In recent years, urban electric transport has been shining with a variety: scooters, gyro scooters, and mono-wheels are only part of the designs with an electric motor at the head. The usual bicycles have also undergone electrification. Today, the city model is being tested HIPER Engine BF200 with small wheels of 20 inches, a folding frame, and a power reserve of 35 kilometers.
Unlike the other electric vehicles listed, the bike remains on the move after the battery is discharged, thanks to pedaling independently. This is the main advantage, because whatever the power reserve, sometimes you need to drive more distance. I will also note the familiar control: everyone who knows how to ride a regular bike can handle the electric version.
Specifications
- Maximum speed: declared 25 km / h, actual 30 km / h.
- Electric motor: 250 W, brushless (brushless).
- Power reserve on one battery charge: up to 35 km.
- Wheels: 20 inches.
- Battery: 375 Wh (36 V, 10.4 Ah).
- Battery charging time: 4-6 hours.
- Head light: LED headlight.
- Brakes: 160 mm disc mechanics front and rear.
- Frame material: steel.
- Weight: 25 kg.
Assembly and acquaintance
The transport is delivered folded in a large cardboard box. The kit contains all possible wrenches and hexagons for self-assembly and further use of the bike. However, I advise you to entrust the first assembly to professionals, since in addition to unfolding the frame and installing the wheels, you will need to stretch all the components and, if necessary, adjust the mechanisms. For example, my bike required a derailleur and brake calibration.
Before us is an urban model with a low frame and small 20-inch wheels, HIPER did not begin to modify the time-tested format. The color scheme is strict, the frame is painted in graphite, and the other details are in matte black – there is no place for chrome accents.
Luggage can be secured to the impressive size of the trunk. Its thick steel bars are welded to the frame, so you don’t have to worry about keeping your bags safe. The main thing is not to exceed the total carrying capacity of 130 kilograms.
Fully covering wheels and a wide flap on the chain allow you to ride in any clothing without the risk of getting dirty or catching on the stars. This speaks of versatility – the ability to use the bike not only for evening walks in the park but also for everyday commuting or business.
HIPER also took care of the footrest to the left of the rear wheel. It reliably holds the bike not only on asphalt but also on slightly soft ground.
An LED headlight is installed at the front. The light is turned on by pressing a button at the steering wheel. There is also a loud horn button – no call is needed. The rear reflector does not light up – a strange defect because, at night, the backlight is no less important for good visibility on the road. There is a place on the trunk for attaching non-standard dimensions since such is not expensive at all.
Bike device
The electrical essence of our hero is guessed from the first seconds, although the filling is distributed over the frame quite neatly. In particular, a 250 W wheel motor is installed at the rear, and the battery is under the saddle. Please pay attention to the protruding key. With its help, the battery is locked in the slot.
On the steering wheel, there is a control panel with three buttons and a charging indicator. There is not enough speedometer and odometer since non-standard computers are easy to install and are inexpensive. There are only four modes of movement: in the first, the bike turns into a scooter with a gas handle, the three remaining ones help the electric motor when pedaling. The pickup occurs a few seconds after the start of the movement and continues for some time after pedaling. Pressing the brake lever instantly cuts off traction – this is an important safety measure.
The bike rack is at the basic level. The 6-speed Shimano Tourney TZ derailleur is quite smooth and hassle-free. By the standards of mountain bikes, the range is small, but this is enough for a quiet ride: in 1 gear, it is quite possible to climb long slides, and in 6 gear, it is comfortable to ride at a speed of 15-20 km / h. Paired with an electric motor, you can completely forget about shifting and use the top gear.
Mechanical disc brakes with one movable shoe are frustrated. Their efficiency is close enough for city speeds in the range of 20 km/h, although the electric component of the bike is capable of more. The second point is related to modulation: it is not easy to find the right force for a smooth stop. Often you have to overbrake – let the wheel slip. Another problem is squeaks. Regular pads begin to whistle at the slightest overheating. I strongly recommend changing the brakes to hydraulics from a well-known manufacturer: a good set without installation will cost $60-$80, the standard brake rotors can be left. Thanks to standard footprints, replacement is straightforward.
