Hitway BK-U1 Electric Bike Review
In case you've been following my blog recently, it shouldn't come as a surprise to you that I was surprised by this electric bike. The reason is very simple – Hitway hasn't been producing the most premium bicycles in the world and it's always been obvious that its products will be cheaper compared to, say, Bosch-powered electric bikes. At the same time, you could never be sure if their electric bikes will deliver as much satisfaction as more expensive alternatives would do because of the fact that it was always possible that compromises would have to be made.So, when I saw the Hitway BK-U1, my initial response was that this product was interesting because it came with a mid-drive motor, had a torque sensor, featured hydraulic disc brakes, and had a rather long claimed distance range (from 120 km to 150 km). After researching this model, trying it out myself, and comparing it to other e-bikes that compete with this product, I'm willing to say that this particular electric bike is one of the best products that Hitway has ever made.
Let's dive deeper into specifics.
Hitway BK-U1 Electric Bike Review - First Impressions & Build Quality
There is no denying the fact that this particular bike doesn't look flashy – at least, to me. There aren't any unnecessary details or anything – just a traditional diamond frame with an integrated battery that looks decent enough. The frame is made of aluminum alloy, and while I won't say that it's particularly lightweight, it provides a great sense of balance.
I must say that it's great that the bike comes with a mid-drive motor since this factor greatly changes weight distribution compared to hub motors – as a result, it allows the bike to be balanced in such a way that makes it feel more comfortable to ride at slow speeds. While we're on the topic of design and construction quality, there's another feature worth mentioning here – cable routing is neat, welding quality is great, and it just feels like it should be on a bike that is twice as expensive as the BK-U1.
Motor Performance: The Advantage of Mid-Drive System (Hitway BK-U1 Electric Bike Review)
As already mentioned, the most prominent feature of the BK-U1 is its Ananda M60 mid-drive motor – this part is capable of providing 250 W, which keeps the bike road legal. However, thanks to the nature of mid-drive motors, the torque produced is higher in comparison with similarly powerful hub motors.
But the motor is great not only because it produces more torque but also because of the torque sensor. As you know, it allows for the electric bike to provide a more natural experience to the user since, unlike cadence sensors, they allow for gradual change of power output depending on how hard the rider pedals. If you've never experienced this kind of riding before, trust me – you're in for a treat.
Battery & Distance: Perfect Range for Commuting
The BK-U1 comes with a 36 V/13 Ah battery pack (468 Wh), which doesn't seem too impressive compared to other similar electric bikes. However, due to the efficiency of mid-drive motors and usage of torque sensors, it manages to provide rather impressive distance range of up to 120 to 150 km in ideal conditions. In mixed conditions, when the bike has to tackle hills and operate in lower assistance levels, it can travel about 80 to 100 km, which is great for commuting.
It takes around 4 to 5 hours to fully recharge the battery using a fast charger.
Brakes: Decent Quality for the Price Tag
Another pleasant surprise about the BK-U1 is the fact that it's equipped with hydraulic ZOOM disc brakes instead of standard disc brakes that are common to similar products. Thanks to this solution, the braking process on this particular bike becomes:
• Smoother, with more progressive feeling;
• More resistant to water and dirt;
• Requires less maintenance;
• Provides more premium feel.
In addition to this, 27.5" wheels combined with narrow 2.2" wide tires provide the rider with stability and precise handling, which is perfect both for urban and suburban areas.
Components & Ride Comfort
Speaking of components, the bike uses Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, which provides a satisfying riding experience. Front suspension fork is also an important detail since it ensures that the rider receives the desired comfort in case the roads are in poor condition.
The tires are quite versatile, as they are 27.5" × 2.2" – on the one hand, they ensure the bike's ability to climb hills effortlessly, on the other hand, they make for an efficient ride in the city. Additionally, the seat is okay; you shouldn't expect anything exceptional, but I didn't have any trouble with sitting on it.
Smart Functions: NFC & App Support
Another interesting feature of this electric bike is its smart capabilities. Thus, the bike can be unlocked using NFC – all you have to do is bring the bike close to your smartphone (or any other contactless payment card) and the process begins. I'd say that this detail allows for increasing the feeling of security significantly.
Of course, the BK-U1 also has a mobile app which allows you to:
• Keep track of all your rides;
• Customize various settings;
• Control different aspects of security and operation of your bike;
• Monitor the status of the battery.
While this app is certainly less advanced than the apps that are used for electric bikes powered by Bosch drive units, it is quite decent nonetheless.
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Riding Experience & Impression
As you might have guessed from the above-mentioned features of the bike, it is quite easy and fun to ride the BK-U1. First of all, mid-drive motor allows for gradual acceleration, and the bike itself handles quite well in case of sudden braking and acceleration. Second of all, it can climb quite steep hills; I haven't measured exactly how steep they were, but I'm sure that Hitway's claim about 25° gradient is an understatement.
Third of all, you can feel all the features of a bicycle while you ride the BK-U1 due to the fact that it features torque sensor – I believe this factor is the key to an enjoyable riding experience.
What I Liked About This Bike
• Natural ride feel;
• Very decent range in terms of distance;
• Hydraulic disc brakes at this price;
• NFC unlocks feel really cool;
• Balanced weight distribution;
• Decent hill-climbing capability;
• Good price-to-performance ratio;
What Could Be Improved
• Absence of rear suspension makes the bike not so good at riding on rough trails;
• App feels like it lacks functionality;
• The bike is somewhat heavier than other models;
• Maintenance cost is higher compared to hub motors.
Again, none of these factors would make the bike completely undesirable to potential buyers.
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Conclusion: A Must-Have Product
As you can see, the Hitway BK-U1 can boast quite an impressive list of benefits. It provides its users with a decent range of distance, has a rather decent build quality and features a decent torque sensor that allows for an almost natural riding experience.
If you need a reliable electric bike that can be both used for commuting and exploring nature on weekends, this is your go-to bike.