Rail trail riding has exploded in popularity in the past few years, and Electric Bikes Brisbane is proud to be a supporter and sponsor of some of our local trail associations. We were lucky enough to be given a sneak peak (aka. ride) on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail before it opened, and are stoked at how communities have adopted and supported continuing development of rail trails and cycle trails since.
We often get asked, 'What makes a good rail trail ebike?' We sat down with our own Nick Willis to explain what to look for. Here’s a lightly edited transcript from a recent conversation—let’s dive in!
A conversation with Electric Bikes Brisbane on Rail Trail E-Bikes
Q: Let’s start with a bit of history. Our first rail trail ride was in 2018 with Paul Heymans on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail — before it opened, riding sections where tracks were first laid down over 120 years ago. What makes these trails so special?
Nick (EBB):
Yeah, that was a great trip. The BVRT really captures what’s special about rail trails — they’ve got this mix of history, open country, and gentle gradients that make them perfect for exploring on an e-bike. You’re rolling through old railway cuttings and over bridges that have been around since steam trains, but now it’s peaceful, full of bird and wildlife, and accessible to anyone who wants a bit of adventure without tackling hard-core mountain bike tracks.
Q: For someone who hasn’t tried one yet, what exactly makes a “rail trail ebike” different?
Nick:
A proper rail trail ebike sits right in the middle ground. It’s not as aggressive as a mountain bike, and it’s more capable than a city commuter.
You will mainly do day rides on it but it is capable of multi-day rides too. So you want a bike that’s comfortable to ride all day, handles loose gravel well, and still rolls efficiently on sealed sections.
So, decent front suspension, 2.0 to 2.4-inch tyres, a reliable mid-drive motor, and an upright riding position so you can look around and enjoy where you are — that’s the sweet spot.
Q: Rail trail ebikes have exploded in popularity in recent years — why do you think that is?
Nick:
It’s a mix of accessibility and lifestyle. An ebike just opens the door for so many people. You can be in your 60s and 70s and still go on an 80 km adventure with your mates or your partner and not worry about running out of puff halfway through. And people love that these rides combine fitness with fun — stop for a coffee, explore a little town, take a few photos, then keep going. It’s not racing, it’s exploring.
Q: Who’s riding them — mostly retirees, or do you see a broader mix?
Nick:
It started with retirees and couples, sure, but now we’re seeing younger riders, families, even adventure travellers loading their bikes on the back of a caravan or a 4WD. Rail trails are becoming part of the tourism circuit — people will do the Brisbane Valley one weekend, then Kingaroy to Kilkivan, or even the Downs Burnett Cycle Trail, which isn’t a pure rail trail, but it’s definitely worth a look. That one links up quiet country roads, small towns, and backcountry sections. It’s a beautiful, real-Queensland ride.
Q: Let’s talk about the bikes themselves — which brands are leading the way?
Nick:
The Europeans really set the benchmark here. Focus, Kalkhoff, Orbea, Moustache, and Riese & Müller all make bikes that are purpose-built for long-distance comfort and reliability. They use Bosch and Shimano systems that have been refined over years of real-world riding. The geometry’s right, the components are high quality, and the whole package is designed to work together. When you’re 30 km from the nearest town, you want something that just feels solid and trustworthy.
Q: Tyres and range seem to come up a lot when people are shopping for their first e-bike. What should they know?
Nick:
Tyres are huge. Too many people underestimate them. You want something wide enough to give grip and comfort — around 2.2 inches — but not so knobby that you waste energy. A semi-slick tread with reinforced sidewalls is perfect for mixed gravel and sealed sections. And running your pressures a bit lower on gravel makes a massive difference to comfort. I love the Jonny Watts tyre from Schwalbe, or the G-One if you want to go very fast.
As for range, a 600Wh+ battery is the sweet spot (for those epic trips, you can always buy or hire a range extender like the BOSCH powermore). Most people will easily get 80 to 120 km on a charge if they ride smart. Terrain, wind, and weight all matter, but range anxiety isn’t really a thing anymore. A lot of country cafés and pubs on the big trails even offer charging, which is a great excuse to stop for a coffee or lunch.
Q: Comfort seems to be a big focus for riders doing longer days. What matters most there?
Nick:
Fit first — always. The right frame size and handlebar height make or break comfort. Then your contact points: grips, saddle, and suspension seatpost. Those small details transform how a bike feels over a full day. A quality saddle matched to your sit-bone width is huge. And don’t forget padded shorts, gloves, ergonomic grips and a Da Brim if you want to keep the sun — and magpies — off your face.
