Himiway D5 Ultra (Rhino) Review, 2024

As we expected with the Rhino’s dual batteries, the bike covered an impressive distance in our Range Tests! We determined two bookend range values by riding it in Eco mode/PAS 1 and Sport Mode/PAS 5 until one battery was depleted, then doubling the distance we measured when tracking our ride in Strava.

With the maximum amount of pedal assist in Sport/PAS 5, we covered 30.8 miles in 2 hours and 5 minutes. When doubled, our results suggest a low-end ballpark of 61.6 miles and the ability to travel 4 hours and 10 minutes.

On the high end, we measured a distance of 51.6 miles over 3 hours and 45 minutes when riding in Eco/PAS 1. When doubled, these figures indicate that the bike could have traveled 103.2 miles in 7 hours and 30 minutes when using both batteries.

E-bikes with more than a single battery are still relatively uncommon; as such, this is the first e-bike of its kind (a fat tire commuter) that has traveled such a great distance on a single charge! With a highly practical amount of speed in its lowest PAS setting, there is a significant payoff for choosing to ride in PAS 1.

When comparing our estimated range (based on motor and battery specs) to our real-world test results, we can see that the Rhino’s motor is surprisingly efficient. With its 1,000W motor and total battery capacity of 1,440 Wh, we expected the bike’s Sport/PAS 5 test to yield roughly 21 miles in 1 hour and 26 minutes. The test’s final mileage and time both showed nearly a 200% increase over our estimated results.

We expect that some of the D5 Ultra’s efficiency is due to the fact that it uses a mid-drive motor, which requires some degree of input from the rider. I believe that a greater factor is the bike’s programming; it seemed to require an unusual amount of force on the pedals before the motor would let loose its full force.

In truth, only a handful of bikes we have tested have exceeded the 100-mile mark. We were pleased both by the D5 Ultra’s performance in this test, as well as the fact that our results met and exceed Himiway’s advertised range of 100 miles. With the ability to travel so many miles, we think it’s clear that the bike is well suited to its role as a commuter

We first tested the bike’s throttle power; as expected for a 1000W motor, the bike rocketed to the top of the hill in 66 seconds with an average speed of 16.4 miles per hour. This placed it among the fastest 10 e-bikes we have reviewed (out of literally hundreds), proving that there is little that can pose a challenge to such a powerful bike.

Our experience when pedaling was somewhat less groundbreaking; our test rider Justin pedaled in PAS 5 and reached the top of the path in 2 minutes and 3 seconds. The bike moved significantly slower with an average speed of 8.8 miles per hour.

This test was performed with the bike in Eco Mode, though as referenced in the Speed Test section of this Himiway D5 Ultra review, there seemed to be little observable difference between Eco and Sport. To verify that finding, we performed a secondary Hill Test at a slightly less extreme location near the EBR office. Between Eco/PAS 5 and Sport/PAS 5, we measured only one second and 0.2 mph of difference between the two tests.

E-bikes with mid-drive motors often complete this test faster when employing their throttle, but there is not usually such a large difference (nearly a minute) between their results.

When compared to similar e-bikes we have tested – primarily of the all-terrain variety – the D5 Ultra’s pedal test results were among the slowest we have seen from a mid-drive. We attribute this to the uncommon characteristics of its motor I mentioned previously. Most of the time, the Rhino seemed to deliver a more conservative level of power than average, and it seemed far less inclined to dispense its maximum output except when pedaling with significant effort.

Our test results show that the bike has plenty of power to be able to climb hills – but the throttle is likely to be best for riders who want to do the job quickly and easily.

Himiway offers the Rhino in a single frame size advertised to fit riders from 5’3” to 6’4”, with most of its adjustability being in the seatpost length for 7.5” of adjustment in saddle height. Considering the bike’s extended wheelbase and massive tires, we were skeptical of its ability to fit shorter riders, but our tester Kaleigh who is 5’4” found a comfortable fit. At 5’11”, I was much more firmly in the middle of the bike’s height range. I also enjoyed its fit and feel – plus there was still some room in the saddle height for taller riders.

As I mentioned previously in this Himiway D5 Ultra review, comfort was a highlight from my time on the bike. In particular, the wide saddle was something I would have expected more on a relaxing cruiser-style e-bike, and I thought it greatly enhanced the quality of the ride.

In terms of handling, the Rhino responded well but it certainly felt its size; its long wheelbase made for relatively wide turns. I liked the stability and steering control from the 710mm handlebars, and the motor’s power helped to offset the bike’s weight to some degree, but it was noticeable regardless.

I mentioned the differences in feel between Eco and Sport modes, but I also want to highlight the motor’s gear sensor, which is a welcome addition to such a powerful bike. During previous testing of some other e-bikes with extremely torquey mid-drives, we observed premature wear on their cassettes. The Rhino’s gear sensor cuts the motor’s output when shifting, which helps to protect the drivetrain from such massive forces.

The Rhino’s range capabilities stood out from many of its other test results as a highlight. With a demonstrated ability to cover 100+ miles on a single charge of its dual batteries, we think commuters and weekend adventurers will find much to appreciate.

Prospective buyers should be aware of the bike’s size and the tradeoffs that come with its remarkable plantedness and stability. In particular, we hope to see a more powerful braking system on the next version of the bike to offset its significant inertia. Additionally, it would benefit from a few other minor quality of life improvements – but we have to give kudos to Himiway for trying something new. A massive, commuter-style fat-tire e-bike with dual batteries is not something we’ve ever quite seen before!

Bottom line: if range anxiety keeps you up at night and you are drawn in by the thought of pedaling an e-bike that feels powerful and indestructible – the Himiway D5 Ultra might just be the bike for you.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Himiway D5 Ultra down in our comments section.