Murf Higgs Step-Thru Review, 2024

Another question we ask when testing new e-bikes is, “How far will the bike go on and how long does the battery last?” To answer that question, we do two Range Tests. The chart above details the results from both of our PAS Range Tests.

In the first test we want to know how far the bike will go using the minimum PAS level that’s acceptable on our course, which includes hills. Using PAS 2 on our minimum PAS test, the Murf Higgs took our test rider, Josh, on quite the long ride. He was able to go 68.1 miles before the battery gave out. This surprised us because Murf advertises that this bike has a 50-mile range. This was also better than about 80% of the bike’s we tested that use a 500W motor and similar size battery.

The second Range Test has us using the highest PAS level to help us determine how far the bike can go at top speed the entire time. Riding in PAS 5 the whole time, our test rider Brenden took this bike 34.2 miles, in a time of 1:55, and an average speed of 19.3 mph. This result was better than about 70% of the bikes we’ve tested that use the same size motor and similar size battery. In both tests, the Higgs ST was above average.

The 52V, 15Ah battery uses Samsung cells. Both the battery and motor worked well in delivering better-than-expected results on our range tests.

After showing us it can definitely take us down the ride in quick fashion, the bike also showed us it can stop us safely. The Murf Higgs’ average stopping distance of 19’11” was also better than we had expected. E-bikes of similar weight that rode on similar 20-inch fat tires usually took a little longer to stop, by as much as one to three feet difference.

The Murf Higgs uses Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, with a rotor diameter of 180mm, and dual piston calipers. This brake system is popular and found on many other e-bikes we test. So, why did this bike stop better than the others? There are a lot of factors to consider, but in considering the question, “can this bike stop safely?” We can rest assured saying the Murf team sent us a bike with brakes that do a great job stopping our Higgs ST.

Another question we ask when doing our performance tests is, “how well does this bike do on the hills?” We do our test at one of the steepest bike hills around – Southwest Utah’s notorious “Hell Hole Trail.” It’s one-third a mile long, and has an average grade of 12 percent.

We do two Hill Tests for determining an e-bikes climbing ability. The first test involves using the throttle only and no pedaling. This tells us what kind of raw power the motor can deliver when you need to climb a hill and cannot pedal.

On the throttle-only test, the Higgs Step-Thru reached the top in a time of 1:15, and an average speed of 14.5 mph. That was a great result overall, and we weren’t surprised after seeing how well the bike excelled in our other tests.

In our second hill test, we use the highest pedal assist level, in this case PAS 5, and do only basic pedaling to engage the motor and take us up the hill. Justin tests almost all of our bikes on this test, giving our results continuity, and he got the Higgs to top at a time of 1:08 and an average speed of 16.0 mph. Again, another great result, but not surprising.

The Higgs ST’s motor produces 750W maximum power and 85 Nm torque, giving it the power it needs to reach the top of Hell Hole Trail as quickly as it did. Looking at the results of other bikes with 48-volt systems, it appears the Murf Higgs’ 52-volt system gave it an advantage over the others when climbing hills. And that’s something most riders will appreciate when they hop aboard this bike.

The Ride Quality Test is where we answer the question, “ what does this bike feel like when riding?” This can be helpful in giving you more accurate expectations when you hop on this bike and take it for a ride. We consider the following main points when evaluating the bike’s ride quality: riding position, handlebar and adjustments, suspension and seat, tires, and motor engagement.

As a utility bike, the Higgs gives the rider an upright position. Taller riders will feel closer to the handlebar than shorter riders, giving them a shorter reach and less distance between their knees and the handlebar.

The BMX style handlebar has a 9-inch rise and provides a comfortable height for relaxing my arms when riding. The reach is 16 inches. There’s no stem for adjusting the reach and height, but you can loosen the handlebar clamp and pivot the handlebar forward or back to give some reach flexibility. Riding in the heat with sweaty palms, my hands slipped often on the faux leather grips, meaning, personally, I would replace them with rubber grips if I was keeping this bike. Fair weather riders will not have the issue and might dig the look though.

Since the Higgs rides on a rigid fork, there’s no suspension to counteract against the bumps and potholes you ride over. Instead, this bike uses the 20”x4” Kenda Krusade all-terrain tires to help absorb the bumps – that is, if you adjust the tire PSI correctly to compensate. The tires gave me sufficient control and handling on flat dirt roads as well as on pavement.

Overall, our team was impressed with the Higgs Step-Thru’s ride quality and performance. We are starting to see more e-bike with 52-volt systems, and they have more fun, punchy performance compared to 36-volt and 48-volt e-bikes. This system sets the Murf Higgs apart from other e-bikes, and likely helps explain why they are priced higher than comparable bikes using lower voltage systems.

The short-sitting frame design will definitely satisfy shorter riders who don’t want to ride a bike that makes them feel like a child – the Murf Higgs is no kids bike! Not only does this bike have grown up top speed and acceleration, but it’s also designed to accommodate taller riders who don’t mind a more compact feel.

We wouldn’t mind a larger chainring, or maybe even a 7-speed cassette so the pedals don’t feel as spiny in higher speeds. The comfort is solid enough for paved areas, but an optional suspension fork could open up more off-road capabilities.

But while every bike we review usually has a few things we could add, the ample power from the motor, and the long range from the battery are rewarding enough to compensate for those shortcomings. I can see how this bike is popular in the beach community, carrying surfboards and beach party goodies. This bike is good at carrying folks who are aiming to have fun in the water and on the sand, while also providing a ride that’s fun as well. I can also see how this bike whets the appetite of riders looking for an e-bike that simplifies their ride, including making pedaling optional.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions for the Electric Bike Report team down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Murf Higgs ST.