In a world where sustainability matters and exhilarating modes of transportation are gaining momentum, e-bikes have emerged as a revolutionary force, transforming the way we explore our surroundings. Today, California mom and biking enthusiast Michelle Garrett delves into the world of e-biking and shines a spotlight on the Himiway Step Thru Cruiser E-Bike—a powerful, versatile, and eco-friendly two-wheeler that epitomizes the best of electric cycling. Join us as we uncover the myriad benefits of e-biking and delve into the impressive features of the Himiway Step Thru Cruiser, a bike that effortlessly combines style, functionality, and a thrilling riding experience into one exceptional package. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the world of e-bikes, get ready to embrace the joy of effortless pedaling and unlock a new level of adventure!
*This post was sponsored by Himiway Bikes. Product was provided as compensation for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the author. Post contains affiliate links.
Growing trend of e-bikes
In recent years, there has been an incredible surge in the popularity of electric bikes (also known as e-bikes) and for good reason. These cutting-edge two-wheelers have revolutionized the way we commute, explore, and enjoy the great outdoors. E-bikes combine the efficiency and eco-friendliness of traditional bicycles with the power and convenience of electric motors, creating a thrilling and sustainable mode of transportation.
E-bikes are incredibly eco-friendly, producing zero emissions, and reducing our carbon footprint. By opting for an e-bike instead of a car for short commutes or leisurely rides, we actively contribute to a greener future. Another significant advantage of e-bikes is their versatility. They provide a reliable mode of transportation for both urban commuters and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re conquering steep hills, zipping through city streets, or exploring scenic trails, an e-bike offers the power and assistance you need, making uphill battles a thing of the past.
To bike or e-bike?
Let me start by saying that I wasn’t sure if I’d ever become an e-bike kind of girl. I have loved traditional cycling and bike riding all my life! From biking along the famed Pacific Coast Highway to hitting the trails along historic Revolutionary War battlefields, I approach bike riding as a way to explore plus exercise. And the “exercise” portion of that equation is a big deal to me.
Never fully sold on the cardiovascular benefits of an e-bike, I watched them zoom by and figured they didn’t offer as many health benefits as my traditional bike. However, I’ve been getting more and more interested in e-bikes as I hear friends and family members (and everyone on the internet) rave about them, so when presented with the opportunity to take a Himiway Step-Thru Cruiser for a spin, I was curious and all in!
The Himiway Step Thru Cruiser E-Bike is an impressive blend of style, functionality, and sustainability, designed to elevate your riding experience to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or someone looking to embark on a thrilling adventure, this e-bike is poised to become your faithful companion on the road less traveled. Not only was I wrong about it not being a great way to exercise, but it was so much fun to ride! I had no idea what I was missing! Here’s my honest review of the Himiway Step-Thru Cruiser e-bike, in all it’s glory!
Fitness potential of e-bikes
First things first, I was pleasantly surprised by my recent experience with the Himiway Step Thru Cruiser e-bike. Sure, this bike has a powerful motor, but I was delighted to see that I could still pedal to get my exercise, and throttle it when I needed more speed.
E-bikes have often been a subject of debate when it comes to their fitness potential. Skeptics argue that electric assistance diminishes the exercise aspect of cycling, while enthusiasts assert that e-bikes offer unique fitness benefits. In reality, e-bikes can be a fantastic way to get exercise, provided they are used correctly and with the right mindset. Contrary to my preconceived notions about an e-bike, there is a lot of fitness potential, not to mention practical uses, of e-bike riding. Let’s explore the fitness potential of e-bikes and how you can still get a workout while riding one.
Increased duration and distance
One of the primary advantages of e-bikes is that they extend your riding capabilities. The electric motor assists your pedaling, making it easier to cover longer distances and ride for extended periods of time. By exploring new routes and venturing further, you can engage in low-impact aerobic exercise, improving cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
Uphill challenges
Hills can be intimidating for many cyclists, especially beginners or those with physical limitations. With an e-bike, climbing uphill becomes more manageable as the electric motor provides a boost. However, it’s important to remember that you can still choose to exert yourself and contribute your own pedaling effort. By actively pedaling while utilizing the electric assistance, you can still engage your leg muscles and reap the benefits of hill climbing.
Tailored intensity levels
Most e-bikes offer different levels of electric assistance, allowing you to customize the level of exertion required. You can choose a higher assistance level when you want to enjoy a leisurely ride or conserve energy, or opt for a lower assistance level to challenge yourself and engage in more intense exercise. E-bikes provide the flexibility to adapt to your fitness goals and gradually increase the effort as your strength and stamina improve.
