AllOutdoor Review – Heybike Mars 3.0 “Fun Folder”

There is no denying that electric bikes have put a whole new world of exploration at your fingertips. They make it simple to put in the miles, have some fun on dirt or pavement and take on hills you might otherwise leave alone. Enter the Heybike Mars 3.0. This folding fat-tire e-bike is an impressive package of power, portability and full-suspension comfort. It is the sort of versatile machine a rider would want for a rugged trail run or a quick jaunt around town.

More Bikes @AO:

• AllOutdoor Review – QuietKat Ranger Electric Bike in Veil Cumbre Camo
• AllOutdoor Review: Bakcou Mule SD 26 – An Investment that Pays Off
• Vista Outdoor Announces Acquisition of QuietKat eBikes
• Why Thunder Pro Is The Perfect Bike for Adventure & Utility Riders

The Heybike Mars 3.0 was supplied for this review by Heybike, and while I am allowed to keep it after the conclusion of this review, this will not effect my current or future opinions of any of their products. I received this bike in the late fall for testing, but have been socked in with snow all winter so it took me till spring to get some good miles on the Mars 3.0. I have primarily been riding the Mars on forest trails and walking paths.

Specs – Heybike Mars 3.0

• Motor: 750W rear hub motor (1,400W peak), 95 Nm torque
• Battery: 48V 13Ah (624Wh) removable lithium-ion
• Range: Up to 65 miles (depending on conditions and assist level)
• Top Speed: 28 mph (My top speed was 34 MPH)
• Suspension: Full suspension – 65mm front fork + rear Horst-link shock
• Tires: 4-inch fat tires
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
• Gearing: Shimano 8-speed
• Weight: Approximately 72 lbs (including battery)
• Folded Dimensions: ~40″ L × 21″ W × 32.5″ H
• Max Load: 440 lbs (rider + cargo)
• Key Features: Integrated turn signals, bright LED headlight, taillight with brake/turn signals, half-twist throttle, TFT color display, app connectivity, folding design
• Price: Around $1,199 – $1,299 (often on sale)
• Country of Origin: Designed in USA, manufactured overseas

Review – Heybike Mars 3.0

When the Mars 3.0 came in, I was keen to put this full-suspension folder through its paces in real-world Maine conditions. Some assembly is par for the course with an e-bike of this type and the Mars 3.0 was no different but it wasn’t complicated but you do need to put in a little time to get things dialed in. What you end up with is a bike with an aggressive fat-tire stance and a solid feel to it. The folding mechanism is something to behold. You can have it down in 10 seconds flat and it is a true space saver. If you are short on garage room or don’t have a rack, being able to stow it away or throw it in the back of the truck is a big plus.

The Battery is easily removable from the bike housing and can be charged while in the bike or inside your house on colder days. Once the battery is inserted, you will need to use a key to lock it into the frame and then use an included NFC key to then unlock the bike on power up. While this may sound like a hassle for someone like me who lives in a rural area, it’s probably good for anyone in a more populated area and does not want their bike battery stolen.

On the Trail and Around Town – Heybike Mars 3.0

This is where the Mars 3.0 makes its mark. The full suspension does a fine job of absorbing roots and rough ground, and with those fat tires you have a ride that feels planted and gives you confidence on uneven surfaces. The 750W motor puts out 95 Nm of torque for some strong acceleration and hill-climbing that is just plain fun. Power comes on smooth and responsive whether you are on the throttle or using pedal assist. Range is another story. I was seeing good numbers even when mixing in higher assist levels. On a more laid back day I could easily clock 40-plus miles and still have juice left over. The LED headlight is bright enough for low light and the turn signals are a nice touch for visibility in traffic. I will say that if you are looking to use this bike without the pedal drive activated, you are going to get a great workout, as it is very taxing. Even when the bike is off, driving the chain connected to the motor will take a lot of force, so be prepared for that.

A Few Areas for Improvement – Heybike Mars 3.0

It isn’t all perfect though. At 72 pounds, the thing is heavy. You will notice it when the bike is folded and you have to heave it up some stairs or load it in. On a couple of longer outings I had to re-tighten the steering bars which had come loose and that really sucked.  Lastly, the battery housing latch sticks out in a spot that my leg would find while pedaling, which was a bit of an annoyance.

What I Liked
• A lot of fun to ride with the power and torque on tap
• The full suspension is very comfortable on the trail
• Battery range is excellent in practice
• Bright headlight and turn signals are useful
• Folds down to save serious space
• Good value for the money

Closing Thoughts – Heybike Mars 3.0

All told, the Heybike Mars 3.0 is an enjoyable bike that gives you a lot of capability for what you pay. Sure, there are the odd quirk with the weight or the battery latch, but it excels at the important stuff like making you smile while you are on it. The fat tires and solid range give it a premium feel. If you need a way to get around a busy town without the hassle, or a machine for the trails, this is hard to beat. The folding aspect is a game-changer for portability. I had a good time with the Mars 3.0 and would have no problem recommending it to a friend looking for an affordable fat-tire e-bike that can handle an adventure.

The post AllOutdoor Review – Heybike Mars 3.0 “Fun Folder” appeared first on AllOutdoor.com.