E-Bike Brands in Australia

Say it with us now: Owning an e-bike doesn’t make you lazy. In fact, some may say they’re there to motivate you to hop on your bicycle even more often. It’s better than driving, no? Though if you’ve made it here, you probably don’t require much convincing. You’re here because you Googled ‘electric bike brands’ and are still unsure about which one is right for you.

Welcome. You’re safe now.

What e-bikes can you get in Australia?

There’s a wide variety ofelectric bikes on offer in Australia, some that offer only e-bikes and others that have also used their experience instandard bicyclemanufacturing to design an electric bike range. The list below shows some of the bigger brands available as well as some local companies popular amongst Australians in 2021. The types of e-bikes available will vary based on your location.

• Dyson
• Electra
• eTourer
• Focus
• Gazelle
• Giant
• Kalkhoff
• Leitner
• Lekker
• Merida
• Michael Blast
• Norco
• Reef
• Reid
• Riese & Müller
• Specialized
• Stealth
• TEBCO
• Trek
• XDS

Electra e-bikes

A subsidiary of popular bicycle retailer Trek, Electra has been around since 1993, specialising in ‘cruiser’ style bikes. Since then, the company has hopped aboard the e-bike train, adding a motor and battery (amongst other parts) to some of its more popular models. In 2019, Electra introduced its first mid-to-high range e-bike, integrating the battery into the frame for a more streamlined riding experience.

与这个bike retailer you get what you pay for, with the higher-priced models offering more power and battery life. Here’s what’s currently on offer from Electra: Townie Go!, and Loft Go!. Broadly speaking, one of these e-bikes will set you back about $4,000.

eTourer e-bikes

eTourer is a relatively new brand, specialising in e-bikes, that is backed by famous Aussie cyclist, Stuart O’Grady. It has entered the Australian market with five e-bikes, which target entry-level electric bike enthusiasts with their lower range prices. What you can expect from eTourer are Bafang and Aikema hub-drive motors, with batteries generally capable of assisting up to 40km.

These bikes don’t break the $2,000 threshold, with the cheapest coming in at just under $1,500. Here’s a list of the bikes available from eTourer: eTourer F1, eTourer F2, eTourer C1, eTourer S1 and the eTourer M1.

FOCUS e-bikes

FOCUS is a German bicycle manufacturer that specialises in e-bikes, racing bikes and mountain bikes. It was founded in 1993 by cyclocross world champion, Mike Kluge. This manufacturer has everything from urban e-bikes to mountain e-bikes, with its current range including: Thron², Jam², Focus Sam², Raven², Jarifa², Whistler², Paralane², Aventura² and Planet².

From FOCUS you can expect to find a range of commonly seen quality parts such as Bosch and Shimano drives, as well as higher battery capacities when compared with standard commuter e-bikes. These extra features push the price bracket of this brand from about $5,000 to $13,000.

Gazelle e-bikes

Gazelle is a brand that dates back to 1892, awarded a “Royal” title in 1992 by Dutch Princess Margriet and very well known in the bicycle capital. What you’ll discover with Gazelle bikes is that they’re pretty much all fitted with a Bosch system, with varying engine capacities depending on the model.

Whilst e-bikes are a relatively new venture for this brand, Gazelle has a fairly comprehensive range of road appropriate e-bikes. These are the HeavyDutyNL C7, Ultimate T10, Ultimate C8+, Grenoble C7+, CityZen T10, Vento T9, Ultimate T19, Vento C7, Chamonix and Orange C8. With this brand you can expect to pay between $3,500 and $5,500.

Giant e-bikes

Giant has been around since 1972, established in Taiwan and considered amongst the ‘big three’ bicycle brands in North America. Well known for being one of the first bike brands to introduce aluminium frames to its range, Giant is now considered by many to be a world leader in design. This brand offers riders Yamaha drive systems, also being one of the first to introduce in-frame battery packs.

Its current models are the Fastroad E+ Pro, Fastroad E+ Pro EX, Roam E+, Talon E+, Revolt E+ PRo, Trance X E+, Fathom E and Stance E+. The cheapest of these sits at just below $3,000, with prices reaching up to $10,000 for a higher quality make.

Kalkhoff e-bikes

Kalkhoff is originally from Cloppenburg, Germany, where its bikes are still made to this day. This is a point of pride for this retailer, where its self-proclaimed high standard of workmanship places this brand in the high-end bracket. Whilst Kalkhoff spent decades as a traditional bicycle manufacturer, it wasn’t until the launch of e-bike production in 2007 that truly distinguished this brand. Nowadays, Kalkhoff refers to itself as “one of the leading e-bike makers in Europe.”

Whilst you won’t find Australia-specific information on the Kalkhoff website, we’ve compiled a list of the more-commonly seen bikes coming from distributors: Endeavour 3.B Move, Endeavour Move 5.B, Agattu 1.B, Entice 3.B, Image 3.B, Endeavour 1.B Move, Endeavour 3.B Move Wave, Endeavour 5.B XXL, and Agattu 1.1 Advance Comfort. For these e-bikes you’ll roughly pay somewhere in the range of $3,500 and $5,000.

