I’ve had the chance to test numerous e-bikes over the years, but I must say, Heybike’s new Alpha has truly caught my attention—and made me seriously consider hanging onto it. Priced at $1,699, this rugged, fat-tire, all-terrain e-bike offers impressive features that ticked nearly every box on my wish list.
What makes the Alpha stand out? For starters, it combines pedal assist, a throttle, and a manual shifter, creating a riding experience that’s surprisingly natural and versatile. The mid-drive motor, equipped with a torque sensor, delivers a smooth, intuitive ride, making you feel more connected to the bike. Plus, the battery life seemed almost endless during my testing, which is a major plus whether you’re commuting around the city or exploring off-road trails.
Of course, no bike is perfect. I encountered a few hiccups with the app, the initial setup process, and the surprisingly loud horn. Still, overall, the Alpha proves to be an excellent all-around e-bike—ideal for everything from urban errands to weekend adventures.
A Game-Changer in Affordable Mid-Drive E-Bikes
The Alpha is the first model from Heybike to feature its in-house Galaxy eDrive system. This setup combines a 500W Mivice mid-drive motor with a hefty 680Wh battery, ensuring a smooth and powerful ride. Unlike most e-bikes that have hub motors, the mid-drive positions the motor near the pedals, providing better performance, especially on hills.
If you’re someone who prefers a mid-drive over a hub motor, and you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Alpha is a fantastic choice. You won’t need to build your own conversion kit—this bike is ready to go out of the box. Even at the highest pedal assist level, acceleration remains smooth and controlled, giving you a ride that feels natural rather than jerky.
However, if you’re someone who loves to rely heavily on the throttle for quick starts and bursts of speed, the Alpha might not be your best fit. Heybike recommends against using the throttle alone at the start of rides to prevent motor damage. You need to pedal first and reach at least 5 mph before the throttle engages. When you do use it, top speeds are capped at 20 mph, though pedaling can push you up to 28 mph.
In my experience, the throttle constraints were manageable. There were moments during busy city rides where I wished for a more responsive throttle, but overall, pedal assist responded quickly, and with 105 N·m of torque, the bike handled hills effortlessly. The Shimano Altus 8-gear shifter complemented the motor’s power, allowing me to shift gears smoothly—whether climbing or cruising—helping conserve battery life.
Battery Performance and Range
The Alpha boasts UL-certified batteries capable of delivering up to 60 miles on a single charge. During my rides—covering approximately 22 miles over city streets and hills—the battery indicator remained at full capacity on the LCD display. Thanks to the Galaxy eDrive’s regenerative braking system, which feeds power back into the battery when I slowed down, I experienced even greater efficiency. Heybike claims this system adds over 8% to the total range compared to similar capacity batteries.
Built for Durability and Utility
The Alpha’s sturdy build is evident in its features. It comes with a bright front light and a durable rear rack—perfect for groceries or delivery gear. With a payload capacity of 400 pounds, it’s well-suited for carrying heavy loads, and the aluminum alloy frame keeps it manageable at around 71 pounds. The fat 26-inch tires, measuring 4 inches wide, are excellent at absorbing shocks from rough terrain, potholes, and uneven city streets. The hydraulic front fork suspension adds to riding comfort, making it easy to hop onto sidewalks or navigate bumpy roads.
Setup, Quality, and Quirks
That said, setting up the Alpha isn’t a quick task. Delivery required some assembly, and I found myself referencing a QR-code manual that wasn’t very detailed. If you’re not comfortable assembling bikes, you might want to have a professional help. I also struggled with removing the battery cover—the latch seemed misaligned, and I had to jimmy it open, which was frustrating. After a few rides, the cover started popping off mid-ride, prompting me to tape it in place for safety.
The horn was another surprise—loud enough to startle pedestrians and riders alike. While I wouldn’t recommend using it frequently, it’s effective if you need to get someone’s attention quickly. The app, meanwhile, has limited functionality: it can turn the bike off and control the front light, but it can’t turn the bike on or offer live tracking and anti-theft features. The available color options are basic—white for step-through frames and black for step-over models.
Final Thoughts: A Solid Choice for Handy Riders
Overall, the Heybike Alpha offers impressive value for its price. Typically, similar bikes with these specs cost between $2,000 and $4,500, making the Alpha a compelling option. While the battery cover issues raised some red flags about build quality, the ride itself was smooth, powerful, and versatile. For those willing to do a bit of assembly and minor troubleshooting, the Alpha is an excellent, budget-friendly mid-drive e-bike that performs well in urban environments and beyond.
