Mooncool MC3 AWD Fat Tire E-Bike Review

The all-wheel-drive Mooncool MC3 Fat Tire Ebike delivers power that’s out of this world. Equipped with 500W hub motors on both the front and rear wheels, this burly mountain bike flattens steep hills with its serious torque levels. But do the dual motors and heavyweight stats weigh down the MC3’s overall usefulness and performance? I recently tested out this unique AWD ebike and have dropped my honest thoughts below.

Mooncool Bikes

Even with the MC3’s large footprint as a fat tire ebike with front suspension, it’s still not the biggest model in Mooncool’s range of bikes. This is because Mooncool largely focuses on traditional adult tricycles and e-trikes. That’s to say that the brand knows a thing or two about manufacturing burly, complicated bikes that are often paired with oversized fat tires. The MC3 embraces this bigger-is-better design philosophy with dual 500W motors, room for two battery packs, and its whopping 100 lbs. overall weight. It’s a unique setup that’s not for everyone, but rather something that off-road riders chasing huge power may absolutely love.

Mooncool MC3 AWD E-Bike

Getting into the nitty-gritty, this ebike’s official model name is “MC3 MTB AWD”. It’s a gobbledygook of capital letters and acronyms but offers an informative description of the bike’s ideal use cases. While this ebike can definitely be used around town or on bike paths, steep mountainous terrain is where the dual motors really come in handy. “AWD” is an odd term to describe a bike but it’s technically true when both wheels have integrated drive units. The combined torque of 150Nm makes hill climbing a breeze, including navigating tough areas while pulling a heavy trailer when hunting or camping.

Frame Size

In between those two hub motors sits the MC3’s 6061 aluminum frame that’s available in step-thru or step-over designs. During testing, I liked that the sleek frame is more oriented towards mountain biking than recreational riding, meaning it embraces slightly more aggressive geometry that’s still comfortable. There’s a huge range of colors to choose from depending on the frame shape, including gorgeous Crimson Red and Army Green paint jobs. Shorter riders will want to opt for the step-thru model that’s recommended for riders 5’9” and under. The entire bike has an ample payload capacity of 350 lbs. so you can load up the rear rack with cargo.

Dual Motors on the Mooncool MC3

The main highlight of the Mooncool MC3 is the dual 500W hub motors. There’s a combined peak power of 1300W and a huge 150Nm of torque for sending it up steep inclines. Another feature I appreciated was the ability to toggle between motor modes— riders can activate the rear or front motors independently or ride in dual mode for ultimate power. As the useful cliche goes, riding only with the front motor feels as if the bike was being pulled whereas a rear hub motor gives more of a push from behind the rider. Riding with both motors engaged offers a super fun ride feel and additional traction options.

Class 2 E-Bike

The MC3 is a Class 2 ebike that reaches a top speed of 20 mph. The modest pace goes against the grain of the current trends of overpowered, supersonic ebikes, but I think the decision is a smart one. Especially given that there are two motors drawing power from the battery, limiting speeds significantly helps extend range. Admittedly, I am one of those crotchety cyclists that think 28 mph is too zippy for most ebikes— but for the speed demons out there, I’m fairly certain that the MC3 can be unlocked for higher speeds. There’s a cadence sensor and the spread of five pedal assist levels is well structured, including throttle and walk modes. Riders can also activate a cruise control setting for an even easier pedal-free experience.

14.5Ah Battery

The 14.5Ah battery is neatly integrated into the downtube and provides up to 45 miles of range in the lower pedal assist levels and flat terrain. I’m not a big fan of the bottom-loading design that can be finicky removing the battery from between the frame and front wheel, but it allows for the possibility of mounting an additional battery inside the frame’s main triangle. Sold separately, the extra power pack can boost range closer to 80 miles on a single charge— a smart idea for cyclists hitting the hills or frequently riding in the dual-motor mode. I would have liked to see a faster 3-amp charger, but Mooncool includes a 2-amp charger with the MC3.

Mooncool MC3 Fat Tires

The MC3 boasts a pair of beefy 26×4.0” fat tires with a heavy tread that’s knobbier than most. Combined with double motors, the fat tires are excellent for tough terrains like sand or snow where traction and power are the most important factors. The 80mm suspension fork is rated for any jumps but absorbs trail shocks well. The Star Union 180mm hydraulic brakes perform great and confidently bring this 100 lbs. to a stop. The MC3 relies on a 7-speed drivetrain with a solid trigger shifter that’s a much-needed upgrade to those ubiquitous twist shifters across the industry.

There’s not too much tech adorning the MC3 but it gets the job done. The integrated front light is powered by the battery and offers a decent amount of illumination. The rear light, however, is a bit of a letdown as it runs on independent batteries and doesn’t function as a connected brake light. The black-and-white display provides clear metrics but is overshadowed by the more innovative, full-color designs on many similarly priced ebikes these days. Riders can run a rear rack and fenders if they desire additional storage or mud protection.

Mooncool MC3 Fat Tire E-Bike Pros:

• Powerful Dual Motors: Two 500W hub motors with a combined 1300W peak power and 150Nm of torque for easy hill climbing and tough terrain.
• Multiple Motor Modes: Allows riders to choose between front, rear, or dual-motor operation for different riding styles and situations.
• Long Range: Up to 45 miles on a single charge with the main battery (and up to 80 miles with an additional battery).
• Large Capacity Battery: 14.5Ah battery with the option to add a second battery.
• Durable Frame: 6061 aluminum frame with a variety of colors to choose from.
• Comfortable Geometry: Slightly aggressive geometry that’s still comfortable for mountain biking.
• Fat Tires: 26×4.0” fat tires with knobby treads for good traction on sand, snow, and dirt.
• Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Powerful Star Union 180mm brakes for confident stopping power.
• Solid Drivetrain: 7-speed drivetrain with a trigger shifter.
• Affordable Price: $1,399.

Mooncool MC3 Fat Tire E-Bike Cons:

• Heavy: Weighs 100 lbs, which may be difficult to maneuver for some riders.
• Large and Bulky: May not be suitable for smaller riders or tight spaces.
• Limited Top Speed: Class 2 e-bike with a 20 mph maximum speed.
• Bottom-Loading Battery: Can be finicky to remove.
• Basic Display: Black and white display with limited features compared to some competitors.
• Dim Rear Light: Runs on separate batteries and doesn’t function as a brake light.
• No Fenders or Rear Rack Included: Sold separately.

Overall Impression

Unafraid to do things a bit differently, Mooncool ventured beyond their typical e-trikes and delivered a dual-motor mountain bike that’s ready for any terrain. The MC3’s price has been gradually falling over the past several months and interested riders can snag one now for $1,399. It’s a whole lot of bike for well under $2,000 so it’s sure to catch the eye of off-road riders interested in more power. Beyond that, I’ll leave it up to you to decide just how cool the Mooncool MC3 really is.

Mooncool Discount Code for 6% Off: Mountain Weekly News

Related Fat Tire E-Bikes We Reviewed

1. Lankeleisi MG740 Plus E-Bike
2. Hideos B3 Chopper Style E-Bike
3. Hiboy P6 E-MTB