When you think about buying an E-bike, the first question is usually range: How far will it go on a charge? Fair enough. But the bit most riders overlook is weight. Carrying a heavy, clunky frame means you’re dragging dead weight once the assist is off. That’s where Ribble does things differently.

Our E-bikes are built to feel like proper bikes – lightweight, efficient, and fun to ride even without assistance. It’s what we like to call Smiles per Kilo. Instead of obsessing over battery size, we look at how much enjoyment, range, and freedom you get per kilogram carried.

This guide explains why E-bike weight matters more than you think, what range-to-weight ratio means, and how Ribble’s design makes every ride feel natural – with something extra when you need it.

The average E-bike is heavy. Add a big battery, a chunky motor, and suddenly you’re pedalling something that feels more like a moped than a bike. That extra weight makes it harder to handle, slower to climb, and awkward to move around.

With a Ribble lightweight electric bike, you don’t get that problem. Our frames are designed with the same DNA as our award-winning road and gravel bikes, only with discreet motor integration. Riders often tell us the first thing they notice is the feel – light in the hand, sharp on the road.

We’ve seen it time and again: riders picking up a competitor’s bike and looking shocked at the heft, then lifting a Ribble and smiling because it feels “normal.” That difference is more than convenience – it’s performance, efficiency, and freedom rolled into one.

Cyclists are used to the idea of power-to-weight ratio in cars or racing bikes. The lighter the machine, the more efficient the power. We’ve taken that mindset and created range-to-weight ratio: how many miles you get per kilogram of bike.

Think of it as Smiles per Kilo. Because what really matters isn’t just watt-hours in a battery – it’s how far that energy takes you without weighing you down.

For example, a ALLROAD SL R e weighs as little as 11.8kg. That’s around 7.4 miles of usable range per kilogram of bike. Compare that to a bulkier competitor at 16kg or more, and you start to see how much smarter lightweight design really is. Less mass, more efficiency, more smiles for every kilo you carry.

It’s a simple, memorable way to look at E-bikes.

Weight affects efficiency. A lighter bike needs fewer watts to move, which means more miles per charge.

But we go further. Our motor systems are drag-free when switched off, so when the assist isn’t needed, you’re riding a bike that feels just like any other high-performance road or gravel machine. The difference is you’ve got an extra push at your fingertips whenever you want it.

Riders often tell us, “It feels like a normal bike until you hit the button.” That’s exactly the point. Stealthy integration, natural handling, and the choice to ride with or without assist. That’s real freedom.

Lightweight isn’t just about performance. It’s about making life easier too.

• Carrying and transport – Wondering can you take an electric bike on a train in the UK? Yes, but not all bikes are practical for it. Try lugging a 20kg frame onto a platform and you’ll quickly regret it. With a our lightweight E-bikes, it’s manageable and straightforward.
• Better handling – Less mass makes climbing, cornering, and descending smoother and safer. You stay in control instead of wrestling with weight.
• Versatility – Whether it’s a quick commute, a weekend adventure, or a long-distance ride, a lighter E-bike makes every situation more enjoyable.

Pro tip: Always check E-bike weight before buying. It’s not just about battery spec sheets – the scale tells the real story.

We’ve built lightweight electric bikes across every category, so there’s a Ribble E-bike for every type of rider.

• Lightweight electric road bike – Fast, aero-inspired, and perfect for riders who want assistance without losing the feel of a pure road bike.
• Lightweight electric gravel bike – For those who love the adventure of gravel but want the option of a boost when the terrain turns savage.
• Lightweight electric hybrid bike – Upright, confident, and versatile. Ideal for city commutes, leisure rides, or anyone who wants E-bike ease with everyday practicality.

Every model shares the same design philosophy: keep it light, keep it stealth, and make sure it rides like a real bike.

When it comes to E-bikes, weight matters as much as battery size. A lighter frame doesn’t just mean better efficiency – it means better handling, more versatility, and more enjoyment. That’s the real value of Smiles per Kilo.

With Ribble, you’re not carrying dead weight. You’re riding a bike that feels natural, efficient, and fun – with the added benefit of electric assist whenever you want it.