Heybike Hauler Electric Cargo Bike Review

The Heybike Hauler is a long-tail cargo with a boost, featuring clever design and an optional second battery. The hardworking purpose of this cargo e-bike is stated directly in its name, but the Hauler isn’t afraid to have some serious fun, too. Carry whatever you need to any destination on this versatile e-bike ready to make quick work of commutes, family trips, errands, and recreational rides. I tested the recently released Heybike Hauler to see if this cargo carriage really pulls its weight.

Long-Tail Cargo E-Bike

The Heybike Hauler’s pragmatic design confirms its identity as a cargo bike. This electric bike seems to me like a purebred cargo model instead of the utility bikes that are popular these days that mix cargo features with standard builds. While not the longest or largest of cargo bikes, the extended rear rack offers plenty of room for carrying items and attaching accessories.

I’m especially impressed with the sleek detailing on this workhorse hauler. The designers at Heybike know what they’re doing and constructed an attractive frame that softens the typical ruggedness of cargo models. The black paint job that runs along the underside of the entire bike effectively tricks the eye, making the frame appear slimmer and more streamlined. I also like the bold color options that spice things up from your typical gray— the Hauler is available in Milk White, Golden Dream, and Blue Ivy.

Rear Rack and Running Boards

The rear end of the Heybike Hauler gives the bike most of its cargo-carrying capabilities. The extended flat rack has pre-installed footboards and a so-called “peg board” on each side. The footrests— also referred to as running boards— offer a spot for passengers to place their feet or support panniers from the bottom. Heybike doesn’t seem to offer a seat pad or child seats for this bike but it’s likely compatible with other options on the market. The footboards are sturdier and more spacious than many other designs, as well as being able to fold up.

The peg board acts as a protective barrier to prevent anything from getting into the rear wheel while also functioning as a place to mount accessories. In theory, riders can attach things like water bottle cages or U-lock holders to the board. I feel like attaching panniers is a much more useful choice here, but it’s nice that the board has a secondary purpose, too. Riders can purchase additional accessories like rear and front baskets for the ultimate cargo setup.

Front Suspension

There’s a short-travel front suspension fork on the Hauler to smooth out uneven road surfaces. The cargo bike can take on a variety of terrain thanks to its wide 20 x 3.0” tires but the slick tread pattern limits the off-road capabilities. When you’re loaded up with cargo, you’re probably not going to want to bump around on the trail anyway. During testing, I noticed that the suspension was comfortably plush and effectively helped dampen the ride.

28+ MPH Top Speed

Now let’s get this straight— the Heybike Hauler really hauls! The 750W rear hub motor provides 80 Nm of torque and I reached a top speed of 30 mph despite its max rating of 28 mph. There are 5 levels of pedal assist as well as a thumb throttle on the righthand side. The elevated riser handlebars offer confident handling so you can comfortably cruise along at higher speeds, even with heavy cargo in tow. The vertical display in the center of the handlebars shows simple ride metrics that are easy to read while on the go.

Battery Capacity

The Heybike Hauler’s secret weapon is its ability to carry two battery packs for an even longer range. The main 18Ah battery is housed inside the downtube while the second 12.5 Ah battery (sold separately) sits neatly behind the seat post. Heybike rates the maximum range from the included battery at 55 miles and riders can enjoy an additional 30 miles from the optional battery pack.

The main battery drops down out of the frame for off-bike charging— and there’s plenty of space between the frame and front wheel so easily removing the battery won’t be a problem. The Hauler comes with a 4-amp charger and the entire electronic system meets UL 2849 certification safety standards.

Weight

The cargo bike’s maximum payload capacity weighs in at a whopping 440 lbs. Load up the rear rack and the generously sized baskets (if you have them) to carry a huge amount of gear wherever you go. The Hauler’s smaller 20” wheels help preserve natural handling even with all that extra weight.

The entire ebike weighs 88.2 lbs. with the standard battery and puts on an extra 9 lbs. using the second power pack. The fact that there are two kickstands struck me as an odd decision but does offer more flexibility for riders. The center stand keeps the bike stable when there’s more weight and the side kickstand is quick and easy to pop down without any cargo in tow.

Components

The Hauler relies on a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain and high-quality hydraulic disc brakes. Now the industry standard, hydraulic brakes provide more reliable and controlled stopping power, especially when this fast bike is loaded up with cargo. I would have liked to see a better shifter than the traditional, low-end SiS mechanism, though.

In terms of the finishing kit, the horn is decently loud and the integrated lights are bright. The rear brake light also functions as convenient turn signals to safely let others know of your next move. The headlight features illuminated Heybike branding and has an Auto On/Off function similar to cars. I enjoyed the Hauler’s comfortable seat which is a kind of gel beach cruiser-style saddle.

Heybike Hauler Electric Bike — Pros and Cons

Pros

• Versatile Rear Rack: Extended cargo rack with included footboards and multipurpose “peg board”
• Optional Second Battery: Up to 85-mile range with two battery packs
• Reliable Components: Hydraulic disc brakes, 3.0” fat tires, and Shimano 7-speed
• Solid Value: Sub-$1,400 model with plenty of integrated features

Cons

• No Baskets Included: Riders will have to purchase rear or front baskets separately
• Outdated SiS Shifter: Low-quality 7-speed shifter that still gets the job done

Overall Impression

The Heybike Hauler officially says hello after being previewed at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this past January. I’ve reviewed plenty of entry-level utility and cargo e-bikes and the Hauler stands out due to its attractive design and clever rear rack details. Priced at a competitive $1,399, you won’t want to let this opportunity roll away.

Related Cargo E-Bikes

1. Mukpet Stepwagon Cargo E-Bike
2. KBO Ranger Cargo E-Bike
3. G-Force T7 Foldable Cargo E-Bike