Puckipuppy Boxer ST Review | Playing Fetch All Day Long

As I hinted at previously, the Boxer ST excelled in our Range Test (see above for our testing method). When using its highest level of pedal assist, we traveled 42.1 miles on a single charge of the 48V, 960-Wh battery. Using the lowest power level, our team of testers covered 93.1 miles before the battery expired.

Other similar bikes we’ve tested, including some of the best fat tire e-bikes, averaged a respectable (but significantly lower) 35 and 64 miles. The Boxer exceeded these results by roughly 7 and 29 miles, respectively. In all cases, we adhered to the 20 mph limit on our local paths; riders pedaling at 28 mph should expect fewer miles.

In most cases, the bikes used for comparison had smaller batteries that averaged 783 Wh in capacity, allowing Puckipuppy’s bike to travel further when using its highest assist level. When using its lowest power level, the bike also proved to be more efficient than average, using 10.3 watt-hours per mile (Wh/mi) instead of the category average of 12.3 Wh/mi.

To put the bike’s results further into perspective, only a handful of the dozens of fat-tire e-bikes we’ve tested have performed as well or better in their max-power range test. That number drops to just a few in the low-assist test, though it’s important to also consider that, referencing our Speed Test results above, the Boxer was not traveling especially fast.

Still, credit where credit is due; the Boxer ST gave us highly impressive results in both tests. It proved that its battery can carry it further than most similar models on the market when riders choose the most powerful assist setting. Those who don’t mind traveling slower on less power would be hard pressed to find a bike with greater range capability.

Hill climbing power is typically a major strength of powerful fat-tire e-bikes like the Boxer ST. We tested the bike using the method explained in the graphic above. Our test rider, Justin, throttled to the top of our test hill in 2:16 while maintaining a speed of 13.3 mph. When pedaling using PAS 5, he completed the test in 1:57 at 15.5 mph.

A group of similar e-bikes, including the Puckipuppy Labrador Pro we tested previously, averaged 1:55 on throttle power and 1:52 in their highest level of pedal assist. In comparison, the Boxer ST came close to the average in its pedal time, though its throttle result was slower.

Two main factors influence the results of this test, including the weight and motor power of the bike(s) in question. At 81 lbs, the Boxer’s weight is average for the fat tire category, meaning that its motor doesn’t need to work any harder or less hard than its competitors.

The Boxer’s 500W motor, however, peaks at power levels (960W with 65 Nm of torque) that are somewhat below average when compared to other fat tire bikes. Most similar models we’ve tested were equipped with 750W motors with an average peak output of 1161W with 91 Nm of torque.

This lower power output is a tradeoff for the bike’s affordability, though it does not largely impact the bike’s climbing ability. In our experience, the Boxer felt capable both with its throttle and when using pedal assist, though as our test results reflect, the latter was noticeably faster.

When climbing in PAS 5, the motor gave the ride a slightly more active feel than similar models have exhibited in our testing, but it was no less able to carry us up and over the tops of large hills.

Ultimately, we’re satisfied with the Boxer ST’s climbing ability; like most e-bikes in its category, it makes relatively short work of hills, giving riders the option to throttle or pedal as they desire.

After three tests, the Boxer ST’s average result was 24’4”. This average stopping distance is within our expected range of results, but it is on the slower side when compared with similar fat tire e-bikes we’ve tested. A group of comparable models averaged 21’10”, placing the Boxer two and a half feet beyond average.

Puckipuppy equipped the bike with a two-piston hydraulic brake system from Logan. The brakes themselves are entry-level, but not out of character for an e-bike in the Boxer ST’s category and price range.

When stopping hard, we noticed that the bike had a tendency to shudder somewhat, as the rear suspension allowed the wheel to move and lose traction; this is a likely contributor to the Boxer’s longer-than-average result.

Depending on where, how, and how fast I was riding, the brakes could feel aggressive (in a good way), while at other times, they seemed somewhat sluggish. Overall, however, I found them to be a good match for the bike’s style, weight, and speeds. They slowed and stopped the bike effectively under normal use conditions.

Considering that the bike’s test score is within normal limits, we don’t recommend any changes, but we do advise that riders give themselves some extra room for slowing down when using the brakes. This is especially important when riding at the top end of the Boxer’s speed capabilities, as higher speeds result in longer stopping distances.

The feeling of riding a specific bike is complex and difficult to explain, but we try our best to convey the experience when discussing the subject of ride quality. The following paragraphs will explore the Boxer ST’s sizing, riding position, overall ride comfort, motor engagement, user interface, and more.

