Favorite Hybrid Pro ST Review: The Smart Class 3 E-Bike That Actually Feels Premium
May 16, 2023
Some e-bikes win you over with raw speed. Others do it with comfort. The Favorite Hybrid Pro ST pulled me in for a different reason: it’s one of the first commuter-style e-bikes I’ve ridden where the smart features feel truly integrated, not like bolt-on gadgets.
After spending time unlocking it with RFID and the app, playing with the display’s navigation, and doing real-world pulls up to Class 3 speeds, I walked away thinking this is the direction a lot of everyday EV mobility is heading.
Quick vibe check
The Hybrid Pro ST looks like a clean, normal step-through commuter at first glance—metallic gray, integrated bits everywhere, and a cockpit that doesn’t scream “aftermarket.” But once I started using it, the tech-forward personality showed up fast.
It’s also a Class 3 e-bike, and it rides like one: quick, capable, and tuned in a way that feels smooth instead of jumpy.
Setup and first impressions
One of my favorite details right away was how cohesive the front end feels. The display is integrated into the stem area, and the headlight lives right there with it. Instead of wires and mounts everywhere, it looks intentional—more like a modern EV dash than a typical e-bike screen.
The step-through frame height felt just right for me, and the swept-back handlebars gave me a relaxed, natural posture. It’s the kind of stance I want for commuting, errands, and longer casual rides without feeling stretched out.
The standout: intelligent lock + wireless entry
This is the feature that kept making me come back to the bike.
There’s an intelligent, motorized rear-wheel lock integrated into the bike. It locks a piece between the spokes to immobilize the rear wheel. The important part: you can lock it manually, but unlocking is done via the app or the included RFID tag (or by entering a passcode on startup).
In daily use, that means:
I can walk up, power the bike on, and unlock with RFID without fumbling for keys.
If I don’t have the RFID tag, I can unlock by entering the passcode.
If I’m using the app, it can connect and unlock from there.
It feels less like a gimmick and more like a quality-of-life upgrade—especially if you’re the type of rider who’s constantly hopping on and off for quick stops.
A quick reality check though: I’d still use a heavy-duty chain lock along with it. The built-in lock is awesome convenience, not a substitute for serious security.
Display and app experience (where the “smart” really matters)
The screen is bright, clear, and genuinely useful. I like that it shows the usual ride data (speed, trip mileage, average/max speed, and power consumption), but the real value is how much control it gives you over the bike.
My favorite feature is navigation. Instead of keeping my phone mounted and staring at it, I can follow directional prompts on the display itself. For city riding and unfamiliar routes, that’s a big deal.
Also, the firmware update capability via the app is exactly what I want from smart EV gear. The idea that the display and features can improve over time (without replacing hardware) makes the bike feel more future-proof.
Lighting that’s actually ride-changing
The integrated headlight is rated at 1,600 lumens and it looks the part.
I tested the different modes and it’s legitimately bright—bright enough that it changes how confident I feel riding into darker streets. It also includes:
High beam and low beam modes
A flash mode
An ambient light sensor (dusk-to-dawn style auto on/off)
For commuting, that auto light behavior is underrated. One less thing to remember when you’re heading out at weird hours.
How it rides (the part that matters)
Once I switched into off-road mode and rolled on power, the first thing I noticed was how smooth the takeoff felt. It doesn’t have that awkward on/off surge that some hub-motor bikes get. It felt controlled and confident, with a strong push when I asked for it.
The bike has two ride modes: commuting and off-road. In practice, that translates into different feel and response. Off-road mode gives you more torque and a more aggressive setup, which is exactly what I wanted when testing acceleration and top speed.
Acceleration and speed
In my top-speed run, it climbed quickly and capped out right at 28 mph on pedal assist, which is what I expect from a Class 3 setup.
What impressed me more than the number was the tuning. It feels like a bike that was dialed-in intentionally, not just “unlocked” to go fast.
Comfort and handling
The swept-back bars and comfortable saddle made the bike feel easy to live with. Add the air suspension fork up front and it takes the edge off rougher pavement and random street imperfections.
The tires have more of a road-leaning, dual-sport style tread. To me, that matches the identity of the bike: primarily a commuter, but not fragile—more like “city plus.”
Braking
The Tektro two-piston hydraulic brakes felt strong when I tested stopping power. That confidence matters a lot on a Class 3 bike, especially when you’re mixing with traffic speeds.
Controls and cockpit nitpicks
The throttle is a left-hand thumb throttle. It works fine, but personally I’d prefer a right-hand thumb throttle (or even a twist throttle). That’s not a dealbreaker—just a preference that stood out once I started riding harder and paying attention to hand positioning.
Who I think this bike is for
I’d put the Favorite Hybrid Pro ST at the top of the list for riders who want:
A Class 3 commuter that doesn’t look overly “moped-ish”
Smart security and keyless-style access (RFID/Bluetooth/app)
Integrated navigation without needing a phone mount
A truly bright, integrated headlight with an ambient sensor
If you’re mostly riding mellow bike paths and never need security features beyond a standard lock, some of this tech might feel like extra. But if you commute, run errands, or park outside regularly, the smart features start to make a lot of sense.
What We Like
Intelligent motorized rear-wheel lock is genuinely useful (and feels premium)
RFID, passcode, and app-based unlocking makes quick stops easier
Integrated navigation on the display reduces reliance on a phone mount
1,600-lumen headlight is extremely bright, with high/low beam and auto sensor
Smooth power delivery and great overall tune, especially in off-road mode
Comfortable step-through ergonomics with swept-back bars
Confident braking from hydraulic discs
Things To Consider
I still recommend using a heavy-duty chain lock along with the integrated lock
Left-hand thumb throttle may not be everyone’s favorite setup
Range will vary a lot depending on assist level, terrain, rider weight, and speed expectations
Final Thoughts
The Favorite Hybrid Pro ST feels like a glimpse of where e-bikes are headed: not just faster or bigger batteries, but a better day-to-day experience through thoughtful integration.
The speed is there, the ride is smooth, and the comfort is legit—but the reason I’d recommend it is the way the smart system actually improves ownership. Keyless-style unlocking, built-in navigation, and auto-sensing lighting are the kinds of features you don’t realize you want until they’re done well.
Links
Favorite Hybrid Pro ST Ebike (Save $100 when you apply the RUNPLAYBACK coupon code): https://www.favoritebikes.com/products/hybrid_pro_st?sca_ref=3773319.SZ8vbaDVBH
Bell Super 3R MIPS Bike Helmet: https://amzn.to/3TJ1vTR
Fox Racing Bike Gloves: https://amzn.to/40P5SyQ
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Veeape Electric Air Pump: https://amzn.to/3LPLTf9
Denlix Military Sling Bag: https://amzn.to/3LTKN2c
Lamicall Bike Phone Mount: https://amzn.to/3LXmD6O
Onvian Wireless Bike Alarm: https://amzn.to/42KUgyE
RunPlayBack Merch: http://shop.runplayback.com/