The best bicycles for cruising are comfortable, upright and easy to get on and off. Add a quiet motor and a removable battery and you have an electric beach cruiser: a bike for the bay path, the esplanade and the coastal road that takes the hills and the headwind out of a relaxed ride. This guide compares four step-through cruisers from the Electric Dirt Bike Australia range using the real figures on each product page.
We cover seat height, battery size, range, brakes and price, then explain how to look after a bike that lives near salt air. All four are Ampd Bros e-bikes, available in a road-compliant version or an off-road version chosen at purchase, so we also explain what that choice means.
What to look for in bicycles for cruising
A cruising bike should feel relaxed. Look for an upright riding position, a wide, comfortable saddle, a swept-back handlebar and a low step-through frame that makes it easy to hop on and off, with or without shopping on the rack. For an electric version, add a battery big enough for your longest ride, brakes that stop a heavier bike confidently and a motor with enough torque to take the hills out of the day.
| Bike | Price | Battery | Range | Torque | Seat height | Max load |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACE Mini | $2,390 | 48V 15Ah | up to 60 km | 65 Nm | 730 mm | 120 kg |
| Stubbie-S S3 | $2,590 | 48V 15Ah | up to 60 km | 65 Nm | 780 to 920 mm | 120 kg |
| Riptide-S 3 | $2,690 | 48V 15Ah | up to 60 km | 60 Nm | 870 to 960 mm | 120 kg |
| Chubbie-S 3 | $3,490 | 48V 20Ah | up to 80 km | 80 Nm | 890 to 1,000 mm | 120 kg |
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Bicycle for cruising or fat tyre trail bike?
A bicycle for cruising is built for comfort on smooth paths. A fat tyre trail bike is built for sand, gravel and rough ground. Some of the bikes here, like the Stubbie-S, have 20-inch fat tyres and can do both on firm sand, while the Riptide and Chubbie use 26-inch wheels and are happiest on paved paths and light gravel. Our fat tyre guide explains when wider tyres are worth the extra weight.
Riptide-S 3: the relaxed step-through cruiser
The Riptide-S 3 is the step-through version of the Riptide. It has a 250 W motor, a 48V 15Ah battery, 60 Nm of torque, a 26-inch wheel, Shimano Altus seven-speed gearing and two-piston hydraulic brakes with 160 mm rotors. Seat height is 870 to 960 mm and the stated range is up to 60 km.
RIPTIDE-S 3 Electric Bike (48V 15Ah / 250W)
Ampd Bros electric beach cruiser with 250W continuous, 48V 15Ah, range up to 60km.
It is the best match for riders who want an easy bike for short, flat trips along the foreshore, with a comfortable seat and a low step-through frame.
Chubbie-S 3: more battery and more torque
The Chubbie-S 3 is the step-through version of the Chubbie. It has a larger 48V 20Ah battery, 80 Nm of torque, 180 mm brake rotors and up to 80 km of range. It costs more but suits heavier riders, longer rides and hillier routes.
CHUBBIE-S 3 Electric Bike (48V 20Ah / 250W)
Ampd Bros electric beach cruiser with 250W continuous, 48V 20Ah, range up to 80km.
Stubbie-S S3: a compact fat tyre cruiser
The Stubbie-S S3 rides on 20-inch fat tyres with a step-through frame, a 250 W motor, a 48V 15Ah battery, 65 Nm of torque and two-piston brakes with 160 mm rotors. The seat height ranges from 780 to 920 mm, which suits shorter riders, and the stated range is up to 60 km. Its fat tyres add comfort on bumpy paths and firm sand.
Stubbie-S S3 Electric Bike (48V 15Ah / 250W)
Ampd Bros fat tyre electric bike with 250W continuous, 48V 15Ah, range up to 60km.
ACE Mini: the smallest of the group
The ACE Mini has 16-inch wheels, a 730 mm seat height, a 250 W motor and a 48V 15Ah battery, with 65 Nm of torque and up to 60 km of range. It comes in step-through and step-over frames, and its small wheels and low seat make it a good choice for shorter riders or anyone who wants a bike that is easy to store.
ACE Mini Electric Bike (48V 15Ah / 250W)
Ampd Bros mini electric fat bike with 250W continuous, 48V 15Ah, range up to 60km.
A cruising checklist before you buy
- Seat height: can you put a foot down at traffic lights and on the sand?
- Step-through frame: easy mounting matters if you carry shopping or have limited flexibility.
- Battery: choose watt-hours for your longest regular ride, plus a margin.
- Brakes: hydraulic discs with larger rotors suit a heavier, laden bike.
