For those seeking an affordable entry into the world of e-MTB, the Himiway Zebra presents an intriguing option. This trail bike, designed with the beginner in mind, offers an all-weather ride, thanks to its robust kitted features. Although it comes at a low price, making it an attractive proposition for newcomers, the Zebra’s performance on longer trails and days reveals its shortcomings. Despite its full package for under $2,000, some might find the ride less enjoyable due to its suspicion of not completely meeting high expectations. Nevertheless, if you are a newbie rider looking for a budget-friendly option that manages basic trail needs without overwhelming you, this bike can be a viable choice. However, be prepared to avoid high-speed descents and technical trails where its limitations may become apparent.
Himiway Zebra Review
Price: $1,599
Peaks:
- Battery range
- Suitable for all conditions
- Comfortable ride
- Luggage rack
- Price
Troughs:
- Weight
- Forks
- Brakes
- Drivetrain
- Lack of maneuverability
Weight/Frame
When evaluating the Himiway Zebra, its aluminum frame immediately stands out. This bulky frame, constructed from 6061 aluminum, may feel monstrous to some riders, especially on technical trails where the weight can be a burden. The frame is designed to handle wide-open trails and forest roads, offering a comfortable riding position for beginner-friendly adventures.
However, its size can make labored climbs and awkward handling on tight trails a challenge. Despite the suspicion about its playfulness, the geometry provides stable riding, and the adjustable components, including the seat height, ensure a fit for riders ranging from 5ft to 6ft. The rear luggage rack is a useful addition for carrying heavy loads during weekend adventures or camping trips. Regular inspection confirms that while the Himiway Zebra offers a full package under $2,000, it does have some shortcomings that could impact its overall appeal.
Battery
The Himiway Zebra offers a huge battery with a substantial 960Wh capacity, featuring Samsung and LG technology, showcasing an admirable performance for long rides. This e-MTB is engineered to handle more than 120km on a single charge, making it a solid choice for long electrically assisted adventures. Despite its impressive range, the bulkiness of the battery can affect the bike’s nimbleness and overall pacy feel.
The charge time of approximately 6 to 7 hours means you’ll need to plan ahead to ensure you have enough juice for extended outings. While the battery contributes to the bulkiness and can sometimes impact the bike’s climbing capability, it compensates with its reliable range and strong punch for beginner riders tackling flatter trails. The pack offers a good balance of power and performance, though the downside is its weight and plodding nature on challenging routes.
Motor
The Himiway Zebra is equipped with a 750Wh motor that is designed to deliver a substantial punch with its 86Nm of torque. This powerful component aims to provide robust performance across a variety of terrain. However, the heavy and bulky size of the motor can make the bike feel cumbersome, especially on technical climbs or undulating terrain.
The custom model incorporates a half-turn throttle for power delivery, but this can sometimes result in an awkward and unnatural jerking sensation, which might be over-facing for beginner riders. Despite these challenges, the intelligent motor is designed to be manageable for manipulating power as needed, though its weight can occasionally be a downside.
Motor Display
When evaluating the Himiway Zebra, the motor display presents both strengths and weaknesses. The custom display on this heavy bike features 5 LED lights that offer rudimentary information. It uses 5 different bands to indicate battery life, but this setup can be a design trap that proves incredibly tricky for managing effort. With its bare basics, it may seem like a grinds gears approach to speed and wattage output.
Without a more advanced interface, users might find tracking kilometers traveled and assessing battery levels to be a bit not ideal. This rudimentary design might not fully meet the needs of those accustomed to more sophisticated displays, especially when venturing through the countryside where battery life management becomes crucial.
ℹ️ Be cautious with your assistance use on hazardous technical sections – the bike’s heavyweight, combined with its immense power, could lead to a nasty accident if you aren’t careful or don’t have the strength to cope with it.
