Comprehensive Review of Ride1UP E-Bikes: Should You Get One?

Review of Ride1UP Electric Bikes: Budget-Friendly, High-Performance E-Bikes for Every Rider

Categories: Bike Brands, Electric
ride1up electric gravel bike
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Ride1UP is a US-based brand with a small but impressive lineup of urban and off-road e-bikes that offer a phenomenal bang for your buck. 

The e-bike market is booming so it doesn’t come as a surprise that the number of brands is skyrocketing as well.

Ride1UP is a new e-bike company established in 2019, trying to snag a piece of the electric cake by doing things differently.

In a very short time frame, Ride1UP has established itself as one of the leaders in the budget e-bike category. It achieved this by offering high-quality and smartly designed e-bikes at reasonable prices, providing a 1-year warranty and accepting 30-day no-questions-asked returns.

If you’re looking for a daily commuter electric bike that can replace your short car trips or an affordable e-bike for recreation and exercise, you’re likely to find a suitable option in Ride1UP’s lineup.

 

Short Overview of the Ride1UP Brand

Ride1UP founder Kevin Dugger
Kevin Dugger, the founder of Ride1UP, with his partners.

Ride1UP is a young e-bike company founded in 2019 by Kevin Dugger. The company is based just out of San Diego, California, though the product warehouse is located in Sparks, Nevada.

Like many other popular e-bike brands, Ride1UP started as a DIY project. Kevin Dugger, along with a few of his partners, started building their own e-bikes by hand, because they were not satisfied with the selection on the market.

When starting the company, Kevin Dugger’s motivation was to offer sleek, fast, and high-quality e-bikes that don’t cost as much as a car. As a direct-to-consumer company, Ride1UP can offer lower prices than the competition by eliminating third-party retailers.

Ride1UP will even give you a $40 off coupon if you pledge to replace at least five driving trips per month with their electric bikes. That sounds like a good deal to me!

 

Most Popular Ride1UP Electric Bikes

At the moment, Ride1UP manufactures nine models, most of which are available in two builds, step-over and step-thru. However, the company keeps expanding its lineup, so we expect new models in the future.

Cadence sensors provide pedal assist on all but the the Prodigy models and the LMT’D, which have torque sensors.

Most Ride1UP electric bikes are hybrid, commuter, or city bikes since most come with sleek tires, fenders, lights, and a rear rack. The price ranges between $995 and $2,695, which puts Ride1UP in the budget category for e-bikes.

 

CF Racer1

gray ride1up cf racer1 ebike

The Ride1UP CF Racer1 is a game-changing e-bike that aims to make the e-road and e-gravel categories accessible to a wider range of riders.

Up until the release of the CF Racer1, you’d have to pay upwards of $4,000 or $5,000 to buy a high-quality carbon electric road or gravel bike. This one costs just $2,295.

The CF Racer1 is built around a lightweight carbon fiber frame, weighs just 27-28 lb, and comes equipped with hydraulic disc brakes and a SRAM Rival drivetrain.

The bike is available in two builds—road and gravel—the only differences between the two are the tires and handlebars.

So if you always wanted to own a Cannondale, Trek, or Scott carbon e-bike but budget was always a problem, now you can do it for much cheaper with Ride1UP.

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Portola

Ride1UP Portola

Full Review of Portola

The Ride1UP Portola is a highly functional folding e-bike with carefully chosen components. It features a 750W rear hub motor and a choice of two fully integrated batteries (10.4Ah or 13.4Ah).

The Portola is built to thrive in the city but it can handle light off-road terrain thanks to its knobbly 3″ tires and 80mm of suspension.

Ride1UP managed to spec hydraulic disc brakes, which is impressive at this price. Likewise, you get an above-average Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain.

Consider this compact folding e-bike if you need a reliable and affordable folding commuter from a leading e-bike brand.

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Rift

Ride1UP Rift

Ride1UP’s Rift e-bike is the brand’s first attempt at an all-terrain fat-tire machine, and they knocked it out of the park.

This powerful 750W machine comes in under $2,000 but sports features like Kenda Krusade puncture-resistant 4″ tires, a motor with 95Nm of torque, a 20Ah battery with 50 miles of range, and four-piston hydraulic disc brakes.

Ride1UP also added a high-travel 120mm suspension fork to pair with the fat tires and powerful brakes, meaning the Rift is super capable when the trail gets rough. The only downside is the high weight of almost 85lb.

If you want to use the Rift as an adventure machine on the weekend and a weekday commuter, it’s equipped with all the necessary commuter components, including bright lights and a rack that can support up to 150lb.

