KBO K Series vs. Heybike Mars 2.0: Which Bike Should You Choose?

With something as important as your first e-bike, it pays to do your research. Entry-level e-bikes come in all shapes and sizes, at all price levels, and have a wide range of quality. Understanding your main motivations for owning an e-bike is one of the first things a prospective rider should consider, but some overlook this step.

For example, do you want to use the bike to simply ride to work or school? Or maybe you’re hoping to hit the mountain trails and get dirty on the weekends. Some people just want a bike to cruise around the neighborhood admiring the sights and sounds of evening in the summertime. Depending on your preferred way of using the bike can tell you a lot about the features to prioritize.

We’re going to use these common riding scenarios as a basis to compare the new and affordable K Series of e-bikes from KBO with the Mars 2.0 e-bike from Heybike. We’ll look at the similarities and difference, and highlight what stands out as important depending on your riding needs. By the end of the article, you’ll be equipped with the research you need to make an informed decision on one of the best new developments to hit the transportation world in decades: electric bikes.

Comparison Chart for Easy Reference

We’ve put together this short comparison chart of the specifications and features of the two bikes for easy reference. All figures are accurate as of the posting date of this information:

How we keep our prices low？

Most riders looking to purchase their first e-bike prefer something affordable without compromising on quality. When comparing the K Series (K1 or K2) to the Mars 2.0, it's evident that the KBO models offer a better value due to their lower price point, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious riders. By opting for the more affordable KBOs, riders can enjoy similar features and performance without breaking the bank.

No one ever said a good e-bike needs to be expensive. That’s why we designed the K1 and K2 to take full advantage of the best components purchased in bulk to manufacture our bikes at the lowest price possible. By further shipping our bikes directly from the factory to our customers, we can keep our distribution costs minimal. When combined with our student and veteran discounts or our simple financing options, we ensure everyone has the ability to enjoy the experience of electric bike transportation.

What size motor do you really need?

Commuting to work often causes folks significant stress and delays. If you’re tired of being constantly late to work due to traffic jams and public transit issues, an e-bike may be the right option for you. When considering the 500W motor of the K Series bikes to the Heyday model’s 750W motor, it becomes clear that the smaller output motor is actually a strategic advantage for commuters. For daily commuting needs like traveling to work or school, a high-power motor like the one in the Mars 2.0 would be excessive and unnecessary (and louder), making the K Series e-bikes a more practical and economical choice for everyday use.

Be cautious of local speed limits.

Most U.S. states have a top speed limit of 28mph for e-bikes and only on certain trails, too. A far more common speed limit is 20mph which is the maximum speed limit without pedaling for a bike to be considered a Class 2 e-bike. (Riders can opt to pedal faster than 20mph, but the motor on a Class 2 e-bike must top out at 20mph for legal and safety reasons.)

Therefore, we would argue that a top speed of 32mph may seem like a good thing, but is actually dangerous and often illegal depending on where you’re riding. Since it is unlikely and not recommended to take a foldable entry-level e-bike on strenuous mountain trails or into deep wilderness paths, 32mph is simply not necessary. Here again, we see the advantage go to the K1 and K2 e-bikes, with their more reasonable and legal limit of 20mph from throttle alone. If you do find yourself in a situation where you need to go faster, pedaling is the safe and legal way to accomplish it.

The lighter, the better.

No matter your riding needs, a lower weight bike is almost always better than a heavier bike. But especially in terms of a portable and foldable e-bike which you will be carrying up and down stairs, loading into a vehicle, or stowing away in a garage or closet often, a lighter bike will make ALL the difference. Because the K Series is a whopping twenty pounds lighter than the Heybike, it will excel in each of these portability scenarios.

An integrated battery is a protected battery.

One striking difference between these two models is the battery placement. By opting for an integrated battery inside the frame, the K Series bikes provide battery protection from humidity, rain, and mud. No matter your riding needs, this is a must-have to protect your investment. The Heybike Mars 2.0 has the battery placed on the outside of the frame right near the rear wheel, offering little to no protection.

No difference in gear system.

The gears of a bike, like the 7-speed Shimano drivetrains offered on both models, allow riders to adjust resistance and speed based on terrain and riding conditions. Comparing these two e-bikes based on their drivetrains reveals a balanced matchup, as both models feature the same dependable Shimano gearing system, ensuring a smooth and easy riding experience. Whether you are running errands or riding around the neighborhood, rest easy knowing you can’t choose wrong based on this feature.

Tires are for traction and brakes are for safety.

Both bikes in this matchup have mechanical brakes, so there’s no meaningful difference in terms of stopping power. For everyday riding, mechanical brakes will suit most riders’ needs just fine. However, the Heybike 4” wide tires might be considered too wide for this type of bike. Wide tires are for splashing through mud, dirt, snow, and sand and those environments are not the typical ones in which this bike will be used. Riders will likely prefer the slightly slimmer 3” tires found on the K Series bikes for city riding, but it comes down to preference.

The winner is… K Series by a mile!

After comparing the features of the K Series and Mars 2.0 e-bikes, it's evident that the K Series emerges as the clear winner across multiple categories. From its competitive pricing to its strategic specs, the K Series offers exceptional value and performance. Whether for daily commuting, leisurely rides, or exploring the city, the K Series stands out as the more affordable and practical e-bike for a wide range of riders.