Heybike Alpha Review – A Powerful Mid-Drive E-Bike for an Unbeatable Price

This bike is genuinely impressive—I really like it! Before we dive in, if you’re not already subscribed, I encourage you to do so. Daily Spokes is all about honest, real reviews to help you make informed decisions, and your support helps us keep bringing you great content.

Build & Features

The Heybike Alpha comes fully stocked with front and rear fenders and even a cargo strap for hauling gear. One of the most mind-blowing features is the cargo rack, which has a 120 lb weight capacity—a rare find! I double-checked on their website, and this bike has an overall payload capacity of 400 lbs. That means, in theory, you could carry a passenger up to 120 lbs on the back (though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for safety reasons—maybe a child seat would be a better option).

Motor & Performance

One of my favorite things about this bike is the motor. It features the Galaxy Perform S Drive, a 500W mid-drive motor with 105 Nm of torque. That might not sound like a lot, but trust me—it’s powerful.

To test it out, I stopped at the bottom of a steep hill with about a 20-30% grade. I put the bike in pedal assist level 3, shifted to a low gear, and climbed effortlessly with almost no effort. The capability is absolutely there!

Mid-drive motors feel more like a bicycle that happens to be electric, whereas rear hub motors often give off more of a moped-like feel. With this bike, the power distribution is smooth and natural, making it a great choice for serious cyclists.

Tires & Suspension

The Heybike Alpha features 26x4-inch knobby tires with cool decals that give it a sharp look. You also get a lockout fork—not a ton of adjustability, but you do have a preload setting for minor tuning.

Brakes, Lights & Controls

• Hydraulic disc brakes for strong stopping power

• A comfortable saddle (nothing fancy, but surprisingly nice)

• Integrated horn & brake lights

• Headlight

• Turn signals (silent operation—just click once to turn on and again to turn off)

Drivetrain & Frame Options

The Alpha comes with a Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain and is available in two frame styles:

• Step-over (Galaxy Gray, 17” frame) – Recommended for riders 5’3” to 6’3”

• Step-through (White, 15” frame) – Recommended for riders 5’1” to 6’1”

One thing to note: Heybike claims the step-over fits riders up to 6’3”, but in my opinion, someone that tall might not be super comfortable. At my height, the top tube is already at my hipbone, so a taller rider might feel cramped. However, there are modifications you can make, like:

• Installing a longer stem for more reach

• Swapping in a longer seat post for extra height

Throttle & Ride Experience

This bike comes with a twist throttle, which feels a bit different from a traditional thumb throttle. More importantly, the throttle doesn’t provide a ton of power—this is really a pedal-first e-bike.

Although it’s a Class 3 e-bike (capable of 28 mph), the throttle alone only got me up to 11 mph in my test. I haven’t had time to fully explore the settings, so it’s possible that this is just a factory setting that can be adjusted. However, keep in mind that mid-drive motors put more stress on the chain and cassette, so relying too much on the throttle can wear components faster.

If you’re looking for a fast, throttle-heavy e-bike, this might not be the best fit. But if you love cycling and want an electric assist that still feels like a bike, this is a fantastic option.

Weight, Price & Final Thoughts

The Heybike Alpha weighs 71 lbs and is designed as an all-terrain hardtail e-bike. At $1,599, it’s one of the most affordable mid-drive options out there—an incredible price point for what you’re getting. Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty.

🚴‍♂️ Final Verdict – This bike is fun, capable, and well-priced. If you already have a traditional bike and want to add an e-bike without breaking the bank, this is a great addition to your fleet. Kudos to Heybike for making a mid-drive all-terrain e-bike accessible to more riders!

Let’s Hear Your Thoughts!

If you own the Heybike Alpha or have any questions about it, drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your feedback!

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Thanks for checking out our review, as always ride safe and have fun! 🚴‍♀️🔥