From Zero to 28mph Thrills: Our Real-World Ride Review of the Heybike Race Max Ebike

1.2K

Picture this: you’re gliding through city streets or tackling a hilly trail, the wind in your face, and a quiet hum of power propelling you forward with ease. That’s the experience the Heybike Race Max Electric Bike promises—a blend of style, performance, and affordability that’s hard to ignore. Launched in 2022 by Heybike, a company carving out a reputation for budget-friendly yet feature-packed e-bikes, the Race Max is designed for commuters, casual riders, and adventure enthusiasts alike. With its sleek mountain bike aesthetic and a 750W peak motor, this e-bike delivers a punchy ride that feels both accessible and exhilarating.

So, what exactly is the Heybike Race Max? It’s a Class 2 electric mountain bike with a 500W brushless motor (peaking at 750W) and a 48V, 12.5Ah removable battery, offering up to 40 miles of range in pedal-assist mode. It features 27.5-inch puncture-resistant tires, a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, and a front suspension fork to smooth out bumps. Since its debut, Heybike has made minor tweaks to the Race Max, like improving the LCD display for better readability, but the core design remains a solid choice for those seeking a versatile e-bike without a premium price tag.

Heybike, the brand behind the Race Max, is known for producing affordable e-bikes that don’t skimp on quality. Founded with a mission to make electric biking accessible, they’ve built a lineup that caters to urban commuters and off-road explorers alike. The Race Max stands out as one of their flagship models, combining a lightweight frame (58.4 lbs with battery) with practical features like dual lights and a user-friendly interface. Whether you’re new to e-bikes or a seasoned rider, this bike aims to deliver a reliable and fun experience.

Is the Heybike Race Max for You?

The Heybike Race Max solves a common problem: finding an e-bike that balances power, range, and affordability without feeling like a compromise. It’s ideal for urban commuters who need a reliable ride to work, weekend adventurers tackling light trails, or anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint with a green alternative to driving. With a top speed of 28 mph (unlocked) and a range of 30-40 miles, it’s versatile enough for daily errands or longer recreational rides.

This bike is perfect for adults between 5’3” and 6’3” who want a bike that looks and rides like a traditional mountain bike but with electric assistance. It’s not suited for extreme downhill mountain biking or riders seeking high-end components like hydraulic brakes or a torque sensor. Budget-wise, the Race Max falls in the middle range—more expensive than bare-bones e-bikes but far cheaper than premium models from brands like Trek or Specialized. It’s beginner-friendly, thanks to its intuitive controls and straightforward assembly, though first-time e-bike owners might need a bit of patience to get the hang of its pedal-assist settings.

What We Like About the Heybike Race Max

The Heybike Race Max shines in several areas that make it a standout in its price category. The 500W motor (with a 750W peak) delivers impressive power, making short work of hills and providing a smooth, responsive ride whether you’re using the throttle or pedal-assist mode. The 27.5-inch puncture-resistant tires paired with the front suspension fork offer a comfortable ride, absorbing shocks from uneven pavement or gravel paths. The 7-speed Shimano drivetrain allows for precise gear shifts, giving riders flexibility to tackle varied terrains without relying solely on the motor. The large LCD display is another highlight, clearly showing speed, battery life, and assist level, even in bright sunlight.

Safety features are a big plus, too. Dual lights with a brake-activated rear light enhance visibility during night rides, and the mechanical disc brakes with motor inhibitors provide reliable stopping power. The bike’s lightweight frame—compared to chunkier fat-tire e-bikes—makes it easier to maneuver, especially in urban settings. Assembly is relatively straightforward, with most users reporting a setup time of under an hour, and the hidden wiring gives the bike a clean, polished look. For a mid-range e-bike, the Race Max packs a lot of value, delivering performance that rivals pricier competitors.

What We Don’t Like About the Heybike Race Max

No bike is flawless, and the Race Max has its share of shortcomings. The saddle, while padded, feels uncomfortable for longer rides, often requiring an aftermarket upgrade for serious commuters. The mechanical disc brakes, while adequate, wear out faster than hydraulic options and can be noisy, especially after heavy use. Some users report a slight delay in motor engagement when restarting after a slowdown, which can be jarring in stop-and-go traffic. The kickstand feels flimsy and struggles to hold the bike’s weight on uneven ground, a minor but annoying oversight.

