Himiway Zebra

This week, we are reviewing the Himiway Zebra. With a top speed of 25mph, this 750W hardtail e-bike will have you cruising over open ground at high speed, but does it have the range to back it up?

It’s time to put the Zebra to the test. This bike is designed for riding out in the wild, so let’s take it on the trail and see how it fares.

What Is the Himiway Zebra?

The Zebra is a large 87.4lb hardtail e-bike with 4″ tires and a suspension fork. It’s made for riding on mixed terrain and comfortably handles surfaces like loose gravel.

Our test model has a rear rack, headlight, taillight, and fenders, meaning it’s suitable for commuting. The package is rounded off with a large 20Ah battery for longer rides.

Pros

High-Capacity Battery

This is a fast and powerful bike with the capacity to match. The Zebra’s 20Ah battery allows you to tackle your daily commute without suffering range anxiety. The bike powered us for almost 35 miles on its maximum assist level.

If you turn that assist level down, you can expect a substantially longer max range (Himiway claims up to 80 miles). It’s great to see a stock battery of this size, as many models with similar motors have smaller standard batteries.

Powerful 750W Motor

The motor on the Zebra makes short work of steep inclines, making it a good choice for hilly riding. This motor likes to push, and while it isn’t tuned for high torque off the line, it has more than enough power to push you to the 25mph limit.

Confident Ride On Rough Terrain

Although it’s not a mountain bike, the Zebra is more comfortable off-road than in tight city spaces. Large 4″ tires with aggressive tread and a suspension fork offer enough cushion to handle more minor bumps.

I’m especially impressed with the bike’s ability to float through loose gravel and dirt, even at 25mph. The Zebra will also zip along double-track. However, you will quickly find its limits as its high weight and length mean tight corners and steep sections are a challenge. But the bike is a ton of fun on open trails.

Cargo-Carrying Capacity

The Zebra is a sturdy e-bike that can carry 400lb, including rider and gear. The frame is made from 6061 aluminum. The rear rack is also sturdy and provides plenty of space for cargo, such as room for a bag or crate.

The Zebra can also be equipped with a front rack to increase the carrying capacity further. If you are looking for a bike to load with gear for your next ride, this could be a good option.

Cons

Unresponsive Cadence Sensor

The Zebra’s cadence sensor is unresponsive, taking a full rotation to activate the motor. This makes getting started from a dead stop challenging when using the pedal assist alone. The throttle is a great backup, and I found myself using it from a dead stop and swapping to pedal assist after getting going.

Pedal Assist Level 1 Is Overpowered

The Zebra’s default assist settings cater to those who enjoy high-speed riding. You will find that the lowest assist level propels you at almost 12mph. This is faster than most e-bikes and almost double the speed I would use in heavily congested areas.

The max speeds for each PAS level can be adjusted in the advanced user settings, but this requires a password and some technical knowledge. We would prefer to see a more conservative power output from the factory; owners should be entering a password to add power, not remove it from lower assist levels.

Heavy Bike With Large Tires

The Zebra is heavy, weighing over 87lb. Its weight and size make it a challenge to maneuver compared to traditional bikes.

Lifting it up stairs, into an elevator, or onto a bike rack would be challenging, so expect to store it on ground level. Additionally, the four-inch tires require a special rack or adapter.

When out riding, the weight is not very noticeable, but it can become a challenge on tight trails with many changes in gradient, especially over roots and rocks.

Finally, the length and wide tires mean the bike has a wide turning radius, and the higher the speed, the larger the turn.

What Does It Do Best?

I love how the Zebra rides over loose gravel and dirt. The 4″ tires are well suited to flowing over light off-road terrain. It’s a heavy bike, but it’s stable and confidence-inspiring at speed. That speed is easily found with a sizeable 750W motor.

Overall, I had a blast riding the Zebra on backroads and gravel paths and appreciated the large battery capacity that leaves you eager to explore further.

Who Should Buy This Bike?

The Zebra is a fine match for recreational riders looking for a robust fat tire bike for adventures. With the ability to conquer various terrains and a huge riding range, the Zebra could also make a happy commuter, as long as you have the space to store it.

This is an e-bike I expect to see in open spaces more than in tight urban environments, but it could fulfill both roles, making it a fun and versatile choice for a variety of riders.

Reasons to Look Elsewhere?

