An electric folding fat bike was a weird niche but somehow it has become a new trend this year. I tried my first fat-tire bike a few months ago and really loved it, however, it was very bulky and unfoldable. The Heybike Mars offers almost everything you could expect from a folding bike at an amazingly low price of less than $1,000.
Unboxing Video
Specifications & Features
| Weight | 66 lbs (30kg) |
| Battery weight | 9.35 lbs (4.24kg) |
| Folded Dimensions | 37 x 15 x 11 inches (94 x 38 x 29 cm) |
| Product Dimensions | 69 x 24 x 52 inches (176 x 61 x 133 cm) |
| Battery | 48V 12.5Ah lithium battery |
| Range | 48 miles (pedal assist) |
| Charging Time | 6-7 hours |
| Pedal Assistance | 3 levels |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano 7-speed |
| Tires | 20″ x 4″ Fat Tire, 20 PSI |
| Hub Motor | 500W brushless gear motor |
| Max Speed | 20 mph (32km/h) |
| Charger | 54.6V/2A |
| Fork | Front suspension fork with lockout |
| MAX Payload Capacity | 330 lbs |
| MAX Load for Rear Rack | 100 lbs |
| Accessories | electric horn, front & rear LED lights, fenders |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Rear Rack Size | 40.5×14.5(cm) |
| Recommended Height | 5’3″ – 6’3″ |
Product Images
Performance
The Heybike Mars is almost ready to use out of the box. Basically, I just take it out of the box, tighten a few parts, attach pedals, and fully charge the battery before the first ride. It is equipped with all essential accessories like front and rear lights, horn, fenders, and a rear rack. I really like the sturdy rear rack which can hold up to 100 lbs; Even my kid can sit on the back with no problem. The extra carriage option is helpful for anyone looking to use the bike for commuting or running errands. My only concern with the design is that the seat post is a little too short; Therefore, you shouldn’t adjust the seat too high to keep it sturdy.
Although the Mars features 20-inch tires like many other folding bikes on the market, this is the most comfortable folding bike I’ve ever used. It is even comfier than larger 26-inch bikes. Heybike achieves this by equipping the Mars with fat tires and front suspension fork. You probably don’t need the suspension when riding on paved roads but you will see the difference on rough surfaces. I often unlock the suspension when riding on uneven bike trails because it can isolate my bottom from the roughness of the road. Combining the suspension fork with fat tires, I am quite satisfied with smooth rides on terrains other e-bikes can’t get to. There are switches on top of the fork to engage and adjust the suspension, so you can always have the right amount of shock absorption.
The bike can be folded in half for easier storage and transportation. It is compact enough to fit in my car trunk without folding down the car’s back seats. And when I bring it inside, it doesn’t take up too much space. Having said that, the bike is still quite heavy at 66 lbs and I really had trouble carrying it up or down my narrow stairs. The folding and unfolding process is also not as fast because all parts are larger and heavier.
Powered by a 500W geared hub motor, the Mars has a max speed of 20mph and you can ride faster when pedaling with a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain. It has about 20- to 46-mile range, depending on the level of pedal assistance. There are 3 levels of pedal assistance and a full throttle mode. You can use the thumb throttle on the right handle to ride this bike without pedaling but the battery range will be decreased dramatically to just around 20 miles then. When running out of battery, you can keep pedaling to your destination; Just make sure it is a short distance because pedaling this bike can be more exhausting than on a normal bike.
The battery is removable and you can lock or unlock it using a provided key. You can remove the battery and recharge it anywhere or just leave it on the bike. There is a USB port so that you can use this battery to recharge your device as well.
The Mars is impressive in almost every aspect but it is still not a perfect bike. I don’t really like the pedal assistance because it gives me power boost at very low speed. Even when I set the pedal assistance at level 1, I am still surprised with the sudden speed boost. This is understandable because it uses a cadence sensor like other budget e-bikes on the market.
Conclusion
Pros
- Affordable price
- Compact design
- Extremely comfortable on all terrains
- Good battery range
Cons
- Heavy
- Difficult to control pedal assistance at low speed
The Heybike Mars is among the most affordable fat e-bikes on the market and I have no complaint after testing it for over a month. It is a bit heavy but it is the most comfortable folding bike I’ve used, therefore, we at BikeFolded highly recommend it.
Buy Heybike Mars Folding Fat-Tire E-Bike on Amazon
Disclosure: I might earn commission from qualifying purchases. We use the commission to maintain the website, buy new products and create content for free, so thank you!
I want to thank Parson for his help in my purchase of two Heybikes. He was courteous, knowledgeable, and responsive to my needs.
My wife and I love the way the bikes handle. They have plenty of pep and very reasonably priced. We are looking forward to many miles on our Heybikes.
Thanks again,
Carl and Nancy Bayne
Hey I have a heybike and my usb doesn’t seem to be working is there a brand or something you could suggest am I doing something wrong? Please advise
how can the folded dimensions of 37 x 15 x 11 be smaller than the 20″ wheel?