Halfbike Info Point
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need some specials skills to ride a Halfbike?
Riding a Halfbike is probably unlike anything you've tried so far. In that sense, knowing how to ride a bicycle, for example, would be of little help. Still, if you've been practising any sport, if you have a good sense of balance, or you're just fit and athletic, the chances are that you'll find it a lot easier.
What comes in the box?
A Halfbike, partially disassembled, along with an instruction manual and tools to help you put it together. If you want to get ahead of things, the assembly tutorial will explain it all.
Can I become a Halfbike Ambassador
As far as we are concerned, everyone happy with their Halfbike and excited to share their story and experience with others is already a Halfbike advocate. If you're that keen and share our passion for building and nurturing relationships that elevate the Halfbike community, we'll be delighted to have you on board as a Halfbike Ambassador. Go through the program here, and drop us a line if you feel ready to take a step forward in the project. The rest is easy!
What's your return policy?
If you and your Halfbike don't seem to get along, you can return it. Just notify us within 30 days from the date you received it, and we'll assist you with the return. The Halfbike should be in good condition and packed securely into its original box. In case you've missed it, check out our return page for more details.
How long is the warranty? What does it cover?
We offer a standard one-year manufacturer warranty. Signs of wear from regular use are not covered. However, if there’s a defect in the material or craftsmanship of your Halfbike, we’ll do our best to assist and help solve the issue promptly. We'll be happy to send a replacement part if needed, or another Halfbike even, depending on the case. For more in-depth information, check out our warranty page.
How do I get spare parts?
All specific, custom-built parts like the frame, the handle, the truck, the crankset can be ordered directly and only from us. The tires, tubes, grips, fasteners, etc., are standard bike components, hence widely available. If you have difficulties finding anything locally, we can send a replacement. For additional information, check out our online shop or drop us an email.
What's the recommended tire pressure?
Keeping your tires inflated well will make for a more comfortable and smooth ride. We recommend that all three tires be kept at 3.5 bar / 50 psi
Are the tires standard?
Yes, the front (18"x2.1") and rear tires (8"x2.0") are standard. They can be found in most bike, skate, or mountain board shops, as well as retailers like Amazon.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, we do. And for free! More details you can find on our shipping page.
Is the Halfbike foldable?
Yes, it folds in just a few seconds. The handlebar drops backwards, making the bike quite compact. Once folded, it can easily be taken on public transport or put in the trunk of a small car.
What are the advantages of a Halfbike over a bicycle?
The two are so different that it's hard to compare them. The feeling of riding a Halfbike is frankly nothing like riding a standard bicycle. But if we must pick a few, we would probably go for the fun of riding, its lightness and compactness.
How fast can a Halfbike go?
A typical cruising speed on flat ground is around 20kph / 13mph. Overall, think of riding a Halfbike as being a bit slower than riding a regular bicycle.
Does the Halfbike have gears?
Yes, the Halfbike 3 has a hub with four internal gears made by Sturmey-Archer. A small shifter mounted on the handlebar makes the switching between gears possible.
Does the Halfbike have brakes?
Yes, the Halfbike 3 has a front drum brake integrated into the four-speed hub. It is pretty much maintenance-free, and its performance remains consistent over time and in all weather conditions.
The stopping technique is quite intuitive and becomes second nature after a few practice stops. You can see the rider braking at full speed here
Is the Halfbike suitable for commuting long distances?
When you're just starting out, you'll likely take it slow and stick to shorter distances. But as you get more comfortable and confident on the Halfbike, you'll find you can ride as far and as long as you want. We've heard from many riders who have successfully covered dozens, even hundreds, of kilometers or miles in one go.
How does the Halfbike perform up hill?
Halfbike 3 is best suited to flat ground. However, it can manage going up hills as well. We can tell from experience that the four-speed hub works fine for inclines up to 7-8%.
What is the max/min height and weight?
The comfort height range is between 150 and 200 cm / 4'11" to 6'7", while the maximum rider weight is 100 kg / 225 lbs.
Does the Halfbike ship fully assembled?
No, it does not. The rear truck and handlebar are detached from the rest of the Halfbike. However, everything you need to get it up and running is in the box, including a manual and tools. It typically takes about 15-20 minutes to assemble, even if you don’t have prior experience — no special skills are required. For visual guidance or more details, you can check out the Halfbike 3 assembly tutorial here.
Where can I try a Halfbike?
If you're curious about the Halfbike and wondering what the experience might be like, don't be shy and fill out the form. We'll let you know as soon as we find the best options for you.
Meanwhile, have a look at our 30-day home trial. It is the next best thing and might come in handy.
How easy is it to ride a Halfbike?
Learning to ride a Halfbike from scratch requires time and practice, so don’t expect to hop on and cruise away. It’s very similar to learning to ride a standard bicycle for the first time. Most people grasp the basics and manage to ride in a straight line within 10-15 minutes. From there, the experience gradually shifts from a challenge to an enjoyable adventure. Patience and determination will go a long way. Remember, it’s more challenging than it might look in videos, but with a few days of practice, most people find themselves riding with ease.
How does the Halfbike work?
The Halfbike is a unique three-wheeled vehicle where the rear pair of wheels assists with steering. Unlike traditional bikes, the handlebars are fixed, and you steer by shifting your body weight. Lean to one side, and you initiate a smooth, intuitive turn.
You ride the bike while standing up, which makes the motion resemble running, but without the added strain on the knees and joints. While mastering the Halfbike can be challenging at first, it’s also incredibly rewarding. With patience, practice, and the right mindset, you'll develop the necessary muscle memory and balance to ride with confidence and joy.
To get started and learn more about the process, check out our manual here: halfbikes.com/manual
Learning Curve
Halfbike is a great exercise tool that keeps one's mind and body in shape. It trains balance, reflexes, and endurance in ways gentle to the back and the joints.
Learning to ride one, however, is in itself another unique experience. You might find some bits of the process similar to other sports, but it is essentially unlike anything you have tried before. So, free yourself of any expectations, and give your brain and body time to adapt to the new movements. Most people learn to ride in a straight line in about 15-20 minutes. From then on, riding starts to feel less like a struggle, and in a week or so is when the real fun begins. Mastering Halfbike doesn't happen overnight, you see. Developing that set of skills needs more time and practice. Yet, the ever-present sense of accomplishment is one mighty motivator, so before you know it, you'll be on the positive side of the curve.
Over the past few years, after many test rides and observations, we have learned that when it comes to Halfbike, there are no shortcuts from beginner to pro. And it took us a while, but we found the pattern valid for most people on their learning journey. This graphic illustrates the main phases riders usually go through. Enjoy!
Halfbike Assembly
If you have a box full of Halfbike components in your hands, get ready for the next step.
We highly recommend watching the video in advance. It will help you put all the pieces together in the easiest way possible and assemble your Halfbike properly. Follow the video's guidelines and the steps in the written assembly manual that you'll find in the box also available here.
Contact
Kolelinia LTD
32 Borova Gora St.
1164 Sofia Bulgaria
+359 886 828 868
hello@halfbikes.com