Hi everyone, I’m John with Electric Bike Report, and before we set off on our Himiway Rambler Premium adventure, a quick reminder to stay tuned as we regularly review a variety of e-bikes on this channel, ensuring you’re always in the know about the latest and greatest electric bicycles.
Having tested several Himiway bikes in the past, each known for packing a robust performance, the question arises – does the Rambler live up to our expectations? Let’s embark on a ride and discover what this new cruiser has to offer.
Now, back to our main attraction – the Himiway Rambler Premium. It comes in three distinct spec levels, catering to different preferences and needs. There’s the basic model, the upgraded version, and the top-of-the-line premium model, which we have right here with us today. Each level offers unique features and capabilities, promising a tailored riding experience for every type of rider.
As we gear up for our Rambler Premium journey, let’s see if this Cruiser-style commuter lives up to the high standards set by its Himiway predecessors. Time to hit the road and find out!
| Bike Frame | Upgraded 6061 Aluminum |
| Hub Motor | 500W mid-drive motor |
| Freewheel | Shimano 9 speed gear shift system |
| Throttle | Thumb throttle |
| Suspension | Front suspension |
| Pedal Assist Intelligent | 0~5 level pedal assist |
| Display | LCD |
| Tires | 27.5"x2.4" |
| Suspension | Front suspension |
| Brake | 180MM Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
| Front Light | 48V LED light |
| Battery | 48V 15Ah |
| Range | 55 Mi |
| Weight | 61 lb. |
Design and Build Quality
The Himiway Rambler Premium boasts a robust design and build quality, ensuring a comfortable and reliable riding experience. Available in three distinct colors – pearl white, Hemi gray, and ocean blue – the bike is not only functional but also visually appealing.
One notable feature contributing to the bike’s comfort is the trauma suspension fork with 80 mm of travel. This component, combined with the 27 1/2 INX 2.4 Innova street tires, absorbs vibrations effectively, providing a smooth and enjoyable ride. The cruiser-style handlebars further enhance comfort, featuring a wrist-friendly angle and ergonomic faux leather grips that feel natural to hold.
When it comes to braking, the Himiway Rambler Premium is equipped with the Tektro E350 hydraulic disc system with 180 mm rotors. This setup ensures reliable and responsive braking, contributing to the overall safety of the rider. The inclusion of a 9-speed Shimano Alus drivetrain TR, featuring a 38-tooth chain ring and cogs ranging from 13 to 32 teeth on the cassette, offers versatility and efficiency for various terrains.
In terms of protection and durability, the bike incorporates a derailleurs guard, providing an extra layer of safeguarding for essential components. The cockpit features a small black and white Bafang display on the right handlebar, seamlessly pairing with the M600 motor. The rapid-fire shifter, located on the same side, ensures quick and precise gear changes, while a bell adds a practical touch.
On the left side of the handlebar, riders can find the thumb-operated throttle lever and the control panel. This control panel is designed with large buttons, making it easy to use and navigate, especially for commuters. Speaking of commuting, the bike comes with essential accessories, including front and rear fenders, a cargo rack with a 33 lb capacity, and a tail light that doubles as a brake light. The powerful and bright headlight enhances visibility on the road, ensuring that riders stand out, especially during low-light conditions.
So, the Himiway Rambler Premium impresses with its thoughtful design, quality components, and attention to detail. It combines style and functionality, making it a reliable and attractive option for riders seeking a versatile electric bike for both commuting and recreational purposes.
Himiway Rambler Premium: Motor and Driving Test
Despite being categorized as a Class 3 e-bike, the Himiway Rambler Premium offers a surprising twist with its throttle capability that allows riders to reach speeds of up to 25 mph. This aligns the bike more closely with the characteristics of an unclassified e-bike, blurring the lines between traditional classifications. The versatility in speed options provides riders with the freedom to choose a pace that suits their preferences and needs.
The standout feature of the Rambler Premium is its Bufang M600 mid-drive motor, delivering a substantial 500 watts of nominal output and an impressive maximum torque of 120 Newton-meters. This motor, originally designed for electric mountain bikes and cargo bikes, brings serious power to the table, resulting in a ride that feels effortlessly enjoyable. The motor’s performance ensures that riders experience a sense of ease and relaxation, requiring minimal effort to navigate various terrains.
One noteworthy aspect of this version of the bike is the integration of a torque sensor. This sensor enhances the riding experience by adjusting the motor’s power output based on the force applied during pedaling. The combination of the mid-drive motor and the torque sensor creates a sensation akin to riding a non-electric bike while adding an element of superhero strength. Riders can accomplish tasks that would otherwise be challenging without the assistance of the motor.
The Himiway Rambler Premium’s performance on the road showcases the capabilities of its 500W mid-drive motor. During a speed test in various pedal assist settings, the bike demonstrated impressive speed and power distribution. Starting from no motor assistance, the Rambler reached speeds around 11-12 mph. As the pedal assist settings increased, the bike seamlessly accelerated, reaching speeds up to 23 mph in the highest setting. The torque sensor, coupled with the mid-drive motor, provided a dynamic and responsive riding experience, allowing the bike to feel like a non-electric bike while providing an extra boost when needed.
In a hill climbing test on Hellhole Trail, the Rambler’s throttle performance exceeded expectations. The bike effortlessly climbed the steep path, maintaining speeds above 8 mph. The mid-drive motor’s power and efficiency were evident, resulting in a hill climb time of 1 minute and 31 seconds, with an average speed of 11.9 mph.
