compromised by its unique...
The standover height of the Blix Ultra is compromised by its unique frame shape. Shown here with a tester at the bottom of the height range.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

The Ultra is longer than most bikes and almost 70 lbs, giving it impressive stability and a firm planted feeling, especially at speed. The high-volume 4-inch tires provide an ultra-smooth ride and a fair bit of versatility off-pavement. The length and weight of the Ultra also have drawbacks; the bike can feel difficult to handle at low speeds and in tight situations. The wide turning radius necessitates a little more room, and lifting the front end takes a bit of muscle. This isn't unique to the Ultra as e-bikes, especially e-cargo bikes, don't move with the same finesse as many of us are accustomed to the shorter and lighter bicycles.

The suspension fork on the Ultra provides 80mm of road-softening travel, which helps with rough spots but doesn't mute the reality of the surface you're riding. The handlebars have 30mm of rise, which helps to create a comfortable cockpit but are also narrow at 680mm, leaving us feeling like we had less control over such a big bike. Zoom hydraulic brakes handle braking with 180mm rotors which felt sufficient for the loads we carried; riders planning to max out the Ultra's 400lb weight limit might consider larger rotors to increase the stopping power.

blix ultra - the led headlight is even bright during the day and runs off the...
The LED headlight is even bright during the day and runs off the bike's 672Wh battery.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Blix gave the Ultra useful features like a kickstand, led headlight, and bosses for a wide array of modular accessories. Blix offers a large cargo rack that bolts directly to the frame, front and rear baskets, and a VIP section that keeps kids contained on the rack. The rack is also compatible with child seats like the Thule Yepp, which allow you to haul toddlers. Wheel guards, footpegs, and fenders can also be had from the Blix store; overall, the Ultra is… ultra-customizable.

Range


The Blix Ultra bike has a powerful 672-watt-hour battery built into the frame's downtube. What sets this bike apart is its ability to add a second battery, doubling the power to 1,344 Wh. While this option will cost a little more, it greatly extends the bike's range, making it perfect for people who need to carry large loads or travel long distances. This feature provides many possibilities that few cargo bikes can offer.


We were able to ride the Ultra for 22.67 miles at an average speed of 15.0 mph with 1,593 feet of elevation gain/loss using only the single 672-watt-hour down-tube battery. Given its weight and resistance from the fat tires, this distance is expected. While its range is not as extensive as other models we tested, its comfort, versatility, and expandability make it stand out. You can achieve significantly more range if you pedal along and pedaling the Ultra is enjoyable. If you plan on loading this bike down and maximizing its versatility, consider adding a second battery.

blix ultra - the optional second battery slips right in behind the seat tube.
The optional second battery slips right in behind the seat tube.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Power


The Ultra is equipped with a 750-watt hub motor that allows for quick acceleration. It is classified as a Class 2 e-bike and can reach a maximum speed of 20 mph when using the throttle. In class 3 mode, the bike can easily achieve a speed of 28 mph with the motor's assistance. While it's certainly not designed for racing, the Ultra's motor can produce up to 1350 watts of peak power, making uphill rides effortless even when carrying a heavy load.


The Ultra has five levels of pedal assistance and a throttle to get you moving. A cadence sensor measures the rider's input, and power is delivered according to the speed of the cranks, not the amount of effort exerted. Its 5 pedal assist modes (PAS) are adjusted using the simple plus/minus buttons next to the display. In higher PAS settings, the bike moves rapidly with very little rider input; in lower settings, the motor provides what feels like a tailwind.

Engaging the throttle is as simple as pressing down on the thumb paddle. It can be used independently of pedaling or in addition to it. The PAS levels do not affect the power of the throttle; full power is always at the rider's disposal. We found it especially useful when starting from a standstill or wanting to move quickly through an intersection. Like many other e-bikes, the Ultra has a walk mode that lets the bike propel its weight at a walking pace. This can be useful for walking up a steep hill that you might choose not to ride, or when loading the bike up a ramp on a hitch rack.

blix ultra - the throttle is easy to utilize with just a thumb push.
The throttle is easy to utilize with just a thumb push.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

The modular design of the Ultra allows you to ride it as a simple e-bike or add some accessories and seriously increase its utility. The available rear rack can support up to 150 pounds giving the bike a total weight capacity of 400 pounds. With such a robust rack, the possibilities are vast. An adult passenger, child and cargo, two children in the VIP section, heavy cargo, groceries, pannier bags; so many possibilities. The available front rack supports up to 50 pounds and other accessories include a front basket, seat cushions, fenders, foot pegs, and pannier bags. Like other cargo-style bikes, adding the extras unlocks the potential.

Interface


The Ultra's display is a simple one many other e-bike manufacturers share. The display is the size of a nickel and shows the current speed, state of charge, and PAS mode. Blix also has an app that shows more comprehensive information, including a map. If you prefer the display in the app, you can mount your phone to the handlebar using any number of aftermarket phone mounts (see our favorite bike phone mounts in our review), but no charging port is available on the Ultra. Using the controls is intuitive and ergonomic; the display uses its limited space well and shows important information at a quick glance.


The display and controls on the Ultra are an all-in-one unit located next to the left grip, making them quickly accessible. Up and down arrows adjust the PAS levels while a long push of the down button puts the bike in walk mode, and a long push of the up button turns on the bike's headlight.

blix ultra - easy to use display and controls with the throttle placed for easy...
Easy to use display and controls with the throttle placed for easy thumb access.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

The downtube battery is secured into a recess in the frame's downtube. The secondary battery sits behind the seat tube; both can be locked in place and charged on or off the bike. Charging the battery from empty takes approximately 7 hours.

blix ultra - the removable main battery on the ultra integrates nicely with the...
The removable main battery on the Ultra integrates nicely with the downtube.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Assembly


Assembling the Ultra took 45 minutes in total and didn't require any tools that weren't supplied by Blix. Printed instructions were provided and there are video tutorials on the Blix website.


The Ultra comes in an Ultra-large bike box weighing north of 90 pounds. Dragging the box to an assembly area is possible with one person, but it's a good time to involve a friend. The Ultra isn't hard to manage once unboxed and clear of packing materials. Assembly involves installing the handlebar, pedals, seat, seatpost, and headlight. The task is relatively easy if you follow the instructions, but those that aren't mechanically inclined would be advised to use a local bike shop.

blix ultra - the ultra was assembled easily using the tools provided by blix.
The Ultra was assembled easily using the tools provided by Blix.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Should You Buy the Blix Ultra?


The Ultra is a powerful, versatile bike capable of pleasure rides and cargo hauls. It's priced competitively and has features that differentiate it from other e-bikes. We appreciate that the modular system allows you to get the desired bike and pay for just the accessories you want. The bike's powerful motor makes it a great candidate for heavy cargo missions or larger riders. Its ride quality is quite good, and the dual battery capability gives it an exceptional range. While it's a bit long and heavy, those criticisms are also some of its selling points.

What Other E-Bikes Should You Consider?


We like the Ultra quite a bit, especially its modular features, including the ability to add a second battery. If the size is more than you'd like to operate or store, check out the Lectric XPedition or Specialized Haul ST, both bikes are powerful, user-friendly, and capable while taking up considerably less space. If cargo is a larger concern than cost, check out the Yuba Spicy Curry, a premium Class 1 cargo bike that utilizes a quiet mid-drive motor and sports a 440-pound carrying capacity. Yuba also offers a wide selection of aftermarket accessories, making customization easy.

blix ultra - the ultra is long and stable at speed.
The Ultra is long and stable at speed.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Joshua Hutchens