With the rising cost of gas and severe traffic congestion, many commuters are making the switch from cars to bikes again. Now that e-bikes are gaining a larger market share than before, it may be worth investing in one.

Enter the Nakto Flex. It’s an e-bike designed for commutes around Metro Manila. It promises to make urban mobility easier by combining the convenience of a folding bike with electric assistance. But is it really practical? Read the review below.

_{Disclaimer: Thank you, Exion Cycles, for lending me their Nakto Flex demo unit for a couple of weeks. This is an honest review based on personal experience, and I was not paid for or asked to say anything specific in return.}

Technical Specifications

At the heart of the Nakto Flex is the 350W rear hub motor. Since the motor is integrated into the rear wheel, you get that much-needed e-push when you start pedaling or use the thumb throttle.

However, because the Flex is geared toward beginners, that push doesn’t come immediately. This is to prevent the motor from engaging abruptly, which could otherwise surprise the rider. You start pedal-mashing first, even at a lighter gear, before that electric assistance makes itself known.

I’ve noticed this delay at intersections, and since I’m someone who’s used to e-bikes, I find it awkward and tiring.

The Nakto Flex has five pedal assist levels and is capable of reaching speeds up to 30kph. Level 3 would be the e-bike’s sweet spot as riders can bike at a speed of 25kph, and it is powerful enough for climbing hilly places like Kapitolyo.

The drivetrain originally comes with a 6-speed Shimano Tourney setup with 20″ wheels, but customizations and upgrades can be made at Exion Cycles. Our review unit came with a 9-speed Shimano Sora shifter.

Battery Power & Management

The Nakto Flex comes with a 48V 8Ah or 12Ah removable battery. The 8Ah gives you a range of up to 60km, while the 12Ah version can reach up to 80km. Like most e-bikes, the range depends on several factors, such as rider weight, terrain, pedal assist level, and how much the rider uses the throttle.

Charging the battery takes around six hours with the supplied charger. One convenient feature about the battery is that it does not need to be removed to be charged, though it can be unlocked and removed if you prefer to charge it separately.

Riding Experience

The Nakto Flex shines in its everyday convenience. The pedal assist was particularly useful on days when I was physically spent: gym days. After working out, riding the e-bike home doesn’t feel like an additional training session. The motor assist allows me to spin lightly while the e-bike does most of the work, making the trip back home to Pasig far more comfortable than riding a manual bike when fatigued.

Because of this, the Flex becomes a practical choice for commuting around Metro Manila. It offers a simple and low-effort way to get around.

But the e-bike is far from perfect. As mentioned earlier, my main issue with the Nakto Flex is the pedal assist system’s responsiveness. Crossing intersections can feel sluggish; I feel like I’m putting more effort than expected before the much-needed assistance kicks in.

As well, the pedaling itself is heavy. When shifting to a lighter gear or two, it’s not easy pedaling without assistance. This may be because of the weight of the bike and motorized drivetrain, but it’s definitely inefficient compared to a manual bike.

Considerations

Other limitations and observations worth considering include the weight. At 24kg, the weight of the Nakto Flex is typical for many e-bikes, but it becomes noticeable when it needs to be carried, especially in places like walk-up apartments or buildings without elevators. Bringing the e-bike up or down the stairs regularly does become inconvenient.

At the same time, the folding mechanism, which is supposed to be one of the Flex’s defining features, presents some challenges. On paper, the hinge and locking system should be smooth, but the unit we tested felt stuck, so it reduces the practicality of a folding bike whose main advantage should ideally be compact storage.

These issues, though, don’t mean that the Nakto Flex is unusable, but rather they do affect the overall convenience of the e-bike, especially for those who expect a folding e-bike that is quick to deploy and should be responsive from the moment they start pedaling.

Verdict: The Nakto Flex is a Practical Tool for Getting Around

The Nakto Flex does exactly what an e-bike is meant to do: bring you from one place to another without putting too much effort into each pedal stroke. It’s a great gateway e-bike for those who want to get into micromobility and travel efficiently around Metro Manila.

However, it may not be worth the trouble of folding it or bringing it up to your apartment. Unless you have an elevator that can fit an e-bike and you, it’s better to remove the battery and lock the bike in your building’s garage. Those who live in houses may not have the same issues as we condo/apartment dwellers.

Despite the pedal assist delay and other slight limitations, the Nakto Flex works best when it’s treated less as a compact folding bike and more as a small e-bike, one that makes commutes easier to manage.

The Nakto Flex is available at Exion Cycles at a discounted rate of P34,300.00 and may be customized upon ordering. Please contact Joshua Gan for more information.