Himiway C5 Review 2024 | Dirt Bike Double-Take
Impressively cool looks, off-road capable, and smile-inducing fun for days!
In this Himiway C5 Ultra review, we’ll be looking at Himiway’s latest entry – a modern twist on the classic dirt bike look. Its chunky front suspension fork, BMX-style handlebars, and long saddle instantly caught our attention. The C5 Ultra even sports a fresh set of tires – a collaboration between Himiway and Kenda, dubbed the ‘Himiway X Kenda’ K5 Off-road. These certainly look the part and offer a comfortable ride on and off pavement.
However, while we appreciate the C5’s aesthetics and most of its ride qualities, Himiway’s choice of a torque sensor raises some questions. This sensor might not be the best fit for a bike that encourages throttle-focused riding and shorter leg-extension.
Of course, our opinions are just that – opinions. To back them up, we need hard data. Does the Himiway C5 Ultra deliver on its promise of off-road thrills, or is it just a pretty face? We subjected the C5 to rigorous testing, focusing on speed, braking, range, and especially its off-road capabilities. Tag along as we dive into this Himiway C5 Ultra review and explore all of its features!
- Serious full suspension with 147mm of travel up front and 47mm in the rear.
- Quick access to speed thanks to the 750W rear hub motor with its 86 Nm of torque.
- One of the best moto looking e-bikes we have tested to date.
- Off-road traction and getting over obstacles was a breeze which can be attributed to the “Himiway X Kenda” K5 off-road tires.
- A cup holder! Not usually seen in e-bikes, but a welcomed change for everyday practicality.
- 30 miles of tested range on throttle only, courtesy of the 960Wh battery.
- Nice braking performance from the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors.
- The torque sensor, while a great feature on many e-bikes, might not be fully utilized on the C5. A cadence sensor would be better (though most people will end up using mostly throttle anyway).
- The 5’ 3” to 6’ 4” height range has its limits: shorter riders may struggle with the height, we think a minimum height of 5’ 7” would be more accurate.
- Battery:48V, 960Wh
- Display: Full color LCD Display
- Motor: 750W Rear hub with torque sensor
- Headlight:LED
- Taillights:LED
- Pedal Assist: 5 Levels
- Claimed Range:80 miles
- Tested on Throttle Only:29.97
- Throttle:Thumb Throttle
- App:NO
- UL Certification:Both 2271 and 2849 UL Certified
- Claimed weight: 88 lbs
- Tested Weight: 81.7 lbs
- Rider height range: 5’ 3” to 6’ 4”
- Total payload capacity:330 lbs
- Brakes:Tektro E3520
- Fenders: Rear only – metal
- Fork: KKE Coil suspension with 147,mm of Travel double crowned moto-style
- Frame: Alloy
- Drivetrain: Shimano Altus 7-speed
- Grips: black rubber
- Saddle: moto-style elongated
- Handlebar: BMX – Moto style
- Kickstand: Rear Mounted
- Pedals: Flat black pedals
- Tires: Collab with Kenda named “Himiway x Kenda” K5 Moto tires
Himiway C5 Ultra Review: Speed Test
Does the Himiway C5 Ultra have the speed to match its off-road looks? Well, here at Electric bike Report, we aim to put the C5 to the test and find out! While it comes with a factory-set 20 mph limit, Himiway allows owners to unlock up to 28 mph. Even so, understanding the bike’s power delivery and speed capabilities across its 5 Pedal Assist (PAS) levels is crucial.
To get the data, we tested the C5 Ultra at every PAS level. Starting with PAS 0 (no assist), a casual pace yielded 8.5 mph. PAS levels 1 through 5 gradually increased the top speeds, reaching 11.2 mph, 13.2 mph, 14.7 mph, 16.8 mph, and finally 20.8 mph, respectively.
This test reveals relatively smooth power distribution across the PAS levels. While the acceleration isn’t exactly thrilling, it’s not sluggish either – a solid middle ground.
When it comes to unlocking the Himiway C5 Ultra for 28 mph speeds, Himiway does not post this information or even include it in the manuals, so, it’s up to us to reach out to the brand and get that process after purchase. Also, once you do get it unlocked, be sure to check with your local laws and e-bike regulations regarding class 3 e-bikes.
In our case, once we unlocked the bike to reach 28 mph after a few odd secret agent menu cheat codes, we hit the road to see what this puppy could really do. So, kicking off again in Unlocked PAS 1, we saw the C5 reach 10.2 mph, in PAS 2 we saw 12.3 mph, moving up to PAS 3 we reached 14.3 mph, in PAS 4 the bike reached 16.1mph, and finally in PAS 5 Unlocked mode we reached a top speed of 26.8 mph.
According to Himiway, in Unlocked mode, the bike should reach “about 28 mph”. So, why did we not reach that speed? Well, I believe it comes down largely to rider weight. I weigh about 180 lbs and had it been a 140 lb teenager, it likely would have reached closer to the target of 28 mph. Brands simply cant account for all variables out there, so it makes sense.
Now, let’s talk about that torque sensor. It’s designed to deliver power based on your pedaling effort, which sounds great in theory. However, the C5 Ultra’s design makes it hard to generate enough pedal pressure for the sensor to truly shine. A cadence sensor might be a better fit, providing full power whenever you need it, rather than after you’ve awkwardly ramped up the pressure.
