Redline Electric Bike Review: Is Redline A Good Brand?

Redline's BMX Soul, Electrified

When a name like Redline, a company who is immersed in over 50 years of BMX lore and culture, makes the jump to the e-bike game, we tend to pay attention. Prospective buyers want more than just another e-bike; they are asking if Redline electric bikes share the same soul, toughness, and rebellious spirit that Redline brought to the classic BMX. This could be said because the bike was manufactured by Redline, the legendary BMX bikes manufacturer. This review aims to resolve the confusion. In this deep dive, we’ll explore what the Redline e-bike experience is all about, who it’s for, how it works, and whether it truly holds up to the legacy suggested by its namesake to help you decide whether this is the right electric bike for your life.

Redline's introduction to the e-bike market is targeted, built around a key product that reflects what it means to be Redline. Instead of watering down their offering with a big, sloppy line of bikes, they’ve focused on making their electrified bike a real Redline. Their flagship product in their portfolio of e-bikes is the Redline RL-e Electric Bike. This iteration is the brand's calling card in the e-bike world. It's a single core model but one which frequently comes in multiple colorways which might as well be separate options for fans. But it is just that, essentially: a powerful, fun, BMX-style machine. The game plan is simple – do one thing and do it very well, with the rider’s expectations being high to carry on the legacy of the Redline name.

The Riding Experience: Raw, Engaging, and Fun

It's no exaggeration that the instant you throw a leg over the Redline RL-e, you know this is not your average commuter e-bike. It’s also a raw and supremely engaging experience. The first impression upon finally seeing it assembled was just how big it was. The geometry of the frame yells BMX; the beefy tubes and aggressive stance give it away. The massive 24-inch wheels are wrapped in a fat, grippy tire that makes it look like this thing could take on anything from city pavement to dirt pump tracks. The build is substantial to the touch; each weld is clean and all the parts, from the taut Tektro mechanical disc brakes to the handsome aluminum platform pedals, feel selected for their ability to withstand stress, rather than accommodate leisurely sightseeing.

Powering up is easy, and the easy-to-read display lets you know your battery level and assist mode. The true magic of it all is in the pedaling. The potent hub motor delivers a sudden jolt that will send the rear tire loose on gravel before you know it. It’s a delightful, grin-inducing jolt of power that feels less like an “assist” and more like a “boost.” Riding the RL-e is an engaging experience. With the single-speed drivetrain, you’re directly tied into the bike’s momentum, employing the motor’s kick to shoot off the line, and your own body English to dance through turns. It tells you to get up on the pedals, hop off curbs, and make like a rat in finding creative lines through the urban landscape. This is no bike for idly getting from A to B; it’s a contraption for making every journey into an adventure. The sensation is of freedom and playfulness, a world away from more utilitarian e-bikes.

Who is the Redline RL-e For, and What Are the Alternatives?

Though the RL-e is a blast to ride, there are a few things a potential owner should know beforehand. This is a niche electric bicycle, and its very strengths are what will alienate the biggest possible number of its potential riders.

First: This is a lifestyle and a legacy you are purchasing, know that. Redline hasn't created a generic e-bike, instead electrifying the BMX experience. That’s a huge benefit if you have BMX culture in your veins, or just always admired it. The bike’s style, from the old-school Redline graphics to the DUBS-inspired 26-inch V-bar, is a throwback to the roots of Radness. It’s a conversation starter that speaks of a love for cycling culture.

Secondly: This bike is about having fun, not providing a service. It usually doesn’t have fenders, a rack, or built-in lights, further emphasizing its role as a fun vehicle. But though it can certainly tackle a commute, its heart is also in weekend jaunts, to-ing and fro-ing to skateparks, and turning quick errands into a turbocharged sprint. The single-speed design is smart for keeping things simple and being durable, but you’re totally relying on the motor’s power to get up hills, rather than having both gears and assist. The benefit here is the near minimal maintenance and robustness of the drivetrain, perfect for a bike that welcomes aggressive riding. The build quality is another big plus; Redline has always been able to build stout bikes that can take a beating and that carries over with both the frame and component selection.

