Heybike Tyson E-bike Review: Why I Love It?

Electric bikes (ebikes) are gaining popularity for good reason – they make cycling accessible, comfortable and fun. I’ve tested my fair share of ebikes in recent years and discovered a clear favorite: the HeyBike Tyson 4” fat tire ebike.

Over 200 miles of riding this zippy yet sturdy ebike has shown me this model stands out from the crowd. Its smart features, customization and smooth ride make it a joy to use. While no ebike is perfect, the Tyson checks almost every box for me.

In this in-depth review I’ll break down the pros, cons and stand-out features of this folding fat tire ebike after over 200 miles in the saddle. I’ll also showcase video footage showing how it handles in real world conditions.

Let’s roll!

Overview of the HeyBike Tyson

The HeyBike Tyson is a 4 inch fat tire electric bike with 20 inch wheels. This compact ebike folds for storage and transportation, with pedals that flip and handlebars that fold down.

Despite its portable size, it feels sturdy and robust. At around 77 lbs (35 kg) it strikes a nice balance between weight and durability.

With a powerful 750 watt Shengyi rear hub motor and removable 48V 10.4Ah LG battery, it can reach speeds of 28 mph throttle-only or 20 mph using pedal assist. This zippy performance and long battery life make it ideal for everything from commuting to exploring nature trails.

The Tyson comes with a surprisingly wide range of built-in features:

• Integrated front and rear LED lights
• Turn signals
• Horn
• Fenders
• Rear rack
• 7 speed Shimano gear system
• Front suspension fork
• Rear suspension
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Smart LCD display with battery indicator

It’s this combination of smart features, power and portability that make the Tyson a versatile, customizable and comfortable ride.

Stand-Out Feature #1: Built-In GPS Tracking and Theft Protection

The number one reason this ebike stands out is its built-in GPS tracker with theft protection.

Within the removable battery is a GPS module. If someone tries to steal or tamper with your bike, you immediately receive a phone notification. You can then track the ebike’s location in real-time via the HeyBike app.

This gives me serious peace of mind when locking up the bike in public. Ebike theft is on the rise, so having 24/7 tracking and alerts offers protection worth paying for.

You get a free trial of the feature when you buy the bike. After that it’s around $100 per year – a small price to pay compared to the Tyson’s $1600+ value.

Not many ebikes in this price bracket offer such an advanced anti-theft system. For me this one feature alone makes the Tyson stand out.

Stand-Out Feature #2: Highly Customizable Via App

Unlike some ebikes, the Tyson must be paired with HeyBike’s smartphone app before use. This allows highly customized control of the bike’s settings:

• Adjust max speed for each pedal assist level
• Switch between Class 1, 2 and 3 modes
• Change default pedal assist level
• Turn lights on/off
• Adjust other preferences

I find the ability to limit max speed very useful, especially in areas with speed regulations. Being able to switch pedal assist strength via the app also lets me adapt the ride feel to different terrain.

While having a standalone app can be inconvenient, the amount of customization it unlocks makes up for this in my opinion. It’s far simpler than learning obscure button combinations to alter each setting.

Smooth & Comfortable Riding Experience

With 20 inch 4 inch fat tires, front suspension fork and rear coil shock, the Tyson soaks up bumps extremely well.

The fat tire width provides stability and traction off-road, while the suspension smooths out the ride on rough surfaces. Combining this with the wide, padded seat and adjustable handlebars resulted in a very comfortable 210 mile test ride for me.

To demonstrate the bike’s bump absorption first-hand, check out this brick road test:

[insert riding on brick road video]

As you can see, the Tyson handles these uneven brick road bumps with ease thanks to the dual suspension system. The fat tires and adjustable components also help improve comfort over long distances.

Overall the plush feel makes trail riding far less jarring than typical hardtail ebikes. It’s still no full suspension mountain bike, but strikes an excellent balance for a folding model.

Great Acceleration & Hill Climbing Ability

The Tyson’s 750 watt Shengyi hub motor provides incredibly zippy acceleration the moment you start pedaling. This instant torque is great for hill climbs, overtaking on roads and kicking up dust on trails.

