You’d be forgiven for mistaking the 2025 Raleigh Trace e-bike for a sleek, pedal-only ride. Its design cleverly hides the battery within the frame, sidestepping the bulkiness seen in some other electric bikes. But how does this master of disguise perform in the vibrant rhythm of city life?
Setting up and riding the Raleigh Trace e-bike is a breeze. Whether you’re bundled up in gloves or not, the single-button interface makes operation straightforward. Once you get the hang of the color codes—details of which we’ll unravel later—the bike really comes to life. Although it’s an e-bike, it gives you the freedom to choose your ride’s pace and power. A fully depleted battery won’t leave you struggling, as it rides smoothly like any standard bicycle.
The Trace lets you seamlessly adjust between manual gears and electric assistance, making it a versatile companion over both paved streets and rugged paths. Its light frame contributes to its agility, making it simpler to navigate or even carry when necessary, embodying the charm of traditional biking with a modern twist.
Technologically, the Raleigh Trace focuses on user-friendly simplicity over flashy screens. A smart button on top of the frame handles all controls, with a color-coded system offering insights on battery life and assistance levels. Starting up reveals the battery’s charge: white for over 75%, green for less than 75%, orange under 50%, and so on, with red quick-flashing when critically low. These indicators also suggest the power assisting your ride—from none with white, to full power with red.
Further complementing the biking experience is the pairing with the Ebikemotion app. This app doesn’t just stop at showing your power usage or journey data; it also flags errors and suggests solutions. It’s like having a smart travel companion, ensuring your rides are smooth and worry-free.
In terms of cost, the Raleigh Trace isn’t just about looks and tech. It packs all its innovations into a crossbar frame, available in copper or blue, with sizes catering to different body types. Selecting the right size is a breeze with an online tool, ensuring a custom fit by considering your proportions and riding style. Priced at £2,099, this e-bike is competitively placed, complete with a robust warranty plan covering various components for peace of mind.
Taking a closer look at its specs, the Trace is equipped with a MAHLE X35 rear hub motor paired with an internal 250Wh battery, promising a ride range of up to 50 miles on a full charge. With a charge time of four hours and a total weight of 16.5kg, the Trace balances functionality with convenience, making those city commutes efficient and enjoyable.
The Raleigh Trace e-bike turns heads not with its appearance but with its clever integration of technology and traditional cycling appeal. It stands as an embodiment of innovation, providing a user-friendly and stealthy electric biking experience. While others might broadcast their electric capabilities, the Trace whispers it—encouraging exploration without fanfare.
Source: Forbes
