Working with global component manufacturers and factory partners, our product development team has created a full range of new commuter eBikes for 2024. These electric bikes offer up-to-the-minute technology with the trademark Reid focus on value for money.
This buying guide will cover our range of eBikes designed for use in and around the city - for commuting to work, visiting friends or taking the kids to school. These are comfortable and stylish electric bikes with the technology and range you need to truly replace car and public transport trips (thus saving you time, money and carbon emissions - all while enjoying yourself which makes things much easier!).
What's New for 2024?
General key upgrades to look for in the 2024 range:
- Smaller, more discrete battery packs that have more power: no more of the big frame mounted boxes that used to power older eBikes - we are now looking at slim, frame-integrated batteries across the board.
- New generation motors with a more natural feeling pedal assistance: we have added the new generation of Ananda and Bafang motors and display units.
- Improved ‘bike’ parts: these new MY24 bikes have been designed from the ground up to be better bikes. Modern geometry, nicer contact points, updated groupsets. The bikes look and feel nicer to ride.
PULSE - Value First
This is a full-featured eBike ready for the daily commute. Designed with ultimate value-for-money in mind, the Pulse range features Shimano gearing, Bafang rear hub motor, mechanical disc brakes and a 10.4Ah frame integrated battery. The Pulse also includes ready-to-ride extras like full length mudguards, pannier rack and ergonomic contact points.
Pulse eBike MY24 Grey
Pulse Step-Through eBike MY24 Grey
Share
CLASSIC - Timeless Style
For riders who love that timeless vintage style, but enjoy the benefits of modern technology and demand an electric bike they can rely on every day.
The Classic features Shimano gearing, Bafang rear hub motor, mechanical disc brakes and a 10.4Ah frame integrated battery. In addition to some lovely styling touches; this eBike is finished with ready-to-ride extras like full length mudguards, pannier rack and ergonomic contact points.
Classic Vintage eBike MY24 Sage
Share
Classic Vintage eBike MY24 Black
Share
PERFORMANCE - Blacktop 1
The go-to electric commuter work horse. Comfortable, fast and versatile at an amazing price. The Blacktop 1 features Shimano gearing, Bafang rear hub motor, hydraulic disc brakes for improved control and power modulation and an upgraded 11.6Ah frame integrated battery pack for more range. Again finished with those city necessities including full length mudguards, kickstand, pannier rack and ergonomic contact points.
Blacktop 1.0 eBike MY24 Charcoal
Share
Blacktop 1.0 Step-Through eBike MY24 Charcoal
Share
PERFORMANCE - Blacktop 2
The mid-mount commuter thoroughbred. Comfortable, fast and versatile with all the extras for a premium ride experience. The Blacktop 2 features the latest Ananda M81 motor for a more natural feel over the powerful 80Nm torque; plus Shimano Alivio gearing, hydraulic disc brakes for improved control and power modulation and an upgraded 11.6Ah frame integrated battery pack for more range.
Blacktop 2.0 eBike MY24 Midnight Blue
Share
Blacktop 2.0 Step-Through eBike MY24 Midnight Blue
Share
COMFORT - Quest
The SUV of eBikes. Tough, comfortable and versatile with a suspension fork for comfort and control over broken ground. Designed for riders who want to ride the city during the week, but potentially dirt paths and rail trails on the weekend. Available in rear hub motor (Quest 1 $1,599.99) with cable disc and 80mm suspension fork; or premium mid-mount version (Quest 2) with hydraulic disc and 100mm suspension.
Quest 1.0 Step-Through eBike MY24 Silver
Share
Quest 2.0 Step-Through eBike MY24 Grey
Share
A Note on Frame Styles
Reid are not referring to any of the new step-through frame styles as ‘Womens’. Although traditionally this has had significance, we feel that all kinds of people are buying this type of frame for different reasons and it no longer makes sense to distinguish eBikes by gender.
The main benefit of a top-tube frame over the step-through (aside from styling) is the strength it adds to the frame for the weight of materials used. For commuter bikes with an electric motor, this is not a primary concern.
The step-through style frame makes it easier to get on/off the bike and means you can wear whatever casual clothes you want. All benefits that appeal to a lot of people.
eBike Basics
Before considering which eBike in the range might be the right fit, you can open the sections below if you are new to Electric Bikes or want a refresher course on the commonly used terminology:
Collapsible content
UNDERSTANDING BATTERY POWER
Voltage (V) x Amp Hours (Ah) = Watt Hours (Wh)
- Amp Hours (Ah) measures how much juice the battery can store.
- Voltage (V) measures how fast the power can be delivered to the motor.
- Watt Hours (Wh) is a single figure that puts these together.
Given the restrictions on speed assistance in Australia (25km/h), a 36V battery is capable of delivering more than enough power for acceleration, climbing and top speed. Limitations exprienced in these areas will be because of the motor (expressed as max torque which is measured in Newton-meters Nm).
Therefore Australian riders should focus on Amp Hours (Ah) as a measure of how far the bike can take them on a single charge.
UNDERSTANDING TORQUE
Torque is a measure of the rotational force the motor applies to turn the wheels. More torque means more force available to overcome resistance and accelerate the eBike.
eBikes express torque in Nm. Our MY24 Commuter range offers between 35Nm (Pulse and Classic) to 80Nm (Blacktop 2 and Quest 2). The E-Trail 2 and Sphinx offer 110Nm.
In practical terms, this means the more torque available:
- Better acceleration - Useful from a standing start or negotiating traffic.
- Easier hill climbing - More force to quickly carry the rider up steeper hills.
- Heavier loads - The rider can accelerate up bigger hills with more load on the eBike without losing performance.
REAR HUB MOTOR POSITION
Motors are positioned either in the hubs (usually rear) or in the bottom-bracket area (mid-mount).
Although it still assists the rider, the main benefit of the rear hub position is affordability.
The motor's power is independent of the bike's gears. This means you get a consistent level of assistance regardless of the gear you're in. You won't experience the same level of optimisation for different riding conditions, and it won't feel as 'natural'.
Many riders are happy with this trade-off to save some money and still enjoy the assistance of an electric bike to zip around the city.
MID-MOUNT MOTOR POSITION
This position is preferred and offers the following benefits:
- Lowest centre of gravity for improved handling.
- Requires little to no maintenance, and the sturdy casing provides more protection against the environment (mud, water and flying rocks).
- It works with your gears. When you shift to a lower gear, the motor can provide more torque to assist you in climbing hills or starting from a stop. When you shift to a higher gear, the motor can provide higher speed assistance on flat terrain or downhill. This means a mid-drive motor in low gear can climb steeper hills than a hub motor of similar power, and can climb hills for longer than a hub motor.