Electric bikes (e-bikes) come in all shapes and sizes these days, but few make an impression quite like fat tire e-bikes. With their rugged, oversized tires and beefy frames, fat tire e-bikes are built to handle any terrain and turn heads in the process.
One of the most popular fat tire e-bike models on the market is the Himiway Zebra. This electric mountain bike lives up to its name with an exotic zebra-striped paint job and savage performance capabilities.
In this comprehensive Himiway Zebra review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this high-powered fat tire e-bike, from unboxing and assembly to real world riding impressions. Read on to see if the Zebra could be your next two-wheeled beast of burden.
Contents
Unboxing and Assembly
When the large Himiway box arrived at our headquarters, it was clear this was no ordinary e-bike. At 43 kg (95 lbs), the shipping carton was emblazoned with “Team Lift” stickers – no joke!
Once cracked open, the enormity of the bike became apparent. The first thing we spotted were the massive 4-inch wide tires, dwarfing normal bike wheels. Industrial-sized zip ties and thick cables further hinted at the Zebra’s rugged capabilities.
The Himiway Zebra in its shipping box, with fat tires on display
Among the well-packed contents, we found:
- Frame and wheels
- Pedals
- Adjustable saddle
- Charger and cables
- Tools
- Front light
- Fenders
- Rear rack
- Kickstand
- Accessories like a Himiway cycling cap
Himiway also includes an exceptionally detailed manual with specs, maintenance guidance, and a thorough assembly diagram.
With the manual’s step-by-step directions, assembling the Zebra was straightforward. After mounting the parts, adjusting the brakes, and tuning the derailleur, the e-bike was ready to hit the road.
The only fiddly bit was securing the rear fender—the metal stay arms had to be bent into place. Overall, assembly took around an hour with basic mechanical skills.
Features Overview
One look at the Zebra reveals this is no timid e-bike. The rugged 4-inch fat tires provide traction across any terrain, while the powerful 750W Shengyi rear hub motor can devour steep hills.
A long-range 48V, 17.5Ah Samsung battery gives upwards of 80 miles per charge, depending on power assist level and terrain. The cadence sensor ensures smooth, natural pedal assist response.
Quality name-brand components abound, including Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, and adjustable Suntour front suspension fork. The integrated display provides speed, distance, battery level, and more.
Fat tires, beefy motor and oversized battery give the Himiway Zebra its beastly personality
Here are some key specs and features of the Himiway Zebra e-bike:
- Motor: 750W Shengyi rear geared hub
- Battery: 48V 17.5Ah (840Wh) Samsung lithium
- Range: Up to 80 miles per charge
- Top speed: 28 mph
- Max load: Up to 400 lbs
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes (180mm rotors)
- Drivetrain: Shimano 7-speed derailleur
- Tires: 26″ x 4″ CST fat tires
- Suspension: Suntour M3030 coil spring fork (80mm travel)
- Extras: Integrated LED headlight, fenders, rear rack, kickstand, throttle
With ultra fat tires, long range battery, and burly 750 watt motor, the Zebra e-bike definitely lives up to its animal namesake. This is a ready-to-rumble electric bike suited for everything from cruising neighborhood streets to bombing down mountain trails.
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
Assembling the Zebra e-bike out of the box is straightforward thanks to the detailed instructions. For anyone new to bike mechanics, here’s a step-by-step guide to putting this beast together:
1. Attach front wheel
- Slide the front wheel between the fork legs. Make sure the disc brake rotor faces the left brake caliper.
- Insert the 15mm through axle through the hollow hub and tighten the quick release lever.
Tightening the quick release lever to secure front wheel
2. Install handlebar
- Slide the handlebar into position in the head tube, lining up the brake/shifter cables.
- Install top cap on steerer tube and tighten stem bolts to clamp handlebar in place.
3. Attach pedals
- Identify left and right pedals based on “L” and “R” imprints.
- Starting with the right pedal, rotate clockwise to thread into crank arm.
- Repeat on left side, rotating counterclockwise. Pedal tightness can be adjusted once installed.
Pedals are marked L and R for quick identification
4. Install saddle
- Attach seat post to frame, tightening quick release skewer.
- Position saddle on rails and tighten clamp to secure in place.
- Alignment and height can be adjusted to fit the rider.
5. Add accessories
- Bolt on rear rack if desired.
- Attach included fenders using provided hardware.
- Mount front LED light to forks or handlebar.
With those major steps complete, the Zebra ebike is ready to roll! Minor tweaks like brake adjustment can be made during a test ride.
First Ride Impressions
After assembly, it was time to get acquainted with this wild beast. Rolling the Zebra outside, the first impression was — this thing is a tank! With its super fat tires and long wheelbase, the handling definitely feels different than a nimble road bike.
However, it only took a few minutes to get a feel for the Zebra. The wide tires provide stability, soaking up bumps with ease. The long frame has plenty of room for larger riders. The cadence sensor gives smooth, intuitive pedal assist response.
With some practice, the e-bike was soon carving lazy arcs around the parking lot. The powerful Tektro hydraulic disc brakes deliver strong, controlled stopping power with a light touch of the levers.
