Heybike just dropped two new flagship fat tire e-bikes in its brand-new X Series – the Mars 3.0 and Ranger 3.0 Pro – and they’re bringing some serious upgrades in power, comfort, and tech. Whether you’re looking for raw speed or plush long-range cruising, these two models seem designed to check both boxes.
The Mars 3.0 is clearly the thrill-seeker of the duo. It’s built around Heybike’s new Galaxy Perform eDrive System, which pairs a 750W nominal motor with a stout 95 Nm of torque. That’s already plenty for most riders, but peak output jumps to 1,400W when you really lean into that throttle or the highest level pedal assist.
The result of that power? A claimed 0 to 20 mph (32 km/h) in just six seconds. If you’ve got the need for speed, the Mars 3.0 can be unlocked from its default Class 2 limit to a Class 3 top speed of 28 mph via the Heybike app or the display. And if you really want to push it, you can open it up to over 30 mph using the bike’s display.
I got an early look at the Mars 3.0, with that review coming tomorrow (so be on the lookout for it!). And I can tell you that the display limit technically goes up to 99 km/h (60 mph), though 30 mph seems to be the real limit when the bike’s power meets the immutable laws of real-world physics.
Of course, going fast is only fun if you’re in control, and the Mars 3.0 aims to deliver on that front too. It sports full suspension – a hydraulic fork up front and a Horst-link setup in the rear – to keep the ride smooth whether you’re blasting pavement or bouncing down trails.
Add in upgraded hydraulic disc brakes with beefier 2.0 mm thick rotors in 180 mm diameter, and Heybike seems set on providing the stopping power to match the go-power. The bike also uses a torque sensor, which makes pedal assist feel more natural and responsive, rather than the on/off feel you get with some cheaper cadence-based systems.
I doubt many folks will be pedaling at 30 mph, but at least on the more modest end of the speed spectrum, pedaling should feel much nicer than on most cheap e-bikes.
For range, it gets a 624 Wh battery (48V 13Ah) that claims a lofty 65 miles (105 km) per charge. Of course, riders should never expect to really see that kind of range unless they’re sticking to Level 1 pedal assist, but it sure does look good on spec sheet to unsuspecting shoppers!
On the other end of the spectrum, the Ranger 3.0 Pro is designed for riders who value comfort and distance over outright speed (though it’s also 28 mph or 45 km/h capable, so it’s no slouch, either).
The Ranger 3.0 Pro offers a step-through frame in a folding fat tire bike that’s meant for long, plush rides. Like the Mars, it runs the Galaxy Perform eDrive System, but it’s tuned slightly differently – still a 750W nominal motor, but with 80 Nm of torque and a 1,200W peak output. It’ll match the Mars’s 0-20 mph sprint time, but the company says it’s more about range and comfort than speed.
With a big 720Wh removable battery, Heybike says you can stretch up to 90 miles (145 km) on a charge if you’re riding efficiently. Again though, that number is an idealized figure, and most riders will find their range to be less when making use of higher speeds and of course when using the throttle.
But because the battery is swappable, you could theoretically double that range with a spare pack. For touring, commuting, or just long weekend rides, that’s a big deal. Plus, the battery is accessible without having to fold the rather heavy 70 lb (32 kg) e-bike.
The Ranger also ups the comfort factor with a hydraulic fork and adjustable air shock in the rear, paired with big Kenda fat tires to soak up just about anything under you. The frame uses hydroformed tubing for added strength and sleeker looks, which gives it a more premium vibe than your average folding fat tire bike.
While their personalities are different, both models share a lot of the same tech. The X Series introduces a smart access system that lets you unlock the bike with an NFC card, a PIN on the display, or the Heybike app – nice touches if you want security without fiddling for keys. The new TFT display gives you a bright, easy-to-read dashboard with all your ride stats, and you can fine-tune throttle behavior so it either follows your pedal assist level or runs independently up to 28 mph. For even more fine tune adjustment, riders can select how sensitive they want the throttle or pedal assist (i.e., for more gentle starts or throw-your-head-back acceleration).
Heybike also gave the X Series some practical upgrades. The electronics are IP65-rated for water resistance, meaning you can ride in the rain without sweating it. The Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain and torque sensor work together for smooth, efficient pedaling. Cargo hauling gets a boost too, since the bikes come with integrated racks and can handle up to 440 lb (200 kg) combined payload of rider and cargo.
And yes, they still fold. The folding system has been reworked for smoother hinges and easier latching, cutting the fold time down to about 10 seconds. For fat tire bikes, that’s pretty slick.
Aesthetically, Heybike is leaning into a high-end look, using automotive-grade finishes that are designed to both last and turn heads. If you really want something special, there’s even a Ranger 3.0 Pro “Miami Sunset” Limited Edition with unique styling, though there are just 200 units in that run.
I’ve always been a sucker for those limited edition colors (perhaps partly out of a potentially unrealistic dream that one day there will be an antique e-bike culture similar to the way people collect vintage cars today).
Pricing is surprisingly good given the feature set. The Mars 3.0 comes in at $1,299, while the Ranger 3.0 Pro is $1,499. The Miami Sunset Limited Edition will cost you a bit extra at $1,599.
Electrek’s Take
These are obviously priced to compete with the best of the US market’s folding e-bike leaders, such as the Lectric XP4. While that one is certainly a better price at $999, the extra tech features and full-suspension design of Heybike’s new X-Series may prove interesting to many riders.
Heybike is clearly going for a one-two punch here. The Mars 3.0 seems like a great option for someone who wants a high-performance fat tire bike without breaking the bank – and with speed unlocks that push it into small-motorcycle territory, it’s going to appeal to riders who want more thrill than your typical 20 mph cruiser. Of course, riders need to check with their local laws. In most states, above 28 mph means you have left legal electric bicycle territory behind, though many states allow mopeds to travel at speeds up to 30 mph (meaning you get that highly sought-after throttle control all the way to the top).
The Ranger 3.0 Pro, meanwhile, feels like the better fit for touring riders or commuters who want a cushy, capable step-through with serious range. Between the comfort upgrades and the hydroformed frame, it’s got a refined edge that’s rare at this price point. That step-through alone is going to be a nice feature for many riders, and I personally prefer step-through frames even in my ripe young mid-30s. Step-throughs are just so convenient.
In general, I’ve seen Heybike grow quickly over the past few years, and these models show they’re not just cranking out more of the same. The X Series looks like a legitimate step forward in design, performance, and tech for the brand. Whether it’s enough to win over riders from big-name competitors will come down to how these bikes feel out on the road, and I’m definitely looking forward to sharing my experience on throwing a leg over (or through) them to find out.
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