Himiway Zebra Step-Thru Review: A Better Fat Tired Ebike

[@EbikeEscape]

What do you think about the Himiway Zebra? We think the 20ah battery and beefy frame design really set this fat tire ebike apart from the pack. Save $65! Remember if you are thinking about purchasing a Himiway Zebra, be sure to use the linked below to help support Ebike Escape. himiwaybike.com/products/premium-all-terrain-electric-bike?sca_ref=1766294.HDbvxNuV3c

[@mexicanwillis9426]

Gd I would like to know the price for this trike? and is there any purchase for this allowed

[@josephpowell3949]

I have a Zebra step-thru and love it, I also had a problem with the display, one of the bars on the battery gage was missing and I took a picture of it and email it to Himiway and they told me to put a $99.00 deposit and they would send me a new display and when I mailed back the old one they would return my deposit and they did with no problems, I got the display in less than two weeks, They make you put a $99.00 deposit only on the expensive parts the warranty tell you the display, controller, motor and Battery and everything else no deposit, But it is a 2 yrs. warranty and I am very happy with it! I got The Zebra step-thru because I am a 62 yr old man with a bad knee and that step-thru is the coolest looking step-thru I have ever seen and I put an adjustable stem and a stem riser on it so I ride straight up, This is the most badass bike I ever owned! 😎

[@markzorick4607]

I own a Zebra bike and love it. I have taken it on a 32 mile trip and the battery still had 1/4 capacity left. This was on hills and valleys. The bike was great for me. I chose this bike at an event where I could try lots of Himiway Bikes. I would suggest this because the bikes vary and body types also. Have Fun!

[@Altema22]

Nice looking bike, big battery, strong frame, and probably one of the best looking racks around. 150lb weight capacity on that rack is a refreshing surprise from the usual 40 to 50lb limits. You are right; it does look like a mid-drive, and I imagine there was not much room left for a controller in the downtube with that big battery! The motor is almost identical to the Bafang G062 series, but the Bafang peaks at 2000 watts. I've never had any problems with it overheating, so the design is solid. 0 to 20mph times are a hair slower than the RadRover, but this bike is about 7 pounds heavier, so that's expected. It's nice that they give you a pedal assist and throttle-only range, but it's still a bit optimistic. 960 watt hours divided by 60 miles of throttle-only use means the bike must use no more than 16 wh/m (watt hours per mile), and that's not going to happen unless you are going very slow on flat ground. My own RadMini uses 17 wh/m, and that's with pedaling! Excellent video, and I enjoyed the special effects at the beginning!

[@NTuneLabs]

Great review of a great bike. We have the Himiway Cruiser and that thing is a beast. Great ride, great speed and so much fun. Perfect for commuting around town.

[@hisdesciples]

I purchased this bike a few days ago at the dealer. I would’ve never purchased this if there wasn’t a dealer near me who already it has it assembled. If you do some research, you’ll see that people have been complaining about their bike shipped with factory defects on the frame, so it becomes a hassle to deal with. I didn’t want to deal with that, so I purchased through a dealer. My biggest desire in an ebike was carry capacity, and 400 lbs is great! The ride is smooth a very customizable. Works for me! If I have issues that need addressing I plan to pay the dealer for help with that.

[@EbikeEscape]

We really wish there was more affordable local shops selling ebikes, for the exact reasons you mentioned. Glad you like the Zebra. -JT

[@jamesalcott4120]

This great bike was put together from my dealer in Sullivan Missouri and now my wife is getting one

[@natejames3299]

Did you get the step-through or the full-bar version?

[@hisdesciples]

@@natejames3299 step thru

[@jamesalcott4120]

@@natejames3299 my wife getting white step thru and I got the one with full bar across because it was all black in color

[@Tinman710]

That is so cool that you can adjust how much power you get on each level of assist.

[@realeyesrealizereallies6828]

Himiway has an "F" with the Better Business Bureau, and they have an "F" for a legitimate reason...They make good bikes, but if you anger them, or ? whatever reason, you will be on your own, which is obvious if you read the BBB complaints...I would go with the Magicycle's newest offerings, 20 amp hour lg cells, tektro hydraulic disc brakes , 96 NM torque, 3 amp charger, 2 year warranty which they honor, and displays that allow for everything to be customized, all for under 2,000 dollars...

[@deehines5750]

They don't seem to make any bikes? They appear to just be a dropship company for the Haidong ebike factory like Magicycle. They're literally the same bike branded with a different name and a few variances that they asked the factory for.

[@realeyesrealizereallies6828]

@@deehines5750 Magicycle owns their factory, the cruisers are similar but not the same...It really is direct to consumer, the only ebike that I'm aware of...