Hitting the throttle reveals the brute force of the 750W motor. With a roar, the Zebra lurches forward, front wheel clawing at the air. Top speed felt effortlessly achieved, even from a standstill.
In summary, that first ride left a very positive impression:
- Comfortable yet sporty riding position – Upright handlebars and adjustable saddle
- Plush suspension – Front fork soaks up bumps; fat tires smooth out vibration
- Stable handling – Wide wheelbase and tires feel solid when cornering
- Strong motor – Throttle gives snappy acceleration; ample hill climbing power
- Responsive brakes – Precise speed control with strong stopping power
Clearly the Zebra has the performance chops to back up its muscular physique. Let’s hit some trails to really put this e-bike beast to the test!
Long Term Review and Performance Tests
After unboxing and initial impressions, it was time to log some miles on varied terrain. Over three months of testing, we evaluated the Zebra’s performance and capabilities across areas like:
- Range
- Motor power
- Handling
- Battery charging
- Component reliability
Here’s a breakdown of how the Himiway Zebra scored in key categories during real world use.
Range
The Zebra delivers outstanding range thanks to its giant 840 watt hour Samsung battery. We weigh range testing heavily since no one wants to get stranded with a dead e-bike.
Putting some miles on the Zebra to evaluate real world range
Range testing details:
- Rider weight: 180 lbs
- Terrain: Pavement, hard-packed dirt, some hills
- Tire pressure: 10 PSI
- Assist level: Mostly 3, some 4
- Average speed: 15 mph
Result:
We rode 44 miles before the battery hit zero, which aligns with Himiway’s max range claim of “up to 80 miles.” Range varies greatly depending on conditions, so results in the 30 to 50 mile ballpark are excellent and on par with the competition.
The removable battery is a nice bonus for charging flexibility or swapping in a spare. Overall the Zebra’s long legs earn it high marks for real world range.
Motor Power
The 750 watt Shengyi hub motor provides seriously strong performance for conquering steep hills and punchy acceleration.
We tested power delivery in a few ways:
Uphill tests
Could the Zebra climb extended 25% grades without overheating or bogging down?
Result:
The motor tackled steep pitches without hesitation, providing constant assistance up inclines most pedal bikes would balk at. Very impressive hill climbing ability.
Throttle power
Does the twist throttle deliver strong acceleration from a dead stop?
Result:
Pinning the throttle provides neck-snapping torque. The Zebra leaps forward with authority off the line. Throttle function is very responsive overall.
Top speed
Does the Zebra reach its advertised 28 mph top speed?
Result:
On flat ground in top gear, we hit a top speed of 31 mph. The 750W motor has ample juice for speed.
The bottom line: The Himiway Zebra’s motor delivers beastly torque perfect for climbing ability and aggressive acceleration. Top speed exceeds claims.
Handling and Braking Performance
With its long wheelbase and ultra fat tires, the Zebra provides stable handling but it does steer differently than a nimble road bike. Slow speed maneuvering takes extra care.
The 4-inch CST tires really cushion the ride and grip well off-road. We rode sandy trails and loose dirt without slippage. Road vibration gets muted nicely.
Slowing things down, the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes offer excellent modulation. You can finely tune braking pressure with a light touch of the levers. Stopping power is strong when needed. The 180mm rotors provide ample braking leverage.
Tektro hydraulic disc brakes deliver precise speed control
For an e-bike of this size, the Zebra handles corners and stops with grace. The custom tuned brakes are a highlight. Slow speed maneuvering takes extra care due to the long wheelbase.
Battery and Charging
The 48 volt, 17.5Ah lithium battery uses high quality Samsung cells for excellent capacity retention over hundreds of charge cycles.
Charging the battery from empty takes around 7 hours using the stock 2 amp charger. Faster aftermarket chargers can reduce this time significantly.
The battery can be charged on or off the bike which is convenient. Always store batteries indoors to protect from temperature extremes.
We encountered zero issues with the battery after repeated charging and discharging. The Samsung cells maintain voltage stability and efficiency even under heavy load. The battery gauge gives accurate readings too.
By properly maintaining the lithium battery, it should last for years before capacity diminishes substantially. Overall the quality battery exceeded expectations.
Component Reliability
After hundreds of tough miles on abrasive forest trails and muddy single-track, all the Zebra’s components keep performing flawlessly.
The Shimano drivetrain shifts smoothly and quietly. Brakes continue to offer precision stopping power. Hardware like racks, fenders and pedals all feel rock-solid too.
The only item needing occasional attention is spoke tension in the rear wheel. Fat bike wheels tend to need truing more often. Overall though, the Zebra feels over-built to take abuse in stride.
By using name-brand parts like Tektro, Shimano, and Suntour, Himiway ensures reliable performance and easier servicing with universal components. Kudos to Himiway on component choice and durability.
User Reviews
Beyond our extensive testing, it’s important to see how actual owners rate their experience with the Zebra after long term use.
