Heybike finally released the Mars 2.0 in the second week of October 2023. The original Mars is one of the best-selling ebikes from the US-based brand. Now, Heybike has released an upgraded version of this folding ebike and our Heybike Mars vs Mars 2.0 comparison will help you decide if the new variant is worth the extra money.
In comparison to the original Heybike Mars, the new Heybike Mars 2.0 offers a more powerful 750W motor and 28 mph top speed. However, the new Mars 2.0 is also 9 lbs heavier than the original Mars.
Get a Special Discount of $50 on any Heybike ebike using our Discount code “Mag50”
Affiliate Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an associate in the Amazon affiliate network (and others), we may earn commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you!
Our Recommended Folding Ebikes
1. Velotric Fold 1
Velotric’s Fold 1 is a great option that you must consider if you are shopping for a foldable ebike in 2024. Take a look at the impressive specs below:
Key Features:
- Powerful 750W Hub Motor
- UL-2849 Safety Certified
- Shimano 7-speed Drivetrain
- Dual Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- 55 Miles of Max Range
- 28 mph Top Speed
- 440 lbs Payload Limit
- 48V 608Wh, Detachable Battery
- 20″ x 3″ Puncture-resistant Tires
Best Accessories for Heybike Mars 2.0
If you are looking to get one of these Heybike Mars models, we recommend adding some accessories to make your experience even better.
Heybike Mars vs Mars 2.0: Electrical Specs & Key Features
| Electrical Specs & Key Features | Heybike Mars | Heybike Mars 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | Rear Hub Motor Nominal Power: 500W Peak Power: 750W | Rear Hub Motor Nominal Power: 750W Peak Power: 1200W |
| Top Speed | 20 MPH | 28 MPH |
| Battery | 48V, 12.5 Ah Removable Battery | 48V, 12.5 Ah Removable Battery |
| Maximum Range | 48 Miles (Pedal Assist) | 45 Miles (Pedal Assist) |
| Sensors | Cadence Sensor | Cadence Sensor |
| Pedal Assist | 3 Levels | 5 Levels |
| Throttle Mode | Thumb Throttle | Thumb Throttle |
| App Support | No | Yes |
| Charging Time | 6-7 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Charger | 48V 2 Amp | 54.6V 2 Amp |
| Ebike Class | Class 2 | Class 3 |
| Headlight | Yes | Yes |
| Taillights | Yes | Yes |
Heybike Mars 2.0 has a 750W motor now:
Let’s start with the most significant upgrade in the Heybike Mars 2.0: the motor. Heybike has installed a 750W rear hub motor in the Mars 2.0 that can give you a peak power of 1200W.
With a torque of up to 80Nm, the Heybike Mars 2.0 will ride even steeper hills more comfortably now. The original Mars comes with a 500W motor that offers you a peak power of 750W.
Heybike Mars 2.0 is a Class 3 Ebike:
With a more powerful motor, the Heybike Mars 2.0 is now capable of offering you a top speed of 28mph. The original Mars ebike has a 20mph top speed that makes it a class 2 ebike.
So, the upgrade in motor power and top speed will improve the overall riding experience. Now you can cruise faster on this affordable category ebike. Just make sure that your state allows Class 3 ebikes and if you need any special permit for that.
App Support is Available in the new Heybike Mars 2.0:
The Heybike Mars 2.0 now features app support as we have seen with other Heybike models released this year. Heybike Ranger S and Heybike Tyson are the other two folding ebikes that come equipped with the same feature.
This is a very thoughtful move by Heybike since a few of its competitors are also offering an app sync feature in their folding ebikes. The Aventon Sinch 2 is one such ebike but it does come with a higher price tag.
So, it’s a really nice addition to the Heybike Mars 2.0 and it’ll improve the riding experience of users. The app which is available on both Android and iOS will track all of your rides and show you important metrics like remaining battery and calories burned as well.
Reduced Charging Hours:
One of the problems with the original Heybike Mars is the long charging time as it takes almost 6-7 hours for a full recharge. Heybike has replaced the 48V 2A charger with a 54.5V, 2A charger which has reduced the charging time by at least one hour.
Although we have seen 4A fast chargers in other Heybike models, this can still be considered an upgrade. We were expecting at least a 3A charger in the new Heybike Mars but they have decided to keep things a little simple here.
Still no Torque Sensor:
This is one area where we think Heybike Mars 2.0 could have been better. Like the previous Mars, the new Heybike Mars 2.0 also comes with a cadence sensor.
So, Heybike has decided to keep the Mars 2.0 in the affordable category instead of opting for high-end features. There are very few options available in the US market when it comes to folding ebikes with torque sensors. Aventon Sinch.2 is one of them but it is priced way above the Mars 2.0.
We understand that Heybike is primarily targeting the audience who needs an affordable ebike from a US brand. But sooner or later, Heybike will have to introduce a folding ebike with a torque sensor to compete with the likes of the Aventon Sinch.2 and other ebikes.
Same Battery and Range:
Surprisingly, the Heybike has kept the same 48V, 12.5 Ah battery in the new Heybike Mars 2.0. The previous Mars has the same removable battery as the Mars 2.0.
So, there is no change in the maximum range of the new Mars 2.0 as well. Both Heybike Mars models can give you a maximum range of around 45 miles on the pedal assist range. You can expect a range of at least 30 miles on the throttle mode.
