In this Macwheel Macmission 100 review, we’ll evaluate a budget-friendly ebike with some features you might not expect at this price point.
Normally priced at $825 with free shipping to the lower 48, the Macmission includes some in-demand features found on more expensive electric bikes.
It also comes with a few compromises.
Is the Macmission 100 the right bike for you? Let’s dig into the details and find out.
Macwheel Macmission 100 Review: Features Overview
With an external detachable battery, the Macmission looks the way you’d expect an electric bike to look. The raised profile of the 13 amp-hour shark-type battery mounted to the downtube is unmistakable, although Macwheel did conceal the controller in the frame, giving the bike a notably cleaner look. Cable routing through the frame also contributes to a more polished appearance.
Long-range performance combined with reasonable comfort makes the Macmission a solid choice for new ebike buyers.
Macmission 100 Highlights
With a focus on affordability, Macwheel packs a lot of value into a low-priced electric bike, including dual disc brakes and a 4-amp fast charger.
The Macwheel Macmission 100 makes a solid choice as a starter bike or for those shopping on a budget.
Pros for the Macmission 100 outweigh the cons for most buyers, but riders below 5’7″ should consider an ebike with a smaller frame to ensure safe riding.
A seven-speed drivetrain gives you more flexibility to choose the right gearing for hills or flat roads. With five levels of pedal assist, the Macmission finds a sweet spot on nearly any terrain — assuming it’s paved. This is a road bike with street tires and no suspension.
With electronically-limited pedal-assist speeds of up to 20 MPH and a throttle feature for pedal-free riding, the Macmission is a class 2 ebike. Class 2 electric bikes can usually be used on roads or paths designated for bikes. But some parks disallow throttle-only usage.
Macwheel Macmission Key Features
- Mid-step frame: Back in the day, there were girl’s bikes and boy’s bikes, with the major distinction being the presence (or lack thereof) of a top tube. Those labels no longer apply as widely as they once did. The Macmission uses a mid-step frame, which places the top tube lower and makes getting on or off the bike easier. As a 52-year-old rider with beat-up knees from years of karate, I give Macwheel extra points for their mid-step choice. Thanks, team.
- Front and rear mechanical disc brakes: With powered speeds of up to 20 MPH, reliable stopping power becomes essential. For safety, Macwheel equips the Macmission with front and rear mechanical brakes rather than less performant rim brakes.
- 27.5″ x 1.75″ street tires: If you’re an avid biker, you already know 27.5″ tires have widely replaced 26″ tires. Larger wheels hold more inertia, helping to keep the bike moving. They also roll over the road imperfections with more aplomb, giving you a smoother ride.
- Integrated cabling: Ebike cabling can be messy business, leaving your bike looking like a cyborg or a backyard DIY project. Not so with the Macmission. Power and brake cables route through the frame north near the headtube, giving the ebike a cleaner appearance.
- Mid-weight frame: At about 50 pounds, the Macmission isn’t the leanest ebike out there. But it’s about 15 pounds lighter than many popular electric bike models. Overall weight plays a role in acceleration, braking, handling, and ease of transport. Macwheel lists the Macmission’s weight at just under 51 pounds.
Macwheel Macmission 100 Battery System
- 36V removable battery rated at 13 amp hours: While many budget-minded electric bikes come with a smaller battery of under 8ah, the Macwheel Macmission nearly doubles the storage capacity with a 13ah battery. It’s big, and it’s obvious from 100 yards away. But the plus side is that the battery can keep going after others give up the ghost. When you’re done riding, take the battery off if you choose to charge indoors.
- Estimated 37-mile battery life: Your mileage may vary, as the saying goes, but the Macmission’s larger battery means more battery life for most riders. You’ll get the best battery longevity with lower pedal assist settings of 1 or 2. Throttle-only mode will use up the battery fastest.
- 4-amp high-speed charger: A 4-amp charger reduces charge time compared to the 2-amp chargers included with many ebikes.