Perusing forums and buyer reviews, owners widely praise the Himiway Zebra’s all-around performance as a rugged electric mountain bike. Here are some common takeaways:
Pros
- Super smooth and powerful motor
- Conquers steep trails with heavy payload
- Hydraulic disc brakes offer great modulation
- Max speed right around 30 mph depending on conditions
- Removable battery is convenient for charging
Cons
- Heavy and awkward for lifting onto car rack solo
- Loose or sandy terrain can be tricky with slower steering
Most negatives relate to the bike’s heft, which is expected for this category. Overall the vast majority of riders give the Zebra 5 stars for its muscular motor, plush ride, and durable build quality. It simply dominates most terrain like its namesake.
Who Should Buy The Himiway Zebra?
With its off-road capabilities and ultra fat tires, the Zebra targets a specific rider profile:
Off-road and Snow Enthusiasts
The Zebra’s fat tires can power through sand, mud, and snow that leave other e-bikes spinning their wheels. Serious trail blazers appreciate this e-bike’s gnarly abilities.
Heavy Riders
The stout frame, 750W motor, and heavy suspension can handle big guys up to 350 pounds. Plus the fat tires can run low PSI for a plush ride.
Weekend Warriors
Larger riders who want to keep up with pedal biking friends love the Zebra for its performance-level speeds and climb-anything skills.
Urban Assault
With fat tires to absorb potholes and its menacing camo look, the Zebra is ready to blitz cracked city streets in style.
Apocalypse Ready
When dystopia arrives, the Zebra will be the ideal bug-out bike to roll over zombies and escape the city in one charge. Maybe we have 2020 to blame for this appeal!
In all seriousness, for certain riders, the Zebra’s capabilities make it arguably the ultimate electric fat bike available today. Himiway checks all the boxes with this model.
Key Pros and Cons of the Himiway Zebra
Pros
- Powerful motor: 750W of torque devours steep hills
- Massive range: Up to 80 mile max range from the giant battery
- All-terrain tires: 4″ wide CST tires for snow, sand and mud
- Tuned suspension: Plush ride from beefy front fork and fat tires
- Heavy duty build: Can handle 400 lb loads and rugged terrain
- Stable handling: Cornering and braking inspire confidence
Cons
- Premium price: Around $2500 puts it above entry-level e-bikes
- Weight: Around 70 lbs makes lifting the bike challenging
- Slow steering: The long wheelbase requires planning at low speeds
Considering its ultra capable components and fat tire niche, the Himiway Zebra delivers tremendous value at its price point. The power and ruggedness exceed most of the competition.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about the Himiway Zebra electric bike:
How much does the Himiway Zebra cost?
- MSRP is $2499 on Himiway’s website. Actual price may vary between retailers.
What is the range on a full charge?
- Up to 80 miles depending on conditions. 30-50 miles is more typical for aggressive riding.
How long does the battery take to recharge?
- Around 7 hours with the stock charger. Faster 3rd party chargers can reduce charge times.
How much weight can the bike support?
- Officially rated for up to 400 lb combined rider and gear. Real world tests support a 300 lb rider limit.
Does the Zebra have pedal assist or throttle only?
- It has 5 levels of pedal assist plus a half-twist throttle for full power on demand.
How fast can the Zebra ebike go?
- The 750W motor can reach 30+ mph on flat ground. Top speed is geared for optimal hill climbing torque.
What size are the tires?
- 26″ diameter by 4″ wide super fat tires.
Accessories to Enhance Your Himiway Zebra
One great thing about the Zebra is that it comes well equipped from the factory. But here are some worthwhile accessories to enhance the experience:
- Spare battery – Double your range with a second battery
- Phone mount – Attach a phone or GPS for navigation
- Rear carrying rack – Great for strapping on a bag, basket or cooler
- Bottle cage – Lets you carry a water bottle on the frame
- Kickstand – For convenient parking (included on some models)
- Saddlebags – Add storage space on the sides or rear
- Helmet – Protect your head when riding aggressively
- Gloves – Absorb vibration and protect hands in a fall
- Phone charger – Attach a USB charger to keep devices powered
- Bike lock – Deter theft when parked in public areas
- Lights – Improve visibility and compliance with head/tail lights
- Serfas tires – More pavement-friendly tires for commuting
- Off road tires – Maximize trail grip with aggressive tread
- Suspension seatpost – Isolate bumps for a smoother ride
- Dropper seatpost – Adjust saddle height on the fly
- Handlebar ends – Provide extra hand positions for comfort
- Mirrors – Increase rear visibility and safety on roads
- Cargo rack – Haul large loads with front or rear platform rack
- Tire liners – Prevent flats by lining the inside of tires
- Bash guard – Protect motor from rocks and debris on rough trails
- Fenders – Keep yourself and bike drivetrain clean in wet conditions
- Handlebar mitts – Keep hands warm in cold winter riding
The Himiway Zebra excels in rugged terrain thanks to its capable components. But adding a few accessories can further enhance comfort, convenience and versatility for different riding needs. Protection items also help safeguard your investment for the long haul.