The battery in the new Heybike Mars 2.0 also comes with a USB charging port so you can charge your phone or any accessories.
Heybike Mars vs Mars 2.0: Design, Dimensions, & Weight Limits
| Dimensions, Design & Weight Limits | Heybike Mars | Heybike Mars 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Step Over | Step Over |
| Color Options | Leather Black, Cerulean, Porcelain-White | Pumpkin Orange Dusty Blue Leather Black Granite Grey |
| Bike Weight | 66 lbs | 75 lbs |
| Max Payload Capacity | 330 lbs | 330 lbs |
| Rear Rack Load Capacity | 100 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Rider Height | 5’3″ – 6’3″ | 5’3″ – 6’1″ |
| Stand Over Height | 26″ | 25.6″ |
| Min Seat Height | 29″ | 29″ |
| Max Seat Height | 34″ | 34.3″ |
The Rear Rack is Sturdier in the New Variant:
When you look at the Heybike Mars 2.0, the design of the ebike has hardly changed. One visible change, however, is that the rear rack now comes with a new design.
Moreover, it can now bear a maximum load of 120 lbs. The previous model comes with a weight limit of 100 lbs for the rear rack.
Heybike has also attached pegboards with connectors on both sides of the rear rack of the Mars 2.0. So, now you can easily handle your cargo and other accessories as well.
The 120lbs capacity is enough for cargo, but not for a passenger. For instance, the Lectric XP 3.0 comes with a rear rack that can bear a load of up to 150 lbs. Maybe we’ll see something similar from the Heybike in upcoming models.
The Heybike Mars 2.0 is heavier at 75 lbs:
We love the fact that Hyebike has improved the motor power and rear rack capacity in the Mars 2.0. But we cannot ignore the fact that the Mars 2.0 is heavier as well.
The new Heybike Mars 2.0 weighs around 75 lbs, much heavier than the original Heybike Mars that weighs just 66 lbs.
We are concerned about the weight since it’s a folding ebike and it is supposed to be portable. So, if you fold the ebike and try to load it onto your SUV, you’ll need to lift 75 lbs.
Heybike Mars vs Mars 2.0: Other Components
| Other Components | Heybike Mars | Heybike Mars 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc Brakes | Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano | Shimano |
| Shifter | 7 Speed Shimano | 7 Speed Shimano |
| Tires | 20” x 4” Fat Tires | 20” x 4” Fat Tires |
| Fork | Front Suspension with 89mm travel | Front Suspension with 65 mm travel |
| Seatpost | Suspension Seat Post | Suspension Seat Post |
| Rear Rack | Included | Included |
| Fenders | Included | Included |
No Hydraulic Brakes either:
This is another feature we were looking forward to seeing in the new Heybike Mars 2.0. But unfortunately, Heybike has decided to stick with the same mechanical disc brakes which you see in the original Mars folding ebike.
Although the mechanical disc brakes do the job perfectly, the addition of hydraulic disc brakes would have sealed the deal here.
For the original Heybike Mars, mechanical disc brakes make sense as the ebike is offered for less than $1000. But when you go above this threshold, we expect to see better components.
To give you an idea, the Lectric XP 3.0 is a similar folding ebike that comes with hydraulic brakes and is offered under $1k.
Shimano Components in Both Ebikes:
When it comes to transmission, both Heybike Mars variants are pretty similar. Although these are affordable category ebikes, both Mars models feature Shimano rear derailleur and a 7-speed shifter.
The inclusion of name-brand components in such affordable category ebikes is impressive and we have to give this credit to Heybike.
No Rear Suspension:
Like the original Heybike Mars, the Mars 2.0 also does not feature rear suspension. We do not expect Heybike to include this feature at this price tag.
Heybike has recently released the Tyson folding ebike which does offer a rear suspension. But the price tag of Heybike Tyson is much higher than the Mars 2.0.
Yet, both Heybike Mars variants do come with a suspension seat post which will give you a cushion and make the rides more comfortable.
Heybike Mars vs Mars 2.0: Price Comparison
| Heybike Mars | Heybike Mars 2.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ebike Cost | $849 | $1199 |
| Shipping | Free | Free |
The retail price of these Heybike Mars models is much higher but we’ll compare the current discounted prices here.
Heybike is offering the Mars 2.0 ebike for $1199, $350 higher than the price of the original Mars.
So, is the $350 extra worth spending on the Mars 2.0, let’s find out.
Heybike Mars vs Mars 2.0: Which Ebike is better?
For an extra $350, the Heybike Mars 2.0 offers you a more powerful 750W motor, 28mph top speed, and an improved rear rack.
We believe that the price increment isn’t worth it. So, you should stick with the original Mars if you need an affordable ebike.
If the Heybike Mars 2.0 had hydraulic disc brakes, better range, torque sensor, or rear suspension, things would have been different.
Since the Mars 2.0 doesn’t have any of the above-mentioned features, we’ll recommend you stay with the original Mars. And we cannot overlook the fact that the Mars 2.0 is 9 lbs heavier than the original Mars.
If you are looking for alternatives, we can suggest looking into Heybike Ranger S. The Ranger S offers you the luxury of hydraulic disc brakes along with an improved range and fast charging.
And if you are looking for something under $1000, we highly recommend the Lectric XP 3.0 which features hydraulic disc brakes as well.
Read More:
