Raleigh Modum

About the Raleigh Modum

The Modum is Raleigh's answer to a question most city riders didn't know they were asking: what if a cargo-capable e-bike could actually fit in your flat? Built around a compact aluminium frame with 20-inch wheels and a mid-step design, it packs Bosch's Performance Line motor and a 500Wh Powertube into a package that twists, quite literally, into something you can wheel down a narrow hallway or squeeze onto a train. The party trick - handlebars that rotate 180 degrees via a Speedlifter Twist stem - turns a bike that's already nimble into one that's genuinely storage-friendly. It's not a folder, but it shrinks enough to matter when you're living in a second-floor walk-up or sharing a bike shed with three neighbours' mountain bikes.

On the road, the Modum rides with the planted confidence of something heavier than its compact billing suggests. That Bosch mid-drive sits low in the frame, and the 25.6 kg kerb weight (a touch more than you'd expect from a 20-incher) translates into stability rather than skittishness. The Shimano Nexus five-speed hub keeps maintenance low and lets you shift at standstills - ideal when you've misjudged a traffic-light sprint - and the dropper post means you're never tiptoeing at junctions. It's a bike that blurs the line between utility workhorse and daily rider, equally at home hauling a week's shopping on the MIK-compatible rear rack or threading through rush-hour gaps with nothing but a messenger bag.

What sets the Modum apart is its refusal to compromise on the bits that matter for city life. Full SKS mudguards, integrated front and rear lights, hydraulic disc brakes, and those fat Schwalbe Pick-up tyres all come as standard. Raleigh has clearly spent time thinking about what actually happens when you ride in town - wet roads, potholes, sudden stops, the need to lock up quickly and walk away - and the spec sheet reflects that. It's not trying to be the lightest or the fastest; it's trying to be the one you'll actually use every day, rain or shine, with a bag of groceries or a mate's birthday present strapped to the back.

Raleigh Modum geometry

Raleigh keeps the geometry details close to its chest, but the ride tells the story. That 40 cm frame with a mid-step design puts you in an upright, traffic-scanning posture - head up, shoulders relaxed, weight centred over the pedals. The 20-inch wheels sit the bottom bracket lower than a traditional city bike, which drops your centre of gravity and makes the whole thing feel planted when you're leaning into a corner or braking hard. You're not crouched; you're commanding. The shorter wheelbase that comes with smaller hoops means the Modum pivots quickly - tight U-turns, sudden lane changes, threading between bollards - all feel intuitive rather than wrestled.

The mid-step frame means you're swinging a leg through rather than over, which matters when you're wearing work clothes or carrying a load. Combined with the dropper post, you can drop the saddle 150 mm at a thumb-press and plant both feet flat at every red light, then pop it back up for proper pedalling posture once you're rolling. The compact front centre keeps the steering responsive without feeling twitchy, and the Bosch motor's low placement means the weight isn't hanging off the back or front - it's sitting right where it should be, keeping the bike balanced whether you're climbing a bridge ramp or coasting down a cycle path.

Because the wheels are smaller, you sit closer to the ground, which can feel reassuring if you're new to e-bikes or carrying cargo. The trade-off is that you'll notice bigger bumps more than you would on 700c wheels, but the 60 mm Schwalbe tyres soak up a lot of the sting. The overall effect is a bike that feels nimble and stable at the same time - quick enough to dart through gaps, solid enough that you're not second-guessing your line when a bus pulls out or a pedestrian steps off the kerb.

Component choices & upgrades

The Modum arrives well-sorted for its intended role. Bosch's Performance Line motor and 500Wh battery are proven workhorses in the urban e-bike world, delivering smooth, predictable power that doesn't surge or fade. The Kiox 300 display keeps things simple - battery level, speed, assist mode - without overwhelming you with data. Shimano's Nexus five-speed hub is low-maintenance and reliable, though some riders find the gear spacing a bit wide for their preferred cadence; if you're used to spinning at 90 rpm, you might find yourself hunting for a gear that isn't quite there. The Alhonga hydraulic brakes (some sources mention Shimano MT200s, likely a running change) offer solid stopping power with 180 mm rotors, and the Schwalbe Pick-up tyres are cargo-rated and puncture-resistant - exactly what you want when you're hauling a load or riding through city debris.

If you're planning to push the Modum harder - longer commutes, heavier cargo, or hillier terrain - there are a few sensible upgrades. Swapping the stock saddle for something with more padding or a cutout can make a difference on longer rides; the Selle Royal Vivo Ergo is comfortable enough for most, but saddles are personal. The grips are ergonomic, but if you've got larger hands or prefer a different texture, aftermarket options abound. The dropper post is a brilliant inclusion, but if you're particularly tall or short, you might want to check the saddle height range suits your leg length - the 40 cm frame is a one-size-fits-most proposition, and not everyone will fit that mould perfectly.

