Ride1up LMT’D eBike vs Himiway Zebra: Which One to Choose?

Struggling to pick the perfect electric ride? Two popular options on the market are the Ride1up LMT'D and the Himiway Zebra. We've had the opportunity to test both bikes and want to share our thoughts on how they compare.

One of the biggest differences between these two bikes is their tire size. The Himiway Zebra features fat tires, which are great for off-road adventures and riding in snowy conditions. On the other hand, the Ride1up LMT'D has thinner tires that are better suited for urban commuting and smoother surfaces.

Another notable difference is the weight of the bikes. The Himiway Zebra weighs in at a hefty 79 pounds, while the Ride1up LMT'D is 26 pounds lighter. This can make a big difference if you need to carry your bike up stairs or transport it in a vehicle. Overall, both bikes have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences.

Appearance & Design

The LMT'D has a sleek and modern look with clean lines and a minimalist design. It comes in either midnight gray and sandstone, making it easy to match with any outfit. The Zebra, on the other hand, has a more rugged and outdoorsy appearance with its fat tires and sturdy frame. It comes in a variety of colors, including grey, white, and a combination of colors.

In terms of build quality, both bikes are well-made and feel sturdy. However, we noticed that the Ride1up LMT'D has a more premium feel to it, with its high-quality components and attention to detail. The Himiway Zebra, while still a solid bike, doesn't quite match up to the LMT'D in terms of overall build quality.

When it comes to balance, both bikes are well-balanced and easy to ride. However, we found that the Ride1up LMT'D has a slightly better weight distribution, which makes it feel more stable and easier to handle. The Himiway Zebra, while still a great bike, can feel a bit top-heavy at times, especially when going over rough terrain.

Display and Controls

The Ride1up LMT'D features a color LCD display that shows speed, battery level, distance traveled, and pedal assist level. The display is easy to read and provides all the necessary information at a glance. The controls are located on the LCD which is located on left side of the handlebar. The controls include a power button, a plus button to increase the pedal assist level, and a minus button to decrease the pedal assist level.

On the other hand, the Himiway Zebra features a basic monochrome LCD display that shows speed, battery level, and pedal assist level. The display supports USB charging which kind of gives it an upper hand over the Ride1up LMT'D. The controls are located on the left side of the handlebar and include a power button, a plus button to increase the pedal assist level, a minus button to decrease the pedal assist level, a headlight button, and an info button.

Weight and Weight Limits

Both the Ride1up LMT'D and the Himiway Zebra are relatively lightweight compared to other eBikes on the market, which makes them easier to maneuver and transport. The Ride1up LMT'D weighs 53 lbs, while the Himiway Zebra weighs 79 lbs.

In addition to the weight of the eBike itself, it's important to consider weight limits. The Ride1up LMT'D has a load capacity of 300 lbs, which is decent considering that most ebikes in its class have a payload capacity of 275lbs. The Himiway Zebra, on the other hand, can support up to 400 lbs of weight.

It's important to keep weight limits in mind when choosing an eBike. If you plan on carrying heavy loads or have a larger body type, you may want to consider the Himiway Zebra. However, for most riders, the weight limit of the Ride1up LMT'D should be sufficient.

Motor & Power

The Ride1up LMT'D and Himiway Zebra are both electric bikes that come equipped with powerful motors. The Ride1up LMT'D features a 750W continuous rear hub motor with 95Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Himiway Zebra comes with a 750W rear hub motor that offers 86Nm of torque.

In terms of acceleration, the Ride1up LMT'D is a clear winner. The motor provides quick and smooth acceleration, making it easy to climb hills and navigate through traffic. The Himiway Zebra, on the other hand, has a slower acceleration, which might not be suitable for those who want a faster ride.

The Ride1up LMT'D's motor is also well-integrated into the bike, providing a seamless riding experience. The torque sensor bottom bracket ensures that the motor provides the right amount of power when you need it, making it easier to ride for longer periods.

Battery Capacity and Range

In this section, we will compare the battery capacity and range of the Ride1up LMT'D eBike and the Himiway Zebra.

The Ride1up LMT'D eBike comes with an integrated 48V 14Ah battery that uses Samsung cells. This gives the bike a range of 30-50 miles on a single charge. The battery is powerful enough to handle long rides and steep hills without draining quickly. This is especially useful for riders who plan to use the bike for commuting or long-distance rides.

On the other hand, the Himiway Zebra comes with a 48V 20Ah battery that provides a range of up to 80 miles on a single charge. The battery is also integrated into the bike's frame, which gives it a sleek and streamlined look. This is a great option for riders who prioritize range over other factors.

Ride Quality & Handling

When it comes to ride quality and handling, we found the Ride1Up LMT'D eBike to be a standout performer. The bike feels very well balanced and stable, which makes it easy to control and maneuver. The handlebars are comfortable to grip, and the bike's weight is distributed evenly, which helps with stability.

The ride quality of the Ride1Up LMT'D is also impressive. The bike's suspension system does a great job of absorbing bumps and vibrations, which makes for a smooth and comfortable ride. We found that the bike's suspension system was particularly effective when riding on rough terrain or over uneven surfaces.

In terms of comfort, the Ride1Up LMT'D is a winner. The bike's saddle is well-padded and provides plenty of support, which makes long rides much more comfortable. Additionally, the bike's handlebars are adjustable, which allows riders to find a comfortable riding position.

Suspension, Brakes, Wheels & Tires

Both the Ride1up LMT'D and the Himiway Zebra showcase impressive features in their suspension, brakes, wheels, and tires. Starting with suspension, the Ride1up LMT'D boasts air suspension forks with a generous 100mm travel capacity. This design lends itself to a smoother and more controlled ride, particularly on rough terrains or uneven surfaces. On the other hand, the Himiway Zebra features suspension forks offering up to 80mm of suspension. While slightly less travel, it's still a commendable setup that contributes to enhanced comfort during rides.

