Heybike Brawn Review: A 1400W Peak Powerhouse Perfect for Off-Road Biking and More!

We’ve been impressed by HeyBike’s electric bikes but never as much as we are with the HeyBike Brawn. The Brawn delivers unrivaled performance where robust design meets raw power, versatility, and modern technology. Starting at just $1799, the Brawn is not only affordable and ready to conquer any terrain you dare to tackle. We love the look… and the ride.

The HeyBike Brawn’s Build and the Riding Experience

The centerpiece of the HeyBike Brawn is a powerful 750W rear hub motor that can deliver up to 1400W and over 80Nm of torque.

This Class 3 electric bike is ready for just about anything bike, thanks to its ability to hit speeds of up to 28mph.

The Heybike Brawn even covers off-road riding, thanks to the 26″ x 4″ puncture-resistant fat tires that grip and glide over the most rugged landscapes while smoothing the bumps. But this bike isn’t just for off-road riding.

If you use it as a daily commuter, you’ll be glad to know there is a large front light reminiscent of motorcycle headlamps and a small but effective rear light. In other words, while the Heybike Brawn is marketed as a trail bike, it is well-equipped and can serve as an all-around, multipurpose ride.

The Heybike Brawn’s rechargeable 864Wh battery offers plenty of capacity and, thanks to the powerful included AC adapter, charges from empty in just 4-5 hours. When fully charged, the battery delivers a range of up to 65 miles.

Of course, the range depends upon various factors such as terrain, riding style, and rider weight, but the included battery still promises to keep you flying down the road for miles. Speaking of weight, the bike can support up to 400 lbs. That means a large rider AND tons of gear won’t slow it down.

The seven-speed Shimano derailleur works well, shifting smoothly and quietly. That noted, I’ve been relying on the throttle 99% of the time, but if you want to do some serious pedaling, I expect you will be quite happy.

Comfort is key to a bike like this, and HeyBike kept that in mind when designing the Brawn. A shock-absorbing saddle ensures serene rides over uneven roads.

At the same time, the Heybike Brawn’s dual crown fork, resembling a motorcycle’s front fork, guarantees control and supreme stability, making treacherous trails feel like familiar pathways.

I especially love including a drop post that allows you to raise or drop the seat with the press of a lever on the left handlebar. It’s great for making adjustments on the go and lets you drop the seat if you are standing on the pedals while making your way up a steep hill.

It’s a feature I’ve never seen on a bike, and after using it for a bit, I’ve started to wish every electric bike included it.

Heybike knows that staying safe while riding fast, powerful electric bikes requires special attention, and they’ve done just that. The bike’s automatic headlight comes on when the sun begins to go down and shoots a beam into darkness without you needing to remember to turn it on.

The Heybike Brawn’s large, hydraulic disc brakes offer unsurpassed stopping power, while the Shimano 7-speed Gear Shift System helps keep you in control.

Battery safety, a growing concern, is also at the forefront of the Brawn’s design. The TUV Safety Certified Battery ensures an electrifying and safe ride.

As we have seen with other bikes from this company, the Heybike smart app lets you change several key settings while also serving as a biking companion to track your rides.

The Heybike Brawn is an attractive bike. Its large size and rugged looks pair nicely with the available Pine Green or Ebony Black finish to create a bike that will make a statement and turn heads when you ride by.

I was particularly pleased to find that the front and rear lights, rear rack, fenders, and water bottle cage were included in the price. These are often add-on accessories that increase the cost of a bike but are included in the low, accessible price of the Brawn apart.

Here’s a video Charles and I prepared.

Heybike Brawn Features:

• Equipped with a 750W rear hub motor, it escalates to 1200W peak power for those steep ascents.
• Its robust 80Nm of torque and 28mph top speed ensure you reach new heights effortlessly.
• The 26″ x 4″ puncture-resistant fat tires offer superior grip and comfort for all journeys.
• The long-lasting 864Wh battery recharges in 4-5 hours, promising up to 65 miles on a single charge.
• It supports up to a 400-lb load and is designed to carry you and your essentials without a hitch.
• A shock-absorbing saddle and dual crown fork absorb the tremors of untamed paths.
• Automatic headlights and hydraulic disc brakes blend innovation with safety for a worry-free ride.
• The Brawn features a reliable Shimano 7-speed gear shift system for seamless transition across all terrains.
• TUV Safety Certified Battery ensures peace of mind at every turn.
• Stay connected and in control with the Heybike smart app.
• The HeyBike Brawn sports a dashing look in Pine Green or Ebony Black.
• With front and rear lights, rear rack, fenders, and the unique addition of a water bottle cage, it excels in utility and aesthetics.

I’ve been incredibly impressed with the Heybike Brawn. It looks great, delivers a comfortable ride, and has power and torque to spare. It’s well made, and while the various components are not top-shelf, nothing about this bike looks or feels cheap.

Some Caveats

That noted, our commitment to transparency compels me to mention a few concerns.

The first are a few minor aesthetic blemishes that were present upon delivery. When I removed it from the box, the paint on a small but noticeable spot on the main crossbar had already flaked or been scraped off.

I’m honestly not sure how that would have happened, considering how well the bike was packaged, and I can only assume it happened during packaging. It’s annoying, but a bit of touch-up paint or a strategically placed decal will easily address the issue.

In addition, one of the plastic fenders arrived with a permanent crease. This was also the case with one of the other HeyBikes we have reviewed, and I hope the company will address this.

Finally, I have encountered an infrequent but annoying issue with the throttle. The bike cuts off the throttle when the brakes are activated for safety. It’s a smart safety feature and keeps the brakes and motor from fighting each other, potentially shortening the motor’s lifespan.

Unfortunately, there have been a few times when, after depressing the brakes, the throttle stopped working entirely. Fixing it is a simple matter of turning the bike off and starting it again, but that doesn’t detract from my annoyance when it happens.

Should You Buy the Heybike Brawn?

Despite these issues, the Heybike Brawn is a sensational bike, particularly considering the low price. It’s not just about off-road journeys; the Brawn excels on any trail, any road, anywhere. Built to conquer any terrain, it’s the epitome of performance meeting affordability.

Whether you’re navigating the rugged backcountry or cruising city streets, the Heybike Brawn is your solution for a robust, adventure-ready ride without compromising your wallet. We love it and think you will too.

The Heybike Brawn retails for $1,799 (currently on sale for $1,499); it is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers, including Amazon.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Bold, good-looking bike; Available in two colors; Powerful motor and plenty of torque; Front suspension and a comfortable drop seat; Fat tires smooth out the road or trail; Bright headlight and functional taillight included; Ships with fenders and a water bottle cage; Long-lasting battery recharges quickly; It’s fun to ride!

What Needs Improvement: The bike arrived with a few minor cosmetic issues; The Motor cuts off when the brakes are activated and can fail to reset when the brakes are released; The Brawn is a large bike and may not be ideal for smaller riders