Assembly, though manageable, isn’t as seamless as advertised. The manual lacks clarity, and some components, like the front wheel, can be tricky to install without prior bike-building experience. The bike’s 58.4-pound weight, while lighter than many e-bikes, still makes it cumbersome to carry upstairs or mount on a bike rack. Lastly, customer service experiences vary—while some praise Heybike’s responsiveness, others report slow or unhelpful replies, particularly for technical issues. These drawbacks don’t ruin the experience, but they’re worth considering for potential buyers.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Powerful 750W peak motor for hills and speed	Saddle uncomfortable for long rides
Puncture-resistant 27.5” tires for durability	Mechanical brakes wear quickly and can squeak
Lightweight frame for an e-bike (58.4 lbs)	Slight motor delay after slowing down
Clear, readable LCD display	Flimsy kickstand struggles on uneven surfaces
Easy assembly for most users	Assembly manual lacks clear instructions
Dual lights with brake activation for safety

What’s Included?

• Heybike Race Max Electric Bike frame
• 48V, 12.5Ah (600Wh) removable lithium-ion battery
• Battery charger (54.6V, 2A output)
• Front and rear mechanical disc brakes
• 27.5” wheels with puncture-resistant tires
• Front suspension fork
• Shimano 7-speed drivetrain
• LCD display with control pad
• Dual lights (headlight and brake-activated rear light)
• Pedals (plastic, platform-style)
• Kickstand
• Assembly tools (Allen wrenches, screwdriver, wrench)
• User manual

The package is comprehensive, including everything needed to get riding right out of the box. The inclusion of assembly tools is a nice touch, though a more detailed manual would help. The battery’s lockable design and built-in charge indicator add practicality, and the dual lights are a thoughtful safety feature. However, the absence of fenders is a notable omission, especially for commuters riding in wet conditions. A rear rack would also be a welcome addition for carrying bags or groceries, but these can be purchased separately. Overall, the package feels well-rounded for the price, with no major gaps.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Motor	500W brushless (750W peak), rear hub
Battery	48V, 12.5Ah (600Wh), removable lithium-ion
Range	30-40 miles (pedal-assist), 23-25 miles (throttle)
Top Speed	22 mph (stock), 28 mph (unlocked)
Weight	58.4 lbs (26.5 kg) with battery
Max Load	264 lbs (120 kg)
Tires	27.5” x 1.95”, puncture-resistant
Brakes	Mechanical disc brakes, 160mm rotors
Drivetrain	Shimano 7-speed
Suspension	Front fork, 70mm travel
Charge Time	6-7 hours
Frame	Aluminum
Display	LCD, monochrome

Features

• 750W Peak Motor: Delivers strong acceleration and hill-climbing ability.
• 600Wh Removable Battery: Offers 30-40 miles of range, with a lockable design for security.
• 27.5” Puncture-Resistant Tires: Durable for urban and light off-road use.
• Shimano 7-Speed Drivetrain: Smooth gear shifts for varied terrains.
• Front Suspension Fork: Absorbs shocks for a comfortable ride.
• Mechanical Disc Brakes: Reliable stopping with motor inhibitors.
• LCD Display: Shows speed, battery, assist level, and odometer.
• Dual Lights: Headlight and brake-activated rear light for safety.
• Three Pedal-Assist Levels: Customizable assistance for different riding needs.
• Thumb Throttle: Allows pure electric mode for effortless cruising.

The features are a strong point for the Race Max, striking a balance between performance and practicality. The motor and battery combo provides ample power and range for most commuting or recreational needs, while the Shimano drivetrain adds reliability. The suspension fork and tires handle mixed terrains well, though they’re not suited for aggressive off-roading. The LCD display is intuitive, but the lack of a torque sensor means pedal-assist can feel less natural compared to pricier e-bikes. Safety features like the dual lights and motor inhibitors are excellent, though the mechanical brakes could be upgraded for longer-term durability. Overall, the specs deliver great value for a mid-range e-bike.

Final Breakdown

8.5/10

The Heybike Race Max Electric Bike earns a solid 8.5 out of 10 for its impressive blend of power, versatility, and affordability. It’s not perfect—the saddle and brakes could use improvement, and the assembly process might frustrate beginners—but it delivers where it counts. The powerful motor, decent range, and thoughtful safety features make it a reliable choice for commuters and casual riders alike. For a mid-range e-bike, it punches above its weight, offering performance that feels closer to premium models without the hefty price tag.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Heybike Race Max to anyone seeking a stylish, capable e-bike for daily commutes or weekend adventures. Its lightweight frame, user-friendly controls, and robust feature set make it a great entry point for newcomers while still satisfying experienced riders on a budget. If you’re ready to embrace the freedom of electric biking without breaking the bank, the Race Max is a fantastic option to consider.

---