Raleigh Electric Bike Review: Pros And Cons

Raleigh Electric Bike Review: An In-Depth Look

Selecting the perfect electric bike is a major decision, and a bit of a minefield – match technology to your lifestyle, ensure it is going to be enjoyable while also investing in a machine that will give you freedom. If you're here reading this product description, the name "Raleigh" has piqued your interest and for good reason. Time to grab life by the handlebars! Boasting a heritage that includes cycling great Martyn Ashton, this is a brand with a history, not to mention a roll call of pro cycling legends including Martyn Ashton. This review should aim to help clear through that clutter, providing a nuanced summary of what a Raleigh e-bike really has to offer. In this Raleigh electric bike review, we will take a look at their lineup, get under the skin of what it’s like to actually ride some of their best selling models, and evaluate all the important factors that you should take into account - so you can decide if a Raleigh electric bike is the ideal riding buddy for you.

Raleigh has a full line of electric bikes that takes the best parts of your ride and makes them even better. Their collections are organized and focused into groups of series. So here’s a simple guide to what they are telling us right now:
Motus Series (consisting of Motus, Motus Tour, and Motus Grand Tour)
Centros Series (Centros / Centros Tour / Centros Grand Tour)
Array Series
Felix and Felix Plus
Strada Elite Electric
Trace
Mustang Comp Electric
Captus

Riding the Raleigh E-Bikes: Motus, Array, and Centros

We now turn our attention to the real pleasure of getting our hands dirty riding a few of the highly sought after Raleighs. A spec sheet is the mid-point; the bike's real soul is laid bare on the road. In this review, we will take a look at Motus Grand Tour, Array, and Centros. The Motus Grand Tour is our top-of-the-range touring hybrid. The emphasis on comfort is obvious as soon as you leg over the low-step frame. The more upright riding position and plush saddle alongside the suspension seatpost all work in unison to help even out city imperfections. The Bosch Active Line Plus motor is refined, with power delivery that’s buttery smooth and completely intuitive, with no sudden lurches or feeling of aggression. It feels like a strong, even tailwind the entire time, like hills are nothing. You find the quality in the details: the battery that’s seamlessly integrated into the down tube, the bright, built-in lights and the stout rear rack ready for panniers. It’s a bike that inspires confidence and is not out of place commuting every day or taking on the backroads at the weekend. The Array, by contrast, is pitched as a slightly more affordable toe-dip in the Raleigh e-bike world. It’s simple utility done well. The rear hub motor gives an obvious push off the line, which is excellent for accelerating with traffic. Not quite as refined as that on the Bosch mid-drive on the Motus, but perfectly good and reliable. It’s predictable and stable to ride, and that semi-integrated battery has a clean look to it too. As a workhorse for the rider in need of a reliable, no frills electric bike for short trips around town, running errands, or cruising the park the Array is hard to beat. The Centros is the top of the range of Raleigh touring and trekking bikes. Riding the Centros is more like piloting a high-end automobile. The Bosch Performance Line motor is incredibly strong, delivering a huge amount of torque in the steepest parts of your ride, even if you are fully loaded. The handling was surprisingly composed owing to a solid frame and nice components. Every decision, from the hydraulic disc brakes down to the wide-range gearing, seems carefully considered for long-range durability. It's the kind of bike that you would pick without hesitation for a multi-day tour, because you know it can take whatever punishment the trip can dish out.

The Raleigh Advantage: Quality Components and Dealer Support

Further than the ride of individual models a purchaser needs to consider what Raleigh, by the way it is built, is offering. One of the hallmarks of Raleigh’s excellence is the use of systems proven by industry leaders, like top-tier motors from Bosch. This is not a thing; it’s an ecosystem. Choosing a bike with a Bosch motor means you are getting one of the most common, quiet and efficient power units in the world, supported by wide service networks. This would be a key confidence point. Another is Raleigh's legacy in building frames. The result is a balanced and durable frame with classic and simple design that certainly captivates bikers who prefer to fly under the radar of loud, flashy design trends. In addition, buying a Raleigh bike often requires buying from a local dealer. It’s a great opportunity to test in order to make a decision on model, get sizing advice, and establish rapport for future servicing and ongoing support from a brick-and-mortar store — something the online-only guys can’t provide. Efficiency, comfort and practicality for the daily ride rather than all-out off-road ability or featherweight race performance are the messages we get from the brand. If you value a comfortable commute, slow weekend strolls around town, and peace of mind that comes with a trusted name and strong support, Raleigh is making a very strong argument to your other half.

