Raleigh e-Bikes Review: Are These Bikes Any Good?

Last Updated on February 6, 2024 by Igor Karni

Easy E-Biking - Raleigh Stride e-bike, helping to make electric biking practical and fun

If we’re going to consider historical prestige alone, Raleigh immediately stands out above the rest. It was officially founded in 1887 in Nottingham, England, and has, more or less, become an integral part of British cycling culture. Much like most companies, old and new alike, it started out with a strong love for cycling. 

Its name is derived from the street where it began its first workshop: Raleigh Street. Based on its history, Raleigh is a company of firsts. For one, it was actually one of the first companies to develop and market e-bikes in the 90s. 

Raleigh e-Bikes Review: Model Lines

Raleigh E-bike Model LineE-bike Type
Motus / Motus TourHybrid
EvoFolding
Centros TourHybrid
Pro CargoCargo, Trike
ArrayHybrid
Stow E-WayFolding
FelixHybrid
StrideCargo

Raleigh’s standout e-bikes are its hybrid offerings, which set the bar for how versatile a standard electric bike can get. Almost any of the models under its hybrid e-bike lines can fall under the commuter, cruiser, city, road, or even arguably the eMTB categories. 

Think of e-bikes with low-step, cruiser frames yet having front suspension forks and relatively wide tires that allow some light to moderate offroading. Besides hybrids, the company also offers notable cargo, trike, and folding models. 

Raleigh Hybrid Model Line

Hybrids are where most of Raleigh’s variety and quantity in its models are apparent. Naturally, a lot of the positive reviews that the brand has gotten over the years and at present are found mostly on the lines that fall under this category. 

Easy E-Biking - Raleigh Motus e-bike, helping to make electric biking practical and fun
Photo credit Raleigh bikes

Plenty of the models take inspiration from classic bike frames, perhaps, as an homage to the long tradition that the brand has been preserving. Expect to have plenty of options when it comes to step-thru and step-overs and when getting the best frame for your height. Once you look at key specs, you’ll see that Raleigh doesn’t skimp on the components, especially the vital ones. 

The Motus line, which includes the New Tour Plus, for example, integrates a 40 Nm Bosch Active Line motor, which notably won a Red Dot Award in 2017. All Raleigh hybrid models rely on Bosch e-bike motors to power them, and if you’ve been around the industry for a long time, you know they’re pretty much up there with regard to reputation. Most of the motors are fairly quiet, too. 

Read also: Why fat tires are good news for electric bikes? And, How to select the best hybrid e-bike?

It also integrates the battery into the frame, which is a plus for those who want better protection for their batteries. As far as riding range goes, you can expect more from it from pricier options. Some manage only 40 to 60 miles (65-95 km), like in the Centros and original Motus, while others can get you up to 80 miles (130 km), which is the case in the New Motus Tour Plus. 

The general consensus among riders of the Array, Motus, Felix, and Motus lines is that they’re noticeably comfortable to ride, regardless of riding length. We can say the same for the models with step-thru frames and Selle Royal bike saddles, which have been praised for their memory foam cushions. 

Easy E-Biking - Raleigh Array e-bike, helping to make electric biking practical and fun
Photo credit Raleigh bikes

Most of the higher-end models are well worth it for the extra bucks, considering you’ll get to upgrade from Tektro mechanical disc brakes to more powerful hydraulic ones. The front suspension found in a lot of the models lets you do a little offroading. 

The latest Array model is a good example of this, which is pretty much a complete cruiser/commuter offering that comes with mudguards, step-thru frames, rear rack, kickstand, and front lights – all while remaining an entry-level option. On the whole, the Tour options offer the most versatility but don’t overlook these other models as well. 

Since they’re hybrids, it’s only natural for them to have all-round tires, and we can see this in the larger and wider tires. Some come with reflective strips, which is always a welcome plus. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Raleigh Hybrid model line here.

Raleigh Cargo Model Line

The Stride 2 E-Cargo model is designed to replace a car. Not surprisingly, it makes use of a more sizable cargo with the largest load capacity out of all cargo options.

Easy E-Biking - Raleigh Stride e-bike, helping to make electric biking practical and fun
Photo credit Raleigh bikes

It can accommodate two children and is powered by a specialized Bosch Performance CX Cargo Line motor, which can deliver up to 85 Nm of torque. It also has a 500Wh battery made by the same company with a range that tops at 40 miles (65 km).