[@deehines5750]

@@realeyesrealizereallies6828You're wrong on that. Magicycle says their factory is in Wuxi, China where Haidong Bikes main factory is. Haidong has a few overseas factories in America and Canada but it's all their supply. They let companies drop ship their products or customize their own "brand" after a 50 unit MOQ. That's why Himiway can't really do anything to Magicycle for "copying" their bike and all they could do was send a cease and desist for jacking their youtube instructional videos. Save the money and get it directly from Haidong with what components you want. Saves about $400-1000

[@ryker102208]

Magicycle blows this bike away.

[@Hoggdoc1946]

@@realeyesrealizereallies6828 no they say, I've seen no verification of that fact I have also verified that Himiway, and RAD the bikes are made by the same company in China that was mentioned here.

[@johnh.miller1112]

Nice Review Ryan! I was really tempted to buy the Zebra step-thru as it is a solid choice with power and lots of range and a great choice for someone looking for a fat step-thru. However it’s a bit pricey @ $1,999. and when I saw the Gen3 Stride on sale for $899. it checked all the boxes for my step-thru needs. As you and others that reviewed the Stride said it’s a great value with it’s strong performance and low price. I received my Stride last week and don’t regret the choice One last note on the Stride top throttle only speed. All of the Gen3 bikes can be modified from class 2 to class 3 by simply disconnecting the green/yellow speed limiter wire within the controller enclosure. I weigh 175 pounds and my top throttle only speed is 23 mph on flat ground. Also all of the Gen3 (Wallke) bikes have strong performing Bafang 500/1000 watt gear motors and have very good hill climbing ability. Many reviewers have complimented the power in the Gen3 bikes and say power is similar to 750 watt nominal bikes but say it’s restrained which is true until you remove the limiter wire. In retrospect maybe this isn’t the place for my comments but when I see a great value felt the need to share. Thanks!

[@Morpheus197]

I checked the Gen3 website and it looks like they are out of business.

[@johnripley6298]

I have the Rad rover I bought in 2018 and I like this one you did a review on, the Hemingway Zebra.

[@jimmyjames8736]

Sometimes it can be hard to tell for sure on video but when I saw the brace between the nicely formed downtube and the seattube it seemed to be attached with exceptionally ragged welds. Wavering line with an uneven puddle. Questionable penetration at seat tube with weld sticking out far enough to leave shadows. I don't expect everyone to do the extra finish work you might notice on an Aventon but was that as bad as it looked?

[@supportsquid]

Yeah, those welds are absolutely awful. If I released a product like this at that price point, I'd be embarrassed if something like that came off my line.

[@timkowaleski172]

God bless my new strep through zebra bike is on its way today I can't wait

[@tmccusk1]

Thanks!

[@olsonspeed]

Good, thorough walk around and evaluation. Thanks!

[@masterpdj2623]

I have the new Himiway Big Dog and 2 RadRovers 6+ in my household and Himiway Big Dog is a different kinda of bike. Where the RadRover is a smoother riding bike power wise the Big Dog is a little wild with the power even after giving it 9 PS in the settings but it's not out of control. Just takes getting use to but all in all a fun bike to ride but I still give the lean to the RadRover 6+

[@EbikeEscape]

There is something to be said about the smoothness Rad gets out of their bikes. Thanks for the input. -JT

[@tmccusk1]

Thank you for the review. I’ll let you know how the Himiway support is. I will tell you that the sales support person was extremely knowledgeable and knew the products. When I called another company you talk about a lot it was more a script and their reference was the company web page. The Himiway sales support person was a significant part of my decision to buy Himiway and not the other company. How can I donate to your channel?

[@sarahnd]

Hi, thank you for the video. I have a Himiway Zebra and am slowing learning to use it! One thing that I'm uncertain about is the interplay between pedal assist level and gear shift level. You repeatedly say when it "feels right" but I don't really know what that means. I'm old enough to have only ridden either no gear or max 3 gear bikes in my life... Suddenly there are 7 gears and pedal assist added to the mix! Is there any kind of rule of thumb you can give me? Sorry to be so ignorant, but you seem to be confident about the choices you make...

[@kharris0465]

I only found the look I was going for in an e-bike with the R5. I wanted something that looked like a hybrid motorcycle/bicycle/mtb. But on steroids.

[@bobbtopgun]

From a fellow Wisconsinite . . .GREAT e-bike reviews! How would you compare and contrast the Himiway Zebra with the similarly priced Aventon Aventure step-thru in terms of quality of build and components, attention to details, availability of dealers, company service, ride and handling characteristics, etc.?

