AIMA Santa Monica Review | Contemporary California Cruising

AIMA’s website states that the Santa Monica can realistically achieve 30-60 miles of range with a single charge of its 720 watt-hour (Wh) battery. To test this claim, we rode the bike in PAS 1 and PAS 5 until its power pack was empty; our results of 55.5 and 31.7 miles largely supported the brand’s advertised range.

We were pleased to note that the bike also fell in line with the performance of many of its peers. Similar commuter and cruiser-style e-bikes we’ve tested averaged 60.4 and 32.7 miles in their low- and high-power range tests, respectively, showing a difference of only 1-5 miles.

The Santa Monica’s results in this test were admirable, but even more impressive when considering that its motor is more powerful than most similar models we’ve tested.

For reference, the group of comparison bikes featured drive units that averaged around 590W in nominal output; these motors used roughly 10.9 and 19.8 watt-hours per mile (Wh/mi) in their low and high-power tests, respectively. The Santa Monica’s 750W motor used 13 and 22.7 Wh/mi.

There was also a noticeable difference in battery capacity between the Santa Monica and its peers; AIMA outfitted its cruiser with a 720 Wh battery, while those of similar models we tested averaged roughly 635 Wh. With these factors in mind, the Santa Monica’s larger-than-average battery helped fuel its more powerful-than-average motor, making it possible for the bike to travel similar distances.

Considering that the Santa Monica is capable and enjoyable to ride even in its lowest PAS level, we feel most riders should expect to land somewhere between our results—perhaps even more toward the high end.

Most riders we interact with tend to take round trips up to roughly 20 miles. As such, we consider the Santa Monica appropriately-specced and capable of meeting the needs of those who use the bike for leisure, exercise, or daily travel to work/school.

When recharging is necessary, the bike’s included 3A charger can refill its battery in roughly 5 hours.

As mentioned in the introduction to this review, the AIMA Santa Monica proved to be one of the best performers of its style that we’ve tested. At our official test location, the bike scored a 1:54 throttle result and a 1:49 time when pedaling. For comparison, similar e-bikes, including some of the best electric cruisers, averaged 2:13 and 2:10, respectively.

Once again, the Santa Monica’s results are excellent on their own, but they are even more impressive when put in context. As mentioned previously, its motor is more powerful when compared to similar models we’ve tested, but it is also on the heavier side for a bike in the cruiser/commuter category, which makes it more difficult to move uphill.

The bike weighs just over 70 lbs and its 750W motor, which peaks at 1260W, can produce 70 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. The e-bikes used for comparison averaged roughly 64 lbs with motors that peaked at 919W and were capable of 75 Nm of torque. For further context, the Santa Monica’s peak wattage puts it as the second most powerful cruiser/commuter we’ve tested at the Devil’s Backbone (at the time of writing).

Its motor’s higher peak clearly paid off; the bike finished our Hill Test 19-21 seconds faster, on average, than its peers.

My personal experience riding the Santa Monica reinforced both the bike’s impressive Hill Test numbers and its results in our Speed Test (see above); its lowest assist level delivered a surprisingly pleasant and effective amount of pep, while its highest assist level made short work of even some relatively intimidating climbs.

Additionally, the bike can effectively conquer hills with both its throttle and pedal assist system, giving riders the ability to choose how (and how easily) they want to tackle uphill travel.

Using our standard testing method, the Santa Monica’s final score in our Brake Test was 21 feet, 8 inches, which places it just slightly above average in comparison to similar models we’ve tested. That group of e-bikes average a stopping distance of 21’11” in this test.

For a third time, the bike’s test result looks even more impressive with deeper analysis.

AIMA equipped the Santa Monica with a familiar e-bike-specific brake model: Tektro’s HD-E3520 2-piston hydraulic disc system. While relatively entry-level, our previous experiences with this model have proven their effectiveness. E-bikes equipped with these brakes are typically in the relatively average range of results with safe, strong performance.

As I mentioned previously, the Santa Monica is somewhat heavier than average for a hybrid cruiser/commuter e-bike; this extra weight makes it more difficult to slow down. AIMA compensated for this factor by giving the bike larger-than-average 203mm rotors, which are more effective at heat dissipation than the more common 180mm rotors paired with the E3520 system.

Based on their feel alone, I’d have guessed the Santa Monica’s Brake Test score would have been even better; the brakes responded well with good bite and modulation. They felt forceful but not too aggressive, making every application of the brakes feel safe and controlled.

