Heybike Mars is the best-selling ebike from the brand. Likewise, the XP 3.0 is the best bang-for-buck ebike from Lectric. So, the Heybike Mars vs Lectric XP 3.0 comparison is justified as these are two of the best folding ebikes available under $1k. Both brands are based in the US and offer excellent customer service.
But if you were to choose one of these foldable ebikes, which one should you go for? Which of these affordable ebikes offers more value for money? These are the questions we want to address in this blog post. Let’s jump straight into the topic and see which folding ebike wins the battle.
Our Recommended Folding Ebikes
1. Velotric Fold 1
Velotric Fold is the best value-for-money folding ebike in 2024. Don’t rely on our word, take a look at the impressive features 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
2. Heybike Mars 2.0
With a 750W powerful motor and an improved rear rack, the new Heybike Mars 2.0 is a great folding ebike on a budget.
Get a Special Discount of $50 on any Heybike ebike using our Discount code “Mag50”
Key Features:
- 750W Rear Hub Motor
- 48V 12.5Ah Battery
- 45 Miles of Max Range
- 28 mph Top Speed
- USB Charging Port
- App Support
- Rear Rack with Pegboards
- Front Fork Suspension
- 20″ x 4.0″ Fat Tires
- Shimano 7-speed Drivetrain
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Best Accessories for Heybike Mars and Lectric XP 3.0
Lectric XP 3.0 is a Class-3 folding ebike that comes with hydraulic disc brakes and a 28mph top speed. The Heybike Mars has a 20mph top speed and comes with mechanical disc brakes. However, the Heybike Mars can offer you a suspension seat post along with a 37-mile range on the throttle-only mode.
Here, we are comparing the original Heybike Mars with the Lectric XP 3.0 (standard battery). If you are considering the Lectric XP 3.0 Long-range, the only difference is in the battery as it comes with a 14 Ah battery. The rest of the specs are identical in both XP 3.0 long-range and standard models.
Heybike Mars vs Lectric XP 3.0: Key Features & Electrical Components
| Electrical Specs & Key Features | Heybike Mars | Lectric XP 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | Rear Hub Motor Nominal Power: 500W | Rear Hub Motor Nominal Power: 500W |
| Top Speed | 20 MPH | 28 MPH |
| Battery | 48V, 12.5 Ah (600Wh) Removable Battery | 48V, 10.4 Ah (500Wh) Removable Battery |
| Maximum Range | 48 Miles (Pedal Assist) 37 Miles (Throttle only) | 45 Miles (Pedal Assist) 20 Miles (Throttle only) |
| Sensors | Cadence Sensor | Cadence Sensor |
| Pedal Assist | 3 Levels | 5 Levels |
| Throttle | Thumb Throttle | Half-twist Throttle |
| Charging Time | 6-7 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Charger | 48V 3 Amp | 48V 2 Amp |
| Ebike Class | Class 2 | Class 3 |
| Headlight | Integrated Headlight | Integrated Headlight |
| Taillights | Integrated Rear Light | Integrated Rear Light |
Lectric XP 3.0 has a top speed of 28mph
The most notable difference between Heybike Mars and Lectric XP 3.0 is that the latter offers you a top speed of 28mph. In comparison, the Heybike Mars has a top speed of only 20mph.
The reason behind this is that the Heybike Mars has a less powerful motor as compared to the Lectric XP 3.0. Although both folding ebikes have motors with a 500W nominal power, the Lectric XP 3.0 has a peak power of 1000W, much higher than the 750W peak power Heybike Mars offers.
Heybike has made up for this deficiency in the new Heybike Mars 2.0 which does offer a top speed of 28mph, thanks to its 750W rear hub motor. But since the Heybike Mars 2.0 is priced much higher, we are comparing the Lectric XP 3.0 with the original Mars here.
Heybike Mars has a Bigger Battery:
Next comes the battery. The Heybike Mars offers you a 12.4 Ah battery which is bigger than the 10.5 Ah battery the standard Lectric XP 3.0 comes with.
The difference in maximum range on pedal-assist mode is negligible as the Heybike Mars offers you up to 48 miles, just a little higher than the 45 miles offered by the Lectric XP 3.0.
The real difference is range comes in the pure-electric mode wherein the Heybike Mars can offer you a maximum range of 38 miles. The Lectric XP 3.O, however, comes with a max range of 20 miles only in the pure-throttle mode.
Even if you go for the long-range variant of the Lectric XP 3.0, you are getting a maximum range of 30 miles in the pure-electric mode. So, if you are someone who likes to cruise around a lot, Heybike Mars is more suitable for you.
Throttle Difference:
This is more of a subjective matter and depends on your preferences. The Heybike Mars comes with a thumb throttle which you see on most of the folding ebikes. Lectric XP 3.0, however, offers you a half-twist throttle.
We are more inclined towards the twist throttles and feel that they are more convenient than thumb throttles. Still, it is a subjective thing and you don’t have to agree with our opinion here.
Heybike Mars takes more time for a Full Charge:
Another important factor to consider is the charging time. While the Lectric XP 3.0 can be fully charged within 4-6 hours, the Heybike Mars can take up to 7 hours for a full recharge.
The reason Heybike Mars takes an hour longer to recharge is the fact that it comes with a much bigger battery. So, a longer charging time is obvious. But if you ride an ebike regularly, even these tiny details are important for you.