Don’t miss out on this affordable fat-tire e-bike if you want reliability, performance, and functionality rolled into one.

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Ride1UP Turris

ride1up turris

Ride1UP Turris is the ultimate daily commuter and touring ebike in the brand’s lineup. It’s powered by a zippy 750W rear hub motor supported by a 48V 12.8Ah battery integrated into the downtube. The motor delivers 60 Nm of torque and is capable of class 3 speeds, so it won’t have any problems tackling steep inclines.

The Turris is also equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, a 100 mm front suspension fork, and a 7-speed drivetrain. That’s a generous package for a price of just $1,295.

Ride1UP also equipped its newest commuter ebike with front and rear fenders, a front headlight, riser bars, 27.5″ x 2.4″ tires and a comfy saddle.

Get the Turris if you want a capable year-round commuting or adventuring class 3 ebike.

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Revv 1

Ride1up revv 1 moped-style ebike

Ride1UP Revv 1 is a moped-style electric bike that’s modern, powerful, and quite affordable, selling for $1,895 (hardtail model) or $2,395 (full-suspension model).

It’s powered by a 750W rear hub motor that’s paired with a 52V 20Ah battery on the full-suspension model or a smaller 52V 15Ah battery on the hardtail model. Both provide an estimated range of 30-60 miles.

Other than that, this beast boasts spokeless wheels, front and rear lights, fenders, hydraulic disc brakes, and turn lights on the FS model.

Get it if you want a reasonably priced moped ebike that looks phenomenal and is capable of class 2 and class 3 speeds.

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700 Series

Ride1UP 700 Series

Full review of 700 series

The Ride1UP 700 Series is a smooth and elegant hybrid electric bike that can easily replace your car for all short errands and grocery shopping. It comes boasting a hydraulic 100mm front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, lights, and handy accessories.

This urban beauty is powered by a 750W/60Nm motor and a 672Wh battery that give you a 28 MPH top speed and a 30–50-mile range. It’s by far one of Ride1UP’s most popular and best-looking bikes.

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Café Cruiser

Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser

Full review of Café Cruiser

The Ride1UP Café Cruiser is an impressive hybrid electric bike with the versatility to take on two passengers. This bike is compatible with the plus-one cargo kit from Ride1UP which allows a passenger to sit comfortably behind the rider/driver. It also comes boasting a hydraulic 80mm front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, integrated LED lights, and handy accessories such as a heavy-duty Kickstand.

This passenger e-bike is powered by a 750W/60Nm motor and a 720Wh battery which gives you a 28 MPH top speed and a 30–50-mile range. It is certainly one of the most intriguing and versatile Ride1UP e-bikes.

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Roadster v2

Ride1UP Roadster V2

Ride1UP Roadster V2 is the sleekest and most badass-looking e-bike built by this Californian company.

This is an inconspicuous electric beast that hides all of its components and achieves a super-clean look. Roadster V2 sports a 350W rear hub motor and a discreetly integrated 250Wh battery. It also comes with a carbon belt drive instead of a chain, so maintenance is almost non-existent.

See more: Best Belt Drive Electric Bikes

This setup will give you a 20–35-mile range that you can get for $1,000.

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LMT’D

Ride1UP LMT'd

If all you think about is power and speed when it comes to e-bikes, Ride1UP LMT’D is the right choice for you.

This is by far the most powerful Ride1UP electric bike with a 750W (1000W Peak and 100Nm Torque) motor and a 672Wh battery. It will easily achieve 28 MPH with pedal-assist and 20 MPH with throttle and maintain it for 30–50 miles.

LMT’D also boasts 2.4″ Schwalbe Super-Moto X tires, hydraulic discs, and 80mm of air suspension. This bike means business!

For similar designs, see our review of Buzz Bikes and Royal Dutch Gazelle Bikes.

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Prodigy v2

Ride1UP Prodigy v2

Ride1UP Prodigy is the only bike from the Ride1UP with a mid-drive motor. This is a premium e-bike with a budget-friendly price, available in four variations: two Gates Carbon belt-drive and enviolo internal hub, and two standard 9-speed microSHIFT drivetrains.

The LS and ST are step-through, and the XR and LX are step-over frames. All four use fast-rolling Maxxis Rekon Race 2.25″ cross-country tires and a capable 100mm suspension fork.

You’re looking at a serious Class 3 e-bike with a 90Nm motor, 28mph max speed, and an integrated 504Wh battery. The continuously variable transmission internal hub and belt-drive setup add extra durability and capability to his impressive bike.