For riders wanting something more than a specialized pleasure cruiser, and closer to a premium urban commuter, the market poses some serious alternatives that put value on different aspects. A brand such as ENGWE, for instance, has made a name for itself by designing city electric bikes that are high-tech and perform extremely well. Their ENGWE P275 SE is the masterclass in this philosophy. Built for today's Main Street and cafe racer riders, the P275 SE is constructed with a high-precision torque sensor that provides an unforgettably smooth and intuitive riding experience. This intelligent sensor responds in a mere 50 milliseconds – which is exceedingly fast – allowing the power assist to feel like a seamless extension of your effort, unlike the distinct boost provided by a cadence-based system. It delivers uninterrupted power to the wheel based on ENGWE’s patented E-SATS algorithm, which is great for cruising through city traffic with numerous stops and starts. Designed for endurance and convenience, with a maximum range of up to 100km on one charge from its 36V 13Ah battery which can be removed, the P275 SE. That adds up to less time spent, overall, charging and more freedom to take longer, more circuitous routes home. Attention to detail and thoughtful design make for excellent comfort and safety, including an upright Dutch-style riding position, an adjustable stem, powerful 160mm hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power, and a Shimano 7-speed transmission that makes taking on everything from flat city streets to hills a smooth ride. With the smart app connection, you could find more real-time ride stats on your phone. This electric bike has an exclusive design with its almost hidden battery that keeps away the heavy and ugly look of the battery tube as for most e-bikes, so every detail of this e-bike shows that it’s an electric bike. Only when you ride the P275 SE does that sensation fade away, and you feel like riding a sleek and noble regular mountain bike, and this is the level of refined technology geared for a comfortable and efficient daily rider.

Redline RL-e Detailed Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions for Potential Buyers

Is the Redline RL-e suitable for daily commuting?

It’s very specific to your commute and preferences. If your commute is short, largely on the flat and you value the buzz and the bling above all else, then it can be an awesome commuter. It’s quick and nimble and transforms a slog into a hoot. But you might find it less practical if your commute involves significant hills, you need to tote gear (a laptop and a change of clothes, say), or you tend to ride in the rain regularly. With the single-speed drivetrain, that means a bit more motor power to get up those hills, and the absence of fenders and a cargo rack are big misses for a commuter.

How does (and why?) that e-bike single-speed system work, and is it a disadvantage?

As with single-speed bicycles, a single-speed e-bike leans on the motor to deliver the power variation you’d get from gears. On the RL-e, you can choose the pedal-assist level (PAS) on the display. At low PAS levels you get a nice push. At the top level, you receive a strong surge to help you get up to your top speed faster. The benefit is simplicity, reliability and very low maintenance — no shifters or derailleurs to fuss with or break. The downside: You have little nuanced control over your pedaling cadence. You cannot switch to a lower gear for a steep hill, so you must rely only on the motor’s torque, which can cause the battery to drain faster. For fun and cruising, which the RL-e is built for, it’s a great system.

How much range can I get on the Redline RL-e?

The advertised range is an average based on ideal conditions (flat terrain, no wind, average rider weight). The actual range is also very much determined by your riding style with the RL-e. Because this bike promotes aggressive, high-power riding—full-throttle accelerations, sustained top speed, bathing in the glow of the motor—most riders will experience less than the max figure when out on the road. I would expect a mixed-use ride with lots of high-assist fun to be in the 20-30 mile range. Laying off the throttle, and keeping a light pedal, and riding in the lowest level of assist you can indeed stretch that pretty far.

Can I perform BMX tricks with the Redline RL-e?

Though it may have been inspired by BMX bikes and it is indeed very durable, the RL-e is still an electric bike and is much heavier than your typical BMX bike. Perfect for manuals (wheelies!) and bunny hops on and off curbs, riding in the park, and flowing through bike and pump tracks. Its solid frame and parts make it suitable for this sort of light to moderate recreational trick riding. But it is not meant for serious, high-impact freestyle BMX tricks like big dirt jumps or grinding rails or big drops, because the weight of the added battery and motor alters the balance of the bike and places different stresses on the frame.

How does the Redline brand compare in e-bikes?

With its brand equity, along with its custom product design, the value of Redline is not just in the parts. In cost-per-component dollar value, there are other e-bikes with the same specs for less. But you're not just getting a motor and a battery, you're getting a Redline. It’s a quality frame, the BMX geometry is on point, and the overall construction is meant to be bomb-proof—they’re built by hand and built to last, something we’ve come to expect from the brand. It has tremendous worth to a certain kind of rider, that kind of rider who still cares about the tradition…the one-of-a-kind riding feel and all around total amount of awesome that only a company like Redline can offer. It’s a premium product for a niche audience, and within that audience, the value is extraordinary.

The Redline RL-e is a glorious marriage of the classic BMX pedigree and the new age of electric power for a no-holds-barred electric ride for those that simply love style and fun more than raw utility.