The fancy electric bike that's a cheaper GoCycle contender

The new foldable, compact HonBike proves to be a worthy contender against e-folder heavyweights like GoCycle and Brompton. But as Eilis tests its capabilities, she notices a potential make-or-break quality that could leave you questioning if it's worth your cash... but what do you think?
Join Eilis in this trip across London as she gives the HonBike HF01 a run for its money and has some fun along the way!
🇬🇧 UK viewers! Buy the HonBike HF01 direct from Electroheads here 🚲:
electroheads.com/products/honbike-hf01
🇪🇺 EU and 🇺🇸 US viewers! Buy the HonBike HF01 here:
www.honbike.com/products/chainless-electric-bike-27?sca_ref=3506411.kt94F0aW1N
Check out the HonBike Uni4 on our store! 🚲
electroheads.com/products/honbike-uni4?_pos=1&_psq=HONBIKE&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Check out our other featured products!⚡
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0:00 A new contender
0:50 Perfect storage
1:38 However...
2:24 False claims?
2:41 Mind your head
2:46 A positive start
4:06 Comfort levels
5:03 Hill test
6:43 Slightly underwhelmed
7:37 The bike flies!
8:10 The issue with compact bikes
8:53 The weather strikes...
9:31 The struggle is real
10:05 Things get heated!
10:48 Finally giving up
11:59 The problem with single speeds
13:37 Final thoughts
#electroheads #ebike #electricbike
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[@marionpolaschek]

One of the best reviews I’ve seen so far. 🎉 I could feel every meter you cycled. 😅

[@megapangolin1093]

This is a real, real review, I felt every km of that journey and it was a painful watch, just seeing how a fit, fettled, girl can end up standing in the peds after a relatively short distance and gritting through the last stages of the journey sold it to me- this is not a bike to get. Well done, Eilis this is how a bike should be evaluated, not just when it is fresh and charged. Like the skirt, but surely not for cycling?

[@jimmyfang9339]

What a honest review. That hill on Latchmere Road is literally near where I work, I cycle up and down that hill 5-6 times a week. Cycling down the hill is so much fun whereas cycling up the hill takes so much effort with a non electric bike and this is why I am looking to buy an e-bike.

[@ickledotco]

Really enjoyed the video (as usual), thank you. I’ve just bought an Estarli on the strength of your review and recommendation so interesting for you to review a bike you were less sure about. Seeing as you’ve ended up recommending it, perhaps you could tell us about the ones you haven’t recommended (without necessarily naming them, of course). That would reassure us that your reviews are genuine and not based on potential sales or other criteria.

[@larshelmin]

Infinite electric range, wears out the rider before the battery goes flat 🤣

[@buzzofftoxicblog791]

😊 thank you. great review. I do like the idea of a belt drive and single drive but the electric motor has to be up to it and the engineering light .... as I live in the countryside, I think I'd be interested in one of the off-road potential two wheel drive bikes. have you done any reviews on those?

[@blakrod]

Thanks for s great "real world" user review. Am still intrigued by the prospect of a shaft drive on an e-bike.

[@MalcoTube]

Does seem like there are a lot of other bikes out there that fold, have better range and are cheaper to buy. I have an ADO. Its not light but the range is far better and the 7 speed makes it easy without the battery.

[@JellyMonster1]

Enjoyed the video, thanks. I think a 3 speed hub would have really helped. You were certainly struggling near the end of your journey. I like that the seat overhangs, so should be some spring in it. I'd struggle with 20 kg because of my bad wrists.

[@Electroheads]

3 speed could have made a hell of a difference!!

[@shawing]

Tilt 500e from Decathlon still gets my vote. Relatively cheap(£££ not ££££), gears, folds and multi level assit for about 12 miles or so of assisted range. Is kinda heavy and a bit cumbersome sometimes but for bang for buck its defo worth a look!

[@Simcore999]

The range is fine, I bought a similar bike 20 years ago and as long as you carry the battery up alone then the bike it's fine and I do agree the price is high although it looks great so considering everything it is a strong contender in my opinion

[@humza890]

Single speed is great for e bikes since I find that gears are not useful when the e bike does most of the work for you. Also it's a folding bike. Just take it on public transport when the batteries dies

[@petergilbert72]

Still really enjoying my Brompton Electric 6 speed. Took it along a gravel route hill yesterday I’d just tested a MTB on. It seems to do most things in an accomplished way.

