BOOK A TEST RIDE
  • shop
  • Our Story
  • E-Bikes
    • All Electric Bikes
    • Electric Mountain Bikes
    • Electric trail bikes
    • Electric Town Bikes
  • Accessories
  • Clothing
  • info Centre
    • FAQs
    • Reviews
    • Warranty
    • Become an Agent
    • Info Centre
    • Which EBike Is Right For You? Free Booklet
  • Agents
    • Locations
    • Whangarei
    • Warkworth
    • Franklin
    • Northshore
    • Auckland
    • Coromandel
    • Papamoa
    • Hamilton
    • Waipa
    • Taupo
    • Taranaki
    • Whanganui
    • Palmerston North
    • Napier
    • Hastings
    • Wairarapa
    • Hutt Valley
    • Nelson
    • Marlborough
    • Christchurch South
    • Christchurch North
    • Timaru
    • Tauranga
    • Rangiora
    • Central Otago
    • Dunedin
    • Invercargill
    • Kapiti
  • Blogs
  • Contact
  • Cart
  • Test Ride
29 January
Blue grey ascent ebike

What kiwis want in an ebike. (1100 kiwis have told us).

Table of Contents

Over the past several months, 1100 kiwis over the age of 45 have told us what they’re looking for in an e-bike. And, because we’re a kiwi company, our engineering team can respond quickly to this input, refining our frame designs and componentry to give kiwis what they’re looking for.

What did we learn?

  • 30% of older kiwi males are looking for a bike with a step-through frame. The perception that “a step-through frame is for women” is disappearing.
  • Most people are looking for a bike that they can ride both on roads and on light off-road trails, such as timber trails and rail trails. But, there’s a good percentage who plan on riding their ebike around town on paved surfaces only. So, this group of people don’t need to pay for heavy duty componentry they’ll never use.
  • Two thirds of our respondents indicated they need a range of up to 40kms, one third said they need a range of more than 40kms.
  • 98% of our respondents said they were looking for a bike priced under $4500.
  • When presented with a list of capabilities and features, the number one feature people said they’re after is comfort. And, most people said they’d be happy with a bike that had a rear-hub motor, which is a less expensive option than a bike that has a mid-drive motor.

How MeloYelo has used this information to deliver better bikes.

The first thing we did was to search for a step-through frame that we felt would have appeal to both men and women. It couldn’t be a “girlie” looking bike, but it also needed to suit riders from 5’1” tall to 6 feet tall. We found a frame that fit the bill – the frame that is used on our mid-drive Tranzit and Ascent models – and then tasked our team of kiwi engineers with choosing each and every component to put on those frames. The Tranzit is designed for town and light trail use, while the Ascent is a high-spec mountain bike for those who want to take on more demanding rides.

Ascent is a high-spec mountain bike
This frame styling appeals to both men and women. Straighter handlebars are an option.

We also realized that not everybody wanted, or could afford to pay for, a mid-drive bike. So, we enhanced our offering of rear-hub motor models. Now we offer the two town and trail bikes: One called the Town’nTrail, the other called the Roam. These bikes have tyres, shock absorbers, brakes, mudguards, battery capacities and gear ratios that make them ideal for both on- and off-road use. For 80% or more of older kiwis who are looking to get out and enjoy some back-country rides, these two models will suit their needs, and at under $3000 will suit their budgets too.

Understanding that comfort is such a huge issue, we have also searched near and far for a saddle that delivers. We have found what we believe is the ideal saddle for ebike-riding kiwis: A sprung memory foam saddle using 3rd generation memory foam which molds to your bottom to give you the most comfortable ride. And, we encourage all of our ebike buyers to consider adding a suspension seat post. Our base model is just $69, while our top-of-the-line Suntour NCX seat post, which you must experience to believe, is $200. 

This sprung memory foam saddle addresses the number one feature kiwis say they want
in an ebike: Comfort.

At MeloYelo we are madly committed to understanding the needs of kiwi ebike riders better than any other ebike company, and putting you on the best ebike you can find for your money.

  • Blog

SUGGESTED ACTIONS

Learn About The MeloYelo Difference Find Your Nearest Agent book a free test ride Which MeloYelo is right for you?
About Author
About Author
Rob McEwen February 4, 2016
Rob McEwen is founder and CEO of MeloYelo ebikes, a NZ company with sales & service agents throughout the country. He Is also founder and a director of EVolocity, a charity which runs a programme in NZ high schools in which teams of students design, build and compete in electric vehicles. McEwen was formerly founder of the Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles (now Drive Electric) and a founder of the NZ Clean Energy Centre in Taupo.
author posts
Melo Yelo bikes range
Denise

Categories

  • Questions. Answered.

  • Why MeloYelo?

  • Customer stories

  • Tips for ebike shoppers

  • Video testimonials from our customers

  • Blog

Recent Blog Post

  • 19,000km on his first MeloYelo ebike, and now onto his second! Don’s story

  • Top safety tips for riding your ebike this summer

  • How much more expensive is an electric bike compared to a regular bike?

  • The future of electric bikes: What to expect in the next few years

  • Electric Bike vs. Traditional Bike: Which is Right for You?

  • Best Electric Bikes for Short People in NZ (2025): Lightweight & Compact Options

  • How Long Does an Electric Bike Motor Last?

  • Are MeloYelo the Best Value Electric Bikes in New Zealand? A Complete Comparison (2025)

  • Step-Over vs Step-Through: Which ebike frame should I choose?