Interval training
Another way to maximize the fitness potential of e-bikes is through interval training. Interval training involves alternating between bursts of high-intensity efforts and recovery periods. With an e-bike, you can push yourself during the high-intensity intervals, utilizing the electric assistance to maintain higher speeds and intensities. This type of training can enhance cardiovascular fitness, improve muscular endurance, and burn calories effectively.
Cross-training and rehabilitation
E-bikes can be beneficial for individuals recovering from injuries or those looking to engage in cross-training activities. The electric assistance reduces the impact on joints and muscles, allowing for low-impact exercise. E-bikes provide an opportunity to maintain or regain fitness levels while minimizing strain on the body, making them a viable option for rehabilitation or complementing other sports and activities.
Health benefits of e-biking
Riding an e-bike also offers a range of health benefits, contributing to both physical and mental well-being. E-bike riding is an excellent way to improve cardiovascular fitness. By engaging in regular cycling, even with electric assistance, you can strengthen your heart, lower blood pressure, and enhance blood circulation. The aerobic nature of cycling helps to increase endurance and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Cycling, including e-bike riding, is a low-impact form of exercise that puts minimal stress on the joints. This makes it particularly suitable for individuals with joint pain, arthritis, or those recovering from injuries. E-bikes provide an opportunity to engage in physical activity without putting excessive strain on the knees, hips, or ankles. The pedaling motion involved in e-bike riding helps to promote joint mobility and improve flexibility.
E-bike riding also contributes to mental well-being. Physical exercise releases endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones that help reduce stress, improve mood, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Cycling outdoors exposes riders to fresh air and natural surroundings, promoting relaxation, mindfulness, and a sense of overall well-being. When it comes to the health benefits of outside fun, soaking up Vitamin D (a.k.a. Vitamin Sunshine!) is tops on that list.
E-bikes are great for motivating reluctant outdoorsy people to get outside for a fun outing whether it’s a trip to the park, farmer’s market or to cruise around and explore where you live. E-bikes also improve your brain health and state of mind. Being outdoors and exercising on a bike boosts endorphins, relieves stress, and reduces cortisol in the body. You know what that means, right? Better sleep! What parent doesn’t want that?
Himiway Step-Thru Cruiser
Now, let’s focus on the standout features that make the Himiway Step Thru Cruiser e-bike an exceptional choice for parents (or any adult looking for a great e-bike option).
First and foremost, its step-thru frame design ensures easy mount and dismount, catering to riders of all ages and physical abilities. This thoughtful design feature enhances accessibility and comfort, eliminating the need to swing a leg up high over the saddle. The step-thru frame is great for people like me who have shorter legs since it is easier to mount/dismount (short mamas rejoice!). The frame sits higher off the ground than most bikes. The height of the frame also makes it suitable for all types of terrain. Whether you want to ride at the beach, on the trail, over gravel, or on the pavement, this e-bike should be able to traverse all surfaces.
Powered by a robust electric motor, the Himiway Step Thru Cruiser e-bike also delivers impressive performance on all terrains. With its pedal-assist feature, you can effortlessly conquer challenging inclines, extend your riding range, and reach higher speeds with minimal effort. The electric motor seamlessly integrates into your pedaling, providing a smooth and powerful boost when needed.
In terms of durability, this e-bike doesn’t disappoint – it’s sturdy! It boasts a sturdy construction, featuring a high-strength aluminum alloy frame that can withstand the demands of various riding conditions. The Step Thru Cruiser is also equipped with a reliable suspension fork, ensuring a comfortable and controlled ride even on rough or bumpy surfaces.
Himiway e-bike features & amenities
Fairly easy to assemble, the Himiway Step Thru Cruiser e-bike comes standard with a lot of amenities that might ordinarily be considered an upgrade. Himiway ships their bikes with a wood-paneled rear rack, handlebar bell, front and back plastic fenders, and a comfortable saddle. It also features a simple LCD bike monitor that tracks how fast you’re riding, how far you’ve ridden, and how much charge is left in the battery. All Himiway e-bikes come with a standard 2-year warranty, a 15-day return policy, and free shipping.
The manufacturer also offers additional accessories like bike baskets and rear rack bags to enhance your cargo-carrying capacity. These thoughtful accessories turn a reasonably-priced e-bike into a fully-loaded biking machine. Whether it’s camping equipment, picnic supplies, or sporting gear, e-bikes provide a practical and eco-friendly alternative to transporting items in a car. Parents can effortlessly carry the necessary equipment, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared outdoor experience for the entire family.