Leitner e-bikes

Leitner claims to be ‘one of Australia’s fastest growing electric bike retailers’, offering a wide range of affordable and accessible bikes across the country. As a 100 per cent Australian-owned e-bike brand, Leitner takes the middleman out of the process, running everything from the manufacturing to the selling of these bikes. What makes Leitner stand-out as an e-bike brand however is its ability to create e-bikes that are extremely accessible to all. With the option of step-thru, step-over, folding and lightweight bikes on offer, Leitner has an e-bike to fit all Aussies.

These are the current e-bikes on offer at Leitner; Berlin Cruiser, Venice Cruiser, Ultimate, Libelle, CrossX, SuperT, Aria, Tirol, Milan Cruiser and the High Power Off Road. Leitner is probably one of the more affordable brands for e-bikes, with its cheapest e-bike available for just $1,199. The most you’ll pay for a Leitner e-bike is $2,099.

Lekker e-bikes

Whilst Lekker is a primarily Australian bike retailer, it has origins tracing all the way back to Amsterdam. In 2009, its founder brought the Dutch-style bikes to Australia, where since then it has expanded to offer e-bikes.

This brand focusses on urban e-bikes, with only one ‘all-terrain’ bike in its lineup. On the Lekker website, you’ll see a few options for e-bikes, namely the E-Amsterdam (1st and 2nd gen), Outback, X and E-Jordaan (womens and mens). If you’re interested in buying a Lekker e-bike, it’ll set you back about $2,000 to $3,000.

Merida e-bikes

Merida has been around since 1972, founded and designed in Germany and primarily manufactured in Taiwan and China. Unlike other e-bike brands, Merida’s bikes are exclusively powered by Shimano drive units and batteries. With over 30 e-bikes currently on its online store, catering to both the average commuter as well as long-range, tough-terrain enthusiasts, Merida seems to have all of its bases covered.

In its 2021 range, Merida is offering the eSPRESSO, eSPRESSO City, eSPRESSO CC, eSCULTURA, eSILEX+ and e-SPEEDER. These models come with different variations in both specifications and aesthetic preference. An entry-level e-bike from Merida sits in the $3,000 to $4,000 range, with the more powerful models costing up to $12,000.

Michael Blast e-bikes

迈克尔·布拉斯特区的独特和复古美学t e-bike simply cannot be over-looked when discussing e-bike brands in Australia. With its roots in Australia, Michael Blast e-bikes create retro inspired e-bikes, fit to take you from streetside to beachside. Selling in over 30 countries around the world, Michael Blast offers three e-bike products; The Outsider, The Greaser Springer and The Vacay. Each bike has been meticulously designed to fit the shape and colour scheme of the golden years, with Michael Blast offering additional accessories to help keep your e-bike looking as fashionably vintage as the day you bought it. A Michael Blast e-bike will set you back around $4,000, which isn’t necessarily the cheapest price you can snag an e-bike for, but the vintage aesthetic and unique look of these e-bikes is really what you’re paying for.

Norco e-bikes

Founded in 1964 in British Columbia, Norco made its humble start out of a converted chicken coop. Fast forward to the present day, the company has made a name for itself, well known amongst mountain cyclists and casual riders alike. Whilst the brand has taken a turn to push its trail bikes in recent years, it is relatively new on the electric bike bandwagon, producing its first mountain e-bike in 2018.

That aside, Norco’s current e-bike range covers all the bases, with three options currently available to those planning on keeping their ride on the pavement. These are the Scene VLT and Indie VLT. Its mountain electric bike range includes: Range VLT C1, 2 & 3, Sight VLT C1, 2 & 3, Sight VLT A 1 & 2, Charger VLT and Bigfoot VLT 1 & 2. Norco isn’t exactly a low-priced retailer, with prices generally between $3,000 and $10,000.

Reef e-bikes

Reef is a 100 per cent Australian owned electric bike brand that began operating in 2005. Reef e-bikes have been designed with Australian road requirements and terrain in mind, ensuring Aussies get the most out of each and every ride. With seven products on offer, including the option of a tricycle, Reef offers ergonomic and affordable e-bike solutions for each and every kind of Aussie.

These bikes won’t break the budget, with prices sitting between $2,999-$3,999. Here are the products currently on offer from Reef: Bullshark, Invisitron, Predator, Iceberg, Seahorse, Escape and Mantaray.

Reid e-bikes

Reid claims to be the ‘largest Australian-owned bicycle brand’, distributing bikes to more than 20 countries around the world. From the founders’ beginnings selling bikes from a garage in 2009, this brand has expanded to both an online and physical presence across four Australian states. With this bike brand you can expect to see a variation in parts at different price points, from the Shimano Steps mid drive to the Bafang rear hub motor, as well as different battery brands.