[@Electroheads]

That’s awesome to hear. Once you’ve found your ebike there’s nothing better

[@darrents44]

Would be great if FIIDO was available in UK.. From trustworthy dealers like yourselves. Had D1 for 3yrs and so far so good.

[@akanhakan]

I came here to check out the bike but for some reason I'm enamored by this woman. I can't tell if it is the accent, mannerism, style...overall she is such a good example of her species. As for the bike, I am seriously considering buying one. Where I live, Los Angeles(Santa Monica), there aren't as many occasions to ride it but I find the price range and style compelling enough especially in comparison to the GoCycle.

[@SoshiMECH]

I ride my e-bike on level 3 assistance (level 5 is completely unnecessary and just a waste of energy/range). level 3 gives about 40km of range. I wanted to travel a further distance than usual (close to my estimated range) and wanted to make sure I didn't run out of power, so I experimented with level 2 assistance and to my surprise that not only was it still very usable (I actually felt my legs when peddling) the range increase significantly. There are now times when I drop it to level 2 just to get a bit of workout on my legs without it being a strain. The quoted range on my e-bike is a laughable 70-100km plus (LOL) however I think I could just about reach a range 70km on level 2. So, I think the optimistic range of an e-bike is usually on the minimum level of assistance, it the case of my e-bike 70-100km might be level 2-1, on level 5 it would get a fraction of that.

[@SidMercutio]

NAH!! SHE DID THIS FOR THE TUBE!! ALL THAT HARD RIDING ......*applauds*

[@ImpreccablePony]

The looks can only get you so far.

[@fastfreddy19641]

At the bottom of the pedal stroke your lags should be almost straight, just a slight bend or your risking injury. Can the seat be put up?

[@ciphermatrix]

not a bad looker for a folder, but that weight needs a bigger battery to deliver some more hill busting pep.

[@pheona1000]

Another drawback is that the seat post cannot be removed therefore the saddle if uncomfortable cannot be changed AT ALL!

[@mdavid200ify]

One major flaw? It seems to me that this bike is too heavy but also underpowered and not particularly clever at delivering that power. I appreciate the honest review.

[@aronaeleven5574]

keep up the your good reviews you are awesome

[@Electroheads]

Thank you!!

[@oliversteiner2235]

hey. could you rewiew the oxfo ox1 max? that would be nice !!

[@karlInSanDiego]

The struggle is real. Gears are necessary absolutely

[@ACIDL4]

hay if you get a chance pls review CT20S from coswheele think will befit ppl looking to get one myself.

[@longzero]

I think people who aren't subscribed should subscribe just for the pain endured after 10% battery remaining with the wind and the panting. That's a lot of effort!

[@t1pittaja]

Video suggestion: Try out the carrera brand (The one i have: vengence e 2.1)

[@astr0nox]

For me, I'm looking for an e-bike that doesn't have an exposed chain or belt as that would catch onto clothing, and require more maintenance. The shaft drive in this bike is a unique feature that does that. Other than the way more expensive GoCycle, I'm not sure if we have many other options if we want a hidden drivetrain. Other than the weight, this might otherwise be a good multi-modal bike.

[@theamateurboater5892]

For me personally, its a total non starter without gears and with that poor range. But as you said, its all about compromise, and this bike will definitely suit some people. It looks pretty cool, and someone who has a 5 mile commute, no big hills, and fairly smooth roads might really like it. But I do lots of canal towpaths and rural lanes, with some big hills, so for my type of usage, there are far better options for similar money. A big question for me these days is longevity. My ebrompton is still going flawlessly after 3 years, but a couple of cheap ebikes have died on me during that time. But even the cheaper bikes cost serious money. I think we need to get more info about the build quality and longevity.

[@Electroheads]

Yeah it's no surprise seeing comments on this video of people liking the sound of it! It just totally depends on what kind of commute you have and what you need your bike for 😁 there's ebikes for all!

[@KaushikNSanji]

Vello bikes from Austria makes many foldable bikes, foldable ebikes and compact cargo ebikes, and they are a good alternative to Brompton I guess. Your company should check their bikes sometime.

[@bluenose7984]

If you have more bend in your knees, just higher the seat and adjust the handle bars.

[@AdhamSalam]

Can you please review the rad expand!

[@kevinmcgrane4279]

It looked like a lot of work to have a foldable bike. And agreed, single gear bikes are a risk for potential long-range use days.

[@darrents44]

Fiido m1 /pro (got d1) and fantastic but import .. Some places in London sell them, i believe.

