In recent years, foldable e-bikes have surged in popularity—offering a compelling blend of portability, convenience, and electric-powered fun. The Jetson Haze, a standout among these compact rides, promises sleek styling, integrated features, and trunk-ready convenience. But does its attractive price and cool aesthetics hold up against real-world use? After diving deep into spec sheets, rider reviews, and firsthand experiences, here’s what you need to know.
1. What Is the Jetson Haze?
The Haze is a folding electric bike produced by Jetson (better known for hoverboards and e-scooters), originally released in 2020. It’s designed for quick, short- to mid-range rides—ideal for urban commuters, campus navigators, or casual weekend explorers.
Key Specs
- Motor: 350 W hub motor
- Top Speed: ~15.5 mph (via throttle or pedal assist) ridejetson.com+13ridejetson.com+13bikerumor.com+13reddit.com+3ridejetson.com+3ridereview.com+3
- Range: ~20 mi with pedal assist; ~15 mi throttle-only ridejetson.com+1bikerumor.com+1
- Battery: Removable lithium-ion, charges in 5 hrs sameday.costco.com+1ebikesforum.com+1
- Folded Weight/Size: ~48 lbs; folds compactly (30 × 17.5 × 27.5 in) ridejetson.com+1bikerumor.com+1
- Frame & Wheels: Magnesium alloy frame with 16″ tires (all-terrain) reddit.com+8ebikesforum.com+8ridejetson.com+8
- Rider Capacity: Up to ~265 lbs bikerumor.com
- Assistance Levels: Quick twist throttle, cruise control, 3 PAS modes ridereview.com+3ridejetson.com+3bikerumor.com+3
- Brake Type: Mechanical disc brakes ridejetson.com+2ridereview.com+2amazon.com+2
- Extras: Built-in wheel lock, tire pump, foldable structure ridejetson.com+2ridejetson.com+2bikerumor.com+2
Price Overview
- Jetson directly: ~$899
- Costco (flash sales): $499–$550 bikerumor.com
That price gap places the Haze into the accessible e-bike tier—more premium than entry-level scooters, but far cheaper than mainstream commuter bikes which often start at $1,500+.
2. Design & Build
Folding Convenience
The Haze features a three-part folding system:
- Main frame hinge folds down the bike.
- Handlebars collapse with a latch hinge.
- Pedals fold up—great for packing it inside a trunk or under a desk. ridejetson.com+11ridejetson.com+11bikerumor.com+11ridejetson.com
Multiple owners, including Jetson-loyal forum users, praise how compact it gets. One r/e‑bike Redditor notes:
“At only $499 … I was amazed how well it was made and the nice upgrades it came with.” reddit.comebikesforum.com
Frame, Tires & Handling
Despite weighing in at ~48 lbs, the Haze feels solid. The magnesium alloy frame and all-terrain 16″ wheels offer more durability than flimsy micro-scooters. Review sites like RideReview highlight its “sophisticated but solid ride,” crediting the motor, frame, and tires for feeling well-balanced .
And yes, that means it handles rough pavement, mild gravel, or grass with decent confidence—no high-end suspension, but better than a basic commuter.
3. Motor & Ride Feel
Speed & Power
The 350 W hub motor delivers a safe/e-bike top speed of about 15 mph—legally compliant in many regions. Riders report zippy hill climbing performance, with enough torque for moderate ascents. A MotoRumor summary captures Jetson’s own claim:
“Up to 15.5 mph using throttle, cruise control, or motor-backed pedal assist…” ridejetson.comamazon.com+2bikerumor.com+2ridejetson.com+2
Pedal Assist & Throttle
Three PAS levels offer adjustable assist while pedaling. Want to rest? The twist throttle + cruise control lets you go hands-off at speed, ideal for breaks or tackling flats easefully .
Battery & Range
Without pedaling, you’ll get around 15 mi on a charge; pedaling extends that to roughly 20 mi . Add a backup battery and double the distance—great for planning longer outings ridereview.com+1ridejetson.com+1.
But some caution: Consumer Reports flags the bike as “difficult to pedal without electric power,” implying it’s best used in assisted mode consumerreports.org+1facebook.com+1.
4. Comfort & Ergonomics
Size & Rider Fit
With modest 16″ wheels, the ride feels nimble but busier over pavement cracks. Seat and handlebar positions work for a wide range—though taller riders may find it cramped. The 265 lb weight limit is respectable, but very tall/heavy riders might prefer full-sized wheel bikes.
Weight & Portability
Weighing ~48 lbs, the Haze is too heavy for most people to carry long distances—but you can toss it into a trunk or haul it downstairs with help. Buyers in compact apartments appreciate its fold-down convenience.
Ride Comfort
The chunky tires absorb shocks well. Mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power. Riders say it feels smooth and sturdy on typical urban terrain reddit.com+3ridereview.com+3bikerumor.com+3.
5. Features & Accessories
Removable Battery
A big plus: pop the battery out and charge it inside. Good for renters without garage access. One owner says the bike includes a spare battery option—to double range when needed ridereview.com+1ridejetson.com+1.
Built-In Lock & Pump
Jetson includes an integrated rear wheel lock and mini pump—special touches often missing in entry-level bikes ebikesforum.com+3ridejetson.com+3bikerumor.com+3.
Lighting & Cruise Control
Front and rear LED lights boost safety. Cruise control lets you maintain constant throttle at a push of a button—handy for relaxing after hills .
Expandability
Jetson sells extras like a front basket, rear rack, alarm system, and mirror—all pretty practical for commuting or errand runs .
