Heybike Hybrid Review | Laid-Back & Long Range

As I mentioned previously, Heybike advertises an impressive 100-mile range for the Hybrid. We tested this claim by riding the bike until its fully-charged battery was depleted.

While Heybike based its advertised mileage on riders using PAS 1, we opted for PAS 2, as we found the higher speed limit of this assist level to be more practical for most riders. We also tested the bike’s minimum range using its highest assist level. Our testers covered 39.5 miles in PAS 5, while our PAS 2 distance totaled 104.7 miles!

Not only do these results show that the Hybrid is capable of reaching Heybike’s advertised range, they also prove that, on average, the bike has greater range potential than its peers. Case in point: a group of similar cruiser/commuter e-bikes we tested averaged 34.8 and 69 miles in their high-power and low-power range tests, respectively.

Battery capacity seems to be the greatest factor influencing the Hybrid’s results, though energy efficiency played a role, too. For reference, it carries a 48V, 864 Wh battery, while other models average just 661 Wh of capacity—a 203 Wh difference.

By dividing the bike’s battery capacity in watt hours (Wh) by its mileage in both tests, we can determine how much energy its motor used per mile (Wh/mi). Other cruiser/commuter hybrids used 9.8 Wh/mi in their low-assist tests and 19.3 Wh/mi in their high-power tests, while the Heybike Hybrid used 8.25 and 21.9 Wh/mi, respectively.

Using slightly more power than many other models in its PAS 5 test, the Hybrid burned through charge faster, so its result exceeded its peers by a relatively small margin. It used less energy than average in its PAS 2 test, however, which allowed it to stretch its substantial capacity even further.

Note that we performed our testing using the Eco riding mode, with a limit of 20 mph; riders using Sport or a custom mode with the bike’s maximum speed set higher than 20 mph should expect less range.

Our range testing brought up one point of critique that we’ve noticed with some of Heybike’s other models, as well as the Hybrid. Whether referencing the bar-based battery charge indicator on the display or the percentage-based readout in the app, the bike’s charge level fluctuated depending on the motor’s energy use at a given time.

For the sake of user friendliness, we encourage Heybike to switch to a more stable and reliable readout for more accurate range estimation in the future.

In general, however, users who ride the Hybrid to work expeditiously will likely use one of its higher-power PAS levels, but even these folks should expect a couple of round trips with the bike’s ample power supply.

Those who use the bike for slower and more casual trips, be they for commuting or leisure, should get many rides before needing to recharge. As such, we consider the Hybrid to have performed exceptionally well, and it is ideally suited for daily use and long rides.

Heybike included a 3A charger, which should power up the 18 amp-hour (Ah) battery in roughly 6 hours.

The Heybike Hybrid performed well in our Hill Test, thanks to its powerful 750W rear hub motor. We tested it using the method explained above. The bike clocked a throttle time of 1:54 and an average speed of 15.9 mph. When our test rider, Justin, pedaled in PAS 5, his time and speed were 1:49 and 16.6 mph on average.

Similar cruiser/commuter hybrids, including many of the best cruisers we’ve tested, averaged 2:05 and 2:04 in their throttle and pedal tests, respectively. While the difference between the Hybrid’s throttle result and the category throttle average is within the margin of error for this test, its pedal test result proves that it is undoubtedly more capable than many of its competitors.

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. The Heybike Hybrid is around 7 lbs heavier than the average among similar e-bikes (72 lbs versus our comparison group’s 65 lbs), and therefore more difficult to push uphill.

The bike’s faster than average climbing times, then, make more sense when looking at the peak power of its motor. While the motors carried by similar models produced an average of 974W and 70 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque, the Hybrid’s motor produces up to 1200W and 75 Nm of torque. This extra power allowed it to overcome its additional weight and reach the top of our test hill faster than many similar models we’ve tested.

From my hands-on experience, I can say that the bike felt steady and capable when traveling uphill. Pedaling felt noticeably more speedy than when relying solely on the throttle, though both modes worked well.

Riders wanting the fastest travel on slopes should expect to contribute a modest amount of legwork, but the bike proved able to do all of the work for those who want an extremely easy experience.

The Heybike Hybrid’s average stopping distance in our Brake Test, as determined using the method above, was 19’ 9”. This result is over two feet shorter than average when compared to similar commuter and cruiser-style e-bikes we’ve tested, proving the Hybrid to be well-equipped for safe, confident braking.

An e-bike’s weight, tires, and brake system are three major factors that influence its result in this test. The Hybrid’s 27.5×2.4” tires and Tektro HD-E3520 hydraulic brake system are common for similar cruiser/commuter e-bikes.Considering that its weight of 72 lbs is heavier than average for its style, we expected the bike to have a longer average stopping distance.

The only obvious difference between the Hybrid and similar models that may have given it an edge is the thickness of its 180mm brake rotors. While many similar bikes we’ve tested used thinner 1.8mm rotors, the Hybrid’s 2.0mm-thick rotors take longer to heat up, which helps reduce fade and make braking more effective.

