MACFOX X1S Fat Tire Electric Bike (EL-R20S), Black, Standard

Which Macfox this is: the X1S, model EL-R20S

The Amazon listing is sold by MACFOX, Macfox's own storefront, and gives the model EL-R20S and the part number MacFox-X1S in black with the Standard size. Macfox's X1S user manual prints Model: EL-R20S/EL-M20P on its cover and lists EL-R20S as the first column of its specification table, so the listing code is on the maker's manual. Macfox's own product page for the X1S sits at the address macfoxbike.com/products/macfox-x1 under the name X1S Commuter E-bike, and Macfox's current range lists the X1S with no separate X1. Macfox's parts store also sells a throttle labelled for the X1S R20S, which ties the R20S code to the X1S.

The manual covers a second code, EL-M20P, with a specification table identical to the EL-R20S column. Macfox's store data gives the X1S x Bs.zay, a co-branded pearl-white limited edition on the X1S platform, the SKUs M20P1W and M20P2W and pairs it with an M20P motor, while the plain X1S gets an R20S motor, so EL-M20P appears to be that edition. Amazon shows this bike in black, white and purple, and a Standard with X1S Battery Upgrade Kit choice, and Macfox's page offers Single and Dual battery versions.

This page covers the single-battery Standard bike. Macfox's page and the Amazon title both market the bike to youth and teen riders, while the manual sets no minimum age and leaves that to local rules. Amazon also carries a separate X1S listing for adults with no model code that claims a 48V 10.5Ah battery and 38 miles; this page does not cover that listing.

500W motor, Class 2 and the throttle wording

The manual's specification table lists a 500W rated and 750W peak motor at 48V, 65 N.m of maximum torque, three assist levels plus zero, a maximum speed of 20 mph (32 km/h), Class 2, hydraulic disc brakes, 20 by 4.0 inch tires and a maximum load of 220 lb (100 kg). It lists a walk assist speed of 3.73 mph, and Macfox's page adds a high-strength carbon steel frame, front suspension, a 31.5 in seat height and a recommended rider height of 5 ft 3 in and up.

The sources disagree on the throttle: Macfox's page and the Amazon comparison table call it a thumb throttle, while the manual describes a half-twist throttle that accelerates without pedaling up to the 20 mph Class 2 limit. Macfox's parts store sells a twist throttle for the X1S R20S V1 and a thumb throttle for current X1S bikes, and its product page says the throttle is now separate from the display, so the manual's twist wording may describe the earlier version.

The manual's parts overview also calls the brakes hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes and the fork a suspension fork if equipped, while its table says hydraulic, so check the bike you receive. Macfox's page lists the bike at 71 in long while the manual's table gives 1,651 mm, about 65 in.

Battery, range and charging

The manual gives a removable 48V, 10.4Ah lithium-ion battery of 499.2Wh, rated 47.45Vdc, locked to the frame with a key, and a 54.6V charger from Coming Data, model CP546200. Charge time is 4 to 6 hours in the manual and 5 to 6 hours on Macfox's page. Macfox's page says lab testing gave up to 28 miles on one charge at steady cruising in second gear with an average rider, and up to 56 miles with a second battery; it does not give the test weight.

The manual asks you to charge in a well-ventilated area, not in tight or enclosed indoor spaces, with the charger supplied, and to use a fire-resistant charging bag or box when possible. It gives 32°F to 104°F as the charging range. For storage of more than 30 days it says to turn the battery off, keep it at 50% to 70% and recharge it every 3 to 6 months, and its safety page says to leave the bike indoors when charging or not riding.

Assembly, break-in and daily checks

The manual says most customers can assemble the bike in 20 to 30 minutes with the tools supplied, while Macfox's page says 95% pre-assembled and 15 to 30 minutes and the Amazon bullets say 85% pre-assembled. You fit the front wheel with a locking force of 17 N.m, tighten the handlebar end-cover screws in the order 1, 4, 2 and 3 at 9 to 11 N.m, and fit the left and right pedals with the wrench, the left one counter-clockwise.

For the first 20 to 30 miles the manual asks for moderate speeds and no harsh acceleration while the brakes and drivetrain settle in. It also gives a pre-ride check of about 30 seconds covering the battery lock, tire condition, brakes, bolts, lights and drivetrain, and says not to apply full throttle from a standstill on loose gravel, sand or wet surfaces.

Water, rider limits and stunt use

The manual lists water resistance as IPX4 and an operating range of 14°F to 113°F, but also says to avoid deep water, flooded areas and heavy rain, not to use high-pressure water jets and not to submerge the bike or battery. It says the bike is designed for one rider only, that the equipment is not intended for use above 2,000 m elevation, and that riders should meet local age rules with adult supervision for younger or inexperienced riders.

Macfox's page markets the bike for wheelies and stunts and its note says modifying the electronic control system is not recommended, while its warranty policy excludes damage from racing, stunt riding and jumping. The manual likewise excludes damage from accidents, misuse, modifications and unauthorized repairs, so stunt use can cost you warranty coverage.

Three warranty statements that do not match

Macfox's warranty policy page gives a 2-year limited warranty: 2 years on the frame, 2 years or 300 charging cycles on the battery, 2 years on electrical parts including the motor, controller, display and charger, and 1 year on mechanical parts and accessories. The manual's warranty page instead lists 2 years on the frame, 1 year on the motor and 12 months on the battery, controller, display and charger.

The Amazon listing's own warranty field says Macfox's Amazon offer is one year on key parts against non-human damage, with a one month return or exchange window. The policy says it covers Macfox bikes purchased in the United States and asks for proof of purchase, the serial number and photos or videos of the problem, so ask Macfox which terms apply to a bike bought on Amazon before relying on the 2 years.