The stealthy concealment of electric components was a drawcard for buyers.
Owners of all ages enjoyed being able to lift this lightweight bike.
Riders found the Hybrid AL e easy to ride without electric assistance.
The small and discrete Ebikemotion motor is almost silent.
Shimano UR300 Flat Mount Hydraulic Disc brakes were powerful and reliable.
Three levels of assistance complemented differing levels of desired rider input.
Reviewers felt that the petrol-blue color and lines of this bike looked very sharp.
One rider felt that the bike’s gear range was wider than needed.
The bike’s finish impressed, partially due to the matching faux saddle and grips.
35c tires absorbed road chatter and avoided the need for weighty suspension.
A wide gear range and light build made this a fast bike.
The ‘Fully Loaded’ Hybrid AL e comes with a rack rated to carry 55lbs.
The short rear triangle and long head-tube kept things whippy yet relaxed.
The Hybrid AL e is well kit-out with bottle, fender and rack eyelets.
Customer service was praised for replacement of parts and payment for faults.
Riders and reviewers got a lot of use out of the linked Ebikemotion app.

8 reasons not to buy

One owner felt that gearing was too low for flat-land belting.
Pedal assistance was not progressive, giving an ‘on/off’ feel.
A buyer received their bike with a bent derailleur hanger.
Some buyers were frustrated by a lack of adequate instructions.
For one owner, computer software behaved erratically.
Experts found the grips mushy and loose.
The saddle was sometimes disliked for being hard.
A reviewer felt that the position of the charge port was vulnerable to water.

Bottom line

Ribble’s Hybrid AL e is a light and fast e-bike option for riders that want an e-bike that doesn’t really feel like one. A minimal hub motor accompanies a stealthily concealed battery, hidden within the downtube. Not only is it almost silent, but the Ebikemotion system only weighed 7.7lbs. With a tasteful petrol-blue paintjob and delicate finish, this rig looked good without sticking out and screaming “steal me!” to thieves. Buyers can choose from a ‘Standard’ or ‘Fully Loaded’ model (which comes kit with a rack, fenders, lights and a bell). This was a quality option that can be easily ridden without electric assistance; on the streets, hardpack road or gravel.

By Owen Jesse

Expert Reviews

90/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews

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eBikeTips

Level 5 expert

Ribble Hybrid AL e

Level 5 expert

Overall you’re getting a well-considered bike for your money here… an engaging city bike… The light overall weight of the bike contributes to its lively feel, and also means it’s easy to manhandle up steps or lift onto a bike rack.

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Cycling Weekly

Level 5 expert

Ribble Hybrid AL e

Level 5 expert

…really quite a joy to ride… this bike offers superb value for money… designed to handle the daily commute with ease as well as weekend jaunts in the countryside… one of the neatest and most seamlessly integrated e-bike frames to date.

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TechRadar

Level 3 expert

Ribble Hybrid AL e Review

Level 3 expert

It offers a smooth ride that irons out the bumps… it looks fantastic, and it’s surprisingly reasonably priced… Riding with the power off is thoroughly enjoyable too.

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