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Heybike Mars 2.0 Assessment: This Zippy Folding E-Bike Turned My Commute Right into a Joyride

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Heybike Mars 2.0 e-bike in light blue parked on grass with trees in the background.

8.0/ 10
SCORE

Heybike Mars 2.0 e-bike

Execs

  • Compact, folding design
  • Enjoyable, snug journey
  • Sturdy efficiency for its measurement

Cons

  • No flip indicators
  • Is perhaps too compact for bigger riders

My commute to work begins with a 10-minute bike journey to a practice station. Over the previous few months, this primary a part of my commute (and final on my manner again residence) has been a lot extra enjoyable due to the Heybike Mars 2.0 e-bike. Dependable, fast and with sufficient energy to take the sting out of hills, it is nearly good for getting round city, even when meaning the occasional offroad detour. 

The Mars 2.0 resembles the handful of different small foldable bikes I’ve examined. However its general design, options and efficiency are wonderful for the cash. It’s compact, although, so taller, bigger riders may need one thing extra substantial. 

Heybike Mars 2.0 e-bike in light blue parked on grass with trees in the background.

The Mars 2.0’s fats tires and bouncy seat suspension make for a cushty journey on streets and unpaved paths. 

Josh Goldman/CNET

How briskly is the Heybike Mars 2.0?

The Mars 2.0’s 1,000-watt motor can get the bike as much as 32 mph (51.5 kph). I examined the lower-end 750-watt motor, which is rated for as much as 28 mph (48 kph). For reference, I am 220 kilos (100 kilograms) and 6 toes, 2 inches tall, and I used to be in a position to hit that high pace with solely the throttle. It takes just a few further seconds for me to achieve that pace, however pedaling helps. Talking of, the motor can simply outstrip the bike’s Shimano 7-speed gear shift system and cadence sensor, so you may find yourself ghost pedaling. 

Additionally, whereas the Mars 2.0’s motor is not lightening off the road utilizing the throttle alone — there is a tiny delay between urgent the throttle and the motor kicking in — I adjusted to it shortly, permitting me to tug into site visitors safely. Surprisingly, there wasn’t a lot of a pace hit on small hills; a part of my commute has a reasonably light 10% slope, and my pace would solely drop about 5 mph. If you happen to dwell in a hilly space, although, it will in all probability be finest to go together with the 1,000-watt motor model. 

Close up of the Heybike Mars 2.0 e-bike's battery and push-button gauge.

The sunshine-up gauge on the bike’s battery may help provide you with a greater really feel for journey distance when mixed with the digital show meter. 

Josh Goldman/CNET

It additionally helps to maintain the 600-watt-hour, 54.6-volt battery totally charged to get the perfect efficiency. Heybike charges the battery life for as much as 45 miles (72.4 kilometers), however that quantity is a suggestion, not a given. Whereas the show will inform you the out there voltage and approximate battery life utilizing bars, not a proportion, it could possibly range wildly relying on what mixture of pedal-assist and throttle you are utilizing. It is best to make use of a mixture of the show meter and the push-button gauge on the battery itself till you get a really feel for what distances you possibly can comfortably journey relying in your terrain and driving fashion. Smaller, lighter riders will at all times fare higher too. 

Heybike Mars 2.0 e-bike in light blue folded in half and sitting on a paved path with grass in the background..

The Mars 2.0 folds up pretty small and weighs 75 kilos.

Josh Goldman/CNET

Compact however nonetheless sturdy and stuffed with options

The Mars 2.0 has a step-over folding body measuring 67 by 25 by 49 inches (170 by 63.5 by 124.5 centimeters), so it is pretty small. However unlocking a midframe latch permits you to fold again the entrance tire subsequent to the rear one, and lifting one other latch on the handlebar’s stem allows you to fold these down, taking the dimensions right down to 37.4 by 21.7 by 28 inches (95 by 55 by 71 centimeters). The pedals additionally fold down for a tidier bundle. If you happen to want a motorcycle to throw in your automobile trunk, hold within the nook of an condominium or retailer in a small shed, it is a good match. Sadly, like different folding bikes I’ve examined, there’s nothing to lock the 2 halves collectively as soon as folded, so lifting or transferring it when folded could be a ache. (A small bungee wire or Velcro strap normally does the trick.) 

heybike-mars-2-06

A top-down take a look at the bike when folded.

Josh Goldman/CNET

The bike weighs about 75 kilos (34 kilograms), which is common for a motorcycle this measurement. It helps as much as 330 kilos, and Heybike recommends a rider top of 5 toes, 3 inches to six toes, 1 inch tall. I am simply above the utmost top, and the bike does really feel a bit too small for my body, making my journey appear a bit of cramped. Heybike’s Ranger S is a barely bigger folding bike with a step-through body and could be a more sensible choice for my measurement. 

The 20-by-4-inch fats tires give the bike some added stability and a cushty journey. On my commute, I lower by way of a park, and errant kids and negligent canine house owners incessantly drive me off my paved route into grassy fields and stony filth paths. The Mars 2.0 handles tough terrain simply high-quality, and the tires, mixed with the shock constructed into the seat publish, hold the journey from getting too jarring.

Heybike Mars 2.0 e-bike seat titled up on its seat post with grass in the background.

The bike’s seat has a shock, including bounce to your journey, however the seat can be hinged to make it simpler to take away and set up the battery. 

Josh Goldman/CNET

The mechanical disc brakes supply good stopping energy, however in case you’re often touring at high pace, you may want some further distance to decelerate and keep in management. Stepping as much as the model with the 1,000-watt motor additionally bumps you as much as higher hydraulic disc brakes. The motor with elevated energy and torque and the hydraulic brakes are the one variations between the 2 variations — the whole lot else is identical. 

The usual options embrace issues like a shock-absorbing seat publish with a seat that flips as much as make battery entry simpler; a strong headlight and brake gentle; a loud electrical horn; a rear rack with pegboards on the perimeters so as to add baskets, a toolkit or different gear; entrance and rear plastic fenders; and a monochrome show that is simply learn in daylight and has a backlight for the night time. The bike additionally has Bluetooth, and with its cell app, you possibly can see all of your journey information and modify the parameters of the pedal help amongst different issues. About the one factor that is lacking that you’re going to discover round its value are rear flip indicators. 

Heybike Mars 2.0 e-bike handlebars with a center-mounted monochrome display.

The handlebars are small, and between the center-mounted show, e-bike controls on the left and kit shift and thumb throttle on the fitting, there’s not a lot room for mounting a mirror or a cellphone. 

Josh Goldman/CNET

Is the Heybike Mars 2.0 value it? 

At its current price of $999, the Mar 2.0 delivers on efficiency and options. It is a enjoyable little journey that is a sensible choice for brief commutes and simply getting round city. It is lacking a few key substances for its value, particularly flip indicators, and its body could be a bit of too compact for larger riders, however general, it is greater than value it. I would not hesitate to spend the additional cash for the 1,000-watt motor, although; it is solely $100 extra in the intervening time, and the elevated energy and hydraulic disc brakes would, once more, be greater than value it, notably if you have to stand up hills often.  



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