Hiboy P7 Commuter E-MTB Review

The Hiboy P7 Commuter E-Bike looked so good I just had to ride it out on gravel roads to access some Jackson Hole, Wy,  single-track trails. But, let me start at the beginning.

Hiboy P7

This Hiboy Electric Bike is billed as the “most affordable commuter electric bike in North America.” The Hiboy P7 makes a great first impression with its simple lines, integrated 696Wh lithium ion battery, front fork and 9 speed Shimano shifter. The Hiboy P7 Top Speed is 28 MPH which you may hit as a commuter but when riding as an E-MTB our speeds were closer to 10-15 miles per hour.

It’s not a full suspension bike but with fairly wide 27.5 inch tires and front hydraulic fork this Hiboy E-Bike feels at home on rough roads and managed some rocky trail sections fine.

Pros of Hiboy P7 E-Bike:

• Affordable: Priced at $900, one of the most affordable e-bikes on the market (claimed to be the most affordable commuter e-bike in North America).
• Versatile: Can be used for commuting and light off-road riding (gravel roads and mellow single-track trails).
• Easy to use: Throttle control is helpful for starting uphill or when in the wrong gear.
• Shimano components: Shimano 9-speed shifter and disc brakes.
• Hydraulic front fork: Provides some suspension for rough roads.
• Wide tires: 27.5 inch tires provide good grip and cushion.
• Long range: Up to 37 miles on a single charge (with pedal assist only).
• 5 levels of pedal assist: Allow for customization of riding experience.

Cons of Hiboy P7 E-Bike:

• Not a full-suspension bike: May not be suitable for technical trails.
• Slow acceleration: Motor comes on slow, especially when starting in a high gear.
• Cable actuated disc brakes: Less powerful than hydraulic brakes and require more maintenance.
• Not ideal for aggressive riding: Front end geometry is not slack like a dedicated mountain bike, so steering may feel touchy when pushed hard.
• Shorter range with throttle only: Battery range is lower when using only the throttle.

Hiboy P7 Motor

The 500W rear hub motor comes on slow, when starting out in a high gear, but will roll on the speed pretty quick after some initial pedal strokes.  I ended up liking the throttle control on the right grip; just give a little twist when starting and the motor will do the work off the line instead of your legs.

How Does the Hiboy P7 Ride?

I found the shifter to be exceptionally smooth both under heavy power and cruising.  The Disc brakes are a little under powered sporting cable-actuated calipers, but most people will find the cables to be less maintenance than bleeding hydraulic brakes.   Essentially the bakes are progressive and will end up providing the stopping power you need if you pull on them firmly.

Popping around town on the Hiboy P7 E-Bike is fun and easy. The throttle gets the job done if you are starting up hill or in the wrong gear.  The battery will get you through 5 levels of pedal assist modes and up to 37 miles of range when fully charged if you are using throttle only.

One thing to keep in mind if looking for a dedicated e-mtb is the front end of the P7 is not slack like a dedicated mountain bike, so the steering feels a little touchy if pushing the bike hard. The flip side is this style of feel is very comfortable when commuting through town.

Hiboy P7 Commuter E-MTB Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Affordable: Priced at $900, one of the most affordable e-bikes.
• Versatile: Suitable for commuting and light off-road riding.
• Easy to use: Throttle control for starting uphill or in the wrong gear.

Cons:

• Not a full-suspension bike
• Slow acceleration
• Cable-actuated disc brakes

Overall Impression

So yes, the Hiboy E-Bike felt good enough that I took it out on some pretty rough roads and mellow single-track trails; what a versatile little commuter bike this Hiboy P7 is.

I’m not going to be “shredding the gnar” on this electric mountain bike in the Hole, but that’s not what it is for. The Hiboy P7 E-Bike ($900.00) very well may be the most affordable commuter bike in North America and an enjoyable gem at that.

Related E-MTB’s

1. Magnum Peak T5 E-MTB
2. Specialized Turbo Tero E-MTB
3. Lankelisi MG740 Plus E-MTB