FAFREES 26 Hailong One Review, Electric Mountain Bike Tested

The FAFREES 26 Hailong One is an affordable electric mountain bike that promises proper off-road fun without breaking the bank. Priced well under £1,000, it aims to bring trail-ready performance to everyday UK riders. We tested it on city streets, bridleways, and steep hills to see if it delivers.

This review covers everything a UK buyer needs to know. You will find honest thoughts on power, battery life, comfort, and what it is like to ride. We also check it against EAPC rules so you can ride legally on roads and shared paths.

What Is the FAFREES 26 Hailong One?

The Hailong One is a hardtail electric mountain bike built around a sturdy aluminium frame and 26-inch wheels. It sits in the budget to mid-range segment and is aimed at leisure riders who want to explore off road without spending thousands. The bike uses a rear hub motor and a frame-integrated battery that keeps the looks neat.

FAFREES designed it as a versatile e-MTB. You can use it for commuting on weekdays and then hit light trails at the weekend. The 26-inch wheels keep the bike agile, while the front suspension helps smooth out bumps. It is not a full-suspension downhill monster, but it handles most UK terrain with confidence.

We think it suits riders moving up from a basic hybrid or anyone wanting a reliable entry point into electric mountain biking. You get modern features like a colour display and mechanical disc brakes at a price that feels fair for what you receive.

Key Features and Specifications

Motor and Battery

The rear hub motor provides 250 watts of nominal power, which is the UK legal maximum for an EAPC. It delivers 45 Nm of torque, enough for steady climbing even with a bit of gear loaded. The pedal assist system uses a cadence sensor that responds within half a crank turn. There is no throttle, so you must pedal to get assistance.

The battery is a 36V, 13Ah (468 Wh) unit hidden inside the down tube. It locks securely and can be charged on or off the bike. A full charge takes around 5 to 6 hours using the supplied 2‑amp charger. FAFREES says you can get up to 60 miles on the lowest power mode, though we found real-world range varies a lot.

Frame and Build

The aluminium frame uses hydroformed tubes for strength and a clean look. Internal cable routing keeps the wiring tidy and protected. The 26‑inch wheels are wrapped in 2.1‑inch wide knobby tyres. These give good grip on loose and muddy tracks without being too draggy on tarmac.

You get a basic coil-sprung fork with 100 mm of travel. It takes the sting out of potholes and small roots. The fork has a lockout lever, so you can firm it up on smooth roads. Overall, the bike feels solid and not overly heavy at around 24 kg, which is typical for an e‑MTB with a big battery.

Brakes and Gears

Stopping power comes from mechanical disc brakes with 160 mm rotors front and rear. They need a firm pull but offer reliable braking in wet or dry conditions. A 7‑speed Shimano Tourney derailleur provides gear changes. The range is enough for moderate hills, though you might wish for an extra low gear on very steep climbs.

• Motor: 250W rear hub, 45 Nm torque
• Battery: 36V 13Ah (468 Wh), removable
• Gears: Shimano 7‑speed
• Brakes: Mechanical disc, 160 mm rotors
• Wheels: 26" x 2.1" tyres
• Weight: Approx 24 kg

Riding Experience: On and Off‑Road

Urban Commuting

On city streets, the Hailong One feels lively and easy to control. The upright riding position gives good visibility in traffic. The motor pulls smoothly from a standstill, and you can spin along at 15.5 mph with little effort. The cadence sensor does not offer the instant punch of a torque sensor, but it is predictable once you learn the rhythm.

Our test rides through town averaged range drops of roughly 10% battery for every 5 miles in medium assist. The mechanical disc brakes inspired confidence even when a car pulled out unexpectedly. The hardtail ride is firm, but the fork takes care of the worst potholes. We liked the bright colour display that is easy to read in sunlight.

Light Trails and Hills

We took the bike onto local bridleways and forest tracks. The knobby tyres found grip on loose gravel and damp mud. The motor chugged up a steady 10% slope in third gear without needing the hardest pedal effort. On a short 15% section, we had to drop to the lowest gear and put in real work, but the bike never gave up.

The suspension fork does a reasonable job over small roots and rocks. You would not bomb down a rocky descent, but for smooth singletrack and fire roads it is perfectly acceptable. The bike felt stable and never twitchy, even at speed. The weight is noticeable if you have to carry it over a gate, but for riding it disappears as soon as the motor kicks in.

Battery Life and Range

Real‑World Range Results

We tested the battery on a mix of terrain using the middle power level most of the time. On a 20‑mile ride with 800 feet of climbing, we returned with 35% charge remaining. That suggests a realistic range of 30 to 35 miles with modest hills. On a flatter route at lower assist, we saw 45 miles before the battery ran out. Riders who stick to eco mode and pedal lightly could nudge 55 miles.