- Legal setup: road-compliant or off-road, chosen at purchase.
- Storage: a spot for charging indoors and a way to rinse and dry the bike after the beach.
Why cruise bikes suit relaxed riders
Cruise bikes put you in an upright position that is easy on the back and wrists, which is why they suit riders returning to cycling or riding with family. A cruising e bike adds the motor so the whole group can ride at a similar pace even when fitness differs, which makes weekend rides more fun for everyone.
Cruise e bikes: how they ride
Cruise e bikes feel different from a sporty e-bike. Acceleration is gentle, the assist builds smoothly and the bike encourages a relaxed pace. Many riders choose an assist level that lets them chat and enjoy the view rather than race. A cruise ebike also makes cycling accessible for riders who have not ridden for years, because the motor takes out the hardest part of hills and headwinds.
Electric cruise riding tips
For a good electric cruise, start at a low assist level and raise it when you need it, keep your cadence smooth and use the gears to match your speed. Brake early on wet or sandy surfaces, and slow down around pedestrians. Wear a helmet, use lights at dusk and keep a bell on the bars.
Beach cruising: what to know before you go
Beach cruising is one of the best uses for these bikes, but sand and salt need respect. Ride on firm, damp sand rather than soft dry sand, because wheels sink in loose sand. Keep your speed down, avoid water over the motor and battery, and rinse the bike with fresh water afterwards, taking care to avoid spraying electrical connectors. Dry the chain and lubricate it, because salt shortens its life. Check local rules, since some beaches ban bikes completely.
Accessories for a cruiser
A basket or rear rack, mudguards, lights and a strong lock turn a cruiser into a daily bike. Check that any rack is rated for the load you plan to carry and does not interfere with the battery. Our accessories range lists parts that fit, and our team can advise on the contact page.
Cruising ebike options: road-compliant or off-road
A cruising ebike from our Ampd range comes in two versions. The road-compliant version is a 250 W model with pedal assist limited to 25 km/h and a throttle limited to a 6 km/h walk assist. The off-road version is for private property only. You choose at purchase, record the choice in the order note and cannot change it later. Rules for where e-bikes can be ridden vary by state, so see our e-bike laws overview and the official Queensland and Transport Victoria pages.
Battery care, charging and the warranty
Charge on a hard, dry surface away from exits and anything flammable and use the supplied charger. Store the battery indoors at a moderate temperature rather than in a hot car or a damp shed. Battery University explains how heat and charge level affect lithium cells. Adult Ampd e-bikes carry a two-year nationwide warranty covering manufacturer faults, with wear items such as tyres, tubes, brake pads and seats excluded.
Where to buy, delivery and next steps
We ship Australia-wide from Mittagong NSW. Bikes are delivered by Toll Ipec with a signature required, and delivery runs from 1 to 3 business days around Sydney up to 5 to 8 business days for Tasmania, the NT and remote areas, as set out on the shipping and delivery page. Browse the electric bikes range, the fat tyre electric bikes and the lowest-priced cheap electric bikes. For comparisons, read our cruiser e-bike guide, the fat tyre trail riding guide and the e-bike safety guide. For something more adventurous, see our electric scrambler bike guide and the electric fat tyre bike guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a beach cruiser retro style bike?
A beach cruiser retro style bike has a swept-back handlebar, a wide seat and curved frame tubes, inspired by classic American cruisers. Our Ampd cruisers follow that style with a modern motor and battery, and they come in step-through and step-over frames.
Can a cruising ebike handle hills?
Yes, within limits. The Chubbie-S has 80 Nm of torque and a 48V 20Ah battery, which helps on hills, while the Riptide-S has 60 Nm and suits gentler terrain. Check the torque and battery on each product page and match them to your route.
Are these cruisers suitable for shorter riders?
The ACE Mini, with a 730 mm seat height and 16-inch wheels, and the Stubbie-S, with seat heights from 780 to 920 mm, suit shorter riders. The Riptide-S and Chubbie-S have taller seats. Compare the seat heights with your inside leg before you order.
How far can bicycles for cruising go with a motor?
Quoted ranges are up to 60 km for the Riptide-S, Stubbie-S and ACE Mini, and up to 80 km for the Chubbie-S. Real range depends on assist level, hills, wind and rider weight, so plan for less on hard rides.
Do I need to rinse an e-bike after the beach?
Yes. Salt and sand wear out chains, bearings and brake parts quickly. Rinse the frame with fresh water, avoid spraying the battery and motor connectors, dry the chain and lubricate it. A few minutes of care after each beach ride extends the life of the bike.
