September 27, 2025 - IMA Mobility’s e-bikes have built a strong reputation in Asia and the company is quickly making waves in North America, with a focus on combining sleek designs with practical urban riding features.

AIMA’s family of e-bike models include the Santa Monica, the Big Sur and its more compact brother, the Big Sur Sport.

We were excited when the opportunity came up late this summer to test their lifestyle Santa Monica model aimed at the urban commuter market, for riders who want a comfortable, stylish, and safe way to move around the city.

The Santa Monica is an instant stand-out with a step-thru aluminum frame and a gorgeous metallic light blue colour – it also comes in matte black and ivory white.

Paired with wide brown leather grips, a wide comfortable saddle, and retro tan-wall tires, it carries an aesthetically pleasing and modern look that makes you just want to keep staring at – passersby did as well. Internal cable routing and smooth welding add to the clean and tidy design.

Powering the Santa Monica is a Bafang 500W rear hub motor with up to 70 Nm of torque and pedal assist up to 32 km/h. Supporting the system is a high-capacity lithium-ion, frame-integrated 720Wh battery.

The handlebar-mounted LCD display is colourful, clear and easy to read in all levels of lighting, showing speed, range, trip data, wattage, the time, assist level, and most importantly, exact battery percentage.

The torque sensor helps keep the pedal assist feeling natural yet responsive, adjusting seamlessly to input whether rolling gently through neighbourhood streets or picking up speed on a main road. There are five pedal-assist levels to choose from, as well as no assist, and walk assist functions, all controlled by buttons on the left-hand side.

In addition, full UL2849 certification over the entire electric system guarantees the highest safety standard.

Complementing the e-drive system is a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain with an Acera shifter and Altus rear derailleur.

Out on the road the motor is almost silent, engaging smoothly and discretely, with plenty of power when needed. The thumb-activated throttle packs impressive torque, so it’s something to ease into, and it’s quite useful when starting from a stop, or climbing short hills. 

Cruising at level 2 and 3, while averaging 25–30 km/h with moderate pedaling, I achieved a range of 65-70 km which could be easily stretched by less throttle use, selecting lower power levels and decreasing the speed.

Plus, the level of detail on the LCD display was very helpful in gauging how far I could push each ride without having to guess, or run too low on the battery.

Charging the batter is also straightforward with AIMA’s fast charger, and the battery can also be easily removed if you prefer to charge it indoors.

The shifting was crisp and responsive, making it easy to adapt whether climbing or cruising. The braking was equally well-covered thanks to the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes paired with 203mm rotors. The stopping power felt strong and predictable, which gives you confidence riding in any situation.

The Suntour Mobie A32, 75mm, front suspension fork as well as the wide e-bike rated 27.5” x 2.6” tires and the wide, tear-resistant saddle kept things smooth over potholes, bumpy roads, and even some gravel trails I tested.

The overall ride quality is smooth and very comfortable making it ideal for both commuting and leisurely rides, plus the weight of the bike was also manageable at 29 kg (64 lbs).

The Santa Monica is equipped with a big 600-lumen front headlight that does a great job on unlit trails and roads, while the dual rear light setup flashes red when braking just like a car which I loved.

The coolest part of the bike are the rear turn signals that are controlled via a switch on the handlebars. These indicators are very noticeable, especially at night, and it’s a safety feature that more e-bikes should have to improve visibility and predictability on the road. 

The integrated horn, which is activated by a right-side button, is loud enough to warn nearby road users of your presence.

The bike also comes with a rear rack and full fenders, while the centre frame mounts allow for water bottle cages or accessories.

The Santa Monica handled all of my routines, including frequent errand runs in the city, trail rides, and urban commuting with ease. The bike’s balance of power, comfort, and thoughtful features made every trip feel effortless. Even off the beaten path, the wide tires and suspension fork kept things steady. I was genuinely impressed by how well it performed, and by how much thought went into its details and functionality.

The Santa Monica isn’t just another e-bike. It’s an elegant, feature-rich, and confidence-inspiring ride that’s built for the city but versatile enough for any excursion. For anyone looking to move around in comfort and style, the AIMA Santa Monica deserves a serious look.

The MSRP is $2,990 CAD and for more information please visit here.