Himiway Cruiser E-Bike Review
The Himiway Cruiser is a robust all-terrain fat bike designed to easily conquer any surface. Created by Mike Magaruh in 2017, the Himiway brand combines a deep understanding of e-bike manufacturers and component brands from Mike’s extensive travels in Asia. The result is the Himiway Cruiser, a remarkable electric bike that blends top-notch components with a rugged outdoor design. Continue reading as we delve into the highly anticipated review of this powerful e-bike.
Whether you seek a versatile and affordable e-bike capable of navigating various terrains, or a thrilling ride that accelerates swiftly, the Himiway Cruiser, priced at approximately $1,500, is an outstanding choice.
Overview
The Himiway All-Terrain electric step-through is not your average pedal-assist electric bike. With its massive 4-inch-wide tires and front suspension, it boasts the ruggedness of a fat bike while offering the practicality of an affordable city commuter. While its off-road capabilities are impressive, it’s more likely to be utilized as a reliable companion for navigating the urban landscape.
The marketing emphasizes its versatility, mentioning hunting and beach riding, which it can handle with ease. However, its true calling lies in being a city commuter, much like how modern SUVs have become a popular choice for urban travel. Don’t let the challenges of the city intimidate you, as the Himiway All-Terrain electric step-through is ready to tackle anything that comes your way.
Specifications
| Battery | 48V 17.5Ah Samsung lithium battery |
| Display | LCD display with USB charging |
| Motor | 750W brushless gear motor |
| Headlight | 48V LED light |
| Taillights | Yes |
| Pedal Assist | Levels 0-5 |
| Range | 35-60 Miles |
| Throttle | Half Twist Throttle |
Motor
The Himiway Cruiser has a formidable 750W brushless rear hub motor that commands attention with its remarkable power and speed. During testing, this motor proved to be a game-changer, particularly in challenging terrains like hills and sandy surfaces.
One standout feature of the Cruiser’s motor is its ability to maintain high average speeds on hills. Unlike some other e-bikes that struggle to keep up the momentum when faced with an incline, the Cruiser effortlessly conquers steep slopes with ease and confidence, delivering a thrilling riding experience.
Moreover, the motor’s performance on sandy terrain is truly outstanding. Riders can confidently navigate through deep sand, owing to the motor’s impressive power and torque. It’s a luxurious feeling to effortlessly conquer challenging terrains that would typically pose difficulties for other e-bikes.
When engaging the motor, it is important to note that its initial power may catch riders by surprise. Starting in pedal assist level 1 and gradually increasing the level allows for a gradual exploration of the motor’s capabilities, enabling riders to fully appreciate its power and embark on an exciting journey of discovery.
Battery
The Himiway Cruiser is equipped with an impressive 48V 17.5Ah Samsung Lithium-Ion Battery that truly enhances the riding experience. We were delighted by the generous amp hours of this battery, as it ensures a longer charge life and minimizes noticeable depletion, especially during sustained climbs on steep terrain.
Not only does it charge quickly, but it also offers a long-lasting power supply even when riding with higher assist levels. Moreover, the Himiway Cruiser nearly reached 44 miles on maximum assistance. This speaks volumes about the battery’s capacity. By conserving battery power as much as possible during rides, it’s reasonable to expect the Cruiser to cover over 60 miles before finally needing a recharge.
Pedal Assist
This electric bike offers a total of 5 pedal assistance levels, although the distinction between these levels wasn’t very pronounced, as they all provided rapid acceleration. However, the high-speed experience was enjoyable, and it would have been preferable to have more noticeable increments between the assist levels.
For riders who prioritize speed, this aspect could be seen as a positive feature of the Himiway Cruiser. However, those seeking to conserve battery power may find that a less intense level 1 would be beneficial. It would allow for a more gradual and energy-efficient approach to riding.
Thus, the Himiway Cruiser’s pedal assistance levels deliver quick acceleration, catering to speed enthusiasts. Riders who prioritize battery conservation may desire a more subtle progression in assist levels, ensuring a smoother and more efficient ride.
Throttle
This electric bike features a grip twist throttle that adds a motorbike-like sensation when twisted. As mentioned earlier regarding the motor, riders should take some time to familiarize themselves with the throttle before using it during their rides. The throttle engages with significant power and speed, and if riders are unprepared, they might find themselves unintentionally caught up in an unexpected race.
Considering the Cruiser’s strength, many riders would prefer a lever throttle. Lever throttles offer better control and are less prone to accidental engagement. Grip twist throttles can be engaged accidentally more easily, especially when mounting the bike.
