Raleigh Stoweway - The Affordable Fully Equipped Folding eBike
Raleigh know a thing or two about bikes having been in the business for over 100 years. So it’s no surprise that they came up with this sturdily built, fully equipped folding eBike – the Stow-e-way.
As it’s name suggests, this bike once folded down is easy to stow away under your desk, in a cupboard or your car.
Weighing a solid 20kg /44lbs, this somewhat chunky eBike folder with slightly larger than average width tires, provides stable handling on the road, easily able to deal with the odd pothole here and there. It is also strong enough to do some light off-road riding. Despite it’s weight, the Raleigh Stow-e-way feels very nimble to ride which adds to the overall fun factor.
| RALEIGH STOW-E-WAY SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| ELECTRONICS | |
| Motor | TranzX R15 250W rear hub |
| Pedal Assist | 4 levels inc walk assist |
| Top Speed | 25km/h (15.5mph) |
| Battery - removable | TranzX 36V 6.8Ah 244.8 watt hours |
| Charge Time | 4 hours |
| Range | 30 miles / 48km |
| Display Unit | LED indicators shows assist level, battery status |
| BIKE FRAME & GROUPSET | |
| Weight | 20kg / 44lbs |
| Frame | Aluminium |
| Forks | Steel |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Altus 8 Speed 11-32 tooth |
| Brakes | Shimano V Brakes |
| Tires | 20"x 1.95" Kenda |
| Pedals | Foldable |
| ACCESSORIES | |
| Lights | Front and rear LED lights |
| Mudguards | Full size mudguards on both wheels |
| Rack | Integrated |
| Kickstand | Rear kickstand |
| OTHER | |
| Warranty | 5 years on frame 2 years for electric components, 1 year on non-wearable mechanical parts |
Raleigh Stow-e-way Overview
The bike is so easy and comfortable to ride that’ll you’ll feel equally at home zipping along busy city streets as well as riding at leisure down twisty country roads.
Raleigh has designed this fully equipped folding eBike to be accessible to as many people as possible with its low profile frame. This makes it very easy for people who have difficulty with their knees or hips to step over and sit on the bike with very little effort. With it’s simple controls on the handlebars, this bike can be ridden by complete newbies to eBikes.
Battery
Pedal Assist and Display Unit
The 8 gears are controlled by a twist shift on the right hand side of the handlebars meaning you twist the shifter forward while pedaling to go up a gear and towards you to drop a gear. It might feel odd at first if you’re used to another type of shifter, but you get used to this very quickly. It also feels more intuitive as an eBike beginner.
Raleigh Stow-e-way Frame and Folding Ability
The Stow-e-way can be folded down in 10 seconds once you’ve mastered the knack. It uses a two step system to unlock the middle of the frame (button and latch) and once you’ve lowered the seat and the handlebars it is very easy to move around on both it’s wheels but fairly hefty to carry. It is also very stable standing on it’s own in the folded position and you can even sit on the saddle in this position while maybe waiting for your train.
A common complaint of some folding eBikes is the lack of some locking mechanism to keep the wheels together when folded. Raleigh has thought of this with built in magnets to keep the bike folded neatly. Unfortunately, the handlebar stem isn’t locked down and can swing when carrying the bike.
It folds down small enough to carry or wheel it on to a train and unfolds quickly for you to continue your journey.
Safety & Comfort Features
One standout feature is the rear rack. Most rear racks are attached via screws which you need to check periodically as they work loose over time. Not so with the Raleigh Stow-e-way. This sturdy rack is welded into the frame to prevent those irritating rattles that can occur when simply screwed on.
It’s slightly wider tires works well on cobbled streets or gravel and helps in the overall comfort levels you feel when riding this bike .
Overall Impression of the Raleigh Stow-e-way
Pros
Cons
4 levels of pedal assist with 250 hub motor
Fairly basic display unit
8 gears gives enough flexibility over the type of riding you do particularly in the city
Fairly heavy to carry
Solid V brakes
Handlebar can swing when folded down
30 mile range
Automatic lighting system
Built in magnets to hold wheels together when folded
Very quick to fold and unfold
Includes full size fenders
Includes fully integrated rear rack
Puncture resistant 20″ tyres Very quick to fold and unfold
Summary
For less than £1500 the fully equipped Raleigh Stow-e-way provides such standout features as
- a sturdy build which provides a very comfortable ride,
- a fully integrated rear rack to hold heavy packages
- an automatic lighting system which turns on as it gets dark
- full size mudguards to protect you from road debris
The Stow-e-way is very accessible and easy to ride for both eBike beginners and experienced alike. With the Raleigh name behind it, you can hardly go wrong.
The only additional things you need to complete everything are a lock and a helmet.
However much you spend on your eBike, safety is always a consideration when riding on the road. Click here to read the review on eBike specific helmets here and have a look at bike accessories you didn’t know you wanted which includes tips and tools to keep your bike and yourself safe on the roads.
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