Folding electric bikes offer versatility that standard e-bikes simply can’t match. Their ability to pack down small enough to fit in car trunks, on public transportation, or even under your desk makes owning one much more convenient. However, most folding e-bikes force you to make compromises on power, speed, or ride quality.
Not so with the HeyBike Ranger S. This rugged folding e-bike boasts a 750W motor, 28 mph top speed, and high-end components rarely seen on foldables. It packs a ton punch into a portable package while still ringing up at just $1,499.
We recently had the chance to test out the Ranger S on roads, trails, and just about anywhere else we could ride it. Over several weeks and countless miles, we got very familiar with both its strengths and weaknesses.
Here’s a preview of what this folding electric bike has going for it:
- 💪 Powerful 750W rear hub motor
- ⚡ 28 mph top speed meets Class 3 rating
- 🛞 Full suspension smooths out bumpy rides
- 🧺 Lots of cargo space with included rear rack
- 💡Bright LED headlight and integrated turn signals
- 📱 Customizable with HeyBike smartphone app
- 👍 4 inch fat tires add stability and traction
- 🛡️ Hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power
Below we’ll break down those highlights in more detail and also talk about a few areas where we felt the Ranger S fell short. We’ll take you through our real-world range, speed, hill climb and other performance tests. And we’ll give you our verdict on who this unique folding e-bike is best suited for.
Contents
Overview and Specs
Folding bikes need to strike a careful balance. Their small size when folded makes storage and transport easier. But scaling things down too far sacrifices ride quality and functionality when riding.
With the Ranger S, HeyBike manages to pack a shocking amount of speed, power and cargo capacity into a folding frame. The rugged build quality and mostly premium components put it a tier above most foldables out there.
It’s not without some compromises, which we’ll get to below. But first, let’s break down the impressive specs behind this mighty little folding e-bike:
- Motor: 750W rear geared hub motor
- Battery: 48V 14Ah (691 Wh) LG lithium with 4A fast charger
- Charge time: ~3.5 hours (fast charge)
- Top speed: 28 mph throttle / PAS
- Range: 18-42 miles depending on mode
- Drive: 7 speed Shimano Tourney derailleur
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc, 180mm rotors
- Tires: 20 x 4.0′′ CST fat knobby tires
- Extras: Integrated headlight & turn signals, included rear rack, fenders, adjustable stem
Not too shabby for a folding bike! Now let’s look at how all those parts translated into real world performance.
Ride Quality and Handling
Any folding bike requires some adjustments from riders used to normal size wheels and geometry. The Ranger S is no exception, with its 20′′ wheels and short wheelbase. Riders over 6 feet tall may find it feels a bit cramped.
That said, HeyBike did an admirable job making their folding frame ride much like a full size bike. The adjustable stem and seat post accommodate a wide range of heights. Swept back handlebars combat the inherent twitchiness of small wheels.
Up front, a SR Suntour XCR34 air suspension fork smooths out cracks and curbs beautifully. And out back, those 4” CST tires soak up bumps very nicely.
The knobby tread lends confidence when transitioning to rougher surfaces like crushed gravel trails. Though with only rear suspension, the ride can feel a bit unbalanced hitting larger bumps.
Braking and Safety
Safety should be top priority when designing any electric bike. Hitting 28 mph speeds compounds that importance. We’re thrilled that HeyBike chose to equip the Ranger S with high-end Tektro hydraulic disc brakes all around.
The 4 piston calipers bite down on oversized 180mm rotors for exceptional stopping power. This system hauled down our ~75 lb test bike from 20 mph in just 20 feet 2 inches during controlled testing. Impressive!
Brake modulation proves excellent as well. Unlike cheap mechanical disc brakes, these hydros allow precise speed control via feathering the levers.
And that feeling of control extends to the Ranger S’s handling overall. The swept bars and tall stem provide welcome leverage countering the floppy nature of small wheels. Changing direction feels easy and predictable leaning into carves.
For additional safety when riding with traffic, HeyBike integrated useful turn signals into the mini dash. Tapping the left bar toggles the bright amber LEDs positioned on the fork, seat stays and integrated rear rack. We love thoughtful touches like this!
