This ride quality section is primarily an attempt to describe how the Ranger 3.0 Pro feels to ride, though some other elements of its operation are also points of focus.
Starting with sizing, Heybike manufactures a single frame size with a telescoping stem and accommodating seatpost, allowing the bike to fit riders between 4’11” and 6’2”. My height of 5’11” places me near the top of the recommended height range; I found the bike generally comfortable, but there were a few aspects I think buyers should be aware of.
First, though I rode with the saddle at its maximum height (the seatpost offers 7.5” of adjustment), I was not able to reach full leg extension. As such, my pedaling wasn’t as efficient as it could have been, but I appreciate that the PAS was powerful and sensitive enough to deliver ample power without requiring much effort or strain.
As with many folding e-bikes, the Ranger 3.0’s reach is long, requiring my arms to be almost completely outstretched. The telescoping stem offers roughly 5.5” of adjustment in handlebar height, though the bike’s reach adjustment is limited to the rails on the saddle.
We’ve seen popular brands like Lectric adopt a zero-degree stem (its angle matches the bike’s head tube) for a more comfortable fit; we wouldn’t mind seeing Heybike and other brands adopt the same approach for the sake of ergonomics.
Otherwise, the bike’s mostly upright riding position felt comfortable, and I liked its saddle and grips. The ride was also kept smooth and comfortable by the full suspension and fat tires. It was great to see an adjustable air shock! Its stock pressure was somewhat stiff for my size and weight, but the setup allows riders to tailor its feel to their body and personal preferences.
The bike was expectedly nimble and quick in its handling; this is another common element of folding e-bikes with 20” wheels, relatively narrow handlebars, and telescoping stems. Many similar folding e-bikes have adopted smaller tires, but I appreciated that the Ranger’s 4-inch tires maximized riding and cornering stability (despite adding some weight).
I’ve discussed the motor’s engagement and feel in the Speed Test section, but I’ll reiterate that I enjoyed its power, responsiveness, and customization features. While I didn’t mind, I found the motor to be somewhat loud; it sounded more like a jet preparing for takeoff than I’m used to in its highest power level.
The Heybike app gives users control over the Ranger’s speed, acceleration force, responsiveness, throttle behavior, and the number of pedal assist settings. It’s also possible for the bike to reach speeds in excess of 30 mph when fully unlocked through both the Heybike app and display.
Speaking of the display, this is one of the most noticeable and impactful upgrades on this version of the Ranger. The full-color TFT display is well-organized and pretty to look at, as well as color-coded in each PAS level for ease of use. It also boasts a security feature that requires either a keycard or 4-digit PIN to be entered upon startup, though users turning the bike on through the app can bypass this.
As a folding e-bike, the Ranger 3.0 Pro generally succeeds, with relatively standard folding mechanisms and a tried-and-tested design. The redesigned, beefed-up frame and rear suspension increased its overall weight, however; potential buyers seeking a highly portable e-bike they plan to fold and move regularly may be turned off by the 77-lb weight.
The folding process itself is relatively straightforward, as are the bike’s folding mechanisms. Like many similar models, the Ranger has a central locking hinge built into the frame, along with folding pedals and a collapsible stem.
I noticed that the front brake line acted as sort of a buffer between the fork and chain stay when folded; this protected the frame but may have the potential to cause pinching. A rubber bumper added to the frame would likely present a better solution. Once folded, we measured the Ranger 3.0 Pro at roughly 35”L x 21.5”W x 32”H.
