Himo
Z20
Himo Z20 REVIEW
May 21, 2021
Release Year : 2020 - Indiegogo Campaign August 2020
Choosing a Foldable eBike
After selling my 28" electric bike last year, I realized that my gyropod was insufficient for covering certain distances and lacked the necessary speed. Having recently moved from the city to the countryside, I needed a machine suited to the varied terrain. However, I didn't want the burden of a large bike, especially considering that, even in the countryside, I would rely on public transport (trains and buses). Fortunately, folding bicycles are allowed on public transportation today.
I had an unfortunate experience with the 28" eBike I purchased in a flash sale on Amazon from a "French manufacturer/reseller." The delivery took one month, and I encountered issues with the battery, charger, and broken spokes. Dealing with the customer service of this French-assembled bicycle brand caused me significant headaches.
I had seen a foldable eBike in a sporting goods store, but I found it excessively expensive and limited in its technical specifications compared to imported models.
Importing has a few disadvantages; however, ensuring proper payment conditions, guarantees, and assessing the availability of spare parts can mitigate these concerns. Some products may never be distributed in France due more to taxes than to their compliance with European or American standards (CE & UL). For instance, a Xiaomi Segway Ninebot Mini Plus in China is priced at less than 450 euros, while in Europe, it costs 800 euros. Therefore, importing seems more economically viable.
Regarding standards, if the Chinese product adheres to the CCC standard (update March 2022: has CE agreement), today, the requirement related to obtaining this certification in China aims for equivalence with international standards to facilitate export success in imported sales markets (this is a strategic move). This approach allowed the Mini Plus to be easily distributed in Europe, though its European price hinders purchases.
Satisfied with my two previous import purchases (a Mini and a Mini Plus), I approached the purchase of an e-bike with great confidence.
The Choice of the HIMO Brand
As I consistently stay updated on Xiaomi Ninebot Segway product developments, and their latest models are typically introduced in the US via an Indiegogo campaign, I discovered the Z20.
The Z20 is a blend of BMX, folding bike, and moped. It gained popularity in the United States through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, attracting 1,713 contributors who collectively generated a sum of 933,211 euros. This amount facilitated the launch of production.
Stocks of Himo Z20 therefore arrived in Europe last month after the Americans, investors in the Indiegogo campaign, were delivered.
As you know, Xiaomi invests in "startups" or "unicorns," as exemplified by Segway-Ninebot, which benefited from Xiaomi's investment funds. Now, another venture backed by Xiaomi is Himo Bikes, which has introduced several impressive models including the Himo E Bike H1, Himo V1S, Himo Z16, Himo C20, Himo Z20, the high-performance electric mountain bike C26, and the racing model C30.
Additionally, Himo has ventured into the electric scooter market with the Himo T1, which served as the foundation for the new Ninebot B30C scooter.
Specs of the HIMO Z20
The Himo Z20 combines all the features of a high-end folding bike, with an expected price in Europe of around 1000 euros. The Himo Z20 is a 20" bike, featuring an aluminum frame that folds into three sections. It comes equipped with a battery designed for 80 km of autonomy, boasting a power of 250W. Additionally, it includes six Shimano speeds, an HD LCD screen, retractable pedals, front and rear disc brakes, and a built-in pump.
Specifications corresponding to CE and French standards
But the best way to decide on the purchase of a product remains, nonetheless, to obtain its user manual beforehand. It's an effective way to prepare for the purchase and ensure that the manual addresses all of your questions. That's why I scanned the manual and attached it to this user feedback.
So, I ordered the Z20 for 651 euros. The payment method directly via Paypal, the price, and the delivery time convinced me.
The Himo Z20 complies with French and European standards, featuring a 250W motor and a speed limit of 25 km/h.
The stock being already in Poland, I received it in 7 working days, the order having been placed on April 16, the day before the weekend, it was actually prepared on April 19 and shipped from Poland the next day, to arrive on Saturday 24 April in the morning.
Tracking
Saturday April 24th, here it is, the package is huge, weighs 30kg, well packed, my first state-of-the-art folding bike, is inside. There will be no taxes to pay.
Unpacking & Assembly
Imposing but perfect packaging
The packaging is flawless; the bike doesn't have a single scratch. Adhesives protect the frame, headlight, saddle, and the unassembled pedals are carefully packed.
A key is provided, and the user manual in English is stored in a pocket along with Chinese certificates.
The two pairs of mudguards are meticulously shielded by foam, and even the tires have protective covering.
Cardboard guards the crankset, the charger is enclosed in a cardboard box, and the battery keys are securely fastened to the handlebars, which are further protected by foam.
