C1 Folding Bike
Small & Powerful
Pros
- Compact and easy-to-use folding design
- Powerful 350W motor
- Comfortable riding position and shock-absorbing tires
- Competitive price point
Cons
- Occasional brake noise
- No rear light included
- Real-world range may vary from advertised figures
Somehow I’m an electric scooter and bike reviewer now. So here we go.
This compact and lightweight e-bike from Hiboy is designed to blend convenience, comfort, and performance. In this review, we will take a closer look at the Hiboy C1, with a highlight on its design, features, and overall riding experience.
Design and Build Quality
One of the standout features of the Hiboy C1 is its folding design. With only a few simple steps, you can transform this e-bike into a pretty compact hunk of metal. One that’s easy to store in your garage, office, or even the trunk of your car. The folding mechanism is really smooth and intuitive, allowing you to fold and unfold the bike in a matter of seconds. The mechanism is almost identical to the Hiboy S2 electric scooter I tested.
When folded, the Hiboy C1 measures a mere 29.5 x 14.6 x 25.6 inches, making this one of the most portable e-bikes on the market.
Despite the compact size, the Hiboy C1 doesn’t feel like it compromises on build quality. There is a high-carbon steel frame that feels extremely durable, while the integrated design of the bike keeps all wires and cables hidden within the frame. You can choose white or black color options for the frame, and I’m reviewing the white version.
How comfortable is it to ride? While this low-riding bike is a tad unusual, it actually ofers a relaxed, upright riding position that didn’t ever become uncomfortable. The bike should be a solid option for extended rides, too. Also the air-filled tires offer awesome shock absorption, eliminating bumps and vibrations on rides.
Performance
This thing delivers a punch when it comes to performance. The included 350W motor delivers reasonably impressive power, allowing you to effortlessly tackle hills. It maintains a steady cruising speed of almost 20 mph on relatively flat surfaces, and I wasn’t fighting the motor at all. This motor also offers super quick acceleration from a standing start, especially in sport mode.
And let’s talk about the modes for a second. This model offers three distinct riding modes to suit your riding style. In pure electric mode, the motor does all the work, propelling you forward without any pedaling required by you. Pedal-assist mode, on the other hand, provides electric motor assistance while you pedal, allowing you to get a bit of exercise while still enjoying a boost from the motor. Finally, manual mode transforms the Hiboy C1 into a traditional bicycle, ideal for getting a workout or conserving battery life. You can also toggle between eco, sport, and drive modes for motor performance.
Speaking of battery life, the Hiboy C1 is equipped with a 36V 7.8Ah battery that offers a range of up to 43 miles in pedal-assist mode and 21 miles in pure electric mode. This is insane to me. During my testing, I found that the C1’s range was more than sufficient for most rides without needing to charge it for days.
The braking system consists of mechanical disc brakes for the front and rear, which provide reliable stopping power in most situations. I did notice some occasional brake noise during my testing. While this noise didn’t affect the brakes’ performance, it’s something to keep in mind, and it’s similar to other electric devices I have reviewed.
Features and Tech
The Hiboy C1 comes with a LCD display that provides speed, riding mode, battery level, and light status.
One unique feature of the C1 is the smartphone app integration. By connecting your phone to the bike via Bluetooth, you’re able to access additional functionality, such as remote locking, speed mode adjustments, and speed customization. These are pretty basic features but they offer a convenient way to manage your bike without having to mess with the onboard controls.
In terms of safety features, the Hiboy C1 comes with a bright front LED light that improves visibility in low-light conditions. However, I would have liked to see a rear light included as well for added safety. The bike does feature reflective elements on the pedals and tires, which provide some level of nighttime visibility, but a dedicated rear light would be a welcome addition in future models.
So who should buy the Hiboy C1?
I think this is an excellent choice for anyone in an urban area that needs a blend of comfort, convienence, and portability. A lot of the electric bikes I have tested are just too large and heavy for me to feel comfortable riding on the regular. The Hiboy C1 folding electric bike is much smaller and lighter, way more approachable, and can be stored with limited storage space. With the powerful motor and great riding position of the bike, I think its well-suited for leisurely rides around town.
If you are looking for an e-bike to tackle longer commutes or more challenging terrain, I would possibly consider models with larger battery capacities and more advanced suspension systems.
And if you’re in the market for a convenient and reliable e-bike to navigate the urban jungle, the Hiboy C1 is definitely worth considering.
With a very competitive price point coupled with strong performance, it makes it an attractive option for those looking to ditch traffic and zoom through the concrete jungle.
