Review: Heybike Mars 3.0, more like a mini electric moped than a folding e-bike

When I unfolded the Heybike Mars 3.0 for the first time, I could tell this wasn’t your average commuter folder. This bike means business.

With a peak power output of 1400W, 95Nm of torque and the ability to push past 30mph on throttle alone, it’s less a folding e-bike and more a mini electric moped with pedals.

Heybike has clearly gone all-in on performance, and the Mars 3.0 is their boldest statement yet. It builds on the success of the Mars 2.0 with more power, more range, and, crucially, full suspension—something almost unheard of in this segment. Over the course of a week testing it around town, on trails and up hills, I got to know this chunky little powerhouse intimately.

Curb appeal and build quality

The Mars 3.0 arrived in the stealthy Nightrider Black finish—mostly matte black with some chrome accents on the fork stanchions, chain and rear linkage. It’s a solid, imposing bike that doesn’t try to hide its heft. With 20” fat tyres, full suspension and an upright riding stance, it looks more like an urban explorer than a last-mile scooter alternative.

At 5’10”, I found the fit excellent, and the telescoping stem and seatpost offer generous adjustability. The ride position is relaxed, and the 4-inch-wide Chaoyang tyres eat up bumps on gravel or trail. On tarmac, they do produce a bit of a whine, but that’s the trade-off for versatility.

Performance: fast, fun and fiercely torquey

The rear hub motor kicks out 750W nominal, peaking at 1400W, and the torque sensor means acceleration feels more natural than the older cadence-sensor models. That said, the pedal assist isn’t perfectly refined—there’s still a bit of pulsing as the system tries to match my effort—but it’s a big step up from previous Heybike offerings.

Throttle-only riding is where the Mars 3.0 shines. On unrestricted mode, I repeatedly hit over 30mph on the flat, often grinning at the sheer cheek of it. It’s thrilling. And when I pointed the front wheel at a hill, the torque really came into its own—no spinning, no slowdown, just solid grunt. It handled climbs that would challenge even premium folders.

The Mars 3.0 isn’t snappy from a standstill, but it builds speed quickly and holds it well. With five pedal assist modes (Eco, Tour, Standard, Sport, and Turbo) plus a full twist throttle, you’ve got options depending on whether you want a workout or a joyride.

Suspension, braking and comfort

Suspension-wise, Heybike has delivered something genuinely impressive. The front fork offers 50mm of travel with preload and lockout options, and the rear Horst link system soaks up bumps without bouncing all over the place. For a folder, it’s remarkable.

Braking is handled by hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors—crucially, 2.0mm thick rather than the usual 1.8mm—meaning better heat dissipation and less wear. It’s a thoughtful upgrade that matches the Mars’ high-speed capability.

The saddle is decent, the grips less so (they tend to slip), and while the folding pedals feel budget, they do the job. The bike is heavy, but that weight contributes to its planted, confident feel on rougher surfaces.

Range and battery: impressive but short of the claim

Heybike claims a range of up to 65 miles from the 48V 13Ah (624Wh) battery hidden in the folding frame. In my testing, I got 54 miles in low pedal assist mode and 35 miles in Turbo. That’s still respectable for such a powerful folder, even if it doesn’t quite hit the marketing figures.

Accessing the battery isn’t super convenient—it can only be removed when the frame is folded, which might frustrate riders who charge off-bike regularly. Still, it’s a compact unit and easy enough to carry inside if needed.

Tech and features: a smart package

The Mars 3.0 is packed with tech. There’s an NFC card for proximity unlocking (which worked well during my testing), a full-colour TFT display with IP65 weather resistance, a USB port for phone charging, and a companion app that lets you tune pedal assist power, throttle limits and speed settings.

The app has improved significantly since I last used it and even supports over-the-air updates, which could prove key if Heybike decides to smooth out the torque sensor or improve battery performance in future firmware releases.

Then there’s the lighting—an area where Heybike really gets it right. The Mars 3.0 comes with an adjustable LED headlight, brake light and integrated turn signals built into the rear rack. For urban commuting, this makes a real difference in safety and visibility.

Accessories and extras

Heybike includes a rear rack, fenders, and mounting points for a front basket or rack. You also get an NFC key card and a 2A charger in the box. It’s not a luxury package, but it’s solid for the price point.

At the time of testing, Heybike hadn’t released many Mars 3.0-specific accessories, but I suspect more are on the way once this model gets traction.

Verdict: bold, fast and built to thrill

The Heybike Mars 3.0 is one of the most entertaining folding e-bikes I’ve ever ridden. It’s not perfect—range is slightly exaggerated, the torque sensor needs tweaking, and some components feel entry-level—but it nails what matters most: performance, versatility and sheer fun.

It flattens hills, flies on the flat, and thanks to full suspension and fat tyres, feels more like a mini adventure bike than a commuter tool. If you’re after refinement or featherweight portability, look elsewhere. But if your priority is power, practicality and a little rebellious spirit, the Mars 3.0 delivers.

Pros:

• 1400W peak motor with 95Nm torque: outstanding climbing and acceleration
• Full suspension: rare in this class and genuinely effective
• Lighting system with turn signals: proper commuter-friendly safety
• NFC unlocking and OTA firmware updates via app
• Over 30mph throttle speed (unlocked)

Cons:

• Torque sensor needs refinement for smoother pedal assist
• Battery removal requires folding the frame
• Some low-spec components (grips, pedals)
• Falls short of claimed 65-mile range