A more recent entrant in the electric bike market, Reid is currently offering five e-bikes catered to the average commuter: Reid City Pulse, Reid Pulse Ladies, Reid Classic Vintage, Reid Adventure, Reid Blacktop, Reid E-Trail and Reid Urban+. Reid is a popular choice for those looking for a basic, affordable e-bike, with its prices starting at $1,500 and not exceeding $2,400.

Riese & Müller e-bikes

Started in 1993 by two friends, Markus Riese and Heiko Müller, Riese & Müller had its beginnings in Germany. This brand works closely with Bosch, with a range of electric bikes powered by Bosch Performance CX motors. With some of the highest quality parts on the market, a Riese & Müller bike is well regarded- some models even offer two batteries built in for extra range.

本公司提供通勤自行车,山地自行车and even the not-often-seen cargo bike to Australians. The models available to you will depend on your local Riese & Müller stockist, though you’re more likely to come across these ranges: Charger, Tinker, Cruiser, Culture, Nevo, Packster, Homage, Delite and Load. As mentioned, a high-quality bike won’t come cheap, with prices starting at the $6,000 mark, reaching well above $12,000.

Specialized e-bikes

‘Californian designed, Swiss engineered’ Specialized has been around since 1974, where its founder started out by selling Italian bike parts to the US market. By the early 80s Specialized had released its first range of bikes, followed a while later in 2012 with the launch of an e-bike range.

Although this company was one of the first to introduce a streamlined integrated battery design, it has still come a long way since then, with its current line up featuring over 20 variations of e-bike. Here are the current collections available: Vado, Como, Levo, Kenevo and Creo. An everyday commuter-style e-bike from Specialised costs between $4,000 and $5,000, with some of their ‘Expert’ costing upwards of $15,000.

Stealth e-bikes

Australian-owned and operated e-bike brand, Stealth, offers a unique selling point to riders, allowing them the choice to customise their bike to their needs. Since 2008, Stealth has been creating innovative and unique e-bikes for Aussies, blurring the lines between moto and bikes for a seamless ride. Stealth offers five e-bike products; the H-52, P-7, P-7R, F-37 and B-52, all of which can be customised to suit on or off-road biking through tyre options, brakes and battery range. Stealth’s e-bikes will cost you a little more than normal though with prices ranging from $6,990 to $10,400 across the line.

TEBCO e-bikes

电动自行车有限公司(TEBCO),包含在1995, has been providing a wide range of electric bikes to Australia since 1999. In addition to seven different bike products, including one tricycle, TEBCO also offers conversion kits to customers who may wish to DIY an existing bike into a e-bike instead of purchasing a new ride.

With battery distance capacities between 60 and 80km, TEBCO e-bikes are built to go the mile, costing riders anywhere between $1,299 and $2,799 for a new strider. These are the products currently available on the Aussie market: Discovery, Explorer, Wanderer, Carrier, Transporter, Hurricane, Sovereign.

Trek e-bikes

Trek is one of the world’s largest bicycle manufacturers. Founded in the USA in 1976, this bike brand extends to a range of subsidiaries, including Electra as mentioned above. This company was one of the first to manufacture electric bikes, eventually partnering with Bosch in a bid to offer bikes with quality motors.

On the Trek website you’ll see 14 varieties of e-bikes, the Verve+2, Powerfly 5 Women’s, Powerfly FS 5, Powerfly LT 9 Plus, Powerfly 4, Powerfly 5, Dual Sport+ Women’s, Dual Sport+, Powerfly FS 5 G2, Allant+ 8, Powerfly LT 9.7 G2, Rail 7, Rail 9 and Rail 9.8. Prices start at about $2,500 and end up closer to $10,500.

XDS e-bikes

XDS entered the Australian market in 2010, claiming to bring the first ‘modern retro/vintage’ commuter bike to our shores. This company has teamed up with Bafang electric motors to create more affordable electric bikes more easily available to everyday people. Offering both hub-drive and mid-drive motors, XDS is a brand that caters to most preferences.

Here are the current electric bikes you’ll find from XDS: E-VOLVE, E-SPRESSO, E-METRO, E-MERGE, E-RUPT, E-CRUZ, E-VOKE, E-LECTRON, E-CONIC, E-CITY and E-SCAPE. Availability will depend on your local stockist, unless purchasing online. On the more affordable side, XDS has bikes within the $1,500 to $3,000 price range.

AGL Electric Vehicle Plan

Red Energy Electric Vehicle Plan

A final note on e-bikes

As you can see, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to e-bikes. Your decision will ultimately come down to how far your budget will take you as far as bike specs go.

If you’re not looking to break the bank with your purchase, you won’t have to look far to find some decent bikes at an affordable price point. But if you’re willing to spend a pretty penny, we’ve also highlighted the brands offering high-quality electric bikes with better performance and durability.

Image credits: Flystock/Shutterstock.com
Original Author: Monika Gudova