Hiboy’s P6 fat-tire electric bike earned an 8/10 rating from WIRED reviewer Kristin Canning, who found it unusually comfortable and capable on rough surfaces, while also heavy enough to make everyday handling a chore.
The bike sells for $1,050 through Hiboy and $1,291 on Amazon, according to WIRED. Hiboy is described by WIRED as a budget Chinese e-mobility brand that sells scooters and bikes for adults and children through online retailers.
The P6 is a Class 3 e-bike built around an aluminum alloy frame, a 750-watt motor rated at 1,000 watts peak, hydraulic front suspension and 26-by-4-inch tires. WIRED said the bike can run in three modes: throttle-only electric riding up to 20 mph, pedal assist up to 28 mph, and unpowered riding. A Shimano seven-speed drivetrain handles gearing.
Easy setup, no app tax
Canning reported that assembly was limited to attaching the front wheel, handlebars and lights, plus connecting wiring. The necessary tools were included. The removable battery takes about six hours to charge, according to the review, and Hiboy rates it for 50 to 62 miles with pedal assist. WIRED said throttle-only riding cuts that range to about half.
The control setup is deliberately plain. A handlebar display shows speed, assist mode, distance and battery status, while buttons control lights and the horn. WIRED singled out the lack of a required phone app as a strength, a fair point in a category that keeps trying to turn bicycles into login screens with pedals attached.
The integrated lights, sturdy kickstand and removable battery also got positive marks. WIRED noted one practical annoyance: the thick frame can make the P6 awkward to secure with a standard U-lock. The battery itself adds a little over 7 pounds when removed and carried separately.
Comfortable ride, big-bike problems
The P6 weighs 65 pounds. WIRED described that as typical for an e-bike, but said the fat tires make the whole package bulky. The front wheel comes off for transport, and Canning said she could load it into an SUV without help, though not pleasantly. She recommended using a ramp for regular car or rack loading.
Fit may also be an issue. Canning, who is 5 feet 4 inches tall, said she felt unstable when stopped, even with the saddle at its lowest position, especially on steep slopes. WIRED noted that Hiboy does not recommend the bike for riders under 5 feet 3 inches. The review said taller riders, larger riders or people already used to heavy e-bikes, fat bikes or mountain bikes would likely have an easier time with it.
The tradeoff is ride quality. WIRED praised the wide saddle, lockable suspension fork and heavily treaded tires for smoothing out potholes, rocks and rough roads around Denver. Pedal assist could feel abrupt until the rider matched the assist level with the right gear, but Canning said the bike became smooth once dialed in.
Best away from clean pavement
The P6’s strongest showing came off pavement. On Waterton Canyon’s 6.2-mile gravel road near Denver, WIRED said the bike handled rocks, puddles, mud and climbs with confidence. Using the throttle without pedaling made it feel closer to a small scooter than a conventional bicycle, according to Canning.
WIRED was less convinced that the P6 belongs on technical mountain-bike terrain or very steep climbs and descents, mainly because of its weight. Hiboy claims a maximum climbing capability of 20 percent. The review’s bottom line was narrower: the P6 is a strong fit for riders who want electric help on gravel, sand, mud or low-elevation trails, while city commuters may find it more bike than they need.
This story draws on original reporting from WIRED.
