Heybike Alpha Step-Through E-Bike - Affordable All-Terrain

A Comprehensive Review of the Heybike Alpha E-Bike

Throughout my time testing e-bikes for TechCrunch, I’ve encountered numerous models. However, the Heybike Alpha has uniquely captivated my attention, sparking a strong desire to retain it for personal use.

This robust, all-terrain e-bike, equipped with fat tires, justifies its $1,699 price. The Alpha fulfilled a multitude of my requirements, even those I hadn’t previously considered. I anticipated enjoying features like pedal assist and a throttle, but I didn’t foresee how much I would appreciate an e-bike incorporating both, along with a manual shifter.

The most remarkable aspect of riding the Alpha was undoubtedly the mid-drive motor with its integrated torque sensor, delivering a remarkably natural riding experience. This, coupled with the seemingly endless battery life, truly elevated the experience.

While largely positive, the experience wasn’t without minor drawbacks. I encountered some issues with the accompanying app, the initial bike setup, and the excessively loud horn. Nevertheless, this remains an exceptional all-around e-bike, suitable for both off-road adventures and everyday urban tasks like grocery shopping.

A crucial consideration is the bike’s long-term affordability. As a Chinese manufacturer, Heybike’s pricing is susceptible to tariff fluctuations, potentially leading to increased costs for U.S. consumers, even with recent tariff reductions.

An Accessible Mid-Drive E-Bike Option

The Alpha represents Heybike’s inaugural model featuring its in-house Galaxy eDrive system. This system combines a 500W Mivice mid-drive motor with a substantial 680Wh battery, providing a remarkably smooth and controlled ride.

Many e-bikes utilize hub-mounted motors, offering a simpler and more cost-effective design. However, a mid-drive motor, positioned near the pedals, provides a superior riding experience. Finding a bike with this feature at a competitive price is advantageous, eliminating the need for aftermarket conversion kits.

Even at the highest of the five pedal assist levels, the Alpha maintains a smooth and predictable control, closely mimicking the feel of a traditional bicycle. Acceleration is notably free of any abruptness.

However, the mid-drive configuration does have limitations. Riders who heavily rely on the throttle may find the Alpha less suitable. A company representative indicated that Heybike discourages exclusive throttle use, particularly during initial acceleration, to prevent potential damage to the motor and drivetrain.

Furthermore, the Alpha prevents throttle activation until the pedals are engaged and a speed of at least 5 miles per hour is achieved. When the throttle is used, the speed is modulated based on the selected pedal assist level. Even at the highest assist level, the throttle limits the top speed to 20 miles per hour, while pedaling can achieve speeds up to 28 miles per hour.

I didn’t find these throttle restrictions overly restrictive. While occasional moments in New York City traffic prompted a desire for a more responsive throttle, the pedal assist proved sufficiently reactive.

The 105 Nm of torque delivered substantial power, rarely necessitating the use of higher assist levels. The inclusion of a Shimano Altus 8-gear shifter further enhanced this power, allowing for gear adjustments on both flat terrain and inclines, optimizing battery conservation.

The Alpha’s performance on hills was particularly impressive, a direct result of the efficient mid-drive motor.

Exceptional Battery Performance

The Alpha’s UL-certified batteries offer a claimed range of up to 60 miles on a single charge. In my experience, the actual range potentially exceeded this estimate.

After a single battery charge and subsequent rides totaling approximately 22 miles, including various terrains and inclines, the battery indicator on the LCD screen remained consistently at 100%.

This performance may be attributed to the Galaxy eDrive system’s regenerative braking capabilities, which recapture energy during braking and return it to the battery. Heybike asserts that its Galaxy system provides an 8% increase in range compared to batteries of equivalent capacity.

Robust Construction and Design

The Alpha’s sturdy construction suggests suitability for demanding applications, such as cargo delivery services. The integrated rear rack comfortably accommodated three fully-packed grocery bags, and could easily support larger delivery containers.

The bike boasts a total payload capacity of 400 pounds, matching that of the Pedego cargo bike tested previously, which is significantly more expensive and heavier. While not compact, the Alpha’s aluminum alloy frame keeps its weight manageable at 71 pounds.

The 26 x 4 inch fat tires excel on both gravel and uneven surfaces, and also effectively absorb the shocks from potholes and rough city streets. The hydraulic front fork suspension further enhances ride comfort, facilitating smooth transitions on and off sidewalks.

Areas for Improvement: Setup, Quality Control, and the Horn

The Alpha’s assembly process presented some challenges. The delivery required careful attention to a QR-code instruction manual.

Those unfamiliar with bicycle assembly may encounter difficulties. With assistance from colleagues, I still noticed an issue upon initial use. A visit to a local bike shop revealed misaligned handlebars, which the mechanic promptly corrected.

Removing the battery cover from the down tube also proved problematic. After consulting a brief YouTube tutorial, I discovered a latch that had been incorrectly installed, hindering its release. Correcting the latch allowed for proper cover removal and reattachment.

Subsequently, the battery cover began to detach during rides, requiring frequent re-clipping. Suspecting a self-inflicted issue, I secured the cover with tape.

The horn’s excessive volume was another concern. Its piercing sound was so aggressive that I hesitated to use it, fearing to startle pedestrians or other cyclists. However, it proved effective for expressing frustration towards vehicles encroaching on the bike lane.

The accompanying app offered limited functionality, primarily allowing for bike locking and headlight control. More advanced features, such as live tracking and anti-theft alarms, would significantly enhance its value.

Color options are limited, with the step-through model exclusively available in white and the step-over frame in black.

Finally, the integrated turn signals functioned correctly but were often overlooked during operation.

Heybike Alpha: Recommended for the Mechanically Inclined, Still a Solid Choice for Others

Overall, I found the Heybike Alpha to be a compelling e-bike, particularly considering its price point. Comparable specifications typically command prices ranging from $2,000 to $4,500, making the Alpha a significant value. The battery cover issue raised concerns about potential quality control, and extended use might reveal further issues.

The affordable price may reflect limited customer support, based on online reviews, though I cannot personally attest to this. Regardless, the Alpha provided one of the smoothest and most enjoyable fat-tire e-bike experiences I’ve had.