[@Simcore999]

​@@darrents44 👍

[@cicciogattaccio]

I'd like a review of the Tenways CGO600 Pro

[@SidMercutio]

Estarli to the rescue....h'again!! LOL WHATS THE CHEQUE LIKE?

[@chillout1109]

Eilis : 21kg is a lot guys Me : Lugging my 28kg Haibike XDURO Nduro 10.0 FLYON up to my 4th floor flat 😭

[@Electroheads]

28kg?! You are another level of strong

[@ashleyadamson3489]

Coooool bike but 6ah?

[@paulcoinc]

The unusual battery would be a drawback at some point it will need to be replaced. If the manufacturerdiscontinue the battery it would be unlikelyto find an aftermarketreplacement. The drive system being complicated, meaning more to break in the future after the warranty is over. Then add in the weight.

[@reeseprince8]

Looks light

[@alpss411]

i think bike factories doesn't show enought importance for suspension seat. I think you might have experienced such bikes. Can you also mentions about this in your videos.

[@MalcomMcLeod]

It's weird here in North America we get much more powerful bikes (+ throttle) than in the UK & Europe so single speed isn't as much an issue.

[@silbernersurfer8264]

I like Eilis!

[@juderad]

How to fix flat tire on HF01 bike ?

[@sergentcolon1]

My wife has a Himo Z20, similar weight, better range from a 10a/h battery and 6 gears that make it fairly easy to peddle without power and it costs half as much.

[@unclepete100]

...is the weight a dealbreaker? Absolutely! One of the reasons folk purchase folders is portability, duh!! Soo, a big fail from me fwiw. Cheers guys and keep ‘m coming.

[@sergentcolon1]

It’s not the only reason though, easier storage and being able to put into a car boot are also reasons, my Himo ZB20 is 28kg, but I can get it into the boot of my car which is the reason I went for a folding ebike. If I wanted to take a bike on a train or bus I’d take my Brompton non electric which is smaller folded and a lot lighter.

[@karlInSanDiego]

fair assessment that it's a more reasonable purchase price than those other two bikes. But looking at what you lose by going cheaper, it's a false economy if you're using this bike daily.

[@lavatr8322]

My major concern is why these dont have rear suspension?

[@StupotTaylor]

Would love to see a Electroheads rebuttal of Rowan Atkinson’s Guardian piece this week.

[@kingkal81]

It's mainly the looks. I have an Eskute Polluno which is a eBike that looks like a normal Dutch style bike. I like eBikes that look like manual bikes. So it's not a target for thief's.

[@HDsharp]

Good luck keeping it away from the bike thieves if you need to lock it up in public.

[@Simcore999]

I would always fold it inside, that is one drawback for non folding e- Bikes

[@HDsharp]

@@Simcore999 but what happens if you need to park it outside? You can't go in all places with a folded bike. Clubs, pubs and other places don't allow it.

[@Simcore999]

@@HDsharp You take an Uber, you put it in a" Hockey" bag on wheels and leave it at the coat check( Leaving a good tip :-) or tie it to a tree with a good lock for 15 minutes or less only

[@HDsharp]

@@Simcore999 haha good luck with that. For me if I can't leave a bike outside for more than 6 hrs it's useless. May as well use public transport. That's why I didn't buy a branded ebike. It's better to convert an old bike into electric no one wants to steal.

[@Simcore999]

@@HDsharp Then I would buy a 200 bucks bike, don't tie a good e- Bike for more than 20 minutes in public...

[@uptowndisco2]

pedaling a Drive shaft bike won't be helping when in normal low assist mode , how much effort is wasted by the shaft drive ?

[@georgemacdonald8899]

I think it would be ideal for some people, i.e short range flat'ish commute, who live/work on ground floor with small and limited space to store the bike. You know, perhaps a store owner that can only put a bike behind the counter at the store and has a ground floor flat, can't store the bike outside, and only has a small spot inside... Might also work for some public transit commutes under the right circumstance. I think you should challenge each bike to find it's usage envelope i.e. what it would be good for. That might be just to satisfy yourself that you could ride it to to do A or B if you want/need to, but never do, i.e. a backup transport. This bike might be one of those that you throw in a small space for emergency(petrol shortage, public transit strike, ...). If it could get you to the store/train/... and back in those circumstances then it would do it's job and be worth it...

[@Electroheads]

Some great thoughts, here!

