The ALPHA is available with a white step-through or a black step-over frame.
Reviewers praise both pedal assist and the throttle for being smooth and responsive.
The ALPHA comes with an automatic headlight, taillight with brake function, turn signals, fenders, and a 120lb-capacity rear rack.
The ALPHA accelerates quickly under pedal assist power, according to a tester.
Experts relish the ALPHA's ability to handle steep hills thanks to its high torque.
The hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors demonstrate good stopping power in testing.
The color display is bright, easy to read, and includes a USB port.

14 reasons not to buy

There are conflicting geometry measurements on the ALPHA's webpage.
The throttle cannot be used from a stopped position.
An expert recommends holding the brakes while stopped, as any slight pressure on the pedals causes the bike to accelerate.
At 71.6lb, the ALPHA is heavy.
The included 2A charger means lengthy charge times of over seven hours.
The front brake on a test bike starts squeaking after just a few miles of riding.
One reviewer complains the throttle doesn’t maintain a constant 20mph.
Two testers report pedal strikes on obstacles and in turns due to the low clearance.
An expert says the display's speedometer reads up to 3mph above their external GPS.
Reviewers struggle to reach the pedal assist max speed of 28mph or the throttle's 20mph limit.
An expert complains about the fluctuating, inaccurate battery display.
A 163lb reviewer finds the suspension fork too stiff, even after adjustment.
The battery cover on a test bike has a little bit of play.
One tester says there is a lot of resistance in the motor when riding without assistance.

Bottom line

The Heybike ALPHA is a fat-tire e-bike with a 500W mid-drive motor and 680Wh battery. It's available as a step-through or step-over. Experts praise the smooth and natural pedal assist, climbing ability, and effective brakes. Criticisms include shifting woes, overly sensitive PAS, high weight, squeaky brakes, and an inaccurate speedometer and battery meter. The throttle also doesn't work from a stopped position, and its power is underwhelming. The Heybike APLHA is cheap for a mid-drive, but its issues raise doubts over its value.

Expert Reviews

77/100 based on 2 scored reviews

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MrCentralDriver

Level 1 expert

Heybike ALPHA All-Terrain E-Bike | New Mid-Drive Fat Tire Review

Level 1 expert

If you’re looking for a bike to sit on, mash it full throttle, and just go fast, this ain’t going to be the bike for you. But if you are actually someone that likes to pedal… it’s not too bad…

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Electrek

Level 1 expert

Heybike ALPHA Unveiled as New Reasonably-Priced Mid-Drive Electric Bike

Level 1 expert

Unlike some nicer e-bikes, the Heybike ALPHA doesn’t have a sensor to cut power automatically when it feels you shifting gears. That means you’ve got to be careful shifting under power…

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