Overall, it’s as much a family e-bike as a business e-bike. We can say the same for the Pro Cargo Bike and Trike models. We also like that the Stride 2 comes with front and rear lights, hydraulic disc brakes, full-metal mudguards, and a rear rack. 

The Business Cargo Trike, as its name readily suggests, is designed more for commerce and boasts up to a maximum load of 100kg. The two wheels at the front, in combination with the single wheel at the back, help to provide balance in more ways than one.

Easy E-Biking - Raleigh Pro Cargo e-bike, helping to make electric biking practical and fun
Photo credit Raleigh bikes

For the extra money you have to pay for it, it’s the more practical option compared to the Pro Cargo Bike because you’ll enjoy better support carrying all that extra load.

Read also: How to select the best cargo e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a good cargo e-bike cost?

The Trike also interestingly uses a Yamaha mid-drive motor with 250W and offers as much as 70 Nm of torque. The battery can manage up to 36 miles (60 km), which is decent. It comes with built-in lights and mudguards. 

Overall, it’s well-equipped to serve as a viable, eco-friendly alternative to driving a car, with all its specs considered. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Raleigh Cargo model line here.

Raleigh Folding Model Line

While the Stow E-Way is arguably the more popular folding option in the Raleigh catalog, the Evo is not exactly a pushover. It manages to maintain an excellent balance of range and convenience, after all. 

Easy E-Biking - Raleigh Stow Away e-bike, helping to make electric biking practical and fun
Photo credit Raleigh bikes

While it’s undoubtedly heavy, the integrated New TranzX 250W brushless motor accelerates relatively quickly and doesn’t produce much noise. The highest motor assistance level allows both models to climb moderately steep inclines. Admittedly, you’ll have to get used to the crank motion sensing system of the Stow E-Way, though, because it tends to result in a delayed motor assistance response.

Another plus is the battery, which lasts up to 30 miles (50 km) with a full charge. That’s already above average compared to most folding options available in the market. The geometry and design of both folding e-bikes of Raleigh make them comfortable to ride, even for those who aren’t used to folding models. 

Read also: How to select the best folding e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a good foldable e-bike cost?

Both the Evo and Stow E-Way folds up nicely. By this, we mean that it’s ideal for those with limited to work with when stowing an e-bike. That definitely makes up for the 20kg weight of the two, besides the fact that they’re both excellently specced for the price tags they come with.

You get LED light, too, as well as mudguards and a kickstand, and that’s more than enough accessories for the average commuter. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Raleigh Folding model line here.

Does Raleigh Offer a Manufacturer’s Warranty?

The frame has a 5-year coverage, while the electronic components such as the battery and motor have a 2-year one. The non-wearable parts are also included but with a shorter 12 to 24-month coverage. 

Natural wear and tear to these components exclude them from being covered. The same goes for improper maintenance, damage due to neglect, accidents, and misuse, as well as any alterations you conduct on them. 

Read also: What to think of a second-hand e-bike? And, What is e-bike resale value?

Is There a Trial Period for Its E-Bikes?

Yes. They’re fairly open to it, in fact, encouraging people to just contact their staff and bring the accessories they want to make the test ride as comfortable and authentic as possible. As you test a model out, you can freely ask any inquiries related to it to the attending staff. 

What Do Most Riders Think of Raleigh E-Bikes?

Raleigh has been around for, literally, ages, so it goes without saying that it’s a well-loved brand. It will always have that clout, one way or another. However, it wouldn’t have enjoyed such longevity if it didn’t actually listen to what riders wanted. 

Read also: Check out best UK travel destinations by electric bike.

Considering the standard qualities of a Raleigh e-bike, it’s a company that delivers what the average e-bike rider wants. It’s hard to come across companies that manage to slickly combine affordability and quality. This brand is undoubtedly a master of that and consumers (and critics) love it. 

What Countries Does Raleigh Ship To?

Raleigh offers free shipping as long as you’re residing in the mainland UK. It also doesn’t officially offer international shipping and only services “periphery locations” that include the Isle of Wight, Northern Island, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands for a price. 

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