Switching to pedal assistance in the highest setting (Pas5), the Rambler showcased its versatility. While the climb was a bit slower at 1 minute and 38 seconds with a speed of 11.1 mph, the effort required was notably less than some other mid-drive bikes. The throttle and pedal-assist capabilities, combined with the motor’s power, provided riders with options for tackling various terrains and hills, catering to both those seeking a workout and those who prefer a more leisurely ride.
When it comes to ride quality, the Himiway shines as a hybrid commuter and cruiser e-bike. With a relatively upright riding position, stability from the Innova tires, and a comfortably padded Cell Royal saddle, the bike offers a smooth and enjoyable ride. The Buffong M600 mid-drive motor, with its torque sensor, adds an extra layer of enjoyment, responding to the rider’s effort with a boost in power.
While the single frame size may limit customization for some riders, the Rambler compensates with nimble and responsive handling. However, the reach distance may be a consideration for taller and shorter individuals, suggesting the potential benefit of an adjustable stem in future iterations. The display, while functional, could benefit from improvements such as increased size and full-color capability, especially given the bike’s premium price point.
So, the Himiway Rambler Premium impresses with its powerful mid-drive motor, versatile pedal assistance options, and comfortable ride quality. Despite minor areas for improvement, the bike stands out as a reliable and enjoyable choice for commuters and cruiser enthusiasts alike.
Braking Test
To evaluate the hydraulic brake system on the Himiway Rambler, we conducted a comprehensive test. The procedure involved accelerating the bike to 20 mph and then promptly engaging the brakes to measure the distance traveled until a complete stop. Three measurements were taken, and the results were averaged to provide an accurate assessment of the stopping performance. The final result revealed a stopping distance of 23 feet and 11 inches.
This outcome indicated that there was room for improvement in the braking performance of the Rambler. The stopping distance of 23 feet and 11 inches was precisely 2 feet beyond our current running average for all commuter and cruiser-style e-bikes we’ve tested equipped with hydraulic brake systems. While the brakes functioned without issues during regular use, the test results suggested an opportunity for enhancement, particularly for the premium version of the bike.
During my time riding the Rambler, I did observe a longer stopping time than usual. However, it’s essential to commend the bike for maintaining stability throughout the braking process. The presence of 2.4-inch wide tires contributed significantly to the bike’s stability. Despite the rear wheel exhibiting a tendency to lock up slightly under heavy braking, the Rambler stayed on a straight path, and there was no noticeable fishtailing.
Battery and Range
The Himiway Rambler Premium is equipped with a substantial 48-volt battery featuring LG cells, neatly housed within the downtube. Boasting an impressive 720 watt-hours of capacity, this removable battery not only allows for convenient charging but also facilitates easier movement of the bike. While it’s important to note that neither the Rambler nor its battery currently hold UL certification, the focus shifts to the practicality and performance of this energy powerhouse.
Our range test on the Rambler Premium yielded highly favorable results. Conducting two separate rides in both Pas1 and Pas5 modes until the battery was depleted, we aimed to establish a reliable range bracket. Based on our measurements, riders can anticipate a range falling within the bracket of 42.9 to 55.9 miles, depending on the preferred level of pedal assist. The test sessions ranged from approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes to 4 hours and 10 minutes.
It’s worth highlighting that Himiway advertises a range of up to 55 miles for the Rambler, and we were pleased to find that our test results aligned closely with this claim. In fact, we achieved slightly more than expected from the bike, demonstrating its efficiency. The synergy between the 500W motor and the 720 watt-hour battery was evident, particularly in the Pas5 test, where we initially estimated a range of about 35 miles over an hour and a half. However, the Rambler surpassed expectations by providing nearly an extra hour and covering an additional 8 miles. This efficiency can be attributed to the mid-drive motor with torque sensors, which optimally distributes the workload between the motor and the rider.
Himiway Rambler Premium: Conclusions
With every e-bike I test, my goal is to uncover the personality of the bike, and the Himiway Rambler Premium undoubtedly exudes a relaxed and laid-back vibe. Whether I was pedaling with a sense of urgency or casually cruising to my destination, the Rambler made every ride enjoyable, stress-free, and, most importantly, fun. In the hustle and bustle of the morning commute, the Rambler’s easygoing feel stood out, providing a refreshing contrast to the typical agitations of city travel.
In terms of performance, the Rambler Premium demonstrated solid and commendable capabilities. While there is room for improvement in the brake system for more consistency and effectiveness, and a desire to see the throttle limited to 20 mph for safety and legality, the overall measurements showcased great range, impressive hill climbing ability, and a well-balanced distribution of speeds. The adaptive motor added to the intuitive ride experience, ensuring that the bike responded seamlessly to the rider’s needs.
If you’re in search of a super comfortable and casually spirited e-bike, the Rambler Premium is an excellent fit. Whether it’s your daily commute or a weekend leisure ride, this bike excels in making the journey enjoyable. It not only gets you to work and back with ease but also provides a stress-relieving experience at the end of a busy day. If you’re considering the Rambler Premium or exploring the other spec levels, you can find more information on the bike’s website (linked in the video description). Using our provided link when making a purchase helps support our channel at no additional cost to you. For a more in-depth exploration, you can also refer to my written review linked in the description.
Thank you for joining me on this ride today. I’m John with Electric Bike Report, and this has been the Himiway Rambler Premium. Happy riding!