The MIK HD rear rack is a genuine asset, and investing in compatible panniers, baskets, or even a child seat transforms the bike's utility. The rack itself is rated for a decent load, though you'll want to check the combined weight limit (rider, bike, and cargo) to stay within spec. The integrated lights are functional, but if you're riding in poorly lit areas or want more visibility, adding brighter aftermarket units is straightforward. The stock build is already comprehensive - mudguards, kickstand, lights - so you're not starting from scratch. Most riders will find the Modum ready to go as-is; upgrades are about tailoring it to your specific needs rather than fixing shortcomings.

Where the Raleigh Modum excels

The Modum is outstanding at urban commuting and short-to-medium trips where storage space, cargo capacity, and ease of use matter more than outright speed. If your daily ride involves navigating traffic, stopping frequently, and needing to stash the bike in a tight spot at either end, this is where it shines. The rotatable handlebars genuinely solve a problem - fitting a full-size e-bike into a narrow hallway or onto a crowded train carriage - and the Bosch motor makes hills feel like flat roads. The dropper post is a game-changer for stop-start riding; you're never stranded on tiptoes or struggling to remount. The MIK rack system means you can clip on panniers, a basket, or a child seat without faffing with straps or bungees, and the bike's stability under load is reassuring.

It's also excellent for riders who want low-maintenance reliability. The Nexus hub gears are sealed and require minimal attention, the hydraulic brakes are self-adjusting, and the Bosch system is well-supported with over-the-air updates via the eBike Flow app. You're not constantly tweaking derailleurs or worrying about chain wear. The full mudguards and integrated lights mean you can ride in any weather without bolting on extras, and the Schwalbe tyres are tough enough to handle broken glass and potholes without constant punctures.

Where the Modum is less ideal is on longer, faster rides or rougher terrain. The five-speed hub gearing works well for city speeds and moderate hills, but if you're planning 30-mile weekend rides or want to keep pace with faster traffic, you might find the gear range limiting. The 20-inch wheels and compact geometry prioritise agility over rolling efficiency, so you'll work a bit harder to maintain higher speeds compared to a 700c-wheeled e-bike. The weight - 25.6 kg - is manageable when you're riding, but if you need to carry the bike up stairs or lift it onto a rack regularly, it's not trivial. And while the Schwalbe tyres handle light gravel or towpaths, this isn't a bike for sustained off-road riding or rough trails; the rigid fork and limited tyre clearance keep it firmly in the urban camp.

Raleigh Modum FAQs

What is the range of the Raleigh Modum e-bike?
Raleigh claims up to 70 - 100 miles depending on assist level, terrain, rider weight, and conditions. In practice, expect 40 - 60 miles in mixed urban riding with moderate assist, and closer to 70 if you're using eco mode on flat routes. The 500Wh battery is generous for city distances, and you can top it up at work or home between rides.

Is the Raleigh Modum suitable for carrying children or pets?
Yes, the MIK HD rear rack is compatible with child seats and pet carriers designed for that system. The bike's stability and low centre of gravity make it reassuring when loaded, and the dropper post helps with mounting and dismounting. Just check the combined weight limit (rider, bike, cargo) to stay within spec - typically around 130 kg total.

How does the Raleigh Modum compare to other compact e-bikes?
The Modum sits between folding e-bikes like the Eovolt Evening (lighter, more portable, less powerful) and full-size cargo bikes like the Cube Cargo Dual Hybrid (more capacity, heavier, less manoeuvrable). The Tern NBD is the closest rival, with similar 20-inch wheels, Bosch motor, and Nexus gearing, but the Modum's rotatable handlebars give it a storage edge.

What is the maximum weight capacity of the Raleigh Modum?
The maximum permissible weight (rider, bike, and cargo combined) is around 130 kg. The rear rack itself is rated for approximately 27 kg of cargo, though this varies slightly depending on the source. Always check the manufacturer's guidance and distribute weight evenly for best handling.

Can the Raleigh Modum be folded for transport?
No, the Modum doesn't fold. Instead, the handlebars twist 180 degrees via the Speedlifter Twist stem, reducing the bike's width significantly for storage and transport. It's not as compact as a true folder, but it's far easier to fit into tight spaces than a standard e-bike.

Is the Raleigh Modum good for hilly areas?
Absolutely. The Bosch Performance Line motor delivers strong, smooth assistance that flattens most urban hills. The mid-drive placement keeps the weight centred, so climbing feels balanced, and the Nexus hub lets you shift down at standstill if you've misjudged a gradient. It's one of the Modum's standout strengths.

What type of motor does the Raleigh Modum use?
The Modum uses Bosch's Performance Line BES3 mid-drive motor, integrated with the Bosch Smart System. It's a proven unit that delivers smooth, natural-feeling assistance up to the UK legal limit of 15.5 mph, with excellent hill-climbing torque and low maintenance requirements.

How easy is it to store the Raleigh Modum?
Very easy by e-bike standards. The rotatable handlebars reduce the bike's width dramatically, making it feasible to wheel into narrow hallways, store against a wall, or take on public transport. At 25.6 kg it's not light enough to hang easily, but the compact footprint solves most urban storage headaches.