Our Rating - 4.5/5
Revving an engine has been given a new definition with the new Revv 1 by Ride1Up. This e-bike is a perfect example of the trend of styling electric bicycles after mopeds and motorbikes. Revv 1 can be a perfect bike for various purposes - from exploring to daily commutes or running errands.
Ride1Up Revv 1 - In-Depth Review
Revv 1 motorbike-inspired e-bike has certainly shown what we can expect from bikes that dip into the high-end range.
The entire appearance gives us an adventure vibe - this bike is made for exploring and having fun. Of course, it should go without saying that it doesn’t just offer the looks; it packs a serious punch too.
However, what makes Revv 1 different from the rest of the bikes in the same price range? Let’s answer that - and every other question you may have in the Ride1Up Revv 1 review below.
But before we dive into the specifics that make this e-bike so special, let’s check out the key specs:
Key Specs | |
Weight | 83 lb / 93 lbs |
Frame | Alloy Frame with internal protected & locked electronics |
Tire Size | 20” inch wheels with 4” puncture-resistant tires |
Motor | Bafang geared hub 750W, 90Nm |
Battery | 52V, 780Wh / 1,040Wh |
Range | 30-60 miles |
Max Speed | 20+ MPH |
Brakes | 4-piston Hydraulic Disc Brakes with Electric Cut-Off Sensor |
Ride1Up Roadster V2 at a Glance
The mini mopeds from the 80s and 90s inspire moped-inspired electric bikes. In the past couple of years, these e-bikes saw a spike in popularity, and it comes as no surprise that Ride1Up decided to make their electric bike that looks so much like a moped.
Most moped-inspired e-bikes on the market come with smaller wheels, extra-wide tires, power-packing motors, and a suspension, and Revv 1 has all of these specs. Rev 1 is available in two varieties: a hardtail (HT) or a full-suspension (FS) e-bike.
The two varieties are very different to ride and take to adventures, but the rear suspension improved the ride quality immensely. This e-bike is perfect for everyone who wants all the advantages of an urban ride with exceptional performance.
However, there is more to this bike than just a fancy look. Below, you will find an in-depth exploration of the specs:
Frame
No matter the difference in design between the HT and the FS frame, the two varieties look similar. The frame is either way, made of a durable alloy to allow the e-bike to handle the extra motor power and weight capacity.
The weight of this bike is somewhat higher than the average electric bike, but note that it falls within the regular weight range for a moped e-bike. Each variety has a gorgeous design with the characteristic simplicity Ride1Up is well-known for.
The Revv 1 could be the most appealing moped e-bike today. The electronics are carefully designed to remain simple yet practical, and the attractive color - it’s available in Moss Green and Graphite Gray.
The FS Revv 1 has more to offer, without a doubt, as the rear suspension provides extra comfort and a higher-quality ride overall. The HT variety uses a 100mm air fork with hydraulic lockout, and the ride quality suffers from no rear suspension, especially on bumpy rides.
On the other hand, the FS variety packs a double-crown 120mm fork with hydraulic lockout and packs the same adjustments as HT. The Revv 1 is available in one size only and is suitable for riders between 5’2” and 6’4”.
Motor
Revv 1 runs on a 52V system along with a powerful 750W Bafang geared hub motor. The torque is rated at 90Nm, which is not a usual range for a 750W e-bike motor.
Exceptional torque allows extra power during your adventures, making this electric moped stand out.
Rated as a class-2 e-bike, Revv 1 can reach speeds of 20+ MPH, provided you use the pedal assist to go over this speed.
However, if you wish to reach higher speeds, you can unlock the 28 MPH maximum speed, but remember that the bike can be used for off-road rides only.
The HT version has a 25-amp controller of 12 MOSFETs, allowing the bike to have about 1300 watts. Then, the FS version has a huge 28-amp controller of 18 MOSFETs, allowing a peak power of 1456 watts.
Moreover, the Revv 1 e-bike has a 3.5” two-tone display between the handlebars with various settings you can fine-tune to your liking. The display shows detailed metrics of each ride, including the current wattage and the RPM bar.
Battery
Moped-style electric bikes are all about creating an adventure in every ride - and Revv 1 is no different.
It doesn’t pack the highest-performance specs the way most moped e-bikes do, but with the 52V battery and controller, you can feel all the excitement when riding.
The battery sits in a safe space in front of the saddle, on the frame's top tube. The HT and the FS varieties carry different batteries - the hardtail has 780W of power, while the FS packs an amazing 1,040W.
Keeping in mind that the price difference between the two is about $500, we can safely say that the battery had much to do with it.
Moped e-bikes need larger batteries, and the Revv 1 has a battery well over its price range.
