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Motor assistance
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Battery range
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Weight
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Responsiveness & Confort
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Quality of Components
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Controller / Display
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Added elements
The Hummingbird e-bike was one of the sleekest and fastest folding models in 2020, but other brands, like the Gocycle GS, had something better. As a result, the brand launched the new version in 2023, with the Gen 2.0.
Table of Contents
What Aspects Were Improved with the Gen 2.0?
– Given our current environmental issues, the brand decided to use more sustainable materials. To this end, they partnered with Prodrive, a well-known high-tech company that builds sustainable and reliable materials in the automotive industry.
– The battery range was improved to 50 km due to the new frame’s reduced weight (10 kg).
– Not only is the battery more efficient, but also the small motor. The motor is basically the same as the one used before, but the torque is more noticeable due to the dropped overall weight.
The good and the questionable
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THE GOOD STUFF – Still a top-quality frame and super lightweight (10 kg). – Alloy rims keep the weight down with fast acceleration. – It’s still so compact to keep it under your desk at work. – The frame is now built with a sustainable approach. – It has a five-year (5) warranty on the swing arm and frame, and the non-wearing parts are covered with a one-year (1) warranty; the battery and motor have a two-year (2) warranty. |
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THINGS THAT COULD’VE BEEN IMPROVED – I’d say it is the most expensive folding e-bike on the market, but its materials are high quality. – You have to use a smartphone to access the metrics and controls. – The tires are great on a hot day, but not so much on wet conditions. – The motor does not start conventionally (pedaling from the start). You must reach 10 km/h for it to kick in. There are 2 other options available, but they rely on connectivity. |
The Lightest Traditional Folding Bike
One of the main things the brand wanted to do was to make it easy on the eye and combine functionality with a sleek design.
Petre Craciun created the bicycle, who designed an attractive, lightweight folding bike (23 lb or 10 kg) for his girlfriend to carry.
Not only does the e-bike have a weightless structure, but it is also one of the most comfortable folding e-bikes I’ve tested. The one thing I was impressed with was the ease of folding.
The brand argues that the folding process takes around 5 seconds, but it took me over 10 seconds.
What You Will Find With the New Hummingbird?
– The rear hub houses an improved 250-watt motor with a secluded 160-Wh lithium battery.
– The frame has a clean structure without a bulky battery pack getting in the way.
– The motor and battery are operated by a smartphone, which relies on Bluetooth connectivity. But this is not the only case; you can pedal up to 10 km/h, and then the motor powers on. It is not ideal if starting uphill.
– The motor adjusts according to your input and will shut off automatically after two minutes when not used.
– This pedelec folding bike has a top speed of 15.5 mph (25 km/h) and a range of up to 50 km in the electric-assisted mode.
– The battery takes up to 3 hours to fully charge, which is the quickest recharge I’ve seen so far.
Riding the Hummingbird e-bike Gen 2.0
– Commuting with the Hummingbird e-bike Gen 2.0 has mixed feelings from different riders as many found it still a bit bulky to fit into overhead luggage racks.
– Once folded, it has a narrow construction. I believe it is a bit longer than other electric bikes as it does not fold into the frame itself.
It folds around the bottom bracket with a unified rear triangle, keeping the chain length constant.
So, how does the folding work?
– The first step is that the mainframe hinge allows the swing arm to fold underneath the bike.
– Now, the handlebar and stem fold down and are secured by a clip on the end of the ba, which is locked to the side of the swing arm.
– Once the seatpost drops, you can remove the pedals and keep the bicycle in a holster within the swing arm. When unfolding the frame, the entire procedure reverses.
When collapsed, the Hummingbird was easy to carry, and the handlebars sat safely on the far side of the folded enclosure.
About the Bitride Bluetooth Connectivity
As mentioned before, when connected to the Bitride app, you only need to start the motor by riding up to 5.5 mph (10 km/h) and backpedal three times. I found this rather strange and interesting, but that is what the brand decided to do to save on materials and weight.
When connected to the smartphone, you can adjust the motor assist, regenerate the braking function, and boost the speed.
Other Standout Features
– Regarding features, it is packed with some attractive traits. You connect the charger to the rear wheel axle, and it takes up to 3 hours to charge (it used to be less than 2.5 hrs).
– Another benefit is that the battery charges by regenerating braking while riding, which is not commonly found in electric bikes.
– The carbon frame has a gorgeous flowing shape, making it exceptionally light and durable. The fork is made of titanium, which is a solid material.
– This Gen 2.0 is one of the best folding e-bikes so far due to the combination of solid construction and lightweight materials.
– It is equipped with a single-speed Shimano Alfine chainset for city biking and a chain guard to prevent oil stains on your pants.
Should You Buy It?
– In simple words, I believe it is worth every cent if you have the spare money.
– This e-bicycle is lighter and has a carbon-fiber frame, which makes it look minimalist and appealing.
– The folding process is a breeze when compared to other similar models. I’m sure that is the beauty of its design.
– Once the motor kicks in, you get a smooth ride, and the battery on the rear hub makes the handlebars more responsive.
– I found riding uphill a bit daunting due to the motor configuration, but coasting downhill was fantastic, and the brake levers kept the bike controlled.
– This new model was designed to be carried on public transport and ride around town. However, there are many other reasons why this pedelec is excellent. To find out, I suggest you test-ride the Hummingbird e-bike Gen 2.0.
