Quick Overview
Maybe two wheels feel shaky with a load of groceries. Maybe 25 km/h e-bikes feel too slow for your commute. Either way, the Fafrees F20 Mate HS was built for you: a three-wheel electric trike with a 500W motor, a 30 km/h top speed and full EU road approval, in a frame that folds.
It's the #1 product in Fafrees' Best Sellers collection, with 94 customer reviews on its product page. It's certified under EU regulation L2e-P, which is what allows the extra power and speed. This Fafrees F20 Mate HS review covers performance, range, safety, the right battery to pick, and how to get it for €1,799 instead of €2,599.
Heads-up for US & UK readers: this model is sold by Fafrees' EU store (prices in euros, delivery to EU countries only). As an L2e-P vehicle it's for riders 16+ with an AM or B licence and must be registered for road use.
Key Features of the Fafrees F20 Mate HS
Hills and heavy loads stop being a problem. The 500W hub motor peaks at 750W with 65 Nm of torque, double the 250W of a standard EU e-bike. On the reinforced frame you can carry up to 180 kg in total.
Go further between charges. Choose a 48V 21Ah battery (Fafrees quotes 65–85 km) or a 23.45Ah battery (75–90 km). That's a week of short commutes for many riders.
Stops as confidently as it goes. Triple hydraulic brakes (front plus dual rear) give you more stopping power than a two-wheeler. Dual parking-brake levers keep the trike from rolling on slopes while you load it.
Corners like a car, not a cart. A speed differential lets the rear wheels turn at different speeds, so turns feel smoother and the tires wear less.
A plush, sure-footed ride. Front-fork and rear-shock suspension work with 20×3.0″ CST fat tires, so gravel, cobblestones, snow and sand feel tame.
Road-ready out of the box. Turn signals, horn, mirrors, headlight, an LCD color display with walk mode, a low step-through frame, and a frame that folds for storage.
| Spec | Fafrees F20 Mate HS |
|---|---|
| Certification | EU L2e-P (Reg. 168/2013), 30 km/h |
| Motor | 500W hub · 750W peak · 65 Nm |
| Battery | 48V 21Ah or 23.45Ah |
| Claimed range | 65–85 km / 75–90 km (≈ 40–56 mi) |
| Tires | CST 20 × 3.0″ fat tires |
| Brakes | Triple hydraulic + dual parking levers |
| Suspension | Front fork + rear shock |
| Max payload | 180 kg (≈ 397 lb) |
| Seat height | 82–106 cm |
| Size | 174 × 74 cm · folded 100 × 74 × 82 cm |
F20 Mate HS vs F20 Mate vs F20 Mate II
Fafrees sells three versions of the Mate. Here's how they compare, using Fafrees' own comparison data:
| F20 Mate HS | F20 Mate | F20 Mate II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | €1,999 | €1,799 | €2,199 |
| Certification / speed | L2e-P · 30 km/h | EN15194 · 25 km/h | EN15194 · 25 km/h |
| Motor | 500W · 65 Nm | 250W · 65 Nm | 250W · 65 Nm |
| Battery / range | 21/23.45Ah · up to 85/90 km | 20Ah · up to 80 km | 21/25Ah · up to 85/100 km |
| Assist sensor | Cadence | Cadence | Torque |
| Turn signals | Included | Not included | Included |
| Best for | Higher speed, certified road use | Cargo & value | Easy handling, natural assist |
Pick the HS if you want the most power and speed and don't mind a licence and registration. Pick the F20 Mate if you'd rather ride with no licence at e-bike speed. Pick the Mate II for the smoothest, most natural pedal assist and the longest range.
Who It's For
Perfect if you…
- want three-wheel stability, whether you're an older rider, less confident on two wheels, or carrying kids' gear or shopping
- commute in the suburbs where 25 km/h feels slow
- carry heavy loads regularly (up to 180 kg total)
- ride on mixed surfaces like gravel, cobbles or winter roads
Skip it if… you live outside the EU, you don't want to deal with a licence and registration, or you need something narrow for tight bike paths and small elevators (it's 74 cm wide).
Pricing: How Much Does the F20 Mate HS Cost?
At the time of writing, the F20 Mate HS (21Ah) is €1,999 on Fafrees' official EU store, down from €2,599, a €600 saving. Fafrees is also promoting code FALL10, which brings it to €1,799, a total of €800 off the regular price. It's a seasonal code, so it may end without notice.
| Configuration | Price (21Ah) | Price (23.45Ah) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Combo | €1,999 | €2,599 |
| + Front Basket | €2,069 | €2,639 |
| + Enlarged Rear Rack + Front Basket (free) | €2,169 | €2,699 |
Every order includes:
- Free shipping, taxes and duties included, shipping from an EU warehouse in about 2 working days
- 30-day returns and a 1-year warranty
- Free accessories gift box, added to the cart automatically
- Pay in 30 days or in monthly installments, plus optional accident protection (with AIG)
→ Check today's price on Fafrees
Pros and Cons
Pros
- #1 best-seller at Fafrees, with 94 reviews
- 500W motor (750W peak, 65 Nm) handles hills and heavy loads
- Road-legal 30 km/h with EU L2e-P certification and turn signals
- Three-wheel stability, triple hydraulic brakes and a rear differential
- Up to 90 km of claimed range with the bigger battery
- 180 kg payload, fat tires and dual suspension
- Free shipping, 30-day returns and a 1-year warranty
Cons
- Needs an AM/B licence and registration, for riders 16+
- EU-only store, with no shipping to the US or UK
- Wide (74 cm) and bulky even when folded
- Cadence sensor (the Mate II has a smoother torque sensor)
- The 23.45Ah battery adds €600
FAQ
Do I need a licence for the Fafrees F20 Mate HS?
Yes. Fafrees states it's certified under EU Regulation 168/2013 (L2e-P) for riders aged 16+ with a valid AM or B licence, and it must be registered before road use.
How far can the F20 Mate HS go on one charge?
Fafrees quotes 65–85 km with the 21Ah battery and 75–90 km with the 23.45Ah battery. Real-world range depends on load, terrain, weather and assist level.
How fast does the F20 Mate HS go?
It's certified for speeds up to 30 km/h, compared with 25 km/h for standard EU e-bikes such as the regular F20 Mate.
Is the F20 Mate HS foldable?
Yes. It has a folding step-through frame. Folded, it measures 100 × 74 × 82 cm.
Is there a discount code for the F20 Mate HS?
At the time of writing, Fafrees promotes code FALL10 on the product page (€1,999 → €1,799). You can also use code TRUNGPHAM for 6% off. See the coupons on this page for the latest offers.
Does Fafrees ship to the US?
Not from this store. fafreesebike.com ships e-bikes from warehouses in Poland, Germany and France to EU countries.
Is the Fafrees F20 Mate HS Worth It?
Yes, if you're in the EU and want a trike that's genuinely road-legal at 30 km/h, the F20 Mate HS is one of the most complete packages for the money. You get a 500W motor, up to 90 km of range, triple hydraulic brakes, 180 kg of cargo capacity and a folding frame, plus free shipping, 30-day returns and a free accessories box. With FALL10 it drops to €1,799, €800 below its regular price. Get the F20 Mate HS on Fafrees →