HeyBike Mars 3.0 First Look | Folding Goes Full-Suspension

HeyBike’s Mars 3.0 is equipped with the Galaxy eDrive System, which it says was developed in-house. It packs 750W nominal and 1,400W of peak power, and 95Nm of torque. The addition of a torque sensor allows the motor to respond naturally, where pushing harder on the pedals yields more power. Riders can configure the bike as Class 2 or Class 3, with the ability to unlock speeds exceeding 31 mph, where permitted.

The Mars 3.0 now features true full suspension, including a 50mm coil fork and rear air shock, which is a major upgrade from the previous model’s springy suspension seatpost. This change, along with the relocation of the battery from behind the seatpost to the downtube, necessitated a complete frame redesign. The new setup is not only cleaner and more modern but should also improve weight distribution and handling.

Other mechanical upgrades include a Shimano 8-speed Altus drivetrain with a rapid-fire trigger shifter, replacing the 7-speed Tourney. The color display is also new and offers multiple security options: unlock via an NFC key card, a PIN code, or the HeyBike app.

While many folding e-bikes have downsized to 3-inch tires, the Mars 3.0 sticks with its knobby 20×4” fat tires for off-road capability. Practical touches return as well, including integrated lights (now with turn signals), full fenders, a rear rack, and a horn.

I’ve only logged one ride so far on the Mars 3.0 so far, but a few things were immediately clear:

Powerful Motor: This bike means business. Acceleration is brisk, and it maintains speed surprisingly well on inclines.

Torque Sensor Feel: The new torque-sensing system reminds me of the Lectric XP 4, delivering gentle assistance so long as I’m pedaling and then ramping up power when I push harder. That said, it’s a touch less refined out of the box. I needed a higher cadence to really get speed going into the 20’s. It could be the programming, or maybe just the gearing. Either way, I suspect more ride time will help me find the bike’s sweet spot.

Suspension Performance: I’ll admit I was skeptical that a folding, full-suspension bike would feel soft or “mushy,” but the Mars 3.0 handled small bumps well without bottoming out, and I felt nicely supported. I’m curious to see how it performs on rougher terrain.

Handling and Comfort: Although I haven’t ridden many folding e-bikes with full suspension, this one still had a similar feel. It has the usual trademarks of other folders with a slightly longer reach and a narrower handlebar, so turning is quick, but it gives handling a fun and playful side.

We will, of course, be gathering data so we can report back on range, braking distance, and hill-climbing ability from standard tests. In addition to gathering those data points, here are all the non-quantifiable questions I’m eager to get answered:

• How will it handle off-road? With 4-inch fat tires, full suspension, and a folding frame that always attracts the RV crowd, I’m eager to see its dirt performance.
• Is the app worth using? Some e-bike apps feel like gimmicks, while others are genuinely useful. Where will HeyBike’s land?
• Will the frame and suspension inspire long-term confidence? First impressions are promising, but time and further testing will reveal the true picture.

Have questions of your own about the HeyBike Mars 3.0? Drop them in the comments—we’ll make sure to explore them as we put this folding fat-tire e-bike through its paces.