During my time at TechCrunch, I’ve had the opportunity to test a variety of e-bikes, but none have tempted me to hold on as much as the Heybike Alpha. This sturdy, fat-tire, all-terrain e-bike is definitely worth its $1,699 price tag. The Alpha met all my expectations, including some I didn’t even know I had, such as its pedal assist, throttle, and manual shifter.
One of the standout features of the Alpha was its mid-drive motor with torque sensor, which provided a more natural riding feel. The battery life was also impressive, lasting seemingly forever. However, it’s not all perfect – I did have some complaints about the app, setup process, and oversized horn. Overall, though, this is an excellent all-around e-bike, suitable for both off-road adventures and city rides.
A concern worth mentioning is the potential impact of tariffs on the bike’s affordability. As a Chinese manufacturer, Heybike’s bikes are made in China, and tariffs could increase the cost for U.S. consumers.
An affordable mid-drive e-bike
The Alpha features Heybike’s in-house Galaxy eDrive system, which combines a 500W Mivice mid-drive motor with a 680Wh battery, resulting in a smooth ride. Most e-bikes I’ve tried have motors mounted in the wheel hub, but a mid-drive motor is a welcome change, providing a more natural feel.
Even at the highest level of pedal assist, the Alpha remains smooth and easy to control, making it feel like a traditional push bike. However, there are some downsides to the mid-drive motor, including the potential for damage if used incorrectly.
The throttle on the Alpha has some limitations, requiring the rider to pedal first and reach a speed of 5 miles per hour before it engages. While this may be a drawback for some, I found the pedal assist to be responsive enough to mitigate this issue.
The addition of a Shimano Altus 8-gear shifter was a welcome feature, allowing me to adjust the gear to suit the terrain and save on battery power. The Alpha handled hills with ease, thanks to the mid-drive motor, and the 105 Nm of torque provided ample power.
Long live the Alpha battery
The Alpha’s UL-certified battery provides up to 60 miles of range on a single charge, and I found it to be even more efficient in practice. After several rides, the battery life remained at 100%, thanks in part to the regenerative braking system, which provides power back to the battery when braking.
More notes on sturdiness
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