6. Pros vs. Cons
✅ Pros
- Affordable & stylish – ~$500–900 gets real foldable electric ride
- Compact fold – ideal for apartments, trunks
- Integrated features – lock, pump, lights, cruise, throttle
- Removable battery – convenient to charge separately
- Decent build quality – magnesium frame, disc brakes, all-terrain wheels
⚠️ Cons
- Limited range – ~15 mi without pedaling; battery life isn’t stellar ridereview.com+3ridejetson.com+3bikerumor.com+3
- Heavy for a mini-bike – 48 lbs makes walking/portaging unwieldy
- No pedal resistance – inefficient if battery dies mid-ride consumerreports.org+1ridereview.com+1
- Moderate speed cap – 15 mph tops; slower than higher-class e-bikes
- Variable reliability – some owners report component failures, and slow customer service ridereview.com
Reddit users are split. Some love it as a short-ride toy:
“a good test … I only ride 5–10 miles a day … feel good about my purchase.” – r/ebikes reddit.com
But others experienced issues:
“lasted me 5 rides, buy a better quality bike.” ridereview.comreddit.com
“brakes went out … no bike shop will repair it … parts … sold out.” reddit.com
However, some riders got solid mileage:
“My friend … rode almost daily … about 2.5 years out of it.” reddit.com
7. Who Is the Haze Right For?
Ideal Users
- City dwellers with limited storage.
- Budget-conscious buyers wanting electric rides under $1k.
- Casual riders and errand-doers within 5–15 mi round trips.
- Apartment residents who need removable battery charging.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Heavy commuters covering 20+ mi regularly.
- Riders seeking high speeds (>20 mph) or robust range.
- People who hike stairs with the bike often — it’s heavy.
- Those needing reliable long-term durability from day one—some owners report early failures and limited support.
8. Competition & Alternatives
The Haze fills a niche between micro‑scooters and full‑size e‑bikes. Alternatives worth comparing:
- Jetson Bolt/Axle (smaller wheels, similar performance) – cheaper, lighter, perhaps more toy-like ridereview.comreddit.com.
- Ride1Up Core‑5 / Rambler – full-size, 40 mi range, higher power & durability for $1,200+.
- GoTrax S3 – bigger 750 W motor, 20 mph top, 25 mi range, 16″ fat tires at ~$529 reddit.com.
- Mini‑folding e‑bikes from DYU, Xiaomi, etc.—varying specs and often similar prices.
The Haze competes well on compactness and feature set—but lags on range and long-term resilience compared to these alternatives.
9. Battery & Charging Tips
- Charge indoors: Pull the battery inside to protect from weather or theft.
- Spare battery: Great idea for doubling range—but at added cost (~$200–300).
- Storage care: Don’t leave battery fully charged or flat for extended periods—store around 50% and check every 3–6 months.
10. Maintenance & Support
- Parts supply issues: Some owners say Jetson parts are sold out—brake pads and replacement components may be hard to find youtube.com+12reddit.com+12ebikesforum.com+12.
- Customer service complaints: One user cited a serious throttle failure leading to injury and struggled to get support for months bikerumor.com.
- Vehicle class: DIY-friendly—common bike shops can handle tires, brakes, cables; e-components are standard e-bike fare—but warranty reliability may not match premium brands.
11. Final Verdict
Is the Jetson Haze worth it?
👍 Yes—if…
- You want a stylish, convenient foldable electric bike that performs well for short daily trips.
- You get it on sale (~$500 via Costco) and don’t expect long-range or hardcore commuting.
- You like the idea of a removable battery, cruise-throttle combo, and popping it into your trunk.
👎 No—if…
- You need a rugged, long-distance commuter with consistent range and power.
- You’ll carry it long distances—48 lbs is no joke.
- You expect top-tier durability, customer support, or component availability.
In short: the Haze makes a fun, functional commuter/toy for short routes—especially at the sale price. It’s not luxury-grade reliability, but offers generous features for around $500–900.
12. Quick Pros & Cons Table
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact folding bike with removable battery | Limited range (~15 mi throttle, ~20 mi PAS) |
| Full set of features (lock, pump, lights, throttle) | Heavy (~48 lbs) — awkward for carry/portage |
| All-terrain tires & disc brakes for a smooth ride | Limited availability of replacement parts |
| Affordable price point (especially on sale) | Reliability and customer service concerns |
| App-based cruise control and throttle ease-of-use | Top speed capped at ~15 mph |
13. “Worth It?” Final Words
- Bought at sale price (≈$500) → Hard to beat for casual riders.
- Bought at full MSRP (≈$899) → Still solid, but closer to full-size bike territory—would make me struggle to skip a broader model.
- Use case: Perfect for “last mile” commutes—like train station to office—or quick errands under 10 miles. For long-distance or multi-day riding, invest in something with greater range and power.
14. Recommendations
- Go for sale price – Value peaks around $500–600.
- Consider a spare battery – Doubles peace of mind when planning longer rides.
- DIY maintenance ready – Learn basic bike uptake—brakes, cables, tire sealant.
- Ride wisely – Stick to assisted mode unless fitness or pedaling is part of the experience.
- Hopefully Jetson addresses support issues – And promptly stocks common parts like brakes and throttles.
15. Should You Buy It?
If you’re seeking a stylish, feature-rich, foldable e-bike for city errands, campus routes, or laid-back rides—and especially if you find it around $500–600—the Jetson Haze delivers real value. Just manage your expectations: it’s not a long-haul commuter, and it might require DIY TLC if things break.
Bottom line: The Haze feels like a midsize e-bike effort disguised as a compact commuter. It nails utility and convenience, but glosses over long-term reliability. Great for fun, decent for errands—but treat it as an enjoyable toy, not a rugged workhorse.
Have you ridden one or spotted a deal recently? Let me know and I can help compare it to alternatives, or support your ownership experience!
This review is based on aggregated specs, user reviews, subreddits, and hands-on insights from multiple sources.
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