Lately, electric bike brands have been competing to design the largest and most powerful fat tire electric bike that also fits every budget.
Of course, there’s competition for who can create the best electric bike in each category; however, it’s been especially heated among budget fat tire electric bike producers.
So, Himiway’s newest addition to this category of e-bikes is their Zebra e-bike.
The Zebra is a hardtail fat tire e-bike with a 750W motor, a huge 960Wh battery, and an incredible price tag of less than $2,000. All of this should make the Zebra a big contender.
However, it’s an electric bike built by a rather small company with less funding compared to some of the famous electric bike companies it competes with.
Because of this, in many people’s eyes, Himiway’s electric bike makes for a bit more of a gamble.
But is it really a gamble or an actual game-changer?
In this electric bike review, we’ll take a closer look at Himiway’s latest flagship fat-tire electric bike and see how it compares to its predecessor.
The Zebra comes with two frame variations: high step and step-thru option. The bike is offered in gray and white, respectively.
Due to its accessibility, the step-thru version of this e-bike looks cleaner, and I personally prefer it compared to the high-step option. In addition, the battery is hidden nicely within the Zebra’s frame.
Furthermore, the Zebra is a pretty heavy bike at 88 lbs; however, the bike’s frame feels overbuilt with a stunning weight capacity of 400 lbs.
When it comes to the recommended heights, the step-thru version is between 5’1″ and 6’2″ whereas the high step is between 5’2″ and 6’2″.
The rider position is forward-leaning making it more aggressive compared to other electric bikes in this category, so those considering the Zebra may want to get an adjustable stem.
Motor
Despite some alterations to the motor, the Zebra’s power delivery feels almost identical to its predecessor, the Himiway Cruiser.
Nevertheless, the Zebra distinguishes itself from the Cruiser mostly due to its upgrades to the motor and battery.
While both bikes benefit from a 750W geared hub motor, the Zebra’s motor creates 86Nm of torque, which is a 7.5% increase over the Cruiser’s 80Nm.
Even though that number may not sound like much, that extra kick in acceleration and riding on hills is quite noticeable when pedaling.
The power of the Zebra’s motor is the same kind of you-better-hang-on-tight snappiness one would expect from this type of bike, which many people will see as a positive.
However, the bike’s motor and power delivery also has some of the same issues people had with the Zebra’s predecessor.
When pedaling, the motor engagement can be unpredictable, which makes this electric bike feel like it was made more for throttling rather than pedaling.
But, based on your preferred mode of motion, this can be a good or a bad thing.
Furthermore, the Zebra is a Class 3 electric bike. It features a throttle that’ll work until you reach 20 mph and pedal assistance, which will cut out at 28 mph.
The company says that Zebra’s torque sensor is supposed to make the bike's motor quicker engaging and also more responsive to how hard you are pedaling.
Drivetrain
The biggest issue with this electric bike is its drivetrain. Evidently, with a price of $2000, certain strategic component decisions are necessary.
You see, bikes in this price range don’t come with 12 and sometimes not even 10-speed drivetrains.
The 7-speed drivetrain found on the Zebra features Shimano Altus and Tourney parts limit where this e-bike can go.
While riding on steeper hills, the bike will rely more on its motor - with a wider-ranging drivetrain, that wouldn’t be necessary.
Additionally, the 36×28 low gear just isn’t low enough, and the 36×14 high gear will leave you pedaling hard to hit the max speed of 28 mph.
Battery
One of the Zebra’s biggest selling points has to be its battery capacity.
The bike features a massive 48V 20Ah battery, and the company states that the Zebra is using Samsung and LG cells.
This battery is so large that it can be somewhat difficult to remove it from beneath the bike’s frame.
An average electric bike battery size is around 14Ah. So if the range is something you are looking for, then the Zebra is worth considering.
Himiway states that one can expect a range of between 60 and 80 miles per full charge. Although, given the average rider, that is a bit optimistic.
Nevertheless, the Zebra will most likely offer you the longest range compared to other fat-tire electric bikes in this price range.
Brakes
Regarding the Zebra's braking system, the Zebra comes equipped with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors.
These hydraulic disk brakes offer plenty of stopping power and perform rather well compared to mechanical disc brakes.
Motor cutoffs are included, which cut power to the motor in an instant when you press the brakes.
Tires
The adventurous feel of the Zebra is mainly due to the wide 26x4-inch Kenda fat tires.
With huge air volume for extra cushion and a knobby tread pattern for extra traction, the tires on this e-bike can handle off-road rides with ease.
Post-Test Summary: Himiway Zebra Pros And Cons
So, the question is: is the Zebra the best budget fat tire electric bike? While I wouldn’t go as far as to say it is the best, it’s definitely among some of the better electric bikes we’ve reviewed in this category.
What I Like About The Himiway Zebra
Many components of this e-bike have elevated it to the upper rank of affordable fat-tire electric bikes. For instance, its climbing ability and braking are among the best e-bikes I’ve reviewed so far in this price range.
What I like about this electric bike is its huge battery, which will give you an impressive range of between 60 to 80 miles.
PROS
What I Don’t Like About The Himiway Zebra
As with all things in life, this bike also has some negatives to it. Certain elements of the Zebra, such as the rather small stock gear ratio and the understeer, make this bike a bit of a mixed bag.
My biggest complaint about the Zebra - the gear ratio - can be relatively easily fixed by purchasing a new chain and a bigger chainring, therefore solving any spinning-out problems.
Cons
Advice To Buyers
For the Zebra, it’s going to boil down to the rider’s expectations of a fat tire electric bike. The Zebra may not be the most nimble bike out there, and you will most likely have to purchase new gearing.
However, if you’re looking for a fast fat-tire electric bike that can climb just about any hill, the Zebra is one I’d recommend taking a look at.
Our Rating - 91/100
Looking for a big, powerful, and affordable fat tire e-bike? Himiway Zebra is all that but also an aesthetically pleasing electric bike that features a lot of upgraded components.
Conclusion
Overall, the Himiway Zebra is a well-designed bike. It fits the kind of fat tire electric bike one has grown to expect. Zebra is fast, torquey, and can tackle any hill with ease.
Moreover, this bike has a huge battery, so you can take it for long rides without fearing you will run out of power.
In addition to the components I’ve mentioned already, I like the fact that a rear rack, lights, and fenders are included as standard equipment.
Lastly, the Zebra costs only $2000, making it an extremely affordable electric bike, especially considering its build quality and components.