The exact range wasn’t specified - it was only stated as somewhere between 30 and 60 miles for both versions of the Revv 1. When we tested the HT bike using the highest level of pedal assist - riding on unlevel terrain, it maxed out the battery at 37 miles.
Since the full-suspension e-bike has a larger, more powerful battery, I expected much better performance on the same ride. However, considering that the bike is 10 pounds heavier and has a rear suspension making it less efficient - it maxed out at 40 miles of range - which doesn’t justify the price difference.
The full charge takes a bit less than 6 hours with the high-quality SANS charger, but the upside is - the battery is removable, so you can charge it in the comfort of your home or take it out to prevent stealing. Since you can remove the battery, you can invest in an extra one to keep riding your e-bike while the other battery is charging.
Brakes
One of the fantastic choices for the design of the Revv 1 would have to be the hydraulic disc brakes. The HT and the FS Revv 1 have powerful 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes with a motor cut-off feature.
Since this bike falls more in the mid-price range, I was surprised to see the 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes. The brakes hold a private label, so they aren’t from a known brand but were designed for moped-style electric bikes.
The unknown brand for the brakes is certainly a con, in my opinion. For the mid-range price, the e-bike should at least have brakes from a well-known brand.
Tires
The HT and the FS variety come with 20-inch mag wheels and 4-inch wide tires. Compared to standard ebike wheels, these smaller moped wheels allow your bike to have excellent maneuverability.
The wheels are cast aluminum, and those wheels combined with thick tires will make daily commutes very comfortable.
The Revv1 HT has the Kenda Krusade tires with deep tread, while the FS version has a pair of slick motorbike-style CST Scount eMoped tires. The HT tires will absorb shocks from the pavement better, while the FS Rev 1 are slicker, making them perform worse on bumpy roads.
The tires are high quality and have some tread, but they are nowhere near an off-road e-motorbike or an MTB.
This e-bike is advertised as a commuting and off-road vehicle, but I would remain careful when riding the Revv 1 over bumpy terrain. It simply does not perform off-road very well - so if that is what you’re looking for, Revv 1 is not the bike for you!
What Do I Like?
Revv 1 comes with the typical specs of an e-bike moped, and it has two versions. The hardtail and the full-suspension versions are different in terms of the battery, controller, suspension, and peak power.
However, if the hardtail falls more in your price range, you can still get a gorgeous moped-inspired e-bike for a significantly lower price. Full-suspension Revv 1 may pack slightly better specs, but it all comes down to your budget and preferences, as both have a lot to offer.
This e-bike is the way to go when it comes to urban use. Both versions of the Revv 1 carry rear and front metal fenders and integrated lights, while the FS version even packs a pair of turn signals.
There is a kickstand on the back, designed carefully not to mess with the pedals. The design is simple with practicality in mind, and the bike comes in two attractive colors, and the full alloy fenders will keep the debris and dirt away from the key components.
It’s worth mentioning the LCD screen located between the handlebars, which is easy to see in all light conditions. The screen is easy to operate during a ride without compromising safety.
PROS
What Don’t I Like?
Moped e-bikes are heavier, and Revv 1 is no different than the rest. Hardtail Revv 1 weighs 83 pounds, while the full suspension weighs 93, making the battery power a bit less impressive. It will be more difficult to take this e-bike uphill, resulting in a lower battery range.
This bike is too heavy to carry up a flight of stairs, so if you want to store it in your apartment, you will get off better with a mountain bike or something in that direction.
On top of it all, I didn’t like the slick tires on the FS version, as they won’t do a great job absorbing the shocks on off-road rides. In this case, the HT version is better for all road conditions.
The last point I didn’t like is the private label brakes. You cannot be sure how durable or reliable they are or what you can replace them with if they stop working.
Cons
Advice To Buyers
If you are looking for a moped-style electric bike, the Ride1Up Revv 1 is the one you should consider revving down the street. The Ride1Up’s bikes are famous for their simple practicality, and the Revv 1 offers fantastic ride quality and great comfort.
It certainly comes with a higher price tag of over $2,000 for the FS frame, but this e-bike is worth it - provided you don’t need an off-road vehicle.
Conclusion
Revv 1 doesn’t offer the exceptional performance of some other moped-styled e-bikes. The design is attractive, and the bike packs solid specs with a refined look and a rather reasonable price.
I liked that there are two frame varieties to suit a middle and a higher budget, but I can predict that the full-suspension frame will be far more popular. In my opinion, you will be paying a premium for a bike that doesn’t perform as an all-road vehicle.
This e-bike is an exciting novelty on the market, and I expect it will become more popular as time goes by!