Raleigh One e-bike debuts with VanMoof-inspired design
▼ Summary
– The Raleigh One e-bike, developed with input from VanMoof’s cofounders, launches next month in the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands at £2,399 / €2,699 (~$3,000 USD).
– Key features include a removable 360Wh battery, a single-speed belt drive, and hydraulic disc brakes, with design similarities to VanMoof and Tenways models.
– The bike requires a monthly subscription starting at £6.99 / €7.99 (~$9) for features like stolen mode activation and smart maintenance alerts, drawing criticism for paywalling functionalities.
– Unlike VanMoof, the Raleigh One uses off-the-shelf parts (e.g., Tektro brakes, Mivice motor) to improve durability and serviceability, addressing past criticisms of custom components.
– Accell Group, Raleigh’s parent company, aims to revitalize the brand with this launch, distancing it from mass-market retailers and past financial struggles.
The Raleigh One e-bike has officially launched, blending sleek urban design with practical features for modern commuters. Developed under the Accell Group’s Raleigh brand, this new model draws clear inspiration from VanMoof’s aesthetic, though the company stops short of confirming direct involvement from the Dutch e-bike maker’s co-founders. Priced at £2,399 (€2,699 or roughly $3,000), it enters a competitive market with a premium tag, yet remains close to the European e-bike average.
One controversial choice is the subscription model, starting at £6.99 (€7.99) per month for features like GPS tracking and smart maintenance alerts. While optional, locking functionality behind paywalls frustrates buyers already facing steep upfront costs. The bike itself, however, addresses common pain points: a removable 360Wh battery, a single-speed Gates Carbon belt drive, and a 250W Mivice rear hub motor promise reliability without VanMoof’s notorious custom-part headaches.
Available in two colors and a single frame size, the Raleigh One prioritizes urban practicality. Hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro, integrated lighting, and mounts for cargo cater to daily riders, while a 21kg (46.3lb) weight keeps it manageable. Charging hits 50% in an hour, with a full top-up in 2 hours and 20 minutes. Range estimates sit at 80km (50 miles) in eco mode or 50km (31 miles) with heavier assist, typical for European pedal-assist bikes, which lack throttles.
Accell’s emphasis on off-the-shelf components and dealer support contrasts sharply with VanMoof’s proprietary approach, which contributed to its collapse. Raleigh’s parent company, though financially strained in recent years, leverages its extensive network to assure longevity, a key selling point amid industry turbulence.
The subscription tiers, dubbed “memberships,” offer incremental perks. Basic features like Bluetooth updates are free, while Core membership adds stolen-bike alerts. Temporary inclusions like over-the-air updates and bike-sharing will eventually shift to a pricier tier, mirroring trends across tech and mobility sectors.
For Raleigh, the One represents a fresh start, distancing itself from budget offerings while banking on VanMoof’s design legacy, minus the baggage. Whether riders embrace its premium price and subscription hooks remains to be seen, but the bike’s blend of style and serviceability could carve a niche in a crowded market.
(Source: The Verge)