  • How long do electric bike batteries last?

  • A PERFECT DAY TRIP: E-BIKING FROM TEKAPO TO THE MT COOK SALMON SHOP

  • How to maintain your electric bike for peak performance in New Zealand’s climate.

  • A guide to choosing your first electric bike in New Zealand

  • MELOYELO RIDER TAKES ON EUROPE ON AN E-BIKE!

  • Best Electric Bikes for Almost Every Kind of Ride

  • How do E-Bikes Work? Everything You Need to Know

  • A 1300 kilometre journey on our MeloYelo ebikes: Charlie and Ruth’s inspiring story.

  • From reluctant biker to conquering the Dunstan Trail – Gill’s inspiring story.

  • Electric bike range: Answers to the 5 most common questions

  • How much does it cost to service an electric bike?

  • What is the best electric bike for women?

  • How Fast Can an E-Bike Really Go in NZ? (Top Speeds + Legal Limits)

  • The life-changing impact of ebikes: Seniors share stories

  • Family-Friendly Cycling Adventures for the Easter Weekend with MeloYelo

  • Before going for a ride, do your ABCs

  • Christchurch Redzone Ride

  • Where are MeloYelo eBikes made?

  • Bafang vs Bosch E-Bike Motors: A Comparison Conducted in 2025

  • What Can You Expect From MeloYelo That You Won’t Find Elsewhere?

  • What our customers love about their MeloYelo eBikes

  • Can You Ride an E-Bike Without Pedaling?

  • Will I be able to ride an electric bike? Even if I haven’t been on a bike in years?

  • NZ Electric Bike Reviews: MeloYelo ebikes

  • Enjoy the Great Outdoors with an Ebike.

  • Best electric bikes for older riders & seniors in New Zealand: Buying Guide, 2025

  • Are Electric Bikes Safe For Older Riders?

  • How to use gears on an electric bike.

  • Mountain eBikes for Outdoor Adventures | Ebike NZ

  • The Top E-Bike Trails in NZ for Seniors

  • How to Find the Best Electric Bikes in NZ

  • We asked an artificial intelligence BOT to scan and summarise our Google Reviews. Here’s what it found.

  • The Rhythm Belles recount their epic journey from North Cape to Bluff on MeloYelo ebikes

  • Lightweight electric bikes for seniors: What are the best options?

  • Beverley and Daisy discuss the MeloYelo Tranzit electric bike

  • We asked our customers what they love most about their MeloYelo ebike. And, how the MeloYelo shopping experience compared. Here’s what they said.

  • Three women. 30 days. 3000 kilometres. On MeloYelo ebikes.

  • Bafang vs Dapu E-Bike Motors: Which is Best?

  • What to expect when you test-ride a MeloYelo.

  • A unique e-bike shopping experience especially for boomers like us

  • Doug Pouwhare has lost 17kgs after 6 weeks of riding his MeloYelo Town’nTrail. Here’s his story.

  • Can electric bikes get wet?

  • Ebike Weight | Why are e-bikes so heavy?

  • MeloYelo’s mid-drive bikes come standard with a gear shift sensor for a buttery-smooth ride.

  • Which MeloYelo ebike is right for you?

  • Dave Waugh is a DOC volunteer on the West Coast. He needed an ebike: A solid workhorse, not a showpony. Here’s his story.

  • Why you won’t find MeloYelo ebikes in most bike shops

  • 8 great tips for taking care of your ebike

  • Taking care of your electric bike

  • Why do Some Electric Bikes Perform Better than Others?

  • What’s the difference between watts and torque in an electric bike?

  • How does MeloYelo meet the needs of kiwi e-bike riders better than the competition?

  • How do I know which ebike motor is best for me?

  • A great value ebike? Or not?

  • How to Extend the Life of Your Lithium-Ion Battery – Maintenance Tips for E-Bike Owners

  • How To Choose An Electric Bike For Town And Trails?

  • What kiwis want in an ebike. (1100 kiwis have told us).

  • How Far Can You Ride on an E-Bike Charge in NZ? (2025 Guide)

  • Christchurch Electric Bike Customer Review

  • EBike batteries: How can you be sure you’re getting what you’re paying for?

  • What is the most comfortable electric bike for seniors?

  • MID DRIVE VS REAR HUB MOTORS: WHICH ELECTRIC BIKE MOTOR IS BEST?

  • How to Ride an Electric Bike

  • “It was our lucky day finding MeloYelo e Bikes”

  • 365 kms on South Island Trails: Our Experience with MeloYelo EBikes.

  • Which eBike is Best?

  • The health benefits of ebikes for seniors: Staying active and mobile

  • EBikes are booming among boomers

  • NZ Electric Bike Survey Results

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG

  • Low Prices, Everyday
  • Best Nationwide service
  • 3-year warranty
Melo-logo

Founded in 2016, Kiwi-owned MeloYelo offers everyday low pricing on high-spec electric bikes, valuable extras at no extra cost, nationwide sales & service, and an industry-leading 3-year NZ ebike warranty.

Page

  • Our Story
  • Contact Us
  • Our Products
  • Blog

Info

  • Info Centre
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Our Stockists
  • Click and Collect
  • Consumer Guarantees Act

Payment Methods

Visa
logo
Internet Banking

Call Now

call now0800 MELOYELO

© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.