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Heybike moves away from large fat-tyre bikes with something much lighter and smarter: the Helio F, a vintage-style folding e-bike that fully embraces compactness. Presented by Heybike in 2025, it claims a featherweight 18 kg, three-second folding through a patented system, a torque sensor and 80 to 120 km of range. Its size is intended to fit in an apartment corner, car boot, motorhome or even a boat. In the United States, it starts at $1,299 (US price, to convert).
This bicycle plays on a different field from previous Heybike models: light urban mobility rather than off-road adventure. I have not tested it; this is an overview based on what Heybike highlights, without claiming to have folded or ridden it. Let’s see what this folding e-bike promises.
A folding bike built around style and light weight
The Helio F embraces a retro look, with a clean-lined 6061 aluminium frame and considered colours (Racing Green and Anchor Red), as well as limited editions signed by three artists. Twenty-inch wheels fitted with Schwalbe Billy Bonkers tyres, a battery hidden in the frame and an integrated headlight: the objective is clearly to offer a bike that is as pleasant to look at as it is to carry.
The main argument is Heybike’s patented X-Fold folding system. According to the manufacturer, you open a hidden latch, fold the frame and let a magnetic catch lock the assembly, all in around three seconds. Once folded (around 90 x 52 x 66 cm), the Helio F fits in an office corner, under stairs or in a car boot. At 18 kg, it also aims to be easy to carry up stairs or onto a train.
Announced technical specifications
Heybike focuses on low weight, riding comfort and practical details.
250 W motor with torque sensor: the Helio F has a 250 W rear-hub motor (up to 500 W peak on the US version) paired with a torque sensor. This sensor measures pressure on the pedals to provide progressive, natural assistance, which changes the feel significantly compared with entry-level rotation sensors.
Removable 360 Wh battery, 80 to 120 km: the 360 Wh battery is built into the frame and removable, so it can be charged anywhere without moving the bicycle. Heybike claims 80 to 120 km of range depending on use.
Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain: a Shimano Altus eight-speed derailleur manages gear changes, complemented by TEKTRO HD-T275 hydraulic disc brakes, a reassuring combination for everyday urban use.
AirTag tracking and integrated headlight: the Helio F includes a space for an Apple AirTag to locate the bicycle and an integrated front light for safer riding day and night. The US version also claims a throttle and speeds up to 20 mph.
Price and options
In the United States, the Helio F is listed from $1,299 (US price, to convert), against an announced reference price of $2,099; artist editions reach $1,399. Its European availability and price were not confirmed at the time of this overview, so the official store should be monitored and the exact configuration (speed limit and throttle) of a French model checked. At this price level, an 18 kg folding bike with torque sensor, hydraulic brakes and Shimano eight-speed gearing remains a coherent package.
Specification sheet
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Urban folding electric bike |
| Motor | 36V 250 W rear hub (500 W peak, US version) |
| Sensor | Torque sensor |
| Maximum torque | 40 Nm |
| Battery | 360 Wh lithium, removable |
| Range | 80 to 120 km (PAS mode) |
| Maximum speed | 25 km/h (20 mph claimed on US version) |
| Charge time | 4 to 6 h |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Altus, 8 speeds |
| Brakes | TEKTRO HD-T275 hydraulic discs |
| Fork | Rigid hydroformed, through axle |
| Tyres | Schwalbe Billy Bonkers 20 x 2.0 in |
| Frame | 6061 aluminium |
| Folding | X-Fold system (~3 sec), folded ~90 x 52 x 66 cm |
| Weight | 18 kg |
| Maximum load | 150 kg |
| Indicative price | From $1,299 (US, to convert) |
A bike for the city and small spaces
The Helio F’s angle is clear: target city dwellers, commuters and anyone short of space. Heybike stresses mobile uses, from commuting to motorhomes and boats, where a light, foldable bike makes all the difference. Its vintage style and artist editions add an object-like dimension that is rarely seen on folding e-bikes, which are often purely utilitarian.
Legal framework and safety in France
An electric bike remains subject to rules worth recalling honestly. In France, to be considered an electrically assisted bicycle that can be used without a licence or registration, a bike must have a motor of no more than 250 W, assistance that stops at 25 km/h and operates only while pedalling. The US version of the Helio F claims a throttle and a speed up to 20 mph (32 km/h): this configuration does not meet French rules and would put the bike into another category (moped), requiring registration, insurance and an approved helmet. The exact configuration of a European model must therefore be checked before riding on public roads. In all cases, third-party liability insurance is strongly recommended, and a helmet is compulsory for children under 12. This paragraph is for information only and does not replace official regulations: for applicable rules, refer to service-public.fr and the French highway code.
In conclusion, is this Heybike Helio F interesting?
On paper, the Helio F is an appealing folder for people who prioritise low weight and style: only 18 kg, three-second folding, a torque sensor, hydraulic brakes and an assertive vintage look that stands apart from standard utilitarian folders. For a city dweller short of space, a motorhome user or as a complement to another transport mode, the idea is very appealing.
Daily folding feel, actual range, frame stiffness once unfolded and, especially for France, the legal configuration of the imported model still need confirmation in use. A specification sheet alone cannot settle these points. But on paper, Heybike offers an original, well-considered folding bike. I hope to have an opportunity to test it one day.