Suspension
When considering the Himiway Zebra, the suspension system is crucial for evaluating its performance on diverse terrains. This e-MTB features a front fork suspension and a rear end designed to tackle various challenges. The 100mm travel on the forks is aimed at handling bumpy and technical riding with a plusher fork set-up, though the bulky weight can sometimes make the ride feel uncomfortable.
For descending and traversing gravel paths or forest road-style trails, the basic components might lack the sophistication of custom forks but still provide some relief. However, on more adventurous terrain, the force exerted on your arms and shoulders can be noticeable, especially on flat and technical terrain. The overall set-up may not fully cater to real descending or the most challenging trails, making it more suited for less demanding technical riding.
Wheels/Tires
The Himiway Zebra stands out with its custom 26-inch fat tires, designed to tackle a range of conditions from rain and snow to muddy bogs. These super wide 4-inch tires provide excellent balance and composed handling, making the Himiway bike capable of maintaining stability even in howling wind or boggy situations.
The wide tread ensures a confident ride across varied terrain, including slippery and uneven surfaces. Despite its heavyweight, the bike remains nimble and sporty, offering a solid grip and control that suits both casual and more demanding rides. The Himiway Zebra’s tires are built to handle the toughest conditions, ensuring that every journey is both secure and enjoyable.
Brakes
When assessing the Himiway Zebra, the brakes are a significant feature to consider. The bike comes with Tektro hydraulic brakes, known for their powerful and reliable performance. Despite their strength, they sometimes struggle with the 35kg weight of the bike. This pair of brakes is installed to manage the bike’s substantial load effectively.
Given the low-quality nature of the brakes, they might seem out of place for a powerful model in this price range. As someone who has tested various e-bikes, it’s clear that while the Tektro hydraulic brakes provide decent stopping power, their performance can be challenged by the heavy weight of the Himiway Zebra.
Drivetrain
When evaluating the Himiway Zebra, the drivetrain plays a crucial role, especially for those tackling challenging terrain. The Shimano system with 7 gears is designed to help manage the bike’s 35kg weight, but riders may struggle with inclines and steep climbs. This department of the bike can push some to their limits, particularly when corner cutting and handling hard climbs. The drivetrain is built to fit the bike’s design, yet it may not always keep up with the demands of every rider. Finding the right balance can be a lot of work and help might be needed to handle the bike effectively on tougher sections. This aspect of the bike often presents a struggle for those who need more than what the price suggests.
Price - $1,599
At a price of $1,599, the Himiway Zebra offers a range of plus points and some faults. With its heavy build and weight, the bike features chunky electrics and all-weather tires that cater well to technical terrain. Its components, including brakes and drivetrain, are designed to handle climbing and varied conditions, making it a solid choice for those navigating technical terrain. However, the user-friendly nature of the bike does not completely mask its faults. Despite these, the Himiway Zebra remains a strong contender in the electrics review for those looking for a robust, all-weather e-MTB option at a competitive price.
How Does it Compare?
The Himiway Zebra excels in steep terrain with its 120mm travel forks, whereas the Ride 1UP has 100mm forks, making it less suited for trickier terrain. The Tektro brakes and 11 gears on the Zebra provide better control compared to the 7 gears on the Ride 1UP. Both bikes are all-weather ready with fat tires and come with a rear luggage rack for carrying loads, but the Zebra’s suspension and improved gearing contribute to a fun to ride experience. Overall, each bike has its strengths, with the Himiway Zebra being a winner in terms of range and motor power, while the Ride 1UP offers a more user experience and playful ride.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the Himiway Zebra, it’s clear this budget trail bike presents both benefits and limitations. Its range and battery offer a strong performance, making it capable of handling heavy loads and long-distance adventures. Despite its fat tires and carrying capabilities, the bike struggles in challenging conditions like wet or snowy terrain. The fun factor might be diminished by its bulky beast design, which can be awkward on technical trails. While it provides a cheap option with a good price, the quality of the riding experience reflects its playful yet challenging nature. For those willing to accept these quirks, the Himiway Zebra offers an enjoyable ride and a solid spin on a budget bike.