Himiway tires, traction & power
At first glance, you’ll notice that the Himiway tires are thick. These 4-inch wide fat tires will make it possible to ride any terrain, making it a great option for outdoorsy parents that are up for adventures. With these tires and drivetrain, you can toggle between 7 gears and go from no assistance, throttle only, to full pedal assist to achieve maximum speeds on the bike. Speaking of, according to the manufacturer this bike tops out 25 mph! That’s FAST! I have yet to test top speeds as I’m just getting used to the power of this e-cruiser.
Right out of the gate, I could tell that the Himiway Step-Thru Cruiser packs a serious punch. Since it has such a heavy frame I found it to be more user-friendly to start the bike on its first level. The benefit of doing so is that it doesn’t require as much effort to pedal and get going. Even on level 1, as soon as you begin pedaling you’ll feel a slight kick and the bike will begin accelerating. When you stop pedaling, the bike slows to cruising mode until you start pedaling again. It’s easy to have fun cycling on such a smooth ride.
Battery power and distance
The Himiway Step-Thru Cruiser is a powerful e-bike, with a long-lasting battery. The battery is easy to disassemble and charge. A single charge can last anywhere from 35-60 miles according to the manufacturer. When not in use, it’s important to power down the bike. Not only to save the battery but for safety reasons as well. If the bike is on and you move the pedals, the bike will accelerate and start moving regardless of whether you’re on it, or ready.
The e-bike learning curve
There’s a bit of a learning curve riding this bike, especially for novice e-bike users. However, with a little practice and familiarity, you’ll quickly adapt to the unique features and characteristics of your e-bike.
The primary difference between a traditional bike and an e-bike lies in the electric assistance provided by the motor. I may take some time to understand the different assistance levels and how they affect your pedaling effort. Experiment with the various settings to find the one that suits your preferences and riding style.
In addition to anticipating the acceleration kick, it’s helpful to keep a two-finger grip on the brakes in anticipation of needing to slow the bike down at a moment’s notice. E-bikes tend to be slightly heavier than traditional bikes due to the additional components such as the motor, battery, and frame reinforcements. It may take a little time to adjust to the increased weight, especially when maneuvering at low speeds or navigating tight spaces. Practice handling the e-bike, turning, and braking in different scenarios to get a feel for its stability and balance.
As with riding any bike, but perhaps even more important on an e-bike, is keeping your eyes up and maintaining a high-level horizon. Even when turning in level 1, the moment you start pedaling the acceleration will kick in and that takes a little getting used to. When starting with an e-bike, it’s important to become accustomed to the power and acceleration it provides. Gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence and ensure that you maintain control and awareness of your surroundings.
E-bike? Yes, definitely e-bike!
I have absolutely loved riding the Himiway Cruiser and I am so excited to take it for a spin at the beach (a.k.a my happy place). One of my favorite childhood pastimes is bike riding and I love to share my love for bikes with my son. On our first ride together, he was excited to prove he could keep up with me on the e-bike. Even my husband took it for a spin, the road bike purist that he is, and liked it.
Embarking on e-biking adventures with your family opens up a world of exciting possibilities. I can’t wait to explore new places on the Himiway Step-Thru Cruiser. We not only have plans to take it to the beach, but I’m excited at the possibility of hitting some local trails and greenways, taking on trips to the store and farmer’s market, and using it to explore our city and its cute little neighborhoods. It’s the perfect companion (well, next to family and friends) for fun two-wheeled adventures this summer.
Himiway e-bike discount code
We are excited to be able to offer our community a discount code of $50 off any Himiway e-bike. Use the code RUNWILD at checkout (or use this link and the code will automatically be applied). We hope you’ll love this brand of e-bikes as much as we do!
$50 off any Himiway e-bike
About the author
Michelle spends her days working on projects to improve the quality of life for the citizens of her community and her nights reading books to her 6-year-old about every kind of dinosaur there ever was (there are 900 validated species, in case you’re wondering). Together with her son, Michelle created Wonder Club Explorers, a company to inspire wonder and curiosity in kids. She carves out time for herself on the weekends as an early morning exerciser and metalsmith of fine jewelry. Michelle is also the co-host of the Run Wild My Child podcast. She resides in Altadena with her husband and son amongst California oak trees and a stone’s throw from the San Gabriel Mountains.
You can find Michelle online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wonderclubexplorers
Website: www.wonderclubexplorers.co
RWMC posts: Michelle Garrett