With personal experience and a shorter-than-average stopping distance in our formal test proving its brake system’s effectiveness, the Santa Monica gets our stamp of approval yet again!

Continuing our strong overall experience with the Santa Monica, ride quality is an area where the bike excelled. Its look and feel are fitting for an e-bike in the cruiser category. As I touched on in the introduction, it is both comfortable and well-equipped, making long rides and daily use practical and enjoyable.

AIMA offers the bike in two frame sizes: the Regular is intended for riders from 5’1” to 5’10”, while the Large is intended for those between 5’6” and 6’3”. At 5’11”, I was technically just above the recommended range for our smaller-size test bike, but it adapted quite well to my fit and comfort preferences—largely thanks to the bike’s seatpost and adjustable stem.

With over 6 inches of saddle height adjustment and 80 degrees of rotation in the stem, riders within the recommended range should be able to get decent leg extension and set the handlebar height and reach at a comfortable position. With the saddle at its highest position, I didn’t quite reach full leg extension, but the sensitivity of the PAS and the powerful motor made this a non-issue.

The ride was made comfortable by a combination of factors. These included the bike’s fit, its contact points (a thick, wide spring saddle and hexagonal ergonomic rubber grips), its 75-mm travel SR Suntour suspension fork, and its 2.6” wide tires. The combination of elements resulted in an ergonomic, upright riding position with plenty of shock absorption.

As is common with many e-bikes of its style, the Santa Monica is predictable and relatively relaxed in its handling, making it appropriate for both casual cruising and daily commuting. The frame’s sub-16” standover height makes getting on and off the bike easy, and while I did feel some frame flex when maneuvering, the bike felt sturdier than most with a step-thru design.

I appreciated the bike’s package of useful and user-friendly features. As one might expect for a commuter-friendly ride, the Santa Monica has integrated lights, fenders, and a cargo rack, but AIMA added some thoughtful extras and upgrades.

For example, the bike’s cargo rack, which can carry an impressive 59.5 lbs, is MIK-HD-compatible. This feature makes it able to be equipped with a range of optional accessories that lock into place, including cargo baskets, storage bags, pet carriers, and even a child seat.

Additionally, the bike’s tail lights include turn signals operated by a toggle switch on a module mounted to the right handlebar. This module, which activates a helpful alarm when the signals are on (so you don’t forget to turn them off), also includes a push-button toggle for the lights and an unmissable (some might say relatively ear-splitting) electronic horn.

The bike’s user interface is also a highlight due to its overall simplicity. While I appreciate e-bikes with many customization options and robust apps, I understand that some riders prefer less complex products. The Santa Monica is simple and straightforward, with the ability to activate a security PIN upon startup being one of its most elaborate options.

Overall, the Santa Monica is simply a nice bike, with my initial impression of its classic-inspired appearance carrying through to its user-friendly operation and overall comfort level.

It’s always a good sign when I find myself struggling to find an e-bike’s downsides; the AIMA Santa Monica was appealing, enjoyable, and impressive from the start of my time on the bike to the finish. Between its looks, ride feel, and overall performance, it’s remarkably easy to say that the Santa Monica is a fantastic bike.

For the record, this is coming from someone who doesn’t gravitate naturally toward cruisers; as a professional reviewer, I can appreciate what they offer for those who enjoy them, but as an individual, I typically prefer e-bikes with a more sporty and aggressive feel.

The bike’s test results speak for themselves. In our Speed Test, it proved responsive and adaptable with intuitive programming. In our Range Test, it largely matched its peers in providing practical mileage for daily use. The Santa Monica’s Hill Test times were flat-out excellent, and it even topped the average in our Brake Test with great stopping power.

Our only real point of critique is that any modifications to the bike’s speed must be done in-person by a technician at one of AIMA’s brick-and-mortar dealerships. For those who live far away from a bike shop or who wish to revert to default settings after setting their speed higher, this could present a challenge.

Otherwise, I’m thrilled to have had such a great first experience with AIMA; the brand’s popularity among our readers/viewers seems well-deserved.

In addition to feeling like I could confidently recommend the Santa Monica to my own comfort-oriented friends or aging family members, the bike’s strengths make it a shoe-in for fans of the cruiser style who want a responsive, highly capable leisure bike—and possibly even those who don’t know they’re cruiser enthusiasts yet!

Furthermore, the Santa Monica would be an excellent choice for riders in hilly areas, those seeking a relatively uncomplicated and low-tech experience, and folks who want a fun, active, and classy-looking way of getting to and from the office.

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 AIMA Santa Monica down in our comments section.