Heybike Helio F Review: Smart Folding E-Bike with Retro Style
Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by Kristina
The Heybike Helio F is a modern electric bike that blends classic design with smart features. It’s light, stylish, and folds neatly for easy storage. Heybike calls it “The Smart Classic Bike” — and that fits.
This is not a high-powered off-road beast. Instead, it’s made for city riders who value comfort, portability, and good looks. With a torque sensor, hydraulic brakes, and a removable seat-post battery, the Helio F delivers a thoughtful package for urban commuting.
According to Electrek, it brings “fun retro vibes” back to the folding e-bike scene. Autoevolution calls it “ultra-lightweight and perfect for urban dwellers.”
Let’s take a closer look.
Key Features
- Lightweight aluminum frame (about 18 kg / 40 lb)
- Smooth torque-sensor pedal assist for a natural feel
- 250 W rear-hub motor (40 Nm torque)
- 360 Wh removable seat-post battery
- Range up to 120 km (≈ 75 mi) on pedal assist
- 8-speed Shimano Altus gearing
- Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
- Compact folding design with magnetic latch
- Vintage styling with optional Artist edition
- 20-inch Schwalbe Billy Bonkers tires
- Integrated headlight and tail-light
- Available in the U.S. and E.U.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | 36 V 250 W rear hub (40 Nm torque) |
| Sensor | Torque sensor |
| Battery | 360 Wh removable (seat-post integrated) |
| Range | 80 – 120 km (≈ 50 – 75 mi) |
| Top Speed | 25 km/h (EU) / 40 km/h (US throttle mode) |
| Gearing | Shimano Altus 8-speed |
| Brakes | Tektro hydraulic discs |
| Tires | 20 × 2.0 in Schwalbe Billy Bonkers |
| Weight | ~ 18 kg (≈ 40 lb) |
| Folded Size | 90 × 52 × 66 cm |
| Max Load | 125 kg (≈ 275 lb) |
| Colors | Anchor Red, Racing Green, Hedof Edition, Mark Edition, Emi Edition |
| Price | US $1,299 (base) / $1,399 (Artist designs) • EU €1,499 – €1,599 |
Ride Quality
The Helio F rides like a well-tuned hybrid. The torque sensor adjusts motor power to your pedaling effort, so assistance feels smooth and natural instead of jerky. This makes start-stop traffic feel easy.
With its small 20-inch wheels and light frame, steering is quick and responsive. It’s perfect for weaving through city streets or bike-lane traffic. The hydraulic brakes give confident stopping power, and the frame feels sturdy even when folded and unfolded daily.
On the downside, the 250 W motor isn’t built for steep hills or heavy cargo. You’ll feel it slow down on long climbs. Using the throttle (U.S. version) is fun but drains the battery faster.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable and capable commuter bike, especially if you value ride feel over raw speed.
What Riders Are Saying
The Helio F is still very new, so most feedback comes from early reviewers. Electrek praised its “smooth torque-sensor performance” and “retro design that actually feels fun to ride.” Autoevolution noted its “nimble, lightweight frame that’s easy to carry.”
Some users of previous Heybike models mention that customer service can be slow, and a few riders say older Heybike bikes had noticeable motor drag when pedaling without power. Others praise Heybike for good build quality and fast shipping.
It’s too soon to tell how the Helio F holds up long-term, but first impressions are positive — especially for comfort and looks.
✅ Pros
- Lightweight and easy to fold
- Smooth pedal assist from the torque sensor
- Attractive retro design
- Strong hydraulic brakes
- Good commuting range
- Quiet and stable ride
❌ Cons
- Limited climbing power on steep hills
- Throttle use cuts range sharply
- New model – few long-term reviews yet
- Heybike’s support history is mixed
- Folding hinges can loosen over time if not maintained
Who It’s For
The Helio F is made for urban commuters and city explorers who want style and practicality in one package. It’s perfect if you:
- Live in an apartment or need to store your bike indoors
- Ride mainly on flat or gentle terrain
- Prefer light weight and comfort over power
- Want a smart, refined assist feel
It’s less ideal if you regularly haul gear or face steep hills.
Should You Buy the Heybike Helio F?
The Heybike Helio F offers a beautiful mix of vintage charm and modern technology. Its torque-sensor assist, light frame, and smooth handling make it a great everyday folding bike for city living. It won’t win races or conquer mountains, but it shines where most riders actually ride — the streets, paths, and parks of daily life.
At around $1,299, it sits in the middle of the folding e-bike market, offering better refinement than most budget folders but less muscle than performance models. If your priority is an easy-to-carry, well-mannered e-bike with genuine style, the Helio F is worth serious consideration.
For riders who want more power or range, consider alternatives like the Lectric XP 4, which packs a 750 W motor and larger battery for similar money, or a lighter competitor like the Fiido D21 that keeps the compact size but offers a different ride feel.
👉 Also read: Lectric XP 4 Review — Power, Range, and Value in One Folding E-Bike
Verdict: The Heybike Helio F is a smart, stylish city companion — easy to live with, easy to love, and a refreshing reminder that e-bikes can be fun, not just functional.
For more reviews on electric bikes click here
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Kristina is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