Q: Magpies — the great Australian hazard!
Nick:
(Laughs) Yep. Everyone’s got a swooping story. My advice? Stay calm, keep your line, and maybe zip-tie the helmet if you’re in a known area. It’s just part of Aussie spring riding. We've got a blog dedicated to Magpies!
Q: Let’s switch gears and talk about technology. What’s new in the rail trail ebike space?
Nick:
There’s a lot happening right now. One of the biggest changes has been automatic gear shifting — it senses your cadence and terrain and shifts for you. It sounds like a luxury until you try it. On long mixed-gradient trails, it keeps you in the perfect gear all the time, so you can just enjoy the ride and the scenery.
Then there’s ABS braking, which is a really important safety innovation. Bosch has been leading the way there. On gravel or wet roads, ABS stops the front wheel from locking up, so you can brake harder and stay in control. It’s especially good for new riders or anyone carrying a bit of extra weight with panniers or a child seat. It’s the kind of tech that quietly makes riding safer and more enjoyable without you even noticing it.
Combine that with better displays, built-in navigation, and more natural-feeling motors — everything’s getting smoother, quieter, and smarter.
Q: And what about the new Pinion MGU everyone’s talking about?
Nick:
That’s the big one for 2026/27, IF they are allowed to come to Australia. The Pinion MGU combines the motor and gearbox into a single sealed unit — no derailleur, no cassette, no external gears. It’s neat, low-maintenance, and super quiet. You can ride for thousands of kilometres with barely a service. And it works beautifully with those automatic-shift systems we just talked about. Great for touring and rail trail riding. But, if you can't wait, the Rohloff E-14 eShift with the Bosch motor is the Rolls-Royce of shifting, huge gear range, bulletproof construction and national service network.
Q: When do you expect to see it in Australia?
Nick:
Not sure at this stage. Riese and Muller and Moustache have ebikes ready to go. We’ll definitely have demo bikes as soon as Pinion agree to let their motor outside Europe!
Q: Let’s talk ownership and maintenance. What should new riders expect?
Nick:
Treat it like a car. Bring it in for a quick check after 500 km (free when you buy from us), then every 1,500 to 2,000 km depending on how you ride. Keep your tyres pumped, chain clean, and battery topped up between 60–80% when it’s parked. These ebikes are built for years of use if you look after them.
Q: Looking ahead, where do you see this category going?
Nick:
We’ll see lighter frames, even better integration, and smarter connectivity. But really, the appeal stays the same — it’s about freedom, fun, and exploring. Rail trail e-bikesgive people the confidence to get outdoors and go places they might’ve thought were out of reach.
Q: If someone’s planning their first big adventure — BVRT, Kingaroy to Kilkivan, or the Downs Burnett — what’s your best advice?
Nick:
Start small. Do a section, not the whole thing. Carry water, sunscreen, and a multi-tool, and don’t be afraid to stop and enjoy the view. These rides are about discovery, not distance. And if you’re unsure where to start, pop into the shop — we ride these trails ourselves and can help match the right bike to how and where you want to ride.
Q: And your favourite ride?
Nick:
Still the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. It’s iconic, accessible, and full of friendly towns. But the Downs Burnett Cycle Trail is one people should keep on their radar — rolling farmland, great little pubs, and that classic Queensland country hospitality. It’s not a pure rail trail, but that mix of terrain makes it even better.
Discover the latest in rail trail e-bikes — including models with ABS braking, automatic shifting, and the upcoming Pinion MGU — at Electric Bikes Brisbane.
Expert advice, European quality, and real-world experience — everything you need for your next great rail trail adventure.
Learn More About Rail Trail Rides
**About the Author:** Nick Willis is a lifelong cyclist whose passion for bikes has taken him around the world—racing, exploring, and tackling legendary trails. Nick’s favourite place to ride is Whistler, where he logged countless runs down “Original Sin” before YouTube was even a thing. He’s completed rides as long as 220km (yes, it’s on Strava), but says his best day ever on a bike was riding the iconic Whole Enchilada in Moab. Nick’s all-time favourite bike is the Kona Kilauea—a classic hardtail that’s still close to his heart. He earned his first money on a bike as a paperboy, met his wife Sam through cycling, and—after a successful career as a CEO—left the corporate world behind 13 years ago to help others discover the freedom and fun of ebikes. Nick’s experience, integrity, and deep love for the ride are at the heart of Electric Bikes Brisbane.
