Rayvolt Torino
A head-turning e-bike with serious pedal power.
The Rayvolt Torino is one of the most high-tech, head-turning e-bikes out there. The intelligent pedal assist system, E-Regenerative braking, electronic torque sensors and an EIVA app that allows you to customise the ride to your liking, all adds up to an impressive and exhilarating experience.
The Torino’s standard 48V 504Wh battery pack offers a range of up to 40km, or when upgraded to a more powerful 48V 936Wh can breeze along for up to 80km, depending on the terrain. Take into account that the average daily driving distance is 40km and you’ve got enough juice to get around the city, with no need to charge it on the daily.
Designed in Barcelona, this e-bike has a bold, retro style. The 26-inch tyres, steel frame and combined weight of 35kg make for a sturdy ride (very reassuring for e-bike newbies). The pedal assist helps all this extra weight disappear, but if you’re after something you can lift more easily, try the equally stylish Cruzer (24kg) or Ambassador (20kg).
Best-suited for on-road cruising, the Torino makes light work of hill climbs and glides effortlessly alongside traffic. It’s also great for leisurely rides across town with a handy accelerator mode to help you weave around runners and dog walkers, though venture too far off track and you’ll be in for a bumpy ride as this e-bike has no suspension.
When you need to stop in a hurry (hello, rogue pedestrian), the high-quality sealed mineral oil discs with E-Regenerative braking brings you to a smooth and controlled halt. This E-Gen tech – more often seen in electric cars – means that a subtle depression of the brake turns the smart hub motor into a generator that recharges your battery using the kinetic energy lost. Smart stuff.
The EIVA app is a tech lover’s dream, empowering you to fully customise the settings of your ride. Acceleration, top speed, braking power, pedal assist drive mode, throttle usage – you name it, you can tweak it.
The entry-level Torino will set you back $3,995. Increase the battery and customise your design and you’ll be looking at a LOT more. This is a premium e-bike and you get what you pay for.
Overall, the Rayvolt Torino is an intelligently designed e-bike that will bring excitement to your commute. With plenty of zip, it’s agile enough to stand up against city traffic, but not one for a sharp turn or for lugging up stairs. If you’re looking for a statement e-bike with performance to match, then the stylish Torino will suit you very well.
The Rayvolt Torino is an intuitive commuter bike with enough presence and pedal power for you to carve your way through the city without breaking a sweat. The clever tech, customisable ride and great range make it a premium e-bike worthy of the price tag, but the hefty 35kg and chunky 26-inch wheels could be a deal-breaker for some.
Amy Bonifas