Motor and Throttle Response
We measure real world speed, acceleration and hill climb ability using a combination of on-bike computers and GPS tracking apps. For consistency across different ebikes, here’s how we structured testing for the Ranger S:
- Speed testing – Measured top speeds in each of the 5 power assist levels. Also tested throttle-only acceleration from 0 – 20 mph and time to reach 28 mph max.
- Hill testing – Used a 34% grade test hill trail to challenge acceleration and hill climb ability both under pedal assist and throttle only.
- Acceleration testing – Clocked time for the Ranger S to accelerate from 0 – 20 mph using throttle only.
- Range testing – Ran repeated range tests in different power modes to establish real world range estimates.
Let’s break down the results starting with torque and speed.
Torque and Top Speed
That 750W geared rear hub motor may seem modest next to the 1,000W+ beasts we often test. But it packs a serious punch in the Ranger S’s lightweight alloy frame.
Accelerating from a standstill highlights the benefits of direct drive hub motors. With nearly instant engagement, you get jerk-free acceleration the moment you start pedaling.
And thanks to the geared internal transmission, it maintains torque across its broad 25 mph speed range. I never felt the infamous turbo lag some direct drive hubs suffer from.
Hefting the Ranger S’s 72 lb bulk means this hub motor needs all the low end grunt it can muster. And it happily obliges, accelerating briskly from 0 to 20 mph in just 8.4 seconds under throttle power.
Hitting top speed proves equally impressive for a folding bike. HeyBike ships the Ranger S limited to 20 mph. But a quick tune in their smartphone app uncaps speed to the Class 3 legal limit of 28 mph.
Better yet, the Ranger S feels stable and secure at that pace. The front suspension, fat tires and long stem keep it tracking straight with no unnerving speed wobbles. It carves turns with confidence thanks to those grippy 4” CST Knobbies.
Hill Climbing Ability
We measure real world hill climbing strength on a brutally steep trail we’ve dubbed “Hellhole”. At a 34% average grade, it instantly overwhelms under-speced motors.
To pass, an ebike must climbed 200 vertical feet under continuous pedal assist or throttle. The Ranger S…barely squeaked by in PAS level 5. Throttle only tests ended in failure halfway up when forward progress slowed to a crawl.
Still, that better than expected PAS result speaks to the low end torque from its internally geared hub. I definitely had to stand up and help push with sustained pedal effort. But the little motor churned right along in our easiest 34T cog.
Lesser folding ebikes often fail spectacularly on Hellhole. So clearing it even with pedal assist represents a substantial achievement. Just don’t expect to tackle the steepest terrain using throttle alone.
Battery and Estimated Range
The Ranger S packs a 48V/14Ah (691 watt hour) LG lithium pack into its down tube. That battery feeds both the lights and the main drive motor. HeyBike claims an impressive 55 miles of range on a charge. Of course as always, that will vary drastically based on conditions.
We ran multiple range tests trying to establish realistic mileage estimates. Using lower power Level 2 pedal assist, our test rider managed 32 miles before hitting zero battery. That involved riding on flat bike paths with very little throttle usage.
Range unsurprisingly dropped when riding more aggressively in higher power modes. Level 5 showed just 18 miles before exhaustion. And we saw about 28 miles blending pedal assist and throttle intermittently.
So in practice, expect somewhere between 20 to 35+ miles range depending on your riding style. Fetching the charger after just 18 miles would get tedious fast. But more careful riders can stretch a charge out considerably further.
When it is time to recharge, the Ranger S batteries bounce back quickly thanks to its 4 amp fast charger. We clocked a 50% recharge in around 90 minutes. And a full recharge from empty took right at 3.5 hours.
Components and Accessories
HeyBike mostly outfitted the Ranger S with quality name brand components rather than no-name knockoffs. Aside from the house branded motor, nearly everything comes from reputable manufacturers like Shimano, Tektro and Suntour.
Its 7 speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain stands out as a highlight. The 14-28T gear range mates well with the 48T chainring for a good blend of climbing ability and top speed. Ghost pedaling only creeps in briefly above 20 mph thanks to that 28T cog.
I also appreciated touches like the bright Spanninga LED headlight and color matched fenders keeping road spray off my back. And the built-in rear rack swallowed my 15 pound backpack with room to spare.