The Boxer ST’s single frame size is advertised to fit riders from 5’ 3” to 6’ 4”. My height of 5’ 11” places me toward the middle of the recommended height range; I found the bike well-sized and comfortable overall.

Its handlebars are fixed, but the seatpost was accommodating enough for me to find a saddle placement with nearly full leg extension. Considering the fact that the bike uses a cadence sensor which does not require active pedaling, I found the seatpost length to be fine; pedaling did not cause me knee strain or pain.

Puckipuppy also offers a high-step model of the bike. Intended for taller riders, that frame style has a recommended height range of 5’ 4” to 6’ 6”.

Fat-tire e-bikes range from extremely forward-leaning (what we often refer to as sporty) to entirely upright (like a cruiser). The Boxer’s riding position falls somewhat in the middle between these extremes; it feels comfortable yet sporty without being aggressive.

The bike comes with a wide, well-cushioned saddle (I personally prefer a slimmer style, but it worked well enough), as well as plastic platform pedals and textured ergonomic rubber grips. I found the grips supportive and well-matched with the bike’s riding position, as a portion of my weight rested on the handlebars.

Like many e-bikes in the category, the Boxer ST isn’t particularly light or nimble, but it felt expectedly stable and balanced while riding. I noticed some frame flex due to the absence of a top tube, but it was well within what I consider normal for a step-thru frame. As a benefit of the design, the frame’s standover height of just over 16” makes it possible to mount and dismount without lifting a leg over the saddle.

As mentioned previously, the full suspension did its job; riding on both paved and unpaved surfaces felt relatively gentle and smooth. Due to the entry-level nature of the suspension (an unbranded coil fork and a custom-branded shock with a plastic housing), riders planning long adventures in extremely rugged terrain may want to consider upgrading the components. Both performed well for us, but we can’t speak to their longevity.

I appreciated the Boxer ST’s straightforward user interface. The bike’s cockpit isn’t crowded or cramped with too many modules or buttons; a control panel is mounted to the left handlebar, while the shifter and throttle lever sit on the right.

The central color display presents information such as PAS level, battery charge, current speed, and more. It also offers some customization options through the bike’s settings menu. Riders can adjust acceleration force, set the throttle to function from a standstill or require the bike to be moving, and choose between three and five assist settings.

One area with room for improvement is the Boxer’s shifter. Changing gears with the over-the-bar shifter requires temporarily sacrificing some grip and steering control, which is less than ideal when riding in bumpy off-road areas. For this reason, we encourage Puckipuppy to switch to a trigger shifter which would better fit the Boxer’s feel and style.

At the time of writing, the brand offers an impressive five color options for the bike, including a flashy yellow paint job, a muted sage green, and a “Desert Camouflage” pattern suitable for hunters and other outdoorspersons.

Buyers can also choose from a free second battery, a free “Basic and Hunting” accessory pack, or a discounted “Basic Package and Premium Package” of extras. The free kit, which accompanied our test bike, included fenders, a cargo rack, and side mirrors. It also came with a bike cover, a backpack, a baseball cap, and a handful of other useful items.

Without the accessory pack, the bike includes a dual-LED headlight and a tail/brake light that mounts to the seatpost.

Overall, the Boxer ST is comfortable, functional, and well-equipped for its price, though there are some minor tradeoffs for its affordability. The bike’s ride quality is solid, however, giving buyers a great amount of value for the bike’s cost.

The feel of budget-friendly e-bikes often reflects their low price, but the Boxer ST felt notably well-put-together for a full-suspension fat tire bike in its price range. As we identified in our testing, the brand made some sacrifices to achieve the Boxer’s affordability, but in general, the bike delivers quite a bit of bang for the buck.

In terms of its performance, the Boxer ST ranged from adequate to excellent! While the bike proved capable, its braking performance and climbing power were somewhat below average due to its rear suspension and modest motor output. Its power distribution and range, however, were great, thanks to the bike’s programming and extremely large battery.

Our largest areas of critique were regarding the Boxer’s shifter and maximum speed limit. As an off-road-capable e-bike, we’d prefer a trigger-style shifter for improved steering control. As a Class 3 e-bike, its pedal-assisted speed should be limited to 28 mph instead of exceeding 30 mph.

Otherwise, the Boxer ST is an accessible, affordable, and comfortable e-bike with the riding stability, power, and off-road capability we expect for a model in the fat-tire category. This makes it a good choice for aging riders seeking stability, newer riders wanting an easy yet controlled feel, and adventurous types wanting on- and off-road versatility.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Puckipuppy Boxer ST down in our comments section.