In terms of tires, the Ride1up LMT'D adopts a 27.5"x2.4" size, a balance between agility and stability. This size choice aids in maneuvering through varied landscapes while maintaining a secure grip on the road. On the contrary, the Himiway Zebra opts for larger 26"x4" wheels. These wide tires provide substantial traction and stability, which is especially advantageous for tackling off-road paths and challenging terrains.

Taking a closer look, the air suspension forks of the Ride1up LMT'D offer a remarkable advantage, particularly for those seeking a more cushioned and refined ride. The extra 20mm travel compared to the Himiway Zebra could translate to a noticeable difference in handling bumpy trails or absorbing shocks. As for the Himiway Zebra's choice of wider 4" tires, it's evident that these wheels are tailored for tackling tougher terrains. The increased width offers enhanced stability, making it a favorable option for adventurous riders who frequently venture off the beaten path.

Pedal Assist & Throttles

Pedal assist, also known as PAS (Pedal Assist System), uses a sensor to detect the rider's pedaling and provide assistance based on the selected level. There are two types of sensors: cadence and torque. Cadence sensors detect the rotation of the pedals and provide assistance based on the selected level, while torque sensors detect the amount of pressure applied to the pedals and provide assistance based on the amount of force applied.

Throttles, on the other hand, allow the rider to control the amount of assistance provided by the motor using a hand-operated lever. Throttles can be useful when starting from a stop or when climbing steep hills, but they can be less efficient than pedal assist and can drain the battery faster.

The Ride1up LMT'D and the Himiway Zebra both offer both pedal assist and throttle options. The Ride1up LMT'D operates as a Class 2/3 electric bike, meaning it is restricted to a max pedal-assisted speed of 28mph and will not exceed 20 miles an hour in throttle-only mode. The Himiway Zebra, on the other hand, is a Class 2/3 electric bike, meaning it is restricted to a max pedal-assisted speed of 25mph and will not exceed 20 miles an hour in throttle-only mode.

In terms of pedal assist, both bikes offer multiple levels of assistance to choose from. The Ride1up LMT'D uses a torque sensor, while the Himiway Zebra uses a cadence sensor. This means that the Ride1up LMT'D will provide additional assistance based on the amount of force applied to the pedals, making it more efficient than the Ride1up LMT'D.

Portability

The Ride1up LMT'd weighs 53 lbs, while the Himiway Zebra is slightly heavier at 79 lbs. The LMT'd's lighter weight could make it more manageable when lifting or carrying, potentially allowing for easier loading into vehicles or storage.

In terms of dimensions, the LMT'd has a more compact wheelbase of 43 inches, a handlebar height of 42 inches, and a total length of 71 inches. On the other hand, the Himiway Zebra boasts a larger wheelbase of 49.2 inches, a handlebar height of 42.9 inches, and a total length of 78.7 inches. While the Himiway Zebra offers a longer frame, the LMT'd's smaller dimensions could make it more maneuverable in tight spaces.

Considering these factors, the Ride1up LMT'd seems to have an edge in terms of portability due to its lighter weight and more compact dimensions. The reduced weight could make it easier to lift and handle, while the compact size might prove advantageous in situations where storage space or tight spaces are a concern. However, if long-distance transport is a key consideration, the Himiway Zebra's larger frame might provide a more comfortable ride.

Pros & Cons Ride1up LMT’D vs Himiway Zebra

Overall, both the Ride1up LMT'D eBike and the Himiway Zebra offer excellent value for their price points. The LMT'D is a sleek and stylish option with a torque sensor and long range, while the Zebra comes with useful accessories and a powerful motor. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes will depend on your personal preferences and needs.

Specifications and Features Table

The Ride1up LMT'D eBike and the Himiway Zebra have some similarities, such as their 750W brushless, geared hub motor and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. However, there are also some notable differences between the two models.

One of the most significant difference is their suspension. The Ride1up LMT'D eBike comes with an RST Asteria Air Fork, which provides a smoother ride on rough terrain. The Himiway Zebra, on the other hand, only has a front suspension fork.

The Ride1up LMT'D eBike also has a slightly smaller battery than the Himiway Zebra, but it still has a decent range of 30-50 miles depending on rider weight and terrain. The Himiway Zebra has a larger battery and a longer range of 60-80 miles depending on rider weight and terrain.

Overall, both the Ride1up LMT'D eBike and the Himiway Zebra have their strengths and weaknesses. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what features are most important to you.

Overall Recommendation Based on Intended Use

After extensively testing both the Ride1up LMT'D eBike and the Himiway Zebra, we have come to a conclusion about which one is better suited for different types of riders and intended uses.

For commuters and those looking for a solid road bike, we recommend the Ride1up LMT'D eBike. With its profile, this bike is perfect for city streets and offers a smooth ride with its suspension fork and comfortable saddle. The hydraulic disc brakes and torque sensor are also a nice touch for those who may are seeking an electric bike with premium components.

For those who prefer off-road adventures or gravel paths, the Himiway Zebra is the way to go. With its solid build and chain guard, this bike can handle some rough terrain. The kickstand and headlight are also convenient features for those who may be taking their bike off the beaten path.

When it comes to accessories and shipping, both brands offer a variety of options, but we found that Ride1up LMT'D had a slight edge in terms of the variety and quality of accessories offered. However, Himiway does offer free shipping within the contiguous US, which may be a deciding factor for some buyers.

Overall, both bikes have their strengths and weaknesses, and it ultimately comes down to the rider's intended use and personal preferences. However, for commuters and road riders, we recommend the Ride1up LMT'D eBike, while off-road enthusiasts may prefer the Himiway Zebra.