Heybike Mars vs Lectric XP 3.0: Dimensions, Weight Limits, and Design
| Dimensions, Design & Weight Limits | Heybike Mars | Lectric XP 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Step Over | Step-Through Step Over |
| Color Options | Leather Black, Cerulean, Porcelain-White | Black White |
| Bike Weight | 66 lbs | 64 lbs |
| Max Payload Capacity | 330 lbs | 330 lbs |
| Rear Rack Load Capacity | 100 lbs | 150 lbs |
| Rider Height | 5’3″ – 6’3″ | 4’10″ – 6’5″ |
| Stand Over Height | 26″ | 24” |
| Min Seat Height | 29″ | 32” |
| Max Seat Height | 34″ | 42” |
Heybike Mars comes with a step-over frame only:
If you prefer step-through frames, Heybike Mars will disappoint you as it comes only with a step-over frame. Lectric XP 3.0, however, offers both step-over and step-through to suit all ebike riders.
This is an important factor to consider before you choose any of these ebikes. If you are a short rider or someone with back pain or any other health issues, the step-through frame of the Lectric XP 3.0 is more suitable for you.
There is only one size available for both of these folding ebikes. So, deciding the right type of frame becomes even more important.
Lectric XP 3.0 can Carry a Passenger:
This is a well-thought-out offer from Lectric as the XP 3.0 is capable of carrying a passenger on the rear rack as well. The rear rack is firmly connected with the main frame and this allows the XP 3.0’s rack to support up to 150 lbs of load.
But there’s more. To make your passenger’s riding experience more comfortable, Lectric offers a passenger kit that includes a passenger seat, foot pegs, and a handlebar.
So, if you are thinking of dropping your kid to school on an ebike, the Lectric XP 3.0 offers you this option as well. Just make sure that you don’t go beyond the maximum payload limit and rear rack limit of the ebike to ensure your safety.
Heybike Mars vs Lectric XP 3.0: Other Components
| Other Components | Heybike Mars | Lectric XP 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc Brakes | Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tourney | Shimano Tourney |
| Shifter | Shimano Thumb Shifter | Shimano SIS-Index Shifter |
| Tires | 20” x 4” Fat Tires | 20” x 3” Fat Tires |
| Fork | Front Suspension with 89 mm travel | Front Suspension with 50 mm travel |
| Seatpost | Suspension | Standard |
| Rear Rack | Included | Included |
| Fenders | Included | Included |
Lectric XP 3.0 comes with Hydraulic Disc Brakes:
This is where the Lectric XP 3.0 really gets ahead of the Heybike Mars. The Lectric XP 3.0 comes with hydraulic disc brakes, even though it’s an affordable category ebike. When Lectric initially launched the XP 3.0, it had mechanical disc brakes.
However, they soon understood the demand of their target audience and introduced the hydraulic disc brakes without increasing the price.
On the other hand, Heybike Mars comes with mechanical disc brakes with 180mm rotors which do a decent job at stopping the ebike. But having hydraulic disc brakes in an affordable ebike is a rare offering.
Heybike Mars has Better Suspension to Offer:
A good suspension is really important to have in an ebike. Heybike Mars offers a better overall suspension in comparison to the Lectric XP 3.0.
The Heybike Mars offers you a front fork suspension with 89mm of travel along with a suspension seat post. The Lectric XP 3.0, on the other hand, comes only with a front fork suspension that can offer you 50mm of travel.
A good suspension seat post costs you at least 100 bucks so getting it with the Heybike Mars is a considerable advantage. Both of these ebikes lack rear suspension and we don’t expect such a feature in these affordable folding ebikes.
Heybike Horizon and Heybike Tyson are the only two folding ebikes from Heybike that offer rear suspension. But their price tag is much higher than the ebikes we are comparing here.
4″ vs 3″ Tires:
The Heybike Mars comes with 20” x 4” fat tires making it an all-terrain electric bike. The Lectric XP 3.0, however, comes with 3″ tires that we consider fat tires as well. But 3″ tires will give you more maneuverability than 4″ tires.
However, 4″ fat tires will be more comfortable when taking the ebike on unpaved tracks. So, you have to consider choosing between these two fat tire sizes.
Shimano Transmission in both Heybike Mars and Lectric XP 3.0:
We like the fact that both of these folding electric bikes come with name-brand transmission components. Both Heybike Mars and Lectric XP 3.0 come with a Shimano Tourney derailleur.
Although this is an entry-level derailleur from Shimano, having a name-brand component in such affordable ebikes is a big deal in itself. You’ll find Shimano Acera or Altus derailleurs on other ebikes like Heybike Brawn or Heybike Ranger S. But those ebikes come with a much higher price tag as well.
Heybike Mars vs Lectric XP 3.0: Price
| Heybike Mars | Lectric XP 3.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ebike Cost | $899 | $999 |
| Shipping | Free | Free |
The retail price of Heybike Mars is $1199 but they are offering this folding ebike for $899 at the current discounted price.
The Lectric XP 3.0 is priced just $100 higher at $999. Both brands offer free shipping on these folding ebikes as well.
The passenger kit is not included with the Lectric XP 3.0 and you’ll have to pay an additional $99 for that. The same is true for all the other accessories these brands offer.
However, fenders and rear rack are included in both ebikes without any additional cost.
Heybike Mars vs Lectric XP 3.0: Which is the best folding ebike under $1000?
Here comes the answer you were looking for.
The Lectric XP 3.0 is an overall better ebike than the Heybike Mars. With Lectric XP 3.0, you are getting a top speed of 28mph, a more powerful motor, hydraulic disc brakes, a step-through frame option, and the ability to carry a passenger with you.
Heybike Mars, however, offers you a bigger battery, longer range, better suspension, fatter tires, and $100 in savings.
If you are concerned about the range of Lectric Xp 3.0, you can go for the Long-range variant and get a maximum range of 30 miles on the throttle-only mode. However, that will cost you $300 more than the price of the Heybike Mars.
So, if we were to choose one between these two folding ebikes, we’ll go with the Lectric XP 3.0.
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