Heybike has unveiled its latest addition to the electric bike market—the Alpha—and it’s quickly making waves as an affordable yet feature-rich, all-terrain e-bike at an attractive price point of $1,699. Having tested a wide array of e-bikes, the Alpha immediately stood out as an exceptionally balanced ride, one that delivers far beyond expectations for its modest cost.
At the heart of the Alpha is Heybike’s proprietary Galaxy eDrive system, featuring a powerful 500W Mivice mid-drive motor and a robust 680Wh battery pack. Unlike simpler hub-motor designs typical at this price point, mid-drive motors offer a smoother and more intuitive experience, allowing riders to enjoy a ride closely resembling that of a traditional pedal bicycle.
During rides, the Alpha’s torque-sensing pedal assist delivered fluid and responsive power distribution—there was no jerkiness or unnatural acceleration. Although the bike includes a throttle as well, it’s not designed for continuous use at low speeds; riders must reach around 5 mph pedaling before the throttle activates, and even then, it maxes out at 20 mph. Pedaling, however, pushes the e-bike up to 28 mph comfortably, making urban commutes and rural trails alike easy to manage.
Equipped with a Shimano Altus 8-speed manual shifter, the Alpha allows riders to effortlessly adjust gearing according to terrain, which proved particularly helpful during uphill climbs—one area where this bike really shines. Even using the lowest pedal assist level, the ample torque—105 N·m—provides remarkable climbing power, supporting extended battery life on all types of terrain.
Battery longevity is another standout feature. The Alpha’s battery is UL-certified and promises up to 60 miles on a single charge, although real-world tests suggest it could potentially exceed this mark. During several rides totaling approximately 22 miles of mixed terrain and elevation, the battery indicator remarkably maintained a full charge, aided perhaps by a regenerative braking function within the Galaxy eDrive system that Heybike claims adds around 8% additional range compared to similarly sized batteries.
Constructed with durability and versatility in mind, the Alpha includes fat tires measuring 26 x 4 inches, perfect for uneven city streets, gravel paths, or woodland trails. The supportive hydraulic front fork suspension absorbs the impact of potholes and bumps superbly, creating a notably comfortable ride. Additionally, the sturdy aluminum alloy frame keeps the bike’s weight manageable at around 71 pounds, despite its size. The included rear rack proved practical and robust, easily accommodating heavy grocery runs and potentially serving well in a cargo or delivery role thanks to an impressive 400-pound payload capacity.
However, the bike wasn’t without its hiccups. Assembly out-of-the-box was tricky, demanding meticulous attention to detail and potentially confusion-inducing instructions. Novices to bike assembly may need expert help to avoid mistakes—as happened in initial testing. Issues also arose regarding the battery cover installed on the down tube, which repeatedly loosened mid-ride, suggesting potential build-quality concerns. Moreover, users expecting a highly intuitive smartphone app experience will likely be disappointed; the accompanying app doesn’t provide sufficient functionality such as anti-theft tracking or alarms, and even basic actions—like starting the e-bike—require manual input on the bike itself beforehand.
Another notably mixed feature is the electronic horn. While certainly effective as an attention-grabbing warning device, it’s almost excessively loud—making it impractical for courteous city riding, though helpful when dealing with careless vehicle drivers encroaching on bike lanes. Compatibility options are minimal as well, with frame color choices limited strictly by the type of frame desired—white for step-through and black for step-over only.
Pricing is currently attractive, though there are uncertainties regarding future affordability. Produced by Heybike in China, bikes like the Alpha may become less accessible to U.S. consumers over time, considering ongoing tariff implications.
All things considered, the Alpha offers excellent overall performance, impressive comfort, and ideal all-terrain versatility at a price often reserved for less capable setups. While minor build-quality and component concerns must be taken into consideration, the Heybike Alpha stands out as a genuinely appealing option for those seeking mid-drive motor performance on a budget.