Nakto F2

Overview

Cafe racer style e-bikes are some of the most expensive models out there on the market. If you look at popular brands in this segment, their bikes typically cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000. The Nakto F2 is built to challenge that norm. For just $1,200, you get a cafe racer aesthetic with a 500W motor, or you can step up to a 750W version for $1,500.

I tested the 500W model to see if buying a more affordable cafe racer style e-bike is actually worth the money. At this price point, you expect some compromises, but I wanted to find out exactly where Nakto cut corners and where the F2 legitimately shines.

Real-World Performance

On a flat stretch of trail, I maxed out at 25 mph using both pedal assist and the throttle. The bike is technically rated for up to 28 mph, so lighter riders in favorable conditions might squeeze a bit more out of it. To get the best launch, I went into the advanced display settings and set the pedal assist strength and sensitivity to their maximum levels. The acceleration felt exactly like a standard fat tire e-bike—not mind-blowingly fast, but perfectly adequate for daily riding.

Hill climbing is where budget bikes often struggle, and the F2 is no exception. I took it up my standard 15% grade test hill that spans half a block. It made it to the top, but it was a very slow crawl. If you have a lot of hills in your area, I strongly recommend opting for the 750W motor version instead.

Range, however, was highly impressive. The bike packs a large 48V 16Ah battery. During my real-world testing, I rode 10 miles at full throttle with nearly 700 feet of elevation gain. When I finished, I checked the LCD screen and hadn't even lost a single battery bar, which is the kind of battery retention I usually only see on much higher-end bikes.

Design & Build Quality

The bike features a condensed frame that weighs a manageable 68 lbs. Nakto says it has a rider size rating from 5 foot 3 up to 6 foot 3. However, as a 5 foot 11 guy, I can tell you that if you're on the higher end of that spectrum, you're going to find this frame very small and cramped.

The riding posture is nicely upright and comfortable thanks to the BMX-style handlebars and a long, heavily cushioned seat. The overall ride feel on pavement is quite smooth, and there isn't much noise coming from the motor itself.

For stopping power, you get mechanical disc brakes rather than hydraulics. The right side controls the rear and the left controls the front. While they bring the bike to a stop just fine, I did notice some squeaking and grinding noise during my ride. Additionally, squeezing the brake levers does not activate the tail light.

Key Features

The F2 rolls on 20x4-inch all-terrain tires and features full suspension, including a front fork you can adjust or lock out, and dual rear coils. However, just because it has full suspension doesn't mean it's an off-road beast. I found that if I went around 8 to 10 mph off-road, it was fine. Anything above 10 mph and the ride became incredibly shaky and bumpy to the point where I couldn't see straight.

In the cockpit, you get a full-color LCD screen. By holding the plus and minus buttons, you can dive into the P-menus to limit speed, change your pedal assist from five levels down to three, and adjust your zero-start throttle settings.

It also includes bolted-on grips, a basic throttle, a horn, a Shimano SIS Index 6-speed shifter, and a massive motorcycle-style headlight that looks fantastic. To top it off, the bike comes 95% assembled—I just had to install four bolts to attach the handlebars to the frame.

Who It's For

I'd point budget-conscious riders looking for a stylish commuter toward the Nakto F2. If you ride mostly on flat, paved roads and want incredible battery range wrapped in a cool cafe racer design, this is a solid, affordable pickup.

Who Should Skip It

If you want to ride aggressively off-road, frequently tackle steep hills, or are over 6 feet tall, skip this 500W model. You'll likely be frustrated by the cramped frame, shaky off-road suspension, and sluggish climbing speeds.

How It Stacks Up

If you search for these types of cafe racer e-bikes from brands like Super 73, Go Powerbikes, or Ride One Up, you're usually looking at price tags hovering between $2,000 and $4,000. The Nakto F2 makes heavy compromises on suspension and brake quality to cut costs, but it still delivers the core speed, range, and aesthetics of those premium bikes for nearly half the price.

Final Verdict

The Nakto F2 successfully brings the expensive cafe racer style down to a very accessible $1,200 price point. While the mechanical brakes and limited off-road suspension definitely reflect the budget pricing, its 25 mph top speed and stellar battery range make it a great value for casual, flat-ground cruising.