User Manual
Extract from the user manual: the different parts of the bike
Extract from the user manual: the specs with an electrical schematic diagram, and there it is interesting because we can see an alarm in case of exceeding the speed (25km / h)
The himo Z20 is delivered fully assembled and operational with the exception of the pedals that you have to assemble yourself using the key provided. The manual does not have the indication, it is present on a sheet in Chinese, but it is relatively easy to understand.
Once the pedals are mounted, we have fun folding them, unfolding them, that's great. Extract from the user manual
We discover the saddle with its stem which turns into a bicycle pump, again we admire!
And a little tour of the owner once mounted
Finally, we examine the bike, and we think to ourselves, "There's something off with the steering tube." In reality, no; the latch for folding the handlebars is located on the left side, along with the cables, while the handlebars fold on the right side. Everything falls into place.
Upon inspection, the screws are properly fitted and do not necessitate further adjustments.
The controller, gears, and bell are intentionally lightly screwed in to provide the user with the flexibility to choose their positioning.
The impression upon unpacking remains consistent: the design is truly pleasing, the finish is impeccable, and the Himo Z20 exudes a sense of solidity and quality.
The wheels are equipped with disc brakes, and the cables are well-protected. Initially, a handlebar and saddle set at such a height might be surprising, but you quickly adapt because the ride comfort is quite comparable to that of a standard bike.
This aspect is the most well-thought-out feature of a folding bike, especially one that folds into three sections.
The tires are CST, with dimensions 20 "x 2.125", for a pressure between 2.8 and 4.5 bars is indicated on the tires.
Battery & Charger
The battery, equipped with a BMS, is therefore located in the frame (upper tube). Two numbered keys are provided.
The battery weighs 2.5 kg, it is very well protected in the space reserved for it inside the frame.
It is manufactured by TIAN FU LI, the manufacturer has obtained accreditation by meeting various international standards: ISO 9001: 2008 & ISO14001: 2004 certifications, UL (USA) and CE approval. The Chinese CCC certification is the equivalent of UL and CE in terms of requirements and compliance with international standards.
The charger intended for Europeans is very light and does not heat up much. The charging time of about 5 hours, no more. At the front of the frame there is a rubber cover that allows access to the battery charging port, which can be charged directly on the bike or can be removed to take it with you and charge it at at home or at his place of work.
Fold and presto! Unfold and presto!
It is highly practical; the Himo Z20 folds into three sections in a matter of seconds. We lower the seat post, which becomes a support-bumper touching the ground first, preventing the crankset from being in direct contact with it. Additionally, we can use a pedal to provide additional support when the bike is folded. We fold the frame, then lower the handlebars, and presto!
The space saving with this compact folding is considerable (for the home, for transport, to enter a public service, etc.), here at the station.
Folded with sport mudguards
The stopper at the end of the saddle-pump, which protects the chainrings, the chain
A pad that protects the frame from chafing with the closing latch
Handlebars
The height of the handlebars is fixed, due to the folding system, the height cannot be changed.
To the left of the handlebars
We have a brake and the HD screen.
HD LCD screen or controller
The high definition LCD screen, it is quite visible in direct sunlight or even in very clear weather with high brightness.
Good visibility whatever the weather
Backlit at night
It allows you to navigate in different menus, and to be informed in real time of the state of the battery, the mileage traveled, the mode used and especially the speed, all thanks to the various sensors present on the essential parts. of the bike: the Vector Control System
Navigation on the screen using the keys
Under the screen the M key and the power key
On the left of the screen, the + key and the - key
To power up the bike for electric assistance, press the power button for a few seconds
To turn on the screen and the headlight, press the + button for more than 3 seconds
To switch from ECO mode to MID or HIGH mode, use the +
To downshift, use the -
The different modes
The Himo Z20 is not really just an electric assist bicycle it is also an electric moped scooter, as mentioned on the packaging.
With the controller switched on, there are three modes of electric assistance:
ECO, MID, HIGH, but they can only work if you start at a speed above 5.6-6 km / h.
In ECO mode, you can feel the engine propelling you, its contribution is progressive according to the effort provided.
On the other hand, we cannot use the throttle grip in ECO mode, we remain in classic pedaling assistance.
In MID mode, thanks to the throttle grip, this moped mode allows you to reach 18-19kmh, you can pedal or not. Then in High mode we reach 25kmh. In fact, the throttle handle (on the right) allows you to reach a speed of 25 km / h without having to pedal, hence the electric scooter side ...
Attention, in the hills, it is necessary to provide physical effort to complete scooter mode.
Shimano Six Speeds
Speeds 1-2 Relax and slow speed
Speeds 3-4 Moderate and moderate
Speed 5-6 intense and fast speed
Front Headlight and Rear Headlight-Reflector
The front headlight is a battery-powered LED headlight which is activated by pressing the + button on the control screen for more than 3 seconds.
The tail light is powered by two AAA LR03 batteries.