In fact, the effect of the bike’s thicker-than-average rotors was apparent in its test results. It’s not uncommon for us to observe many inches—sometimes feet—of difference between a bike’s three test results. The Hybrid’s stopping distances, on the other hand, differed by only 2 inches in total, making its performance both effective and consistent.

Based on my personal experience, I can say that these characteristics were noticeable by feel. In my testing, the Hybrid’s brakes felt strong, capable, and reliable without feeling too aggressive.

The bike scored remarkably well here, proving that small differences in specs can add up to major differences in performance.

The Hybrid felt solid in terms of its overall ride quality, with a clear focus on comfort, customization, and functionality. It does, however, have some room for improvement, with a few areas of critique that stood out.

First, in terms of sizing, the bike should be generally accommodating for most riders. Heybike offers the Hybrid in a single size advertised to fit those from 5’3” to 6’3”. As a 5’11” rider that is well within this recommended range, I found the bike comfortable, and I believe its pedal assist system is responsive enough that pedaling should still be comfortable for those above 6’3”.

Riders on the shorter end of the spectrum may be somewhat limited, however, since the bike’s saddle can only drop so far. An extra frame size would likely help to accommodate shorter riders, but in the meantime, those who are “vertically challenged” may need to consider the Heybike Venus as an alternative due to its lower recommended height range.

One feature that I greatly appreciated was the Hybrid’s adjustable stem, which allowed me to raise the handlebars and bring them a bit closer to me. This changed the riding position from a sporty, forward-leaning position to one that was more relaxed and upright—embracing the bike’s cruiser influence.

I found the Hybrid’s ride generally smooth and comfortable, thanks to the softness of its wide, cruiser-style spring saddle and 100mm suspension fork. Those who enjoy relaxed pedaling or who often rely on the throttle will likely enjoy the bike’s feel, but its saddle could impede more active pedaling to some degree. I’d personally be likely to swap to something narrower, but other riders may be fine with the stock saddle.

In terms of handling, the Hybrid felt planted and stable. It had a slightly more nimble feel than I expected for its weight, which I attribute to the bike’s curved Dutch-style handlebars. Steering felt predictable and crisp.

The Omega Series Hybrid is the first e-bike from Heybike that we’ve tested with the ability to switch between torque and cadence-sensing modes. The former offers an engaging feel with power that responds to the rider’s effort level. The latter mode’s steady power output makes it better for climbing hills or moving a heavy load of cargo. In both cases, I found the motor engagement to be quick and strong without feeling punchy or overpowered.

I felt the bike was well-equipped for daily use. It comes outfitted with commuter-friendly essentials, such as integrated lights (including brake lights and turn signals), fenders, a cargo rack with a 66lb capacity, an electronic horn, and a throttle. Riders can also choose to add an optional suspension seatpost for even more comfort.

I’d say that the Hybrid’s cockpit felt a bit busy with its relatively large control modules, but after some tweaking, I was able to get everything within easy reach of the supportive rubber grips. The user interface had a small learning curve, but overall, the bike’s operation was intuitive and relatively straightforward.

The Heybike app is worth diving into in more detail. In addition to changing Classes, riding modes, and the speeds of individual assist levels, the app also offers ride tracking features, access to a social-media-like platform shared with other Heybike riders, and navigation in concert with either Apple or Google maps. As e-bike apps go, it’s one of the more robust that we’ve tested, offering a range of useful customization options and ride tools.

Ultimately, the Hybrid checked the boxes we look for in ride quality. The bike felt comfortable, sturdy, and well-put together. It’s flexible and customizable for riders of different styles, it’s thoughtfully equipped with practical features, and it generally offers solid value for its price.

When asked what characteristics will define the Omega Series, our contact at Heybike shared that e-bikes in this line will “deliver long-range performance alongside a premium, comfort-focused riding experience.” Our testing showed that range and comfort were two of the bike’s biggest strengths, but they’re not the only areas where the Hybrid succeeds.

Based on the tests above, we can confidently say that the Hybrid has well-balanced default programming that provides meaningful differences between each of its assist levels. It also has ample power for climbing hills and brakes that stop it safely and effectively.

Additionally, the bike feels both capable and controlled, making it friendly for new riders. It’s highly customizable, allowing it to be tailored to a variety of riding styles and uses. It’s also well-equipped with a set of solidly-performing components, useful features, and beneficial accessories.

In terms of areas for improvement, we found only a handful of relatively minor points to address, with the bike’s fluctuating battery readout and single frame size at the forefront. See the range test and ride quality sections above for more details, but in general, we don’t consider either point to be a dealbreaker.

Overall, the Hybrid is a solid offering that blends the defining features of cruiser and commuter-style e-bikes effectively. It would likely make a value-forward choice for long-distance daily travel, a controlled and easy-pedaling leisure bike, or a capable, energy-efficient errand-runner.

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 Heybike Omega Series Hybrid down in our comments section.