The frame, handlebars, and even the pedals fold down so that the bike can be stowed in the trunk of a regular sedan. And on the balcony, HIPER does not take up much space. Folding and all adjustments on eccentrics without the need for wrenches. Lifting the folded structure with your hands is not easy, as the impressive 25 kilograms is twice as much as you would expect from a compact bike. The problem is in the frame itself and not in the electric hitch: for some unknown reason, heavy steel was preferred for the HIPER Engine BF200.
Departure
I roll the bike out into the street, insert the key into the ignition, sit down, turn on the electric scooter mode and move the throttle as far as it will go – a dynamic start is guaranteed. The ditching of the 250 W electric motor is really impressive. Pedaling is only worth it to increase the range and in long steep climbs. In practice, on a flat road with a rider weighing 80 kilograms, the bike accelerates to 30 km / h without pedaling. The high speed is maintained throughout the entire journey.
In the electric scooter mode, with the gas almost constantly squeezed out to the end and occasional pedal assistance, the battery lasted just over 18 kilometers. But the tests took place in an area with difficult terrain – many descents and ascents. When the charge indicator flashes, the dynamics begin to decrease, and comfortable driving on electric traction becomes impossible. If you assist the electric motor with the pedals throughout the entire journey, the power reserve will reach 35 kilometers.
You have to return to the pedals at such moments, but in this case, the excess weight of the frame and short connecting rods begin to affect – it is not so easy to overclock the HIPER Engine BF200 on your own compared to light sports models. But maintaining a comfortable speed is not difficult, so it is more than realistic to drive a dozen kilometers after the battery is discharged. Summarizing riding habits, we have a bicycle for quiet city walks without speed records, and active maneuvering: 20 km / h can be considered a comfortable speed. Movement is possible only while sitting. This is a common feature of all folding models, the reason for the lack of stiffness of the steering column. You should also consider the small diameter of the wheels and the lack of shock absorption: deep holes and rough terrain should be avoided.
What there are definitely no questions about are the upright fit and the large saddle. You can drive more than a dozen kilometers in this position, especially when using an electric motor.
In the dark, the headlight is very helpful. It is directed downward in such a way as to highlight the road relief a couple of meters ahead and not blind oncoming pedestrians.
The battery needs to be recharged after the ride. For convenience, it can be removed after unlocking with a key and tilting the seatback. The battery pack weighs just over 3 kilograms and is equipped with a comfortable handle. Charging with its own 84W power supply with a round plug takes about 5 hours. The connector on the battery is located under a sliding cover to protect it from dust.
Recall after two weeks of use
Electric bike HIPER Engine BF200 definitely left a pleasant impression. I wanted to go to the store and buy myself the same copy. In my case, the main use case is a trip to a summer cottage village to a store, or even to the nearest supermarket. An autonomous running reserve of 18 kilometers is enough for these purposes, and a convenient trunk is convenient for store purchases. You can ride such a bike within the district on small matters in the off-season: visit someone, pick up orders in online stores. The foldable design makes it easy to carry your bike with you in the trunk. Also, the new product should be looked at by professional couriers who need compact and reliable transport for work.
It is pointless to scold the HIPER Engine BF200 for the “jelly” design. This is a feature of this format. The frame could be lighter, and the standard equipment more advanced. In particular, the installed brakes are clearly not enough for active trips. And the lack of an onboard computer and tail light is like saving on trifles.
Pros:
- classic compact bike format;
- folding design;
- nimble electric motor;
- good power reserve;
- vertical fit and large saddle;
- comfortable headlight and horn;
- electric scooter mode without having to pedal.
Minuses:
- lack of regular speedometer and odometer;
- heavy steel frame.
Attention should be paid:
- standard brakes are rather weak and require replacement;
- foldable frame and small wheels not for sporty driving.