Visibility for the front LED headlight is excellent, its range is over 25 meters, the rear headlight is also powerful, in the middle of the night, it is sufficiently visible thanks to its reflective surface
The Saddle, the Seatpost and the ingenious bicycle pump
The saddle is not very comfortable but you get used to it.
So we have an integrated bicycle pump! This is the most ingenious side of the bike.
The integrated air pump
The Seat Post transforms into a bicycle pump. At the end of the rod, a kind of stopper that if you unscrew it you can extract the bicycle pump.
The seat post is graduated and it can be adjusted
The end cap or stopper of the seat post is used to rest the bike in folded mode without the front derailleur, the chain, the chainrings touching the surface of the ground.
Inside the seat post tube
The closing latches
Himo has provided a protective pad for the frame closing latch, the latch touches the pad.
The closing latch for the handlebars also has a protective pad.
The mudguards
There are no installation instructions for the mudguards.
Two pairs of mudguards are supplied with the Himo Z20: a metallic pair for the City and a plastic pair for Sport, Nature
To fix the front fender you will see that the original screw that holds the front headlight has the cruciform side on the headlight side and the bolt side on the rear.
You have to reverse the screw and find the bolt side on the front headlight side and the cruciform side on the inside of the fork, the molding of the mudguard allows screwdriver to be screwed on.
Small snag for the Sport front mudguard, in certain situations where the handlebars are turned, the foot can touch the inner end of the mudguard
I haven't attached the metal fenders yet.
fitting of sport mudguards
Brakes
These are disc brakes, it is necessary to adjust them before the first ride.
The disc brakes are excellent, in a descent, at 40 km / h, with my weight of 82 kg, added to that of the bike 21.6 kg, we have 103 kg to brake, the braking distance is as indicated on the promotional flyers c 'ie between 4 and 6 meters. In two strokes.
Known issues and their solutions by Himo Bikes
THE Z20 IN THE CITY, IMPRESSIONS
Ah, the delight of urban areas! We savor the joy of moped mode or ECO mode, clearly sufficient for navigating a city safely and effortlessly (especially concerning pedestrians).
The Himo Z20 is the urbanite's asset: quickly foldable, allowing you to hop on an arriving bus, compact in size so as not to disturb anyone on a tram, whether folded or not. It fits in the car trunk, enabling you to leave your fossil fuel vehicle behind and commute to your workplace with this compact bike.
A consideration for those who work night shifts and find themselves stranded, regardless of the season, without transportation, compelled to cover parts of their journeys on foot.
Regarding the essentials to carry: the charger is slightly bulky but very lightweight. The removable battery, for recharging or added security against theft, weighs 2.5 kg.
In summary, the Z20 in the city embodies minimal effort with the added benefit of time saved.
THE Z20 IN THE COUNTRY, IMPRESSIONS
The Z20 is a bike suitable for use in the countryside or on terrains with small hills. However, for more mountainous excursions, you will have to rely more on your legs than on its electric assistance.
Its nearly all-terrain tires eliminate concerns of easy punctures, even on paths or other rural and wooded routes. Whether in pouring rain or crossing a stream during summer, it exhibits excellent resistance to stones, ensuring you won't have to worry about water infiltration, as it meets IPX7 waterproofing standards.
The primary focus is on the durability of the fasteners, closing latches, and the frame. Given the size of its 20" wheels, it is more suited for a leisurely ride in the forest with a few descents where its grip remains reliable.
In summary, the Z20 in the countryside requires shared effort, promoting health and safety on various terrains, albeit with a naturally reduced autonomy compared to urban usage.
In summary, the Z20 in the countryside requires shared effort, promoting health and safety on various terrains, albeit with a naturally reduced autonomy compared to urban usage.
Rides in the countryside, hills and medium mountains, you will still have to participate by making some physical effort.
Finally, I conclude this initial draft of impressions and feedback with a note on the bike's design. From the frame to the handlebar latches, it showcases well-thought-out ergonomics.
My 2022 Final Opinion (One Year Later)
The screws, particularly on the handlebar attachment and the saddle, are not of good quality and wear out quickly.
It performed well in mid-mountains, enduring winter, snow, and rain.
Brakes require regular checks throughout the year.
The battery's autonomy is not great in mid-mountains, but upon returning to urban areas, it regains its efficiency. Meanwhile, my weight has increased (84kg=185 lbs).
The tires and spokes are of good quality. It was necessary to clean and lubricate the chain, which had started to rust.
It remains a convenient bike for transportation on buses, trams, and in cars during rains. However, compared to other similar bikes, its drawback is that its frame lacks a handle for transport when folded. It is heavy (24kg/52lbs) and not easy to grip. A year later, other brands are offering a more refined, simpler product, but overall, I'm happy with it. You just need to regularly check the screws and the brakes from the outset.