Yes, Raleigh's legacy and dealer network are positives, but today the e-bike market is filled with innovative brands that are market leaders in the niches that matter most, especially to the instrumented urban warrior. For riders seeking a combination of cutting-edge technology, sleek design and affordable prices, other options such as ENGWE may be worth considering. Take the ENGWE P275 SE, for instance, which is a lesson in lively city commuting. Its key selling point is a fancy torque sensor that responds to pedaling inputs in a mere 50 milliseconds, giving you very natural, linear and silky acceleration. Based on the design of the E-SATS AI algorithm motor from ENGWE, the 250W motor can deliver power on demand to put an end to that irritating lag. This is the kind of bike that you want to travel far on, with a maximum range of 100 km on a single charge with its 36V 13Ah removable battery. Safety and comfort come first, with a strong hydraulic disc brake, a Shimano 7-speed gearbox, and a thoughtful Dutch style upright riding position complemented by an ergonomic swallow handlebar. The smart LCD color display provides constant data about your rides, all conveniently pushed to you through its App connection, while the I-PAS system contributes to its lean, green machine status.

Raleigh E-Bike Model Comparison

To make it easier for you to distinguish between Raleigh’s own popular models, I have pulled together the following comparison table that targets a few key elements which will affect the way each bike rides.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raleigh E-Bikes

Here are five questions that potential buyers have about Raleigh electric bikes, along with detailed answers.

How long can I ride a Raleigh e-bike from one charge?

This value can differ a lot depending on the model, battery size (in Watt-hours, Wh) and other factors. A model such as the Array with a 400Wh battery could provide 40-60 km, whereas a Centros with a 625Wh battery could achieve over 100 km or more in perfect conditions! But how far you really get (and how many hills you can master) depends on the level of assistance you use, the hilliness of your terrain, your weight, tire pressure, and even the weather. Raleigh’s adoption of efficient Bosch systems tends to result in a very decent range for battery size, but consider the stated maximums as you would for a car: an ideal-case scenario.

What’s the difference practically speaking between a mid-motor (e.g. Motus/Centros) and a hub motor (e.g. Array)?

This is a critical user experience difference. In the case of a mid-drive motor, it is located at the cranks of the bike and provides power directly to the drivetrain. It’s much more akin to how you naturally cycle (using the gears of a bike) and it is extremely effective on hills. It also offers better weight balance, resulting in better handling. A hub motor is in the front or rear wheel. It has a specific ‘pushing’ or ‘pulling’ feel. Hub motors are quite reliable and often more affordable, though sometimes less intuitive, and they might not be as efficient on very steep, sustained climbs.

Are Raleigh e-bikes considered heavy?

Yes, like all electric bikes Raleigh models are a little heavier than non-electric bikes thanks to all the extra bits and a few extra pounds for the motor, battery, and a more substantial frame. The average weight of a Raleigh e-bike is around 23-28 kg. This mass is definitely noticeable when moving the bike, but once you are up and riding, the extra poundage is rendered mostly null by the motor’s assist. In many instances, the extra mass helps provide a more stable and planted road feel.

Is it worth the higher price of a Raleigh e-bike over some brands you find online?

This depends on your priorities. The reason for Raleigh’s price point is threefold: it is the use of top-quality and long-lasting components that include Bosch motor systems and Shimano gearing; the quality of the frame build, which comes from over 130 years of making bikes; and, very importantly, the dealer network. The fact that you have the opportunity to get pre-sale advice, test rides, professional assembly, and continued local service and warranty support proves to be a real advantage that most online-only brands can’t match. You are investing in an ownership experience and complete peace of mind and not just a product in a box.

Who is the best customer for a Raleigh e-bike?

For raw power and the latest tech, go elsewhere. The best Raleigh customer is someone who seeks reliability, comfort and classic design over pure propulsion. They are most probably a daily commuter, a leisure rider who takes pleasure in weekend roads and country lanes or a tourer gearing up for longer stints. They like that it’s all but guaranteed the brand will stand behind its name after you fork over that kind of cash and that it’s got the support and service of a dedicated local bike shop on your side. They would prefer a bike that is easy to operate, comfortable during long hours of in-the-saddle time, and one that is built to last for many years of enjoyment.

In the end, a Raleigh electric bike is a great investment in dependable, comfortable and classically styled cycling for the discriminating cyclist.