[@humza890]

My bike is able to get up hills without much effort. The only catch is that it slows down to around 12kmh to 15 kmh

[@ahaveland]

Looks great, but the lack of performance and capacity for the price is a real turn off. Guess I'm a bit spoilt with a modded scooter with 2 extra battery packs giving a 48V 46Ah battery that gives me 80km+ range, even if it's 40kg! After building a 2kW ebike 8 years ago and doing 20,000+ miles on it, I couldn't go back to 250W bikes, but i'm lucky to live in a country that doesn't care much about rules.

[@ralphlouis2705]

The major problem I have with ebikes is getting their parts eg battery and the battery is quite expensive

[@adrianupnorth]

Knee niggles that's a new term I must start using. Great design but too heavy. Maybe not today maybe not tomorrow but soon even Eddie Hall will find some RSI creeping in.

[@alpss411]

single speed bikes are also a good option. if you are get used to ride everyday. it is not a problem after all.

[@chrisar2252]

Style over susbtance. Single speed and tiny battery it should be a lot lighter, you could get something lighter and more practical for a lot less.

[@mark-1rc502]

I used an Electric Santander 🚲 other day. Never ridden E-bike before, I found it very strange pedal with No effort it rockets up to 25kph, then I wanted to go faster it was an absolute tank to push I couldn’t get it over 28kph but it was weird the Harder I tried to pedal it felt like the Motor was fighting against me like having a brake on . And it was soo heavy

[@LifeofBrad1]

I haven't ridden any rental bikes personally, but they probably have speed limiters in them and that's why it felt like the motor was fighting against you. They know people could pedal them up to a higher speed, but they don't want them to.

[@mark-1rc502]

@@LifeofBrad1 Quite possibly yes 🧐 , I think you hit the nail in the head.

[@loushared6602]

@@LifeofBrad1Yes, that’s exactly it. I have used the lime bikes and they do have something in them to keep the speed down. Still great fun to ride though!

[@eBoard3R]

⚡🤙🏼🔥🤙🏼⚡ surprised it's that heavy 👀 still a *Classy lookin eBike*

[@Electroheads]

A real surprise isn't it?!

[@eBoard3R]

@@Electroheads deceptively so, rather impractical to carry around or even ride when outta juice 😱

[@chris53small]

nice honest review and its a good looking Pants Bike T he creators can learn from this and hopefully build a better bike and i wouldnt give it a go but thanks for being honest the range is not good for the price Bye🙂

[@Electroheads]

Bigger battery and lighter weight please, creators!!

[@DJAYPAZ]

More car reviews please.

[@evergreenalba]

Great bike, just a shame about the weight

[@johnmcnulty6171]

The small range and poor performance at low charge would be a deal breaker for me. Also I think if I paid that much for a bike and it had squeaky brakes I wouldn't be too happy. PS: How come you guys weren't at Fully Charged Live Harrogate? Really disappointed not to see you there.

[@mark-1rc502]

You make nice reviews and your easy on the Eye too. 😊. If you was a bloke reviewing the bike I’d have tuned out by now. That’s why I haven’t bought an electric bike really , when they run out of charge you’re left with a heavy bike to pedal, it’s useful on steep hills when it is assisting on May be fighting them ahead winds . But I’m quite happy with my 10kg hybrid 11 speed.

[@RichardMartin-wk3gy]

Did you folks sing "The London Bridges" song when you were kids?...

[@dannydanny9875]

because her legs, they're alive, they're pumpin' blood!

[@Electroheads]

😂

[@RichardMartin-wk3gy]

Did you notice, you dropped the Battery?... It's really best not to remove the Battery!... Knocking the Battery around like that could damage the inside cells causing a possible fire while Charging!...

[@justin_time]

Eilis tried so hard to like this bike, but it just doesn't seemed to have happened. Different bikes for different folks.

[@zebedee123456789]

Did they really design the saddle like a golf club

[@Electroheads]

We said the same 😂

[@warwickshiremidlandsweathe9067]

Try the Zinc Eco electric bike!! It's amazing u barely have to pedal, no effort at all

[@Dubnoreix]

Why is this folding bike so heavy? It doesn’t have a big battery, so that doesn’t seem to explain it. Is it the frame? And couldn’t they have used lighter materials?

[@leonardoruizmendiola]

Acabé fatigado solo de ver el vídeo ...

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

If you put your seat up 5cm, you'd find hills easier.

