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Mar 08, 2024
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Himiway has introduced its first cargo e-bike, the C3. Cargo e-bikes come in a number of flavors, so we need to clarify just what we mean. With the C3, the idea is that the rider is likely a parent ferrying a child. Making school runs and playdates are just what the C3 is suited to. We will take a quick look at this new release with our review of the Himiway C3.
The basics for the Himiway C3 are attractive. It features a step-thru design, suspension fork, 750W hub motor, 960Wh battery, 7-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. This is a well-equipped e-bike. It also features a cowling that fits around the frame and battery that gives the C3 a look that evokes an e-moped.
Himiway C3 Spec Review: Bike Overview
Any time an e-bike maker announces a cargo e-bike, one of the first details we consider is how powerful the motor is. This is because the greater the mass, the greater the power needed to move it. Other Himiway models we’ve tested typically run with larger motors, and the C3 is no different. Himiway chose a 750W brushless, geared hub motor that produces 86Nm of torque. That’s plenty of power for a parent with a kid.
Just how big a kid the Himiway C3 is a question worth asking, as well. Himway give the C3 a very stout frame; it has a total weight capacity of 440 lbs. and because the rear rack is integrated into the frame, rather than bolted on, it will be able to support more than the 50-or-so lb. weight limit typical of most bolt-on racks.
The other need a cargo e-bike registers is one for battery capacity. As the motor is called on to produce enough power to move two bodies, it will draw more current from the battery, rendering typical estimates for range inaccurate. In order to make sure that the e-bike will have range enough to go where the rider needs, even when they have a passenger, a larger-than-typical battery is helpful and Himiway came through with a 960Wh battery.
Himiway C3 Review: Specs & Features
Frame and fork
The frame for the Himiway C3 is made from heat-treated 6061 aluminum. Himiway voted for superior weight capacity and durability by making the rear rack a part of the frame, using aluminum tubing welded to the frame rather than something bolted on.
Himiway chose a 60mm-travel coil-spring suspension fork for the C3. This will do a nice job of taking the sting out of bumps and smoothing rougher roads.
Motor and battery
The combination of a 750W brushless, geared hub motor that produces 86Nm of torque being powered by a 960Wh battery means that the Himiway C3 won’t struggle to get two riders up to cruising speed.
The Himiway C3 is a Class 2 e-bike with a top assist speed of 20 mph and comes equipped with a throttle. Himiway also chose to equip the C3 with a torque sensor. This will give this e-bike a more responsive ride, making starts easier. Why? Because the rider won’t have to make the better part of a pedal stroke in order to get the motor to kick in.
Himiway estimates that the 960Wh battery could give riders up to 80 mi. of range. It’s important to note that figure is based on a single rider in reasonably flat and windless conditions. Add another rider, add hills, or add a stiff wind in your face and that range will plummet. That’s not a criticism. Himiway made a great choice with this battery. What we see with this battery is a cargo e-bike that has a reasonable range even when loaded.
Drivetrain, brakes and wheels
The drivetrain on the Himiway C3 is a 7-speed Shimano Altus group with a 14-28t freewheel. The 200 percent range of this group is on the shy side compared to what we are seeing more and more from other manufacturers. This won’t be an issue for people who live in flatter locales or if the hills aren’t too steep.
Hydraulic disc brakes are paired with 180mm rotors front and rear to give the rider plenty of control when stopping or turning. The fact that the C3 is equipped with 20-in. wheels and 4-in.-wide tires means that it will have plenty of traction even when short stops are called for.
EBR’s Himiway C3 Cargo First Look Review:
Himiway left no doubt to what sort of cargo e-bike the C3 is meant to be. This is a kid-hauler and because its wheelbase is no longer than a typical e-bike, it’s fair to conclude that weight capacity aside, this is meant to ferry one kid and not two.
Himiway equips the C3 with a nice selection of accessories. They gave it a motorcycle-style, dural-leg kickstand, which will make it easier for kids to climb on while parked. They also gave it fenders, front and rear lights. They also included the passenger bench seat, something that is normally an add-on.
Like with other Himiway models, there are a number of front racks and baskets that the manufacturer offers to equip the e-bike to the rider’s specific needs. They offer plenty of other accessories as well, but what seems to be missing from their assortment are pegs or running boards for the passenger’s feet. Similarly, there doesn’t seem to be any sort of handlebar that can be added to give the kiddo something to hold on to other than mom or dad. That seems like a miss, but as this is a new model, maybe those options are still to come.
The Himiway C3 is an exciting new model for a company better known for its all-terrain models. Thanks to its step-thru design, powerful motor and big battery, this is an e-bike that could serve as some families’ daily driver.
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