Once riders become accustomed to the placement and feel of the Cruiser’s throttle, it becomes a fun and practical feature. However, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with the throttle to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
The Frame
This electric bike is constructed using 6061 aluminum alloy, a commonly used material for bike frames. This alloy is favored for its ease of welding, good stiffness-to-weight ratio, and cost-effectiveness. While steel frames could have been a more economical option, the choice of aluminum is welcomed, especially considering the price of the Himiway Step Through Cruiser.
Despite the use of aluminum, there are no apparent signs of cost-cutting measures. The welds are smooth and high quality, showcasing attention to detail in manufacturing. The frame’s finish also appears to be of high quality, with thick and even paint that should endure long-term use.
It is essential to note that the Himiway Cruiser is not a lightweight bike despite the aluminum frame. The sloping top tube measures nearly 2 inches in width, and the assembled weight totals 72 lbs. This weight is understandable considering the large battery, powerful motor, front suspension, and hefty tires, but it is worth mentioning for potential buyers.
Lights
This electric bike ensures visibility even in low-light conditions. It has a 48V LED headlight in the front and a brake-activated tail light in the rear. The headlight provides enough brightness to illuminate the path at night, although it may not be as dazzling as expected given its size.
For those planning on frequent nighttime rides, it is advisable to add extra light to the handlebar or helmet for enhanced visibility.
Visually, the headlight is aesthetically pleasing and complements the bike’s overall design, while the tail light is neatly integrated into the rear rack. You can also control the headlight’s on/off function directly from the display controller located on the handlebar.
Brakes
The Himiway Cruiser is equipped with Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes, featuring 180mm rotors. While these brakes provide sufficient stopping power, given the bike’s substantial weight, we would prefer even more braking power.
Considering the Cruiser’s weight of over 72 pounds and its capability to reach speeds above 20mph, the addition of hydraulic disc brakes would greatly enhance the bike’s safety, even if it resulted in a slightly higher price.
From our perspective, safety is invaluable, and hydraulic brakes such as the Tektro Dorados would significantly improve the overall safety of the Himiway Cruiser.
On a positive note, mechanical disc brakes are easier to adjust and fine-tune compared to hydraulic brakes. However, if you require maintenance or servicing for hydraulic brakes, it’s recommended to visit your local bike shop.
Fender & Fork
The Himiway Cruiser is equipped with plastic fenders in the front and rear. The front fender covers about one-third of the wheel, while the rear fender covers about half of it. These fenders are effective at shielding you from dirt, sand, and gravel kicked up by the bike’s wide 4.0-inch tires. They not only keep you protected but also help maintain the cleanliness of the bike frame. Additionally, these fenders are lightweight, flexible, and complement the bike’s overall appearance.
As for the fork, this electric bike features a 32mm spring suspension fork with 100mm of travel. This fork comes with a lockout dial that allows you to easily adjust the suspension stiffness while riding. It adds to the robust and sturdy feeling of the bike, akin to a powerful truck. The suspension fork absorbs obstacles on the path, ensuring a comfortable and controlled ride for the rider.
Pedals
When it comes to the pedals on the Cruiser, the Wellgo Aluminum Pedals do a solid job for their intended use. They strike a good balance between grip, durability, and comfort. The pedal platform features pins that improve traction and control without being overly large and hindering your ability to remove your foot quickly when needed. These pedals also have reflectors to enhance your visibility to others. They provide a supportive feel under your feet and can withstand pedal strikes without any issues as they are made of alloy.
For most riders, I believe these pedals will be perfectly suitable, much like the grips and saddle. However, if you prefer something different, swapping out the pedals is an easy task.
Tires
Now, let’s talk about the tires. The 26 x 4.0 Kenda Juggernaut tires are truly impressive and live up to their name. During our testing, these tires devoured everything in their path and offered excellent traction even on challenging terrain. Their width, volume, and tread pattern allowed us to effortlessly glide over sandy surfaces and absorb the vibrations on rough roads.
Final Verdict
The Himiway Cruiser is a standout electric bike that excels in off-road adventures and urban commuting. Its powerful 750W motor and long-lasting 48V 17.5Ah Samsung battery effortlessly tackles hills and provides an exhilarating riding experience. The pedal assist and twist throttle deliver rapid acceleration, catering to speed enthusiasts, although riders seeking more gradual power increments may desire additional options.
The sturdy aluminum frame, plastic fenders, and 32mm spring suspension fork contribute to the bike’s durability and comfort. However, mechanical disc brakes provide sufficient stopping power; hydraulic brakes would enhance safety further. Thus, this electric bike offers excellent value for its price, making it a versatile and exciting choice for riders looking to conquer various terrains with ease.
