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The Heybike Sola is an agile and versatile ebike designed for urban commuters. With its impressive specifications and affordable price tag, it offers a compelling option for those seeking an efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Torque sensors are becoming more common in city ebikes, like the Velotric Thunder, but few are as affordable and powerful as the Sola.
In this article, we will explore the key features and performance of the Heybike Sola, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement. Let’s explore why the HeyBike Sola could be the perfect choice for those seeking a cycling-focused ebike without breaking the bank.
Specification of the Sola
Price: $1,099.00
Hub Motor: 500W rear hub motor
Battery: 48V/12Ah
Range: 45 Miles (Pedal Assist)
PAS Sensor Type: Torque
Charger: 48V/2A
MAX Payload Capacity: 264-300 lbs
Charging Time: 5-6 Hours
Tires: 27.5″ x 2.1”
Max Speed: 20 mph
Bike Mode: Pedal Assist mode (PAS 1-5), Throttle Mode (PAS 0), Bike Mode
Bike Weight: 50.71 lbs
Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
EBike Class: Class 2
IP Level: IPX4
Product Dimensions: 70.9×24.4×43.3(inch)
Package Dimensions: 53.1×8.7×27.6（inch）
Recommended height: 5’4”-6’5”
Min. Inseam Length: 32.3
First Impressions on the HeyBike Sola
Design and Components
The Heybike Sola showcases an appealing design available in three colors: green, black, and white. Priced at $1099, this city bike packs several noteworthy specifications. Its sleek appearance is complemented by thoughtful design elements, such as four bright center beams for increased visibility and a small light on the seat that can be adjusted to different modes. The bike features mechanical brakes, a right thumb throttle, and a Shimano thumb shifter. While the bike does not come with a rack or fenders, it includes several extras like an adjustable stem which is not commonly found in this price range. It also comes with a horn, enhancing its value proposition.
Comfort and Convenience
The Heybike Sola prioritizes rider comfort with its well-designed features. The inclusion of faux leather grips, adds a touch of luxury to the handlebars, while the LCD display provides a clear and comprehensive view of essential ride information. The display shows speed, pedal assist level, power output, and battery voltage. Additionally, the Heybike Sola integrates with a dedicated mobile app, allowing riders to access additional functionalities such as automatic bike activation when nearby, route tracking, and battery life monitoring. The app integration further enhances the convenience and user experience of the Heybike Sola.
Heybike Sola Motor and Battery
Equipped with a 500W rear hub motor, the Heybike Sola delivers a powerful performance suitable for city commuting. The presence of a torque sensor, a feature typically found in more expensive ebikes, sets the Heybike Sola apart from its competitors. The torque sensor ensures a responsive and natural ride experience, minimizing latency and providing seamless transitions between pedal assist levels. The removable 48V/15Ah battery, which can be locked and unlocked with a key, offers ample capacity for extended rides.
Test Ride and Performance of the Sola Ebike
During our test ride, we immediately appreciated the Sola’s lightweight design and its torque sensor feature. As enthusiasts of torque sensor ebikes, we found the Sola to deliver a more natural cycling experience, offering seamless transitions between pedal assist levels without any jerkiness. The torque sensor allowed us to control the bike’s speed effortlessly, accelerating smoothly with increased pedal pressure. The Sola’s 2.1-inch wide tires contributed to its stability and comfort, even on uneven terrain and inclines.
Moreover, we noted the Sola’s commendable performance on hills, which can be attributed to its powerful motor. While officially rated at 500 watts, the motor exhibited peak outputs of around 700-750 watts. The 48-volt 15-amp hour battery capacity matched or surpassed that of most comparable ebikes in this weight category.
What We Liked about the Heybike Sola
Aside from the impressive torque sensor, another impressive feature of the Sola is its lightweight design, weighing just 50 pounds. It makes the bike easier to handle and maneuver, especially in crowded urban environments. The bike’s approachability is enhanced, appealing to a wide range of riders.
Next, the HeyBike Sola also comes with a decent battery capacity of 48 volts and 15 amp-hours. This capacity is on par with, if not larger than, many other ebikes in its weight class, ensuring you can confidently cover longer distances without worrying about running out of power.
The 2.1-inch wide tires on the Heybike Sola are another feature worth highlighting. These tires provide stability and enhance the overall comfort of the ride, making it a suitable choice for urban roads and even some uneven surfaces. The wider tires contribute to a more confident and enjoyable riding experience.
What We Didn’t Love about the Heybike Sola
As with any ebike, there are a few downsides to consider. One notable drawback is that the bike comes with low-end brake pads, which could benefit from an upgrade for improved stopping power and safety. Upgrading to better brake pads would enhance the stopping power and instill greater confidence during braking maneuvers.
The handlebars on the Heybike Sola felt a little short in our test rides and for larger riders this could be cause for concern. The faux leather-like grips are great but the handlebars themselves would need to be longer for riders that prefer a more upright ride. Riders may want to consider modifying or replacing them to suit their personal preferences.
And last, the rear light placement is a bit inconvenient and potentially vulnerable to damage. Positioned under the saddle, it may not be the most practical or protected location. An integrated backlight would have been a more desirable feature.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Heybike Sola offers several appealing features, particularly for those seeking a lightweight and affordable city commuter ebike. The torque sensor stands out as a major advantage, providing a more natural cycling experience. Its lightweight design and wide tires add to its appeal. However, the lack of suspension, low-end brake pads, uncomfortable handlebars, and rear light placement are areas where improvements could be made.
Despite these drawbacks, the Heybike Sola remains a strong contender due to its affordability, torque sensor, lightweight design, and powerful motor. If you value a true cycling feel, value for money, and a lightweight, city-friendly ebike, the Heybike Sola is definitely worth considering.
Stated Minimum Inseam Length at 32.3” seems odd if the bike supposedly accommodates 5’3” inch riders. (I’m 5’6” with a 30” inseam.)
No stated Torque rating I could find in Nm on the motor.