Electric bike: Raleigh Stow-E-Way folding bike

Review in brief

Raleigh’s Stow-E-Way does pretty well in all categories without excelling in any single one.

Smooth, good-quality Tranz-X motor system
Overall package good value for money
Very strong sturdy rack and automatic lights are standout features
Smallish battery
Not the lightest most compact folded package

About Raleigh

One of the oldest bike companies in the world, we'll bet almost everyone has ridden one of their bikes at some point in their life. Still based in Nottingham, UK, the bike range is massive with non-powered and electric bikes as well as accessories.

About the Raleigh Stow-E-Way electric bike

If you want an e-folder that is dependable and reliable and don’t need a particularly compact fold and light weight or mid-drive hill-climbing power then it might well suit:

• Size and weight

Folding down to 89cm long by 66cm high by 45cm wide and weighing 20.15kg, it’s about what you would expect for a 20in wheeled folder with LED lights, mudguards, sturdy rack and kickstand – certainly not the lightest and most compact, but not the heaviest e-folder out there, either.

• Power and lights

The 245Wh frame-integrated, removable battery is on the small side, but bigger than some e-folders feature. Power is delivered smoothly and quietly by the Tranz-X rear hub motor and the power is pretty good given the motor’s small size and light weight. We particularly liked the funky looking and tactile LED display, which lets you toggle through the power levels easily and quickly. Another nice touch is the fully automatic lights which come on and off according to ambient light levels.

• Gears and brakes

The package is completed by eight Altus derailleur gears and V-brakes – adequate and what you’d expect on a bike of this price.

• Warranties

It is also backed by Raleigh’s standard e-bike guarantee of five years on the frame, two years on all electric components and one year on non-wearable mechanical parts.

Where to buy?

Price:

£1,395 (Note, at the time of writing the Stow-E-Way was selling as the similarly-specced Evo via Halfords for £1,349, some £46 less than the RRP of the Stow-E-Way)