Macwheel Macmission Drivetrain Features
- 7-speed drivetrain with Shimano shifter: Single-speed ebikes have their place, but you lose the ability to dial in your gearing based on terrain. The Macmission brings a tried and true seven-speed setup with a Shimano thumb shifter to help power up hills. On the other side of the spectrum, ebikes with 21-speeds (or more) can be a bit fiddly when you need to find the right gear. Sometimes, less is more, and a 7-speed drivetrain brings flexible gear selection without unnecessary complexity.
- 350-watt rear hub motor: Affordably priced ebikes often ship with 250-watt motors. This isn’t good or bad; motor wattage may not affect assistance levels much, especially on flatter terrain. But it’s nice to see a 350-watt motor for a bit more push on the hills. If you’ve ever had to do the walk of shame up a steep hill, you’ll appreciate the extra power.
- Throttle mode: If you don’t feel like pedaling, then don’t. However, you’ll climb hills a bit faster if you use pedal-assist modes. It’s easier on the motor as well. Some budget-friendly ebikes skip the throttle, offering only pedal-assist modes.
- Brake power cutoff: When you use the disc brakes, the Macmission 100 cuts power to the motor instantly. Some might consider this safety feature a must-have on an ebike that weighs about 50 pounds.
Macwheel Macmission 100 Review: Included Extras
Some ebike companies nickel-and-dime buyers with seemingly standard items like a kickstand. Those nickels and dimes add up to dollars, so it’s nice to see Macwheel includes some of the basics with this electric bike.
- Adjustable kickstand: An adjustable kickstand with a flared rubber base makes it easy to park your bike anywhere, including grassy areas.
- Front and rear fenders: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some might love the Macmission’s sizable, splash-defeating fenders, while others may prefer a cleaner aesthetic. Fortunately, the fenders are easy to install or remove, so you can choose for yourself.
Macmission 100 Bike Height
This review of the Macwheel Macmission 100 touched on the ebike’s key features and specs. But putting shiny baubles aside, it’s essential to find an ebike that’s well-matched to your height.
Macwheel recommends the Macmission 100 electric bike for riders between 5’7″ and 6’5″. With a minimum seat height of about 32 inches, smaller riders may need to do a tip-toe stop or step off the seat. Alternatively, you might want to consider Macwheel’s 26″ LNE-26, which has a lower seat height and a step-through frame.
Who is the Macmission for?
Think of the Macwheel Macmission as a multi-purpose electric bike, as long as one of those purposes isn’t heavy off-road use. This is a street bike with no suspension. But if your goal is ebike commuting or making casual rides around town easier, the Macmission can handle those tasks admirably.
You might even get away with using the Macmission on flat rail trails or well-packed dirt paths. But be aware that the stock tires won’t offer much grip in the soft stuff. They’ll give you a whisper-quiet ride on the road, however.
The Macmission 100 comes with mount points for a rear rack (not included). Just choose a rack fit for your needs to turn the Macwheel into a utility bike suitable for shopping, running errands, or commuting. With a load capacity of up to 308 pounds, including rider and cargo, the Macmission proves up to the task.
Macwheel recommends the Macmission for riders about 5’7″ up to well over 6 feet. Smaller riders should consider other options, such as Wing Bike’s Freedom S2.
With seven gears and five pedal assist modes (plus throttle mode), the Macmission 100 makes a solid choice for budget-minded riders frequenting flat terrains or those who have to climb hills occasionally.
Macwheel Macmission 100 Purchase Information
Macwheel provides free shipping to the contiguous 48 states and a 30-day return policy. They also offer a 7-day price guarantee. So, if you buy the bike today and Macwheel runs a sale tomorrow, Macwheel can send you a gift card for the difference good toward future purchases.
Macwheel also provides a one-year warranty for Macwheel-branded parts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Macwheel a good brand?
Macwheel offers affordable electric bikes but also includes components found on more expensive ebikes. For example, the Macwheel Macmission 100 offers dual disc brakes, a feature less common in the Macmission 100’s price range.
How long does a Macwheel battery last?
The Macwheel Macmission 100 has a 36V removable battery rated at 13 amp hours, which can power the electric bike for up to 37 miles. Using higher pedal-assist settings or using the throttle can reduce battery life.
Depending on how often you recharge, electric bike batteries typically need to be replaced about once every three to four years.