Last Updated on February 6, 2024 by Igor Karni
Australian company RILU has been operating in the e-bike industry since 2013 in Melbourne, Victoria. Its founders and two-man team, Kurt and Alex, opted to acquire knowledge about electric bike manufacturing overseas, particularly in China, first. The former decided to start RILU Trading Pty Ltd. in the said year after returning to Australia, investing three full years in mastering e-bike design.
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Experience and deep knowledge of the electric bike are arguably the keys to RILU’s success. They also chose to cater solely to Australians, with the continuous goal of providing low-cost, eco-friendly, and reliable transportation for people of all ages and stature. Lastly, RILU takes pride in having its e-bike designed locally and manufactured to European standards.
RILU e-Bikes Review: Model Lines
| E-Bike Line | Type |
| E-Glider | Commuter |
| POGO | Fat, Folding, Mountain |
| URBAN | Folding |
| BOLT | Road, Commuter |
| ONYX | Road, Commuter |
| ROADIE | Fat, Folding, Mountain |
RILU E-Bikes: A True Australian Gem
There’s an almost distinct balance between urban and offroad options in the RILU catalog, though it slightly leans toward the former. There are six e-bike lines at present. Three options can smoothly fall under the commuter category, and the other three are notably a mix of folding, road, fat, and eMTB.
Folding and eMTB rarely combine and the fact that RILU has two e-bike lines that fall under this category speaks volumes about the brand’s originality. Lastly, all the models come with a two-year conditional warranty, which is always a neat bonus.
Read also: What are the best-known e-bike brands in Australia? And, What are e-bike financing options in Australia?
RILU E-Glider Commuter Model Line
The E-Glider is arguably the most popular e-bike in this company’s catalog. It’s a solid classic-inspired commuter offering, with its step-thru frame, upright handlebars, and remarkably lightweight that only tops at 24 kg.
The E-Glider 7D is the second and current generation in this line, which has been improved to impart better comfort. It can guarantee between 50 to 90 km of range, which translates to a maximum of 55 miles (90 km) per full charge. That’s superb, considering the price.
It has all the niceties you’d rear rack with a mounted folding lock, integrated front, and rear LED lights, and rack battery with a rear light. Another notable feature is the Easy Start Thumb throttle that helps you start riding or get off the line quickly. Take note that other RILU models smoothly integrate this feature as well, especially in their commuter and road offerings.
We invite you to take a closer look at the RILU E-Glider Commuter electric bike model line here.
Read also: How to select the best commuter e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article. And, how much does a commuter e-bike cost?
RILU POGO Folding eMTB Model Line
The POGO is the more popular folding option in the RILU catalog. It’s also one of the two that allegedly functions as an eMTB as well. Given the overall build and fat design, it’s more of a general offroad, all-terrain e-bike that happens to have the folding perk as well. It’s a model you certainly won’t hesitate to lug around with you on a road trip given the lightweight 24-kg heft.
The “ultra-wide” Kendra tires ensure topnotch comfort and stability while riding through even the roughest terrains. The range can reach up to 43 miles (70 km), which is again above average, but the lowest value of this, depending on your motor assist setting, can go as low as 24 miles (40 km). Still, that’s remarkable for something as lightweight, in more ways than one, as this e-bike.
Besides the quick-folding frame and nifty front rack, the battery is also removable, making it easy to charge while on the go.
We invite you to take a closer look at the RILU POGO Folding eMTB model line here.
Read also: How to select the best folding e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a good foldable e-bike cost?
RILU URBAN Folding E-Bike Line
This is more of a standard folding e-bike offering in that it centers on urban riding and the regular commute. RILU manages to lower the weight more a bit to just 19.4 kg, which is crucial for an e-bike that you may have to carry around with you while you’re out commuting.
The range is limited to 20 to 30 miles (30-50 km) for a single charge, but that should be obvious for an e-bike designed with short, regular commutes in mind. The 20 miles (30 km) can be achieved even if you decide to opt for the full-speed (assist) throttle, making sure that you won’t arrive at work drenched in sweat.
Once folded, it’s relatively compact, very portable, and ideal for storage even for those with limited space to work with. It’s got an LED display with all the right parameters and the wide plush saddle and adjustable handlebars ensure top-notch comfort.
We invite you to take a closer look at the RILU URBAN Folding model line here.
Read also: How to select the best city e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article, and this article. And, How much does a good city e-bike cost?
RILU BOLT E-Bike Model Line
The BOLT is more of a hybrid road commuter considering its sporty look and ability to handle a bit of offroading. It’s also very light thanks to the apparent 24 kg standard in most model lines. Considering the comfort and safety-oriented design and overall versatility, this is one bike we won’t hesitate to regard as an all-around transport you can use for the regular commute and even some lengthy touring.
This is only supported by the adequate range you can get out of it, around 50 miles (80 km) at most with every charge. RILU pulls no punches in guaranteeing safety with the wider tires, reflective pedals and tires, and front and rear lights. If the brakes had been hydraulic and not just standard disc ones, this model would have gotten an A+ in safety.
We invite you to take a closer look at the RILU BOLT electric bike model line here.
Read also: How to select the best road e-bike (with examples)? – and also in this article. And, How much does a good road e-bike cost?
RILU ONYX E-Bike Model Line
The ONYX is directly related to the BOLT, to the point that it shares plenty if not all of the features of the latter. Range and weight-wise the two are virtually the same. The other components that assure safety and comfort are also similar.
What makes the ONYX different is the step-over frame, which makes mounting and dismounting a breeze. It also incorporates an upgraded fork suspension that ensures optimal handling even when you encounter a few obstacles or rough spots here and there while riding. With that considered, this is a better option for less-experienced riders or those who want more comfort while riding a sporty commuter.
We invite you to take a closer look at the RILU ONYX electric bike model line here.
Read also: How to select the best cruiser e-bike? And, How much does a good cruiser e-bike cost?
RILU ROADIE Folding eMTB Model Line
The ROADIE is certainly one of the more heavy-duty folding bike offerings of RILU. It lets you add a second battery that can extend the range to the same as the sporty commuter offerings featured here. It also uses fat tires with adequate puncture protection. It can definitely manage trickier terrain and even the steepest inclines thanks to the high-torque motor.
As for comfort, for one, it uses a step-over frame. The adjustable stem and suspension seat post do well to boost it further. There’s a front and rear rack, the latter being designed for the mounting of the second battery. The icing on the cake is that it’s also foldable. Truly, this e-bike is a beast like no other.
We invite you to take a closer look at the RILU ROADIE Folding eMTB model line here.
Read also: How to select the best gravel e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a gravel e-bike cost?
What Is RILU’s Reputation Among E-Bike Riders?
RILU e-bikes are pretty much a household name in Australia. Many local riders, regardless of age, praise RILU e-bikes for their affordability that doesn’t sacrifice the quality. The owners are also known for their great customer service and the way they communicate directly to their customers regarding any kind of issue they might have.
Kurt and Alex really put their e-bike expertise to good use, and it shows in RILU’s models and the relative longevity that the company has enjoyed since its founding.
What Countries Does RILU Ship To?
As said above, RILU only services local customers. They have retailers in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, and New South Wales.
Read also: Check out the most popular e-bike brands.
Here is a quick video review of several e-bike models, including RILU’s Bolt model:
Igor is a sustainable mobility and green energy advocate. His mission for Easy E-biking is to help make electric cycling simple, practical, and fun. Follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