[@Marco-ce8kr]

Where are the electric cars reviews, tests, etc.? Did you guys quits EVs? Although I'm still enjoying your videos in general ✌🏻

[@Electroheads]

We've got Tish doing those! ☺

[@patrickh7368]

So…..without getting deep, which EV bike would you choose? Excluding the expensive ones….🤔 Ps great reviews..x

[@Electroheads]

The Estarli e28 is my top choice! Great ebike, gears for flexibility on terrain, lightweight and doesn't scream 'I'm an ebike!' electroheads.com/products/estarli-e28-supercharged-classic-hybrid-ebike

[@LaurenceRutherford]

20kg is the UK legal limit for a solo lift. If this bike is over 20kg it's really a 2 person lift... Not sure what benefit the fold gives other than storage after 2 people have carried it. You guys should really rethink having this on your store.

[@Electroheads]

This is such a solid point! Never even considered this. And there's me lugging it up 3 flights of stairs. But as you'll see from the comments there are people that like the sound of this ebike. It's important to offer choice, give our opinions and people can make up their own minds. What's not good for you could be great for someone else. So on the store it stays 😊

[@86tsk]

It's a great looking little bike, just a terrible range

[@Electroheads]

Where's the big batt at???

[@86tsk]

@@Electroheads have you seen they do an extra one that clips on to the frame, if you really like big batts and you cannot ride

[@bill_heywood]

Great review Eilis, this bike looks bobbins. Too expensive, too heavy and too short range

[@kevinbourke4038]

In other words, it's a dead loss. Be better off on an aluminium "normal" bicycle with a Tiagra group set. With an all up weight of 9 kgs. or there abouts.

[@zivkovicable]

More than one major flaw...Heavy, tiny battery, not great on hills, too expensive.

[@ukcarver]

Call it what it is Rubbish

[@sirhilsam]

I think you'd have better luck with a normal bicycle. The torture on your face was so evident. This one's a pass especially wuth no throttle. Thanks for the effort...much appreciated🍺cheers

[@Electroheads]

Ha thanks! The things we do for content 😂

[@clayanderson4058]

She's not impressed...

[@Electroheads]

Definitely some pros and cons with this one

[@stanblade7942]

The bike together with the Honda E is crap!

[@HDsharp]

Escooters are worst for your knees. Anyone else agree?

[@ahaveland]

Absolutely not. Standing or sitting is demanding hardly any effort from knees, unlike cycling against high resistance.

[@HDsharp]

@@ahaveland standing escooters are horrendous for the knees, better seated. Your knee absorbs all the vibrations from the platform of the scooter while riding. Even scooters with suspension, your knee absorb a lot of movement so your knee internally still need to work. I only got knee pains from standing escooters. You don't have vibration problems while Cycling, except pressure on the knee from exertion. That issue can be reduced by using very low gears. Never had any knee issues while Cycling, I've always ridden mountain bikes with very low gears.

[@ahaveland]

@@HDsharp YMMV. Anecdotes are not evidence of any general phenomenon. My scooter has suspension, and I'm 60 years old - I have no issues with my knees whatsoever, and I alternate between sitting and standing. Similarly with my 2kW ebike - it has a thumb throttle so I pedal as much or as little as I like.

[@HDsharp]

@@ahaveland Thats because you probably do short trips. Perhaps the suspension on your scooter does hepl. But try using a lower spec scooter for long periods. I never had a problem with scooters until i started to do longer trips. Its just common sense the vibrations will eventually cause problems, just like road workers who develope hand issues if they use road jacks too often.

[@ahaveland]

@@HDsharp That's quite an assumption! I do about 500 km a month. I did 150 km at the weekend - 60 km to Leányfalu and back to Budapest, next day Budapest to Nyakas Kő and back via Biatorbágy viaduct (62km), and next day another 30km around Csepel. You can find these places on google maps. Just pay attention to what your body tells you and look after it!

[@ichijofestival2576]

That was the most pathetic "bike lane" I've ever seen. (@5:25) That's not even half-assed. It's complete and utter incompetence. It literally would've been better to have done nothing at all and let her ride on the sidewalk.

[@Electroheads]

Classic attempt by UK government 😂

[@simonsaysrewind]

Certainly over priced... this looks and acts like a 800 to 1200 price ebike... theres definitely a style over substance going on here and that style isn't that great either.

[@zeljkozerjavic7008]

Do not waste time with rubbish ride Defender S with 2 or 3 batteries not this rubbish.