Heybike EC1 test: the electric bike that makes you want to hit the town

This summer, I put my Fat Bike aside for a while to travel lighter with a city bike. Still electric, of course, with the Heybike EC1! This little two-wheeled jewel promised to do wonders. But what's the reality? After 3 months and several hundred kilometers on the road, it's time to give you my verdict on this beautiful bike.

Introducing the Heybike EC1: pure elegance

The Heybike EC1 arrived by courier, in a large, well-protected box:

Everything is perfectly protected with foam:

To make the whole thing more compact, the bike arrives disassembled. There's nothing insurmountable here, though: it's the classic assembly for this type of bike: front wheel, handlebars, saddle. There's also the stand and front fender to install.

After a few minutes, the bike is assembled:

From the very first glance, you're hooked. The Heybike EC1 is as if a fashion designer had started designing electric bikes. Its sleek frame and invisible welds give it a resolutely modern, refined look. It almost looks like a work of art on two wheels!

But don't be fooled, this handsome fellow isn't just a pretty face. Weighing in at 19kg, the Heybike EC1 is a featherweight in its class. Which is to say, it won't make you sweat when you have to carry it up stairs or hoist it onto a bike rack. It's the ideal companion for city dwellers juggling apartment, office and city outings.

When it comes to equipment, the Heybike EC1 doesn't do things by halves. There's a 7-speed Shimano transmission (because sometimes, even with electric assistance, a little push doesn't hurt), hydraulic brakes for smooth stops, and ChoaYang Flying Diamond 700x40c tires that promise comfort and safety.

The whole package is rounded off by thoughtful accessories such as integrated front lighting, mudguards to stay chic even in the rain, and a kickstand for improvised breaks in front of shop windows.

We only regret the absence of a lighted headlamp at the rear, as the bike makes do with a reflective plate :/.

Performance and feel: the Heybike EC1 is road-tested

Well, it's pretty. But how does our handsome fellow behave on the road? Well, it doesn't disappoint! The 250W motor, nestled in the rear hub, delivers smooth, responsive electric assistance. You'll find yourself going like the wind without even realizing it. It's almost magical! Unlike some of the models we've seen, this one is fully approved for use on French roads: 250W motor, 25km/h speed limit, and pedaling assistance. In other words, no throttle to accelerate without pedaling ;-) So you can get around town with peace of mind.

The claimed range of 80 km is tempting on paper, but let's be honest, in real-life conditions, with a few hills and normal use of assistance, it's more like 50-60 km. Which is still very respectable in town, by the way!

And let's talk about the battery! Integrated into the frame, this Samsung 36 V 10 Ah battery is discreet, yet offers a capacity of 360 Wh. A good compromise between autonomy and aesthetics. And when it comes to recharging, allow around 4-5 hours for a full charge. Just long enough to watch your favorite TV series, and you're ready for new adventures!

In terms of comfort, the Heybike EC1 holds its own. The saddle, though firm, remains comfortable even over long distances.

The 40 mm wide tires effectively absorb minor road imperfections. Well, we're not on a rolling sofa either, but for an urban bike, it's quite decent.

The leatherette-covered grips are not only classy, but also pleasant to hold.

A word on handling: with its featherweight and well-thought-out geometry, the Heybike EC1 weaves through traffic like a fish in water. It's disconcertingly easy to negotiate bends, and starting off at red lights is effortless. It's a real pleasure to zigzag between cars (while remaining cautious, of course – we're not kamikazes either!).

An associated application

The Heybike EC1 also comes with a mobile application. Simply install it and create an account.

It allows you to lock your bike, be alerted in the event of attempted theft, and record your bike trips.

Simply pair the bike via Bluetooth, and the device is added to your account. The developers have paid close attention to detail, as the bike comes in a range of colors, so you can select the one you want in the configuration, for a faithful representation in the application.

The verdict: the Heybike EC1, a true favorite

After several weeks on the streets with the Heybike EC1, the verdict is rather positive. This electric bike succeeds in combining style, performance and practicality. It's clearly aimed at city dwellers in search of an ecological, efficient and elegant means of transport.

Of course, it's not perfect (but who is, right?). Its price, though competitive for an electric bike of this quality, may make some hesitate. Fortunately, its retail price is well below its “public” price, bringing it down to a much more reasonable rate. And if you're looking for a bike for off-road or hill-climbing, don't bother. The Heybike EC1 is clearly made for the urban jungle, not for steep trails! For that, I'd steer you more towards a Fat Bike, as we've already seen :p

But for those looking for a reliable companion for their daily commute, weekend rides or shopping sprees, the Heybike EC1 ticks all the boxes. It's got that little je-ne-sais-quoi that makes you want to get out and pedal, even when you're feeling lazy. And that's perhaps its greatest quality!

All in all, the Heybike EC1 is a bit like that cool friend who's always urging you to get out and enjoy life. It makes you rediscover your city in a new light, with the wind in your hair and a smile on your face. And frankly, who could resist that?

The Heybike EC1 is available from a number of retailers, at a retail price of 1998€. It comes in a range of colors and sizes (M for riders between 160 and 180 cm, and L for those between 165 and 190 cm).

So, are you ready to succumb to the charm of the Heybike EC1? One thing's for sure: once you've tried it, you'll never look at urban travel in the same way again. And who knows, maybe you'll become the next ambassador of the electric bike revolution in your neighborhood!