Weight would be a primary concern for most users. The size and heft of the bike will affect smaller riders and is a consideration for storage and transport.

Urban riders who do not venture off-road would find it oversized and the fat tires excessive unless they face snow regularly.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a fun, versatile bike that can carry you along at high speeds, this could be the bike for you. The Himiway Zebra offers pleasant off-road comfort and a high weight capacity. So whether you plan to ride pavement, gravel, or wide open fields, this bike will put a smile on your face.

Specs

Electric Bike Class: Class 2 and 3
Warranty: 2-year Limited
Model Year: 2021
Battery Weight: 11lb
Total Weight: 87.4lb (79lb Claimed)
Motor Brand: Himiway
Motor Type: Rear Hub
Motor Nominal Output: 750W
Max Torque: 86Nm
Battery: 48V – 20Ah / 960Wh
Range Claimed: Up To 80mi
Range Tested: 34.8mi @ Level 5 Assist 25mph
Speed: 25mph Max
Throttle: Half Twist Throttle
Pedal Assist: 0-5, 0-7, 0-9
Controller: 48V 22A
Charger: 48V 3A
Charge Time: 6-8 hours
Display: LCD Black and White
Frame: 6061 Aluminum
Fork: Coil Suspension Fork w/Lockout
Brake Levers: Tektro E-350
Brake Calipers: Tektro E-350
Brake Rotors: Tektro 180mm
Chain: KMC
Crankset: 170mm 46t Aluminum
Derailleur: Shimano Altus 7-speed
Shifter: Shimano Tourney TX-50
Freewheel: Shimano 7-speed 14-28t
Rims: 26” Double-Walled
Spokes: 13G
Tires: 26″ x 4” Kenda Krusade
Fenders: Front and Rear
Lights: 48V LED Front Light, Taillight With Brake Light
Saddle Selle Royal
Grips: Leather Slip-on
Handlebar: 27.6 Riser
Kickstand: Single-Sided Standard
Pedals: Wellgo Flat
Max. Total Capacity: 400lb

Frame and Geometry

The Zebra features an aluminum frame reinforced in high-stress sections. The frame and welds appear solid and ready to handle up to 400lb of weight. It has a rear rack, attachment points for a front rack, fenders, and lights. Similar to mountain bike geometry, the Zebra has a sloped top tube with a slight body-forward riding stance.

The coil fork suspension has 100mm of travel, preload adjustment, and lockout. While it is not as smooth as an air suspension fork, the coil is well-sized for the bike and improves comfort on rough terrain. Despite its lack of rear suspension, I was impressed with the bike’s ability to absorb bumps.

Motor

The Zebra is powered by a 750W rear hub motor with 86Nm of torque. This provides more than enough power to tackle hills, easily conquering our hill tests.

The motor is powerful enough to ride only using the throttle, and the bike will climb a surprisingly steep grade with no input from the rider. I enjoyed riding through tighter trails with throttle power as I used my legs to maneuver the heavy bike.

Acceleration:

• 0-20mph – Pedal Assist max: 9 seconds
• 0-20mph – Throttle Only 10 seconds
• 0-25mph – Pedal Assist max: 14 seconds
• 0-25mph – Throttle Only 19 seconds

Short Hill Climb:

• Time: 2:39
• Distance: 0.96 mi
• Elevation Gain: 75  ft.
• Max grade: 6%
• Avg Speed:  21.7mph

Medium Hill Climb:

• Time: 2:17
• Distance: 0.65mi
• Elevation Gain:  226 ft.
• Max grade: 16%
• Avg Speed:  17.1mph

Large Hill Climb:

• Time: 3:15
• Distance: 0.60mi
• Elevation Gain: 419  ft.
• Max grade: 20%
• Avg Speed: 11.2mph

Cockpit and Control

The Zebra’s cockpit is pretty standard for this category. We see many shared components from other models we’ve reviewed. Non-locking leather grips, Tektro hydraulic levers, and a Shimano Tourney shifter are entry-level components that are simple and reliable.

A Large Himiway-branded black and white LCD display is located in the center of the bars. It provides easy-to-read info, including speed, trip distance, total mileage, top speed, power output, and battery information.

The battery is displayed as a five-bar icon and is reliable with no unusual fluctuation. The display also has a USB connection to charge your phone while riding.

