I obtained a review unit of the Hypershell X Ultra S exoskeleton to evaluate during a trip to the Grand Canyon. My main goal was to determine if the device could assist me, a 50-year-old weighing 270 pounds, in matching the pace of my 15-year-old daughter who competes in sports.

The unit relies on a 5,000-mAh battery to drive its motors. These motors connect to straps around the thighs and aim to extend leg motion beyond what a rider achieves unaided.

Hiking is not the sole function of the Hypershell system. During trials I discovered a dedicated cycling setting.

Although a 50-year-old larger rider does not fit the usual cyclist image, I have ridden for 15 years until e-bikes diminished my interest. As a tech reviewer I encounter fresh gadgets regularly, and several e-bike tests in recent years left my Trek 7.1 unused in the garage rafters. The Hypershell gave me a reason to retrieve the bike and resume riding, which I did.

My three-ride comparison of the Hypershell and an e-bike

With extensive e-bike experience already, I wanted to learn whether the Hypershell X Ultra S could deliver comparable benefits to a conventional bicycle. This is an ambitious goal, yet success would allow an upgrade at roughly 1,999 dollars, below many mid-tier e-bikes and well under premium models.

My Chicago suburb neighborhood features constant slopes. Although not mountainous, every route involves climbing or descending. I adapted to these conditions over years of riding but lost fitness once e-bikes handled the effort.

To gauge the Hypershell X Ultra S I first rode the unassisted Trek over a chosen 6.5-mile course at an easy pace.

After returning home I waited for my heart rate to normalize, then attached the exoskeleton and repeated the route.

Following another rest period I took my preferred e-bike, the Engwe LE 20, for a final pass that relied partly on motor assistance.

Observed results on speed, duration and heart rate

The initial unassisted ride proved difficult. I paused for several minutes near the end before finishing. The hills and wind left me exhausted, yet I completed the loop without further incident.

The second outing with the Hypershell X Ultra S felt smoother. The device actively assisted leg motion downward as intended.

I set the unit to Hyper mode at roughly half power. Higher settings produced less benefit because the device shifted on my back, offsetting some assistance and causing discomfort.

The third ride on the Engwe LE 20 proved easiest overall. Its pedal torque sensor detects resistance and activates the motor accordingly. The Trek weighs 25 to 30 pounds while the Engwe reaches 120 pounds.

Throughout the three rides I used a Pixel Watch 4 to record heart rate and average speed, with the Asics Runkeeper app serving as backup. The collected figures appear below.

Trip	Avg speed (mph)	Active time	Avg heart rate	Peak heart rate	Light HR zone	Moderate HR zone	Vigorous HR zone
No help	9.5	43:33:00	131	145	1:27:00	11:43:00	30:21:00
Hypershell	9.6	42:04:00	132	144	0:06:00	7:52:00	33:40:00
E-bike	11.52	34:21:00	100	116	31:05:00	3:37:00	0:00:00

The data show the Hypershell produced little change in speed or average heart rate. Time in the vigorous zone increased while moderate-zone time decreased. Given my current fitness level, incomplete recovery after 90 minutes of rest may explain the readings. I felt fine, yet the heart-rate numbers suggest otherwise.

Subjectively the second ride left me less fatigued than the first, and I avoided any mid-ride stop. Whether the exoskeleton deserves full credit remains uncertain. Mild back soreness appeared afterward, possibly from the device or simply from riding 13 miles after a long layoff.

Final thoughts on Hypershell versus e-bike

I may not represent the intended user for this product. The exoskeleton augments existing ability rather than creating new fitness. Repeating the test after months of training could yield different outcomes.

One conclusion stands out: for a non-athlete seeking more riding time, an e-bike offers the simpler solution. Yet a former cyclist who already owns a quality bike may find the Hypershell X Ultra S useful for occasional support that encourages more rides.

In either case, whether using the Hypershell on a regular bike or riding an e-bike, the activity itself delivers benefits.

Editors' note: The author's travel costs related to the launch of the Hypershell X Ultra S were covered by Hypershell and Finn Partners. The judgments and opinions of CNET are our own.