Xiaomi Himo Z20 and Himo C20 - Comparative evaluation

Himo has expanded its line of 20-inch electric bikes with the new Himo Z20, which is an improved version of the Himo C20 but adds one key feature: a frame that folds more tightly. It seems logical for Himo to introduce this feature because Fiido bikes are very popular and they recently released two 20-inch foldable electric bikes Fiido D4 and Fiido D11 (you can compare the three here: Himo Z20, Fiido D11 and Fiido D4).

I have been riding a Himo C20 for a long time and recently received my new Himo Z20. So let's take a closer look and compare to see what's different. (More Z20 photos coming soon, here's my hands-on review of the C20.)

The specifications are almost the same, except for the folding mechanism. So let's take a closer look, because there's more:

What's in the box?

The box is very big and heavy. I am glad to send it to my home. Z20 is folded and packed, so the box is shorter. They are almost completely assembled, and all you need to do is install the pedals, including the tools. The brakes were set slightly, I adjusted them, the tires were not fully inflated, and fenders were needed - if you would like. Therefore, you need some standard tools for final adjustment, but basically you work out of the box, including:

Bicycle (folding)

2 fender types (plastic fender or aluminum fender)

Charger (in my case, I used an EU plug, but it is a standard 3-pin power cord. If the connection is wrong, it can be changed)

Key (unlock battery from bike)

Bicycle manual, charger/battery manual, warranty card

Mi Himo C20- Box includes: charger, 2 fenders and documentation

Mi Himo C20 -- Box contains: Charger, fender of two types and documentation (©elProducente)

Folding mechanisms

You can fold the Mi Himo C20, but it is not as compact as the Himo Z20. You can retract the saddle, step up and fold down the handlebars. Folding pedals and handlebars work, because when the walls are tilted, as in my office, the bike takes up less space. That way, it's actually smaller than my Xiaomi Scooter Pro, whose widest part is a handlebar that doesn't fold. Of course, it needs more space. This is my Himo C20 expanded and folded photo:

Mi Himo C20- Expansion vs folding

Mi Himo C20 -- Expand and fold (©elProducente)

If you need to fold electric bikes more compactly, the Himo Z20 is definitely a better choice. (For example, when driving or camping). The new Himo Z20 framework folds in half and requires less storage space. (But certainly wider.)

The battery

Both electric bikes offer removable batteries. When the battery is on top of the Himo C20 frame, the battery is integrated into the Himo Z20 frame. They offer the same 10 Ah capacity (18650 lithium ion battery) with a power port and LED status indicator. The power utilization rate is 0.72 kw/h per 100 km. You can take out the battery with the key so that you can take it with you to recharge it. But you don't need to take the battery off to recharge it. Instead, you can attach the battery to the bike and then connect it. It takes about six hours to fully charge. The battery management system is said to provide protection against overcurrent, overcharge, short circuit and temperature. Two models

Another benefit of the Himo Z20 design is that you can remove the batteries and ride manually without them. This makes your Himo Z20 much lighter. You could also use the C20 to do this, but in this case, the top compartment is empty, leaving a notch, and the port is not covered!

According to

In xiaomi'S Himo Facebook group, there are some reports of problems with Himo C20 under wet conditions. According to users, they face trouble turning off their e-bikes after the water drops fall into a gap in the power button. It appears that they have solved the problem with a new display design and the Himo Z20 display is IPX7 certified (= immersive, test depth up to 1 m, lasting 30 minutes). The new Himo Z20 display not only makes it easier to read in the sun, but it also lets you see if the lights are on.

The new display on the Himo Z20 has four buttons, while the Himo C20 has only two.

Himo Z20:

Power button (at bottom) : On/off

Trip button (at bottom) : Change trip and total mileage

+/- Button: Change mode,

Long press + button: turn on/off the light,

Long press - button: switch to stop mode

Himo C20:

Power button:

Short press on/off power button: turn on/off lights

Mode button:

Long press change Mode button: switch to stop mode (show total mileage)

Xiaomi Himo Z20 and Himo C20- Comparative review - Display screen

Himo Z20 and Himo C20 - Display screens

Driving mode

Both bikes offer 4 modes of operation:

Human mode - use pedals without electronic assistance [power off]

You can also choose "parking mode" [P] and enter without the help of electricity, which turns on the screen but does not show speed. Although you can use the headlights this way.

Power-assisted mode - Electrical power provides you with support when the pedal is pressed, without pulling on the accelerator. [environmental]

2 all-Electric modes - You have two motor power Settings: [MID] (maximum). 15 km/h and [HIGH] highest. 25 km/h

Remark:

When you are in all-electric mode, you can pedal too, even beyond the limit of 15 or 25 km/h. The bike doesn't slow you down to the limit, it just supports power without supporting the maximum speed limit.

You can't use the motor at a standstill; you need to give the bike a little push. Push with your foot is enough, you don't need to pedal to start the electric drive.

In pedal assisted mode, you do not need to pull the accelerator. You will pedal as usual, and when you start walking you will feel the motor jump to support your drive. (The motor powers the wheels and does not support the pedals themselves.) I noticed that this pattern worked better on the Z20 than on the C20.

If you want frequent power assistance, I would not recommend them both. The bike is too heavy and requires a lot of effort. (I suggest you whether to exercise 😉). As described in the Z20, you can take the battery out of the battery case to make it lighter. In pedal helper mode, cycling is very good. Even though I was always in "high speed" full speed electric mode and pedaled for faster acceleration, higher top speed and more fun.

Light and accessories

The front LED lights are powered by the bicycle battery and respectively lit by long pressing + button (Z20). Short press the power button (C20). There's a reason the REAR LED lights (including reflectors) use two AA batteries because the poles aren't wired to the bike. You can remove it with an integrated air pump. Although I use an electric xiaomi air pump, its gimmicks come in handy on the road.

Mi Himo C20 / Z20: Air pump/Mi electric air pump is integrated in the seat tube

Mi Himo Z20 / C20: Air pump/Mi electric air pump is integrated in the seat tube

Conclusion - My two cents

When you can't store the full length of a bike, the folding mechanism is certainly a nice addition, and an important one. Tilting the handlebars and pressing down on the pedals (the C20's only folding option) are still great for leaning the bike against the wall again.

The new monitor is a great feature. I found it hard to read the C20 display in bright sunlight. You can read the Z20 display in bright sunlight without any problems. Buttons also seal better in rainy weather. There are reports of water getting into the C20 button gap. The Z20 appears to have solved this problem.

The fully electric mode felt very similar, but I noticed a difference in the pedal assist mode. I still find it impossible to use this mode on the C20, and mostly use all-electric mode. I think I'll use pedal assist mode more often on the Z20 because it's so enjoyable to ride. You do a little exercise, but you are not tired at all.

I am not sure if I will ride the Z20 without batteries, but choosing the Z20 with batteries is now an option. When the battery on the Himo C20 is at the top of the frame, removing the battery leaves a gap and does not cover the port.

Are there any disadvantages? First, I think the Himo Z20 may not be as strong or rigid because of the folding mechanism. But I didn't notice any difference when I rode. So far, I haven't noticed any disadvantages of the Z20 compared to the Z20.

I have two color options, but I prefer the gray finish, which is also a bit matte.