The brand-new city crosser from Totem, a Chinese manufacturer, is only $799 and comes well-equipped. Find out in this review how well the stylish e-bike with front luggage rack performs for the price and whether it is worthwhile to purchase.
Seven different bikes are currently available from Amazon, practically all of which we have already tested. The Chinese firm places itself primarily in the affordable market and often introduces new bikes.
| Motor | 350W Brushless Hub |
| Display | DR25 LCD |
| Shimano Gear Set | 24-speeds |
| Alloy frame | Ergonomic design geometry |
| Battery | 14 aH |
| Size | 19 Frame, 27.5” x 2.1” wheels |
| Effective | Top Tube Length – 25.5” |
| Down Tube | 11” |
| Bottom | Bracket Clearance |
| Handlebar width | 28” |
| Chainstay Length | 17” |
| Seat Tube | 18” |
| Maximum seat height from ground | 41” |
| Minimum seat height from ground | 33” |
| Overall Length | 6’ |
| Overall Weight | 57 lbs with battery installed |
Totem MX1: Design and Build Quality
Numerous stores offer the stylish city e-bike for online ordering. You may purchase the Totem MX1 directly from the manufacturer in addition to the usual suspects for Far Eastern items like Geekmaxi and via big marketplaces like Amazon.
Like the majority of bikes from direct sellers, our copy was shipped by the manufacturer directly to us and arrived at our location in Poland. The e-bike was packaged neatly and arrived after a brief period of shipping.
After unpacking, the pre-assembled bike only needs a few quick steps of final assembly. For instance, installation of the pedals, front wheel, handlebars, and baggage rack is still required.
In theory, this can be finished rather rapidly. But we left out the assembling instructions. Since the front luggage rack is made up of several elements and it is not immediately obvious where to place whatever part with which screw, some technical knowledge was therefore required for assembly. So, if you’re already having trouble with an Ikea Billy shelf, this presents a minor difficulty.
It is always possible that the brakes or gears on a bike purchased through the mail need to be adjusted. Additionally, make sure that all of the screws are tight. Once this obstacle has been cleared, you are presented with a wonderfully stylish, spotless, and well-built city e-bike.
I spotted a pretty sticker on the seat tube right away. Because it is clear that the Essen-based company that imports the Totem MX1 also sells it under this location. But it is clear that this is just a location that is likely utilized to market a variety of Chinese items. Anyone expecting improved assistance or customer service as a result will probably be let down. The overwhelming majority of negative Google reviews speak for themselves.
Running on public roads can occasionally be problematic, as anyone who has read some of our other evaluations of China e-bikes can attest. since it is frequently unclear exactly what kind of approval or test the motorcycles have.
A Shimano 24-speed gear set is additionally added. It pleases me that the Totem MX1 also has shifters, which is very uncommon in this price bracket. Even if the rear derailleur from the Tourney series is not of the highest quality, it nonetheless performs its duties consistently and effectively.
In city traffic, mechanical disc brakes also guarantee deceleration. These are made by an unknown company, but they operate adequately.
As was already noted, the Totem MX1 has a front luggage rack with an 18 kilogram weight limit. Additionally added are mudguards and a headlight. Included is a battery-powered rear light that attaches to the seat post. The Totem MX1 also has street tires with luminous strips, which I consider to be a plus. Another strong impression-maker are the wheels.
Overall, the equipment is pretty basic, and for the price, relatively inexpensive parts like the bottom bracket are also attached.
I was immediately impressed with the new Totem MX1 e-bike based on the price. Because of the efficient processing, the standard apparatus has an integrated battery, Shimano gears, and a rear-wheel drive with a torque sensor. That is the Totem MX1’s greatest benefit. because I have never seen an e-bike with a torque sensor for less than $1,000.
Furthermore, the majority of the cables are neatly run inside the frame. I therefore had a positive initial impression of the bike during the test ride. It’s not too light however, weighing in at just 27 kg. The numerous cables only make it appear a little erratic in front of the handlebar.
Due to the frame design, the seating position is also somewhat athletic but still comfortable, which I appreciate. A rider’s height should be between 165 and 200 cm, according to Totem. I’m about average height (1.80 m) and find the Totem MX1 e-bike to be quite comfortable. The frame nevertheless provides considerable room both up and down. But I would only advise using a pedelec up to a maximum height of 1.95 m. However, depending on the individual’s physique, it can also be restricted at 1.90 m.
Totem MX1: Motor and Battery
I’ve previously touched on the most notable aspect. The city crosser has a torque sensor added along with a rear-wheel drive. The engine’s 45 Nm of torque puts it well within the typical city range in terms of power. In actuality, this works for a variety of adventures. Even small ascents pose no difficulty. However, if you are in a region with a lot of mountains, it could occasionally become difficult.
To ensure that you don’t exhaust yourself after just a few kilometers, a 14Ah battery is installed. Totem claims that under ideal circumstances, it should be adequate for a range of up to 75 kilometers. I think a typical range of 50 km is realistic since the torque sensor control effectively uses the energy. The battery is securely attached to the frame and is both locked and detachable. For instance, you can charge it at home. The battery can also be changed if it is no longer providing the desired performance.
For example, the batteries used in Jeep e-bikes or the Econic One Smart Urban appear to be extremely comparable to the integration and battery itself.
The built-in display is something more that I enjoy. It gives five distinct degrees of support and makes me think of the Bosch Purion control unit. The screen itself is kept very straightforward and displays the most crucial driving information, including speed and daily kilometers. Personally, I find the minimalist style to be really appealing, especially on city e-bikes. The pressure point of keys is not optimal, which is something I have noticed. For instance, you might have to push twice when wearing gloves. Unfortunately, I unintentionally changed the picture’s mp/h. However, this is not fixed by default and can be altered.
The Totem MX1 truly exceeds the majority of the competition even on paper when considering pricing and equipment. The riding characteristics of an e-bike are obviously crucial for me as a tester. However, exterior factors like street legality, integrated sensors, and finally the total price-performance ratio are very important to me. The Totem MX1 is situated quite well, in my opinion. Unfortunately, I am unable to include warranty or support services provided after the sale in this overall picture because I am unable to evaluate them.
The Totem MX1, however, does not just dazzle with the cold, hard facts. The bike surprised me on the road with a well-tuned drive and comfortable support. The stylish city bike is incredibly comfortable and easy to ride because of the torque sensor. The 5 support levels are also closely synchronized with one another, however their levels of severity are barely different. The Totem MX1 is highly sporty and exciting in the higher levels. However, you shouldn’t anticipate any performance comparable to, say, a Bosch drive with numerous sensors.
Totem MX1: Conclusions
The Totem MX1 is outfitted with every feature a low-cost city e-bike could possibly need. The bike nonetheless leaves a pleasant image despite the fact that some components, like the brakes, are not branded goods. At a reasonable RRP of just $799, the drive with torque sensor is a complete exception.
The Totem is a fantastic option if you’re searching for an e-city bike with strong sensors, don’t want to spend a lot of money, and don’t need to commute 50 km each way every day. I can heartily recommend this affordable e-bike to all infrequent drivers who use it to go on trips occasionally, travel short distances to work, or simply prefer to leave the car at home in some situations.