[@EbikeEscape]

We think they are both great bikes that offer similar riding and handling. As well as having similarly spec'd components. Where Aventon takes a bit of a lead is with their screen (with app connectivity) is a bit more robust than Himiway's. Aventon has a bit more of a dealership network also. I think what it comes down to in the end is battery size, and are you ok with having zebra print on your bike? -JT

[@mjsmjs7905]

How is the low end?, the biggest complaint about the original Himiway was all high-end, and horrible on the technical trails do to the gearing. I've heard the same thing about the M2S, the Juce Bikes rip current, and the Sad Rover. The Saunders xs looks sweet, the thing's been out for years though and I've never seen anybody do any kind of quality review on it.

[@EbikeEscape]

The brushless motor seems to make torque a bit quicker than most motors. However we have not had the Zebra on any "techy" trails to really put that to the test. I fear the weight would also be a bit of a hassle on some trails. -JT

[@dexsj77]

Would like to see it go head to head with the Aventon Aventure

[@lawrencemunroe6798]

Same here .

[@johnknapp6328]

Great Review, Is there a front basket made for this bike.

[@EbikeEscape]

Unfortunately there is not. There are no places to mount one on the head tube area.

[@LydonLewisDoUbLeZz]

Adventure 2 or Zebra...man this is tough to decide!

[@immopartnerpaderborngeorgk1520]

Great Video, thank you. How can I adjust the throttle-speed a little lower ? Perhaps to 10 miles max ?

[@EbikeEscape]

Yep, you'd just go into the advanced settings but then I believe even pedal assist it also wouldn't go above 10 mph max.

[@Calista1792]

I’m wondering what the seat height is to the ground, not the pedal as is listed on the website. For reference, I’m 5’4” with a 30” inseam and want to know if this bike is too tall for me.

[@EbikeEscape]

The reason they give the seat height to the pedal is because you will be pedaling from the seat. So make sure that measurement fits you first. At your height and inseam, I would recommend getting the step-through model. Gives you plenty of stand over height.

[@ARTSPECK]

33”

[@edwardstreet9532]

I’m five nine with 29” inseam. I just got a zebra step through a week ago and it fits me fine. With the seat set so my leg is still slightly bent at the pedal bottom, I can still stop and touch the ground with my toes.

[@mattpeterson3801]

I have been trying to find an upgraded headlight for a while now. Support has been so-so. I have received feedback but I have had to request details many times. I found that the stock headlight puts out 1300 lumens (what support says) and uses a 48V 2 pin connection. Please let me know if you have any recommendations for higher powered lights that use the same 2 pin connection but with a higher lumen value as the current amount of light isn't adequate

[@EbikeEscape]

We just received our Euphree City Robin X. The headlight on that ebike is something to marvel at. Try giving them a call. They might be able to help you find something that might work.

[@gerhardheid7363]

Feed? Yedi feet or pygmies feed? ;)

[@jpmyles1560]

Great review. Nice video

[@EbikeEscape]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Useitorloseit1]

These bike reviews are great but lacking just a bit in my opinion. Would like to see the battery removed and a visual of the compartment. I fear with continual splash up from the front wheel with our rains in the Seattle area. That water could possibly accumulate in the battery area. Or worse yet work it's way down to the controller? Either way would like to get a look into some of these bikes nether regions to see we are not getting Chinered.

[@EbikeEscape]

We try and tread a fine line between being informative and being TOO informative. The frame is not a sealed area, so the water will run out the bottom easily. And the controllers are sealed up tight, so no need to worry about water getting into that either. Having the fenders in Seattle I think would also be a requirement. 😉

[@Useitorloseit1]

@@EbikeEscape Still, most these bikes appear to be very similar. I'm sure there are things in the nether regions that could set them apart. My last ride was 750 miles unsupported 80% trails over 3 states. Like to see which one of these bikes could survive, eastern Washington, North Idaho sections of Palouse to Cascades trail. How are the batteries held in? Are they all the same. How many bumpy ass miles before the Battery falls out or wires begin to chafe? Have you ever ridden trail shared with horses. Each hoof print is a bikers chuck hole/nightmare and can go on for miles into days! Aired down Fat tires, suspension seat post and stem will help. What about the rest of the bike?

[@IraQNid]

While it would be nice if the cables came with a waterproof cable sleeve or wrap ya know you can go buy one off the shelf.

[@EbikeEscape]

For sure

[@dennis-yj3zz]

hello, I'm 69 years old, weigh 160 lbs. and have good health. I was looking at the Kommoda Ovia. Do you have any thoughts on this bike? thank you. PS. I'm 5' 4''

[@EbikeEscape]

We have not ridden the Ovia yet. But we’re big fans of the original Kommoda. I would reference the Cyrusher Ovia fit guide on their website. And check your inseam measurement, more then height.