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Size Chart of Ride1UP Bikes

Most Ride1UP electric bikes are available with both step-over and step-through frames, each of which comes in a single size.

Therefore, shorter riders should go for a step-through frame, whereas those who defy gravity a bit more can opt for the step-over to get a better fit.

Check out the Ride1UP size chart that we’ve created below to find the correct size based on your height measurement. If you’re still in two minds after that, you can read Ride1UP’s guide on finding the right size bike.

 

Roadster V2 Small: 5’3″-5’8″ Large: 5’7″-6’2″
Portola 4’10”-6’4″
Turris
ST: 5’1″-6’2″ XR: 5’6″-6’4″
700 Series ST: 5’0″-6’2″ XR: 5’5″-6’4″
Café Cruiser ST: 5’0″-6’4″ XR: 5’5″-6’4″
LMT’D ST: 5’1″-6’2″ XR: 5’6″-6’4″
Rift ST: 5’1″-6’2″ XR: 5’6″-6’4″
Revv 1
FS: 5’2″-6’4″ HT: 5’2″-6’4″
Prodigy v2
ST/LS: 5’1″-6’3″ XR/LX: 5’6″-6’4″

 

Ride1UP Warranty and Returns

Ride1UP stands behind their products and the build quality so you’ll get a 1-year warranty on any Ride1UP e-bike you get. The warranty applies to any manufacturing defect and the company will issue a replacement or refund if:

  • The bike was purchased directly from Ride1up.com.
  • You are the original and first owner of the bike (warranty is not transferable)
  • The bike has followed all intended use purposes
  • The electronics have not been repaired or modified.

 

In addition to the 1-year warranty, Ride1UP also offers a 30-day trial period during which you can try out the bike. If you’re not satisfied with it for whatever reason, you can return it within a month, no questions asked. The only conditions to be met are that the bike needs to be in original (perfect) condition and that the buyer is responsible for the cost of return shipping. This is a great chance to see if an e-bike is really the right choice for you without any commitments.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to find out more about Ride1UP electric bikes? Check out the FAQs below.

Ride1UP produces value-packed e-bikes with budget prices and solid components. All Ride1UP e-bikes feature powerful electric components that develop Class 3 speeds and provide a solid range. The company cuts a few corners to lower the price, but the final product is well worth the price.

Ride1UP builds class 3 e-bikes that can develop pedal-assist speeds of up to 28 MPH. The only exception is Roadster V2 that has a 24 MPH top speed. Most Ride1UP e-bikes also have a throttle with a 20 MPH top speed, which puts them in the Class 2 category as well.

Yes, Ride1UP is a legit e-bike company with headquarters in San Diego, California. It makes high-quality Class 3 e-bikes that come with a 1-year warranty and a 30-day return period. Therefore, it seems like the company is confident about the quality it provides.

Ride1UP e-bikes are pretty affordable considering the value you get. At the moment, the cheapest model (Roadster V2) costs just $995, whereas the most expensive one (Prodigy) costs $2,195. So, on average, you should expect to pay around $1,500 to ride a Ride1UP e-bike.

All Ride1UP bikes are the best in their unique ways. It all depends on what qualities you’re looking for. The LMT’D model is the most powerful one, whereas the Roadster V2 is the simplest and easiest to maintain. For commuters, 500 Series and 700 Series should be the top picks.

 

Final Thoughts About Ride1UP

Ride1UP entered the e-bike market only a few years ago, but it has already caused a stir and brought some novelties and new trends. Its approach is different from the competition, which makes it stand out from the pack—powerful Class 3 electronics, sleek appearance, simple modern design, and outstanding customer service.

Ride1UP e-bikes are not the best-equipped or the flashiest electric bicycles you can get, but they are packed with values and features that you won’t get elsewhere for the same amount of money.

If you’re looking to get an affordable and reliable electric workhorse for commuting, fitness, or leisure riding, Ride1UP is definitely a sound choice.

See All Options on Ride1UP

24 thoughts on “Review of Ride1UP Electric Bikes: Budget-Friendly, High-Performance E-Bikes for Every Rider

  1. I’ve had a similiar nightmare experience as echoed here. Tons of problems with the bike that were a manufacturing issue, but because they took awhile to diagnose (lots of emails back and forth with videos, etc) by the time we identified it was their fault we were out of the 30 day window for them to cover labor. It’s such a shady business, I recommend your website update your review to reflect their shoddy warranty and quality.

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