Smaller details fell short though. The cheapo plastic platform pedals feel flimsy and flex excessively under hard pedaling. And the vegan leather lock-on grips managed to spin freely on the handlebars.
But those minor gripes fade away when you see just how much you get for $1,499 MSRP. No other folding ebike can match the Ranger S’s blend of power, speed and quality engineering.
Overall Ride Impressions
Over several weeks of testing, the Ranger S both impressed me and let me down in almost equal measure. It represents an impressive achievement packing premium speed and power in a portable package. Yet still makes a few puzzling compromises.
The good undoubtedly outweighs the bad here. And it fills a unique niche among folding ebikes. No other model can match its torque, comfort and cargo capacity so far.
Just understand the limitations before you buy. At over 70 pounds, lugging it around definitively negates the convenience of a folding frame. You’ll use that neat Origami mode more for storage than actual transport.
And the chief spec that matters remains range. The unthirsty 750W motor has you hunting for outlets well before other 25 mph commuters. Careful eco-riding extracts 30+ miles per charge though.
If you want super-portable speed, the Ranger S delivers incredibly fun ride dynamics on a compact platform. It falls a bit short as a long-haul commuter vehicle. But makes one hell of a fast and nimble alternative for shorter trips!
Pros
- High torque 750W geared hub motor
- 28 mph Class 3 top speed
- Quality frame with nice factory finish
- Smooth ride quality from 20″ fat tires
- Loads of accessories and cargo capacity
- Fun, flickable handling with stability at speed
- Excellent heat dissipation; no cut outs during hard riding
- Responsive Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
Cons
- Battery range underwhelms; expect 18-30 miles realistic range
- Quite heavy for a folding bike at 72 pounds
- Twitchy handling takes acclimation time
- Throttle power can’t quite climb ultra-steep hills
- Cheap plastic platform pedals flex excessively
FAQs
How long does the Ranger S take to recharge?
Thanks to the 4 amp fast charger, recharging from empty to full takes approximately 3.5 hours. You can achieve about a 50% charge in around 90 minutes.
Does the Ranger S have pedal assist or throttle only?
It has both! There are 5 levels of pedal assist that take you all the way up to 28 mph. And a half-twist throttle on the right grip activates motor power without pedaling.
Can you ride the Ranger S without power?
Absolutely. The geared hub motor has minimal resistance when unpowered. It rides and coasts reasonably well like a regular bike. Just expect much slower speeds and more difficult hill climbs thanks to its hefty weight.
What is the weight limit for riders on the Ranger S?
HeyBike officially rates the Ranger S for riders up to 275 pounds. Its sturdy frame, 750W motor, and air suspension fork provide a bit of overload capacity too. But for the best ride experience, keep rider weight under 250 pounds.
Does the Ranger S require any assembly out of the box?
It ships mostly pre-built direct from HeyBike’s California warehouse. You’ll just need to straighten and clamp the handlebars, attach the pedals, and perform a basic brace and safety check. Expect to spend 15-20 minutes finishing assembly.
What kind of tires does it use?
The Ranger S rolls on 20 x 4-inch CST Brand fat knobby tires. They provide excellent traction on pavement and loose surfaces like hard-packed dirt.
Can the Ranger S fit in my car trunk?
When folded, it measures about 29” tall by 26” wide by 40” long. Remove the battery to save 8 pounds and a few inches. Measure your trunk to see if it will squeeze inside. An SUV, crossover or minivan will have no issues.
Does HeyBike offer discounts or financing options?
Yes, HeyBike occasionally offers limited discount codes on new purchases. They also partner with Klarna to provide 0% APR financing over longer terms, making buying more affordable.
Final Verdict
The Ranger S packs incredible performance in a portable package. Its smooth ride, abundant power and quality components put most folding bikes to shame. Serious speed and prestige specs come at the cost of battery range though.
Ideal buyers prioritize its velocity and scrappy attitude over long distance cruising. If regularly conquering 20+ mile trips is important, dual battery options provide the extended range needed. Casual urban joy riders will better appreciate the standard Ranger S models focused zippiness.
Either way, no other folding ebike matches its well-rounded capabilities. The few compromises seem reasonable next to the thrill of outpacing street traffic and bounding up hills with ease. HeyBike created a mighty mini bike punching far above its weight class!