These figures are in line with other 468 Wh e‑bikes we have tested. The range will drop in cold weather and if you use the highest power all the time. The battery meter is a simple five‑bar gauge, so you need to keep an eye on it on longer trips. It is easy to remove and charge indoors, which is handy for commuters.

Charging Time

From empty, the 2‑amp charger takes about 5.5 hours to fully top up the battery. There is no fast charger option, but overnight charging works well for most routines. The charger is compact and has a UK plug. The battery locks into the frame with a key, so you can leave it on the bike when parked for short stops.

UK Road Legality

EAPC Rules and Where You Can Ride

In the UK, an electric bike must follow Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) rules to be treated as a bicycle. The government rules state the motor must not exceed 250 watts and must cut assistance above 15.5 mph. The rider must be at least 14 years old. You do not need a licence, insurance, or registration as long as the bike meets these limits.

The FAFREES 26 Hailong One complies fully. It has a 250W motor and the speed limiter kicks in smoothly at the legal limit. There is no twist-and-go throttle. This means you can ride it on cycle lanes, bridleways, and roads just like a normal pushbike. For more details on EAPC classification, Cycling UK provides a clear guide.

Throttle vs Pedal Assist

Since the Hailong One uses only pedal assist, you avoid any confusion about throttles. Many UK riders prefer this, as it keeps the riding feel natural and fully legal. You still get a good workout, just with a helpful push on hills. The lack of throttle also improves range because the motor only runs when you pedal.

How It Compares to Other FAFREES Models

FAFREES offers several electric mountain bikes, each with a different focus. The FAFREES F26 Pro steps up to a 48V battery system and a more powerful motor, giving extra punch for steep climbs. It is a better pick if you live somewhere very hilly and want longer range. Meanwhile, the FAFREES F28 MTB moves to larger 28‑inch wheels, which roll faster on roads and bridleways. That model suits taller riders and those mixing more on‑road miles.

Compared to those, the 26 Hailong One lands in a sweet spot of price and capability. It is lighter and more nimble than the F28 MTB, and costs less than the F26 Pro. If you ride mostly moderate trails and want a dependable all‑rounder, the Hailong One makes a strong case. All three models are available in our electric mountain bike range, so it is worth checking the differences.

If you are curious about how budget e‑MTBs handle in general, we also tested the AAIRSK GT900 at a similar price. That bike uses a different frame style and cadence sensor feel. Comparing the two might help you decide which brand feels better for your riding style.

Who Should Buy the Hailong One?

This bike is ideal for a few types of rider. First, the weekend explorer who wants to leave tarmac behind without a huge investment. It gives you enough assistance to reach places you would avoid on a pure pedal bike. Second, the commuter who fancies a machine that doubles as a trail toy. The 26‑inch wheels and sturdy tyres handle pothole‑ridden city streets just fine.

It is also a sensible choice for a first e‑bike owner. The controls are simple, the legal compliance is clear, and the removable battery makes ownership easier. You can start with short local rides and gradually build up to longer adventures. At around £750 to £800 (check the latest on our product page), it offers plenty of fun per pound.

However, if you live in the Pennines or regularly tackle 20% gradients, you may prefer a model with more torque. The same goes if you are a tall rider: the 26‑inch wheels might feel a little compact. In those cases, the F26 Pro or F28 MTB would be worth a few extra pounds.

Final Verdict

After weeks of testing, we think the FAFREES 26 Hailong One delivers honest, dependable electric mountain biking on a budget. It is not a high‑tech race bike, and it never pretends to be. What it does well is get you outside, up hills, and along trails with a grin on your face. The build quality is good for the price, the battery range is realistic, and it stays fully within UK law.

There are a few trade‑offs. The mechanical brakes need regular adjustment to keep their bite. The cadence sensor takes a moment to catch up if you stop pedalling and start again on a climb. And the 7‑speed gears can feel a bit limited when the road really points skyward. But for the majority of riding most of us actually do, these compromises are easy to live with.

• Pros: Affordable price, solid frame, good range, fully UK legal, nimble handling, clear display
• Cons: Mechanical disc brakes need upkeep, cadence sensor lag, basic fork, limited gear range

If you want a straightforward, go‑anywhere e‑MTB without spending a fortune, the Hailong One deserves a spot on your shortlist. Check out the full details and current price on our shop page, and feel free to browse our buying guides if you are still deciding. Happy trails!