The OKAI LyteCycle EB60 is a sleek, efficient e-bike designed for urban commuters and casual riders who crave the traditional cycling experience with a little extra help. Dubbed a “power sipper,” this e-bike is incredibly efficient, providing a smooth ride without guzzling power.
Sleek Design with a Few Trade-offs
The first thing you’ll notice about the LyteCycle is its stunning design. The black-on-black-on-black aesthetic is visually striking, and the integrated electronics give it a polished, modern look. Of course, black isn't particularly visible, but the always-on lite bar built into the handlebar makes up for that in a vibrant way. You can even customize the colors and light pattern!
Also worth noting, the LyteCycle does come without fenders, a rack, or a basket, which might be a downside for those who need to carry extra gear. You can of course get these additional accessories from OKAI, and the attachment points are industry-standard if you want to get your own locally. Additionally, the rear light is independent, meaning you have to turn it on and off separately and recharge it occasionally.
Assembly and Usability
One downside I encountered was the lack of a setup manual. There was no guide in the box, on OKAI’s website, or in the app. This might be because it’s a new model, and in OKAI's defense I'll note that the LyteCycle was incredibly easy to assemble, much better than most of the e-bikes I've put together (which is a lot). Another point of inconvenience is the saddle height adjustment, which requires tools. This makes sharing the bike among riders of different heights a minor hassle.
Performance and Ride Quality
Despite these minor setbacks, the LyteCycle shines in performance. The motor, while not overly powerful, includes a throttle that lets you coast home at 20mph, perfect for when you’re too tired to pedal. The torque sensor for pedal assist is finely tuned, providing a responsive and fun riding experience. I especially appreciate how quite this motor is; even at full blast you can barely hear it. The LyteCycle is a truly stealthy electric bike that neither sounds nor looks like one!
The hydraulic disc brakes offer excellent stopping power, equipped with motor inhibitors for extra safety points. The pedaling drivetrain is a basic Shimano Tourney setup, but it's geared perfectly for this style of e-bike: great at hill climbing in first gear, and able to comfortably pedal at the 20mph top speed.
Going fast is when you can really appreciate the build quality of the LyteCycle, check out the video review to see me feeling comfortable riding no-handed while coasting downhill at close to 30mph. If you take away all the electronics you're left with a very well built bicycle, and getting that right is something many companies fail to do. Bravo, OKAI!
Smart Features
The OKAI app is polished and intuitive, adding to the bike’s modern appeal. It includes NFC keys for locking and unlocking the bike, which is a cool and elegant feature. However, this system also means you need to have your phone or keys to power on the bike, which could be a drawback if you lose or forget them. So... don't do that!
The display is mounted at the top of the stem which keeps it out of the way and less likely to be damaged, and it's dead simple to use. There's one button on the left grip, and... that's it! Use different types of presses to either change your assist level or turn on your headlight, and that's all there is to it. There are some additional functions in the app, the most exciting of which (to me) was being able to change the bike's display theme.