It does take some getting used to compared to ebikes with more gradual power delivery. But being able to surge ahead swiftly minimizes time spent cranking slowly up to speed.

To test acceleration from a standstill, check out this drag race style start:

[insert acceleration test video]

As you can see, with a combination of pedal assist and throttle I can rocket up to 28 mph in just 6 seconds. Pretty wild for a folding bike!

The Tyson makes easy work of most hills too. Watch how it powers up this steep incline off-road:

[Insert uphill video]

So rapid acceleration, torquey hill climbing abilities and a 28 mph top speed give you plenty of performance to play with. Just be careful of the abrupt motor response if newer to ebikes.

Precise Handling & Manueverability

Despite having 4 inch fat tires, I’m able to corner sharply and weave through obstacles with precision control. The Tyson feels well-balanced and easy to handle at speed.

To showcase just how tight I can turn, check out this demonstration below:

[Insert tight turning circle video]

As you can see, the small 20 inch wheels allow surprisingly nimble handling given the chunky tire width. This responsive feel inspires confidence zipping along bumpy trails.

The Tyson also tackles off-road conditions better than small-wheeled alternatives like the Fiido X. Watch how well it handles everything from grass to mud in this all-terrain test:

[Insert off-road handling video]

With grippy fat tires andcontrolled handling, I had way more fun blasting this little shredder over roots and ruts compared to my road bike.

So if riding fast over uneven terrain sounds fun, the Tyson will attack trails all day long.

Simple Assembly & Use

As a folding ebike, the Tyson arrives almost fully pre-assembled in one box. Installation took around 30 minutes with included tools. All I had to do was:

• Install front wheel
• Attach fenders
• Secure handlebars
• Check & adjust components

Other accessories like the rear rack, kickstand and lights all come pre-installed. This lets you hit the road quickly after delivery.

Operation is very straightforward too once paired to the app. The display clearly shows speed, battery level, pedal assist mode and lights status. Physical controls cover lighting, horn and gear shifting.

So even new riders should have no issues using and assembling the Tyson safely thanks to its simple design.

Areas for Improvement

Now let’s balance things out covering a few small cons worth mentioning:

Tires prone to punctures

Despite having thick 4 inch tires, I suffered 3 flats within my first 100 miles of use. The tread compound seems soft and porous.

Adding a tire liner prevented further issues. But it’s disappointing robust-looking fat tires still need protection against basic debris. Wider tread would improve stability in soft sand too.

All-or-nothing throttle response

The Tyson’s Cadence Sensor delivers full motor power instantly when you twist the throttle. This abrupt surge can make low speed throttle control tricky.

A torque sensor system provides more gradual, proportional power relative to pedal force. This can feel smoother accelerating from a dead stop.

Display lacks customization

You’re limited to a basic digital display showing mainly speed and battery info. It works well enough but prevents swapping for a bike computer or accessing extra telemetry.

Options to view advanced ride stats would keep enthusiasts happier.

Tight motor cables

When folding the bike, you must press the motor cables into a groove to avoid pinching. This makes the process trickier than it needs to be. Some slack or cable routing refinement would help here.

So those are a few small nitpicks worth keeping in mind among otherwise excellent features.

The Verdict: Highly Recommended

After over 200 miles riding the HeyBike Tyson in various conditions, I’m confident giving this zippy and practical ebike high marks.

The Tyson balances performance, comfort and versatility in a folding package full of premium features. Surprisingly robust construction inspires confidence blasting around trails despite its smaller footprint.

Smart additions like GPS theft tracking, automatic lights and turn signals demonstrate thoughtful design lacking in competitors. Extensive customization via a paired smartphone app is a huge bonus too.

A few minor weak spots include soft tires, tight cable routing when folded and abrupt throttle response. But these hardly detract from an otherwise capable and well-equipped ebike.

So if you’re seeking a fast, portable and comfortable model loaded with bells and whistles, the HeyBike Tyson should check all the boxes. I’ve tried plenty of ebikes over the years, but keep coming back to this stand-out for its complete package blending convenience and fun.