Di folding bicycles I have tried many but in terms of size, the Hitway BK35 beats them all. It is a model that combines efficiency and practicality for those looking for a sustainable mobility solution, especially for urban travel or short distance trips. I tried it these weeks and I'll tell you about it honestly.
Topics of this article:
Design and Construction
The design of the Hitway BK35 is quite modern and functional. Despite its small size, the aluminum alloy frame is very sturdy and this is confirmed by both the overall weight of 17,5kg and the maximum load capacity of 120kg, which is even higher than some “classic” bicycles. The compact size and the possibility of folding the bike are among its main strengths, making it particularly suitable for those who live in the city and need transport the bike on public transport or store it in small spaces.
The open bicycle measures just 132cm in length and has a wheelbase of 112. The saddle and handlebars are height-adjustable, making it suitable for riders with height up to 180cm although above 175 the comfort suffers since the handlebars when cornering risk getting in the way of the knees while pedaling.
But the strong point of the BK35 is its closed dimensions of 92x50x80 cm, a little more than a travel trolley. This allows us to load the bicycle even into a small car. The locking/unlocking mechanism is very robust but not very fluid: even after weeks and abundant lubricant, a lot of force is needed to close the bicycle.
The 6Ah battery is removable but lockable. This offers us the great convenience of charging the battery at home, taking it away to keep it safe, buying an additional one to double the autonomy.
I would point out as a downside the small kickstand that requires a lot of care in choosing the parking spot as it does not offer much stability.
Performance and Autonomy
The BK35 is equipped with a 250W electric motor and a torque of 30 Nm fairly standard for an electric bike of this category. The motor provides adequate assistance, especially for tackling gentle climbs up to 25° or for that extra touch of speed on flat routes. However, it may be a little undersized for those looking for a bike that can tackle very steep climbs or particularly challenging routes. The maximum speed is around 25 km/h, in compliance with European regulations for electric bicycles. It can be unlocked to reach 34 km/h but perhaps it is not worth it.
One of the strong points of the Hitway BK35 is the removable lithium-ion battery. With a capacity that allows a declared autonomy of about 25-60km (depending on the conditions of use and the level of assistance selected), in common use we are closer to 25km which is still sufficient for daily use in the city. A full charge takes about 5-6 hours, an average time. However, for longer journeys, a second charge or a spare battery may be necessary.
Comfort and safety
Il Ride comfort is pretty good for a bike this size if you stay at heights up to 170/175cm. The riding position is ergonomic, although the saddle may be a bit stiff for some users, especially on longer routes. The wheels from 16 inches x 2.5″ offer good maneuverability, but do not absorb the shocks of rough roads as larger wheels would. The lack of a suspension system is inevitably felt and I suggest at least for the saddle, the adoption of suspension seatpost like this.
I mechanical disc brakes with 16cm rotors, present both at the front and at the rear, guarantee safe and decisive braking – even excessive considering the size of the rims. This is a great advantage, considering that many folding bikes opt for cheaper braking systems. The LED headlight, powered by the bicycle's battery, provides a good beam of light and this too is an optional feature that is not at all obvious on a bike of this category.
Hitway BK35 – Technical Specifications
| Small Parts | Value |
| Motor | 250W 30Nm hub motor |
| Battery | 36V 6Ah Lithium-Ion |
| Display | Multifunctional LCD Display |
| Max speed | 25 km/h |
| Autonomy | 25-60 kilometers |
| Climb angle | Up to 25° |
| Chassis | Aluminum Alloy |
| Front fork | Normal rigid fork |
| Transmission | Single gear |
| Tyres | 16×2,5 inch tire |
| Net weight | 17,42 kg |
| Charging time | 4-5 hours |
| Total length | 132 cm |
| Handlebar height | 87-103 centimeters |
| Passo | 112 cm |
| Standover height | 90-106 centimeters |
| Top tube length | 60 cm |
| Handlebar length | 62 cm |
| Folded size | 92*50*80cm |
| Pilot height | 155-180 centimeters |
Conclusion
The Hitway BK35 is a good folding electric bike For those looking for a practical, economical and relatively efficient means of transport to get around the city, it represents a solid option for occasional or urban users.
It surprised me in every way: certainly comfort, power and autonomy are not at high levels but it is right to judge them from the different perspective of the niche of "portable" bicycles. The only real defect found is the hardness of the closing mechanism.
The Hitway BK35 fits into a medium-low price range compared to other electric bicycles. This makes it an interesting option for those looking for a folding electric bike without spending too much, while maintaining acceptable technical characteristics. It may not be the ideal choice for those who need very high performance or greater autonomy, but it is perfect for those who use the bike mainly in the city or for daily trips that are not too long.
The Hitway is available on the official website a 439,99€ using the discount code XTODAY30 and ships free and fast from the warehouse in Europe. Alternatively It is also available on Amazon Italy.
How do you unlock the speed? It is not possible