[@omniexistus]

Speed is 24 mph...is that an artificial limit? I suspect manufacturers do that for safety reasons.

[@EbikeEscape]

Not sure exactly, but the "limit" should be 20 mph as a Class 2 ebike so I suspect there is maybe some other reason for the decision.

[@charlenemccullough2293]

Not a commuter, not light, but fun to play with.

[@nikos5252]

Would you go for the Himiway Zebra or the Aventon Aventure??? I commute mostly in small distances.

[@EbikeEscape]

Tough call. I think Aventon's US based support might be better but spec wise I think the Zebra eeks out.

[@nikos5252]

@@EbikeEscape thank you Ryan! Great videos by the way 💪

[@marcinmichigan2772]

is the battery fuse accessible by the operator - or internal to the battery?

[@EbikeEscape]

It appears to be internal to the battery

[@jimmularczyk7601]

Could this bike be charged with the charger cord and a 110 power supply while riding the bike? I have a 12amp hr milwaukee tool battery and a 110 power inverter

[@EbikeEscape]

I am not sure that you can charge any ebike while actively riding it, without some modifications. But I could be wrong. I would reach out to Himiway to see what they say before I attempted anything like that. -JT

[@bryan3dguitar]

If mid-drive eBikes are supposed to be superior (more gear-generated torque at the rear wheel for better hill-climbing) to hub-drive bikes, why are most eBikes still hub-drive, regardless of price?

[@EbikeEscape]

Price is still a big factor as hub motors are a "tried and true" technology and have been around for a long long time. Also worth noting that like a car, when you want more torque, shifting gears is a much better solution then adding a massive V8. So in an effort to not require a massive motor, allowing the motor to use the bikes drivetrain is the next best solution.

[@wozza59]

This bike looks very similar to the Cyrusher Kuattro.

[@ryker102208]

I think magicycle has himiway beat, with better rack. Monitor, and battery size.

[@EbikeEscape]

We'll see!

[@ryker102208]

@@EbikeEscape what's to see the stats speak for themselves. Himiway needs to upgrade battery and monitor to compete

[@eddie1v]

What app do you use on your phone for speed?

[@EbikeEscape]

Speedometer App by Cool Niks.

[@dantheairboatman1234]

Disagree with the controller location they put it right where all the sand and road grime and water from wet roads can hit that location, up top is more protected,

[@EbikeEscape]

That's a fair point, not sure how much ingress you'd get but yeah it's possible I suppose.

[@patrickp6676]

Removing and putting the battery back is a pain.

[@garysanchezphotography]

Great video and great ebike. I'm also interested in the Himiway Big Dog 20" ebike.

[@DYNABIKE1]

Does it have a torque sensor or a cadence sensor ?

[@EbikeEscape]

Cadence

[@DYNABIKE1]

@@EbikeEscape I had a Cruiser and sold it to buy the Zebra. Why is mine so hard to peddle now. I can hardly peddle it above gear #2 without using a lot of peddle assist. I could always stay in Asst. mode #2 with the Cruiser but not now. My range has actually dropped with this bike.

[@DYNABIKE1]

@@EbikeEscape I googled it and was told the New Zebras have a Torque sensor FYI.

[@dennis-yj3zz]

o.k. thank you very much.

[@lyslebasinger7381]

Why music?

[@EbikeEscape]

?

[@TheEricDangerous]

Wow 2000$ is a bit pricey for a such equipment proposition, I see only entry level equipment.

[@EbikeEscape]

The bike components could be nicer. What other bikes are you looking at that you feel are better outfitted?

[@markrhuett]

@@EbikeEscape I always enjoy your reviews and this one was excellent...This bike looks like the Model R from Electric Bike Company, which in my opinion, is a better built bike. But then again, you're paying more for the Model R. Thanks again for the great review...

[@bw162]

Read the BBB complaints before you consider buying any of their bikes. UNBELIEVABLE!!!

[@Rikimkigsck]

It's 250W motor is just not enough

[@EbikeEscape]

The zebra doesn't have a 250w motor. What ebike are you thinking about?

[@paulelliott682]

And for you ladies the Heriway bicycle. LOL

[@EbikeEscape]

Nice one!

[@bobt3972]

The welds are not in the same league as the Aventon. Horrible

[@davesevlife]

Another Red Chinese bike. This one is made in Shanghai, China.

[@markwexy1621]

Deal breaker 24mph. Too slow!

[@EbikeEscape]

Speed demon!

[@manFromPeterborough]

24 isn't deal breaker to me, AUS has pussy ebike limits, my Fortis does 20 unlocked

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

The frame welds look pretty shabby. Nice review though.