Overall rating: 
By Eilis Barrett
The X is the beefy, fat-tyred model from MATE, the Copenhagen based ebike company whose cheaper City we’ve also reviewed. Both are in our list of the best folding electric bikes.
This model is big, heavy and amazingly comfortable to ride. The 250W version reviewed here is road legal in the UK - the 750W version of the X with a throttle is not.
Good for
- City and off-road riders
- Riders wanting to feel safe and secure
Pros
- So, so comfy
- Visible
- One of the best ebikes of 2023
Cons
- Heavy at 30kg
Expert verdict
| Components + build quality |  |
| Safety + security | |
| Performance + handling | |
| Comfort + practicality |
|
| Overall rating |
|
MATE X is hands down the comfiest bike I've ever ridden. Where I usually shy away from potholes, speed bumps and divots in the road, the X glides over it all.
The mix of cushy handles, front and back suspension and absolutely huge tyres is a glorious combination. I've never had so much fun riding a bike (although there are many other folding electric bikes we're reviewed).
Yes, it is big and heavy - but you just feel like you’re gliding along, whatever the terrain.
Specs
| Max speed | 15.5 Mph |
| Max distance | Over 50 miles on one charge |
| Motor power | 250W |
| Speed modes | five |
| Charging time | 3-4 hours |
| Battery type / capacity | Samsung-Panasonic-LG |
| Removable battery | Yes |
| Water resistance | Frame is waterproof |
| Suspension | Yes |
| Wheel size | 20X4 |
| Weight | 30KG |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Folded dimensions | 78cm in height 103cm long and 59cm wide |
| Unfolded dimensions | 124cm in height 180cm long and 65cm wide |
| Maximum load | 150KG |
| Gears | 8 Gears |
| Brakes | Hydraulic |
| Suspension | Yes |
In detail
Power and ride
The upright riding position on the MATE X took a bit of getting used to but gives fantastic visibility - not just your own but for other road users.
With its size and rider height, it’s like the SUV of the electric bike world. It has a presence on the road that in my experience really gives you the upper hand with other road users. Cars give me just that bit more room when they're passing by which makes being on a busy trafficked road way less hair raising.
And it's so comfy. The ride is assisted by the front and back suspension and the 20-inch-by-4-inch all-terrain wheels.
Even the ergonomic padded handles add to the pleasure - they make such a difference that you wouldn’t believe until you try them. There is so much less pressure on wrists over bumps etc. So when I say comfy, I mean in your arms as well as your seat.
You also get fine control over your speed - nine levels of electric assistance and an eight-speed gearbox.
Weight and folding
This is a whopping 30 kilograms and so it’s not practical to carry it around (to be honest I can barely lift it).
It’s foldable for storage, not for carrying around the station in the morning. It has the same drawbacks at the MATE City, including the chain being on the outside when folded, which can make your clothes dirty if you catch it.
Build
This bike does look large - and in fact it can carry anyone up to 7 feet tall and 150 kg in weight. I think it looks amazing though - I felt safer because you just can’t miss it, compared to, say, a tiny Brompton.
It now comes with hydraulic brakes as standard. You get a smart display that shows battery level and pedal assist as well as a handy usb charging port.
And the high-tread tyres are good for riding in British, rainy weather.
The last thing to call out is the word MATE on the frame - and I found people do in fact call out "mate" when you're riding along!
And if the MATE X isn't for you, try out the MATE City.