Despite this, the Himiway C5 Ultra confidently tackled our speed test, proving it has the juice for everything from casual rides to more demanding challenges.
Himiway C5 Ultra Review: Range Test
Range anxiety? Forget it! With the Himiway C5 Ultra, you can leave those concerns behind. Our range test is designed to simulate real-world riding conditions, and for the C5 Ultra, that meant a throttle-focused ride that reflects its e-moped design.
The results were impressive. The C5 Ultra covered a distance of 29.97 miles in 1 hour and 42 minutes, maintaining a comfortable average speed of 17.7 mph despite tackling an elevation gain of 633 feet.
To put this in perspective, the average e-moped in our tests achieves a range of 30.93 miles on throttle use only. The C5 Ultra stands out from the crowd, making it a great choice for riders who prioritize long, throttle-heavy commutes or leisurely rides.
The raw data is important, but what does it mean for riders? The Shimano 7-speed drivetrain offers a good range of gears, allowing you to find the right cadence for your needs. There’s a minor caveat, though: you might experience some ghost pedaling at higher speeds exceeding 15 mph.
In essence, the Himiway C5 Ultra delivers on its promise of impressive range. You can cover substantial distances at a decent pace, making it a compelling option for riders who crave the freedom of long, throttle-focused adventures.
Himiway C5 Ultra Review: Hill Test
The results were encouraging. In throttle-only mode (no leg power whatsoever), the C5 Ultra conquered Hell Hole with an average speed of 12.2 mph and a time of 1 minute and 29 seconds. This places it squarely in the middle of the pack for its e-moped class – a respectable performance.
Next, we cranked up the pedal assist to PAS 5. Our tester Justin managed an average speed of 8.7 mph over 2 minutes and 4 seconds. This result wasn’t as impressive, and there’s a likely reason: the Himiway’s torque sensor. While torque sensors are usually a good thing, measuring your effort and adjusting power for efficiency, the moped-style design of the C5 makes it hard to generate the necessary pedal pressure for optimal performance.
So, what’s the bottom line? While a cadence sensor might have been a better choice for this bike, the C5 Ultra still has the potential to tackle tough climbs, even without relying heavily on pedal power. Its powerful 750W motor provided us with a solid foundation for climbing our challenging Southern Utah terrain.
Overall, the Himiway C5 Ultra proved it can handle hills, making it a worthy contender even for riders in areas with demanding landscapes.
Himiway C5 Ultra Review: Brake Test
So, how does the Himiway C5 Ultra perform in the braking department? The Himiway C5 Ultra needs brakes that can safely handle its performance. That’s where our EBR Brake Test comes in.
The Himiway C5 Ultra ships with a Tektro E3520 hydraulic disc brake set paired to 180mm rotors, front and back. While we never really know how a bike is going to perform prior to the test, we generally expect good things from this setup as we have enough data at this point to know it’s a solid choice for most applications.
The Himiway C5 delivered a strong performance across three test runs, with an average stopping distance of 19′ 1″. This places it among the top-performing e-mopeds we’ve tested, offering reliable and responsive braking.
We’re big fans of Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for their reliability and ease of maintenance. The C5’s braking system definitely delivers, and my own real-world experience riding the bike confirms this. You can feel confident in its ability to bring you to a safe, controlled stop.
Himiway C5 Ultra Review: Ride Quality
The C5 Ultra’s fit is less adjustable than standard bikes. Rather than an adjustable stem or seatpost, you’ll find your “sweet spot” by sliding along the elongated seat and tilting the BMX-style handlebars. LED lighting aids nighttime visibility, and the rear fender provides some mud protection (although a front fender would be a welcome addition).
The cockpit is well-equipped with a thumb throttle, PAS controls, and a full-color LCD display on the left, along with a Shimano shifter and bell on the right.
We appreciated the C5 Ultra’s ‘Himiway X Kenda’ K5 tires. They offer a smooth ride on pavement with minimal road noise and good grip when venturing off-road. The suspension system, featuring a KKE front fork and EXA rear shock, provides surprisingly plush suspension with decent travel, ensuring a comfortable ride across various terrains.
The 750W hub motor and 960Wh battery deliver ample power, although a cadence sensor might have offered smoother performance given the moto-style design. Finally, the integrated cupholder is a surprisingly convenient touch – it’s those little details that can make a big difference on long rides!
Himiway C5 Ultra Review: Summary / Where to Buy
However, as our testing revealed, there’s room for refinement to enhance the overall user experience. A cadence sensor would likely offer a more seamless riding experience, especially for taller riders who might struggle to generate the pedal pressure needed for optimal torque sensor performance. Additionally, while the design accommodates a broad height range, those on the extreme ends of the spectrum – very short or very tall riders – might find the fit less than ideal.
Despite these potential drawbacks, the Himiway C5 Ultra remains a compelling option for many riders. If a throttle-heavy riding style is your priority, and you fall within the bike’s comfortable height range, the C5 Ultra’s power, range, and fun factor make it a worthy investment. It’s a capable machine that encourages a sense of adventure and delivers the performance to match.
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 Himiway C5 Ultra down in our comments section.