At Reid, we design bikes to make everyday riding simpler, more practical and more enjoyable, whether that’s commuting across the city, jumping on a train or heading to the beach with the family.
Ahead of the Reid e20 arriving in the UK later this year, our Commercial Manager Jon Street took one home for the weekend to see how it handled real everyday use. From navigating busy London streets to cruising along the seafront, here’s how the e20 got on.
Over to Jon...
Friday: Christchurch to London for Bespoked 2026
My weekend started with a trip up to London for Bespoked 2026 in Peckham. I rode the e20 from home to Christchurch station before catching the train into Waterloo.
Straight away, the compact 20” wheel design proved exactly why bikes like this are becoming so popular for urban riding. The e20 was easy to manoeuvre through the station, simple to lift onto the train and fitted comfortably in the carriage without taking up loads of space.
For anyone combining cycling with public transport, that practicality makes a huge difference.
Once out on the streets of London, the e20 really came into its own. The motor assistance feels smooth and natural, with plenty of power when you need it without ever feeling overpowering. Even riding through busy traffic, I rarely needed to go above assist level three.
The step-through frame also made navigating the city incredibly easy. Whether stopping at lights, waiting at crossings or weaving through traffic, getting on and off the bike felt effortless throughout the day.
I had a pannier bag fitted to the rear rack carrying everything I needed for the show, but thanks to the low-mounted rack design, the bike still felt planted and stable even when loaded up.
Parking around London was another unexpected bonus. The compact frame slots neatly into bike racks, and locking it up with a D-lock was quick and hassle-free.
Riding Through London
After the show wrapped up, I decided to make the most of the sunshine and spend some time riding through the city.
I headed from Peckham towards Tower Bridge before crossing the Thames past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, eventually making my way back along the South Bank. The city was buzzing with people enjoying the weather, while preparations for the London Marathon were already taking shape across the capital.
That’s where the e20 really stood out to me. It’s compact and practical, but it still feels genuinely fun to ride. It never feels like a compromise.
Later that evening, after catching the train back to Christchurch, I got to properly test the integrated lights on the ride home from the station. The front light in particular was seriously impressive, giving plenty of visibility on darker roads without street lighting.
Sunday: Fish & Chips by the Beach
Sunday was a slightly slower pace, with my wife Charlie taking over the e20 for a family trip down to the beach for fish and chips before a ride back along the promenade.
One of the biggest things we noticed was how adaptable the bike felt between riders. Charlie is 5’4” and I’m 5’10”, but with a quick saddle adjustment, the e20 worked comfortably for both of us.
Charlie especially loved the upright riding position and how approachable the step-through frame felt, while the larger volume tyres on the 20” wheels helped keep the ride comfortable and smooth along the seafront.
Final Thoughts
After a full weekend riding the Reid e20 in completely different environments, I genuinely think it strikes a brilliant balance between practicality, comfort and fun.
It’s compact enough for city living, easy to store and transport, and incredibly capable for commuting and everyday errands, while still being comfortable and enjoyable enough for weekend rides and family outings.
That’s exactly what we designed the e20 to be, a versatile everyday e-bike built around real-world riding.
The Reid e20 will be arriving in the UK soon through Windwave and available through independent bike stores nationwide.