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The HappyRun Tank G60 is a compact, moped-style e-bike designed more for constant throttle use and less pedaling. It’s not that you can’t pedal; it has three levels of assistance paired with a seven-speed drivetrain. But since the seat height is fixed, the taller you are, the harder it is to get going and stay in motion without touching the gas pedal. That’s typical of this style of bike, but combined with the G60’s 75-pound (34-kilogram) curb weight and less than peppy motor, getting the G60 rolling from a dead stop is no easy task.
Professionals
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A fun, bouncy ride
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Powerful headlight, brake, turn signals and horn
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Large display
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Start/lock with key
cons
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Slowly start moving, climbing
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heavy
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Battery range is difficult to measure
Once the G60 tank is moving, however, the e-bike becomes a fast cruiser. Its design and features, including powerful headlights, turn signals and a bouncy ride, make the Tank G60 an overall fun ride for getting around town mixed with light off-road riding. Especially if you’re smaller, lighter, and ride primarily on flat terrain—and if you’re on a budget—the $1,099 G60 is one of the more affordable options in the class with its features.
How fast is the HappyRun Tank G60?
The G60 can reach speeds in excess of 30 mph (48 kmph). I’m 220 pounds (100 kilograms) and my flat speed maxed out at 28 mph on gas alone. Add some pedaling and it doesn’t take much to hit 30 mph. It also helps to keep the battery fully charged to get the best performance. But, as I said earlier, the G60 is slow off the line and trying to cut or weave into heavy traffic is a gamble.
The right handlebar has a shifter, a rotary throttle, and a small green button to toggle between the G60’s three pedal assist modes.
Also, your speed will drop as soon as you hit a hill. Some speed loss is to be expected, of course, and again, a little push on the pedals helps to soften the lag. But pedaling while seated becomes a chore on a long, gentle incline or a steep hill, and the weight of the bike doesn’t do you any favors. If you’re going to ride in a hilly area or regularly carry extra weight, it makes sense to spend more on the Pro version of the Tank G60, which has a more powerful motor and a larger battery.
The left handlebar of the HappyRun Tank G60 e-bike has a voltage display, a start switch, and controls for the headlights, horn, and turn signals.
My testing included a mix of off-road and street riding, both flat and hilly. When riding off-road, I was on compacted dirt or grass; the G60 tank doesn’t have the torque for soft, loose sand. Battery range will vary greatly depending on terrain, rider weight, speed and level of assistance. HappyRun lists the range as 60+ miles, but based on my use, which was mainly 100% throttle, it’s closer to 20 miles.
However, judging how much battery range remains is a pain. The primary display and secondary tension display on the left grip control panel give you a guess, but the amount can vary greatly depending on your riding.
Despite the voltage and battery indicators on the handlebars, the built-in battery meter was the easiest way to gauge remaining range.
I relied on the simple battery button more often; easy to activate and read while sitting on the bike. I recommend keeping the battery charged as much as possible. This gives you the best performance and this is not a bike you want to be stuck pedaling without help.
Good features and design for the money
The Tank G60 is regularly reduced to less than $1,000, which is remarkable for the e-bike category, which regularly sees prices above $2,000. It may not have the quality or power of those more expensive bikes, but the HappyRun packs enough features to make the G60 feel like a bargain.
The display doesn’t give you much information, but it’s big and bright.
For example, a bicycle requires a key to turn on and a key to unlock the battery from the frame. It has a big, bright headlight so you can see the road and oncoming traffic can see you. There’s also a bright rear brake light and turn signals (although you’ll have to remember to turn the signal off after cornering). The display is large and easy to read even in bright daylight.
The front fork has shocks and there is a single shock under the seat that gives you some bounce on rougher terrain. The seat is comfortable and long enough for me to sit in the back for a little more legroom.
The single shock absorber under the seat provides a nice bouncy ride.
The 20-inch fat tires are nice, but nothing special. (The fact that HappyRun is upgrading them for the Pro model leads me to believe they may not hold up over time.)
Should you get the HappyRun Tank G60?
Overall, the G60 is a capable moped-style electric motor with good features and performance for $1,099, but you should definitely put it on sale (it’s regular). It’s a heavy bike and the engine doesn’t have the thrust needed to pick up speed quickly in traffic. Steep hills can also be a challenge. The Tank G60 shines for commuting around town or for short trips on smooth roads or off-road trails.
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