Heybike is best known for affordable commuter e-bikes, fat-tire cruisers, and city-friendly rides. But the company is now stepping well outside the bike lane with something very different. Meet the Villain – a compact electric e-moto that looks and rides far more like a Sur-Ron–style light electric dirt bike than anything you’d legally call an electric bicycle.
And crucially, it does so at a price point aimed at riders who want electric dirt-bike fun without dropping full-on motorcycle money.
The Villain marks the launch of Heybike’s new “Sports” lineup, signaling a clear shift away from pedal assist and into throttle-only, off-road-leaning electric machines. This is not an e-bike in the regulatory sense. There are no pedals, no pretense of bicycle classification, and performance numbers that place it squarely in light e-moto territory.
And fortunately, Heybike doesn’t pretend that it’s an electric bicycle, unlike many brands we’ve seen who enjoy hanging around in the grey area.
“Here comes a new era of Heybike Sports,” said the company. “Villain, the first of our electric dirt bike series, marks a new chapter of e-biking. It is an upgrade created for the next generation of riders.”
They’re still playing a bit fast and loose with the term “e-bike”, but that’s less of a regulatory term and more of a catch-all for electric two-wheelers. In fact, many motorcycle magazines still refer to full-size 500 lb electric motorcycles as “e-bikes” compared to the gasoline-powered “bikes” lined up outside the local dive bar.
But nominal pedantics aside, the important part here is the specs. Well, and the pricing.
Power for the Villian comes from a mid-drive motor rated at a hefty 4,160 watts peak, producing up to 190 Nm of torque. That’s serious grunt for a machine weighing just 125 pounds (57 kg). According to Heybike, the Villain can hit 45 mph (72 km/h) at the top end, with selectable speed modes that cap output at 20 mph (32 km/h) or 38 mph (61 km/h) for riders who want to dial things back.
Energy comes from a 1,352 Wh (52V 26Ah) battery, delivering a claimed range of up to 50 miles (80 km). That number seems way too optimistic for what is effectively a double-sized electric bicycle battery, and as always, real-world results will depend heavily on riding style, terrain, and speed. Charging takes around 4 to 6 hours, and regenerative braking helps squeeze a bit more distance out of each ride. To really get more distance though, the speed-limited modes will likely be your best friend.
Suspension and braking are appropriately scaled for the performance on tap. Up front is a hydraulic fork with 150 mm of travel, while the rear uses a nitrogen shock to smooth out rough terrain. Hydraulic disc brakes with large 190 mm rotors handle stopping duties. The wheel setup – a 14-inch front and 12-inch rear – keeps the Villain compact and agile, making it well-suited to dirt paths, backyard tracks, and any other duties that require agile handling. It also means this might not be a bike best suited for the largest of riders, but they’re probably already on a bigger e-dirt bike anyway.
Heybike has also added several safety and usability features that hint at a younger or first-time rider audience. There’s a magnetic kill switch that cuts power if the rider separates from the bike, throttle reset protection to prevent accidental launches, and even a reverse assist function to help back the bike out of tight spots.
Customization is another focus. Exposed fasteners and simple body panels make it easy to swap graphics, wrap components, or tweak the Villain’s look without a full teardown. Optional accessories include a Bluetooth speaker that can play music or simulated engine sounds (ugh).
For pricing, the Villian carries an MSRP of US $1,499 but looks like it will go on sale in the coming days with an early-bird offer of $1,399, making this one of the most affordable light electric dirt bikes on the market.
Heybike positions the Villain as suitable for riders aged 14 and up, pitching it as a budget-friendly alternative to gas pit bikes and small dirt bikes. While final pricing will ultimately determine how disruptive it really is, the specs suggest a compelling value play in the growing light electric dirt bike segment.
Electrek’s Take
The Villain is an interesting move for Heybike. By skipping the regulatory gray area of high-power “e-bikes” and embracing full e-moto territory, the company avoids pretending this is something it isn’t.
At under $1,500, the Villain could be a genuinely accessible entry point into electric dirt bikes – especially for younger riders or families not ready to jump into full motorcycle ownership.
Of course, it needs to be ridden responsibly and only where legal, meaning absolutely not on bicycle lanes, public roads, or other areas where it can pose a danger to others or is simply illegal for operation. But for trail riding and off-road exploring, it looks like a fun time!
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