If you’re looking for an affordable commuter ebike with a powerful motor for climbing hills, a generous range and a long-lasting battery, the Heybike Cityrun checks all those boxes and more. The 500-watt motor is plenty for rolling terrain and is fun on flat roads. It’s paired with a 48V 15Ah battery that delivers over 50 miles of range so you don’t have to worry about recharging with every stop.
Heybike sent me a Cityrun bike for a hands-on review. It’s worth noting that this bike is recommended for riders 5’4″ to 6’5″ with a minimum 32.3″ inseam. At 5’3″, this bike felt slightly too big, but I was able to successfully take it on several test rides. The sloped frame makes mounting, dismounting and stopping easier and safer.
Compared to the Heybike Brawn, which I also tested recently, the Cityrun is smaller, more agile and (arguably) more attractive. It comes in black, orange and green. My test bike was orange. Fun colors aside, Cityrun also looks more expensive than its $1,299 price tag. Premium features such as a leather seat, leather-wrapped handlebars, a rear rack and a bright front light help distinguish the Cityrun from similarly priced competitors.
The Cityrun ships in pieces. Some of the major steps include installing the front and rear wheels, handlebars, suspension fork and front headlight. A detailed guide with images helps guide you through each step. There’s also an assembly video.
One advantage of assembling most of the bike yourself is that you can customize it along the way. For example, you can install the rear rack or leave it off. There’s also an option to fine-tune the suspension. Turning the adjustment knob counterclockwise softens the ride, while turning it clockwise makes the ride stiffer.
Since my local roads are full of potholes, I kept the suspension soft for a smoother ride. The fork has 80mm of travel, which helps absorb bumps from potholes and other imperfections. It also evens out any roughness from the tires, which are relatively skinny for an electric bike. Compared to the Heybike Brawn and other ebikes with fat tires, the 26″x 2.5″ tires don’t dampen vibrations as much. But they’re also easier to maneuver, especially in tight places. That’s a huge plus for commuters and urban riders.
This Class 2 ebike tops out at 20MPH and has a thumb throttle for an extra burst of speed. The acceleration is gentle but effective and helped propel the bike over a 1.2-mile hill with an average 6% gradient. You also have five pedal-assist levels, ranging from zero to full assistance.
At the front of the handlebars is an LCD display that shows the battery level, riding time, pedal-assist level, trip distance and more. You can also switch the headlight on and off and turn the bike on and off.
Heybike also has their own app that’s compatible with most iOS and Android devices. If your Bluetooth is on and within range, the bike should automatically turn on when you’re close enough. It’s relatively basic but shows the Bluetooth and power status, and current battery level.
Rounding out this bike’s list of commuter-friendly features are a comfy cushioned seat and bright turn signals. Cityrun also comes with a water bottle cage, so you can stay well hydrated on your commute and adventure rides.