There is a simple five-button control pad on the left side of the bars. It is easy to use, with clear functions for each button. Holding the minus button will activate ‘walk mode’ for assistance when walking the bike.

You can access the advanced user settings with a code, but it’s unclear what each one does. If you are interested in those settings, refer to the manual or check some videos from other riders online detailing what they mean and how to change those advanced settings.

Battery

The Zebra is powered by a large 48V, 20Ah (960Wh) battery. It uses Samsung or LG cells and is UL-certified for safety.

This high-capacity battery pairs well with the 750W motor, providing a long riding distance at the maximum assist level. The Zebra lasted almost 35 miles on our max-speed range test, with 1325 feet of elevation gain. Lowering the assist level would increase the range.

Range Test:

• Distance: 34.80mi
• Time:  2hr 24 min
• Elevation: 1,325  ft.

Charger, Battery Removal, Keys

The 3A Himiway-branded charger is a step up from the 2A chargers typically supplied with bikes in this price range. However, the charge time is still lengthy given the battery size, with a duration of six to eight hours from empty.

Himiway provides two keys for removing or inserting the battery. Battery removal involves inserting and turning the key and then using the knob above the battery to release the battery from the frame.

The large battery can get stuck behind the fork, so ensure the fork is straight when you are doing this. The battery slides right back in the same way as long as the key is inserted. Without the key, the battery will not go back in. The battery can be charged on or off the bike. A rubber seal protects the charge port on the frame.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain on the Himiway Zebra is standard for the price point. It’s made up of a 170mm 46t crankset and a 7-speed 14-28t rear freewheel with a Shimano Tourney SL-TX50 shifter and an Altus rear derailleur.

The drivetrain is reasonably matched to the bike’s top speed and capabilities. The 28t cog is big enough for pedaling from a stop, while at the max of 25mph, I did not experience much ghost pedaling.

Brakes

The Tektro HD-E350 hydraulic brakes provide reliable stopping power and a pleasant lever feel. Hydraulic brakes are essential for a bike this heavy.

I enjoy using the HD-E350 brakes each time I find them. With reliable two-piston calipers and 180mm rotors, the performance is adequate for a powerful adventure bike. The levers are also sensitive enough to modulate pressure and avoid the wheels locking up.

Braking Distance Results

20 mph: 17 ft.

25 mph: 30 ft.

Wheels, Tires, Fenders

Black aluminum double-walled rims sit inside Kenda Krusade 26″ x 4″ tires and give a firm sense of traction in most conditions. The large 4″ tire allows air pressure adjustment for maximizing traction and comfort.

The tires easily float over loose terrain, providing excellent comfort on bumps and uneven ground. I was impressed with the performance in all conditions, including off-road and during our braking test.

All Zebra models are equipped with a rear rack and fenders. The fenders are made from hard plastic with aluminum attachment points. They are functional and seem robust, not making too much noise and contact when riding off-road.

Safety

The Tektro brakes include motor inhibitors to ensure you can come to a fast stop. The Zebra also has a bright LED front headlight and a taillight attached to the rear rack.

The taillight blinks when braking, which is an excellent signal to drivers, and I noticed other road users giving me extra distance as I slowed to take a turn. There is also a dedicated light button on the control pad, which makes it easy to click the light on quickly.

The pedals have integrated reflectors, and there’s a reflective halo on each side of the tires for increased visibility. The combination of reflectors and lights means this bike is ready for night riding as sold.

Kickstand

The single-sided kickstand is simple to use and caused no issues during testing.

Contact Points

Grips

The Zebra has faux leather slide-on grips, and I’m not a fan as they slip around on the bars. I would prefer to see lock-on grips.

Pedals

The flat Wellgo platform pedals are simple and effective. They are a budget component we see on many builds, but I find the pegs provide sufficient grip.

Seat

The Selle Royal saddle is large and offers some cushioning. I found it reasonably comfortable, especially when coasting. However, after riding for extended periods, I felt discomfort while pedaling. The larger seat surface put pressure on my glutes when pedaling in a seated position.

Accessories

Himiway includes a rear rack, lights, and fenders with the Zebra. They also sell a front rack and an assortment of bags to fit on the racks, handlebars, or frame, and other items like a utility trailer, car rack, and spare parts. So head to our review page and follow the link to check out the Himiway Zebra accessories.