Heybike Ranger S E-Bike Review: Smooth, Powerful, and Comfortable
You only have to glance around any campground to get a sense of how popular e-bikes have become with RVers. Both practical and fun, electric bikes are perfect for running errands, exercising, and exploring a new destination. And as they’ve evolved in recent years, they’ve gotten more comfortable, powerful, and affordable too.
Case in point, the new Ranger S from Heybike, a company that specializes in making high-quality, affordable e-bikes that are fun and versatile. This model comes with a surprising amount of features and functionality for the price and is especially intriguing for RVers, thanks to its long range and comfortable ride. But best of all, it folds down to an incredibly small size, making it easy to transport and store in a motorhome or travel trailer.
Photo Credit: Heybike
Fast and Fun
When designing the Ranger S, Heybike gave the bike an impressive set of specs. This model features a 750W hub motor paired with a 48V 14.4Ah battery. Those tech features translate to a range of up to 55 miles and a max speed of 28 mph, making this a Class 3 e-bike. Riders can elect to tap into that power either through pedal assist or by using a thumb throttle found on the handlebars. The bike has a max payload of up to 400 pounds as well.
All of that translates to a very smooth ride out on the road, helped in large part by a big, comfortable seat and an integrated front suspension system. All those components work together to make the Ranger S incredibly fun to ride, allowing riders to glide along at a brisk pace using as much or as little effort as they like. During our testing, we were easily able to sustain speeds in excess of 20 mph, and the battery offered plenty of range even on the higher motor settings.
One of the ways I like to test an e-bike is to see how well it rides without the electric drive engaged. On smooth, flat surfaces, it is possible to pedal the bike without using the motor. This can save on battery life and extend the useable range much further. That said, the Ranger S weighs a hefty 72 pounds, so most people won’t want to do this for very long. Fortunately, the large battery allows for multiple rides even when using the motor, and since it recharges in about 3.5 hours, there isn’t a lot of downtime.
Heybike’s electric drive is smooth and powerful but a bit slow to react. When a rider starts pedaling, it takes a second or two for the motor to engage, and it continues to run for an additional second or so when the pedals stop turning. Usually, this isn’t a major issue, but it can make starting on a hill very challenging, especially considering how heavy the bike is. It didn’t take long to adapt to how the Ranger S performed, but it is worth noting that there is some lag before the pedal assist kicks in. Thankfully, the Ranger S’s seven-speed Shimano gear set helps overcome some of these challenges.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Approachable and Beginner Friendly
The Ranger S is designed from the ground up to be as easy to ride and as approachable as possible. That starts with a step-through frame that makes getting on and off the bike a breeze. But it also extends to the bike’s controls, which are easy to reach using just your thumbs. In addition to changing the level of pedal assist and controlling the throttle, riders can also turn on the bike’s headlight, activate its turn signals, and toot the horn. Everything is intuitively laid out and becomes second nature after a ride or two.
The bike’s cushiony seat helps even first-time e-bikers feel right at home, providing plenty of support and comfort on long rides. That seat can easily adjust to accommodate cyclists that range in height from 4’ 11” to 6’ 3”, and the handlebars can also be moved up and down to find just the right comfort level. All of that customizability makes the Ranger S a one-size-fits-all option for most people, allowing them to dial in just the right settings for their individual tastes.
Heybike has given the Ranger S several other features that help make it very easy to ride. For instance, its large tires offer a stable grip on a variety of surfaces, providing confidence and comfort on pavement, sand, and trails. The bike’s hydraulic disc brakes are also very reactive, supplying plenty of control and stopping power despite its weight. The integrated headlight, taillight, turn signals, and brakelight are a nice touch, too, improving visibility on the road. There are even front and rear fenders to help e-bikers to stay clean when riding in wet, muddy, or snowy conditions.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Some Assembly Required
Heybike ships the Ranger S in a partially assembled state, but new owners will have a little work to do before taking it for a ride. Out of the box, the bike is missing its front tire, handlebars, fenders, headlight, seat, and pedals. All of those components lock into place relatively easily, but it took about 45 minutes to get everything set up. It could take a little longer if you’re unfamiliar with how a bike is assembled, but the process isn’t overly complex. Instructions are included, of course, as are all the tools required to get set up and riding.
Once everything is assembled, you’ll want to ensure all of the components are firmly locked into place. On my first test ride, the handlebars came loose because I had adjusted one setting but, in the process, failed to tighten another. After that incident, I rechecked the pedals, seat, and front tire to ensure they were configured correctly. It was smooth sailing from then on.
The bike comes with the battery pack already in place on the down tube. Owners can choose to charge the power cell while it is on the Ranger S or remove it and charge it separately. A set of keys are included in the box that securely lock the battery to the bike or unlock it for riders to take with them. This adds an extra measure of security when leaving the bike parked in a public setting, as a heavy e-bike is less of a target for thieves when it doesn’t have a battery attached.
Photo Credit: Heybike
Great Value
With the Ranger S, Heybike has delivered an e-bike that offers a lot of bang for the buck. This model is exceptionally well-built, has a solid set of components, and offers excellent performance for the price. Add a smooth and comfortable ride, a powerful motor, and plenty of great features, and you end up with a bike that should appeal to a broad audience. I especially like how easy it is just to get on and ride, delivering an approachable and fun experience in an attractive package.
On top of all of that, the bike’s folding frame broadens its appeal to riders who might have a limited amount of space at their disposal. The process of folding the bike is quick and easy, allowing it to tuck away inside a small apartment closet, the trunk of a car, or an RV’s storage compartment. And when you’re ready to ride, it folds back into place just as quickly, getting you off on your next adventure in no time at all.
Priced at $1499, Heybike isn’t chasing the budget e-bike buyer with the Ranger S. Instead, it focuses on delivering as much value as possible at a price point that is accessible to a broad range of buyers. Yes, you will find lower-cost options from other manufacturers, but those models aren’t likely to offer the same blend of features and performance that you’ll find here. They aren’t likely to be as well made or durable either, potentially costing you more in maintenance, repairs, or outright replacement. With this e-bike, you’re getting something that feels much more premium than its price point would indicate, which isn’t something you encounter all that often.
Taking into account everything the Ranger S brings to the table, it is easy to recommend it to anyone looking to purchase an e-bike. Thanks to its incredible comfort and ease of operation, this is a model that even people who haven’t ridden a bike in years will enjoy. Yes, it is a bit on the heavy side, and the motor isn’t as quick to respond as we’d like, but those are minor complaints that go away very quickly once you actually take it for a spin. After that, you’ll mostly just be cruising around with a big smile on your face, wondering why you hadn’t joined the e-bike revolution sooner.
For more information on the Ranger S—including detailed technical specs—visit the Heybike website.
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