Overview of Ride1UP Electric Bikes

Mako Young
2022-10-12
eBicycles score
9.4/10

Ride1UP is a company that believes more in the efficiency and lifestyle of an e-bike commuter than the profits of the business. As a result, the company brings affordable yet premium quality e-bikes to the masses, perfect for going to work and back.

The company is based in San Diego, California, which is a common location for e-bike manufacturers. Ride1UP currently has seven e-bikes in its portfolio.

Founded by Kevin Dugger, Ride1UPs origin story hits as close to home as it gets. Kevin grew up in Northern California, with cycling as his primary mode of transportation. When he was in college, he worked part-time on his own as a bicycle mechanic. As far as company founder origin stories go, you couldn’t write a better bicycle story than this.

Although Ride1UP was only recently launched in 2018, it has since consistently performed well in the market due to its affordable prices and dedication to making quality e-bikes.

 

Overview of Ride1UP Electric Bikes

Ride1UP electric bikes

Ride1UP Electric Bikes overview

Being in the game for only three years, Ride1UP has made a name for itself for multiple reasons. First off, it’s an incredibly efficient business. Ride1UP is primarily an online company. This helps them save on costs, making the overall price of their e-bikes cheaper than the competition.

The business model of the company is clear-cut: to replace car commutes with cost-effective electric bikes.

The company philosophy is clear and easy to resonate with if you’re passionate about reducing pollution and having a better commuting experience.

Ride1UP offers a wide variety of e-bikes that their customers can choose from. Personally, the best part of their design is the minimalist yet refined quality of their e-bikes.

The company doesn’t take itself too seriously, and designs e-bikes that look more like traditional bicycles than the semi-motorcycle aesthetic that other companies offer. We’re looking at you Juiced.

 

What We Like and Dislike About Ride1UP Electric Bikes

best value ride1up e-bikes

Ride1UP e-bikes for outdoor rides

While Ride1UP checks out on a lot of things, there’s always the other side to every coin. In this section, we’ll be flipping that coin and viewing it on both sides. Here are the good and the bad parts of Ride1UP bikes.

Likes:

  • Ride1UP e-bikes are incredibly affordable, especially in contrast to most competitors that range between $2,000 to $7,000 in price.
  • These e-bikes are visually pleasing and minimal, which caters very much so to the traditional look and design of bicycles. This gives riders that casual aesthetic of a regular bicycle yet with the power of a Class 3 e-bike.
  • Although these e-bikes fit within most budgets, Ride1UP did not sacrifice quality for affordability. These bikes are strong, equipped with powerful motors and long-lasting batteries.
  • Next, there’s a wide variety of options for every type of rider, from city commuters, mountain trail riders, and road cyclists.
  • The bicycle design, following traditional bicycles, keeps these e-bikes lightweight. This is an especially underrated feature that’s overlooked, only coming to mind when you’re parking or pedaling an e-bike without any battery left.
  • Additionally, Ride1UP has a free shipping policy for all customers within the US and a 30-day free return policy if you don’t like the bike.
  • Almost every review from blogs, forums, and threads always has something good to say about the customer support team.

Points to Consider:

  • Some models only use mechanical brakes, which is more than enough for some but doesn’t provide the same safety as a hydraulic brake.
  • The Core-5, Roadster v2, and LMT’D don’t come with a built-in headlight.
  • Some models don’t have a USB charger for your phone.

 

Popular Ride1UP E-Bike Models

Ride1UP 500 series e-bike

Ride1UP 500 series e-bike grey variant

Currently, Ride1UP offers seven e-bikes in its portfolio. There are e-bikes at various price points, mainly targeting entry-level prices. All of the bikes, except the Roadster v2, are available in step-through (ST) and step-over (XR) frames.

You can expect an investment between $1,095 to $2,295 for a Ride1UP e-bike. Here are the seven e-bikes on Ride1UP’s current portfolio. The definition of value for money.

 

Ride1UP Roadster v2


ride1up Roadster v2 ebike

MSRP: $1,095

The Ride1UP Roadster v2 is the second generation of this model. It’s a sleek single-speed option designed for zipping around the city.

A lightweight and low-maintenance set of components give this bike its appeal. It weighs just 33lbs, less than many standard bikes, and doesn’t even look like an electric bike at first glance.

The highlights of the Roadster v2 eBike include the long-lasting belt drive drivetrain, smartly integrated electronics including a 350W motor, and a 250Wh battery that lasts between 20 and 30 miles.

Fast Kenda Kwest 28mm tires and upright, agile geometry allow you to maneuver city streets quickly and easily.

The Ride1Up Roadster is also available in a gravel model with 40mm tires, a Gates Carbon belt drive, and Tektro mechanical disc brakes instead of rim brakes.

Choose the Roadster v2 if you want a stylish e-bike for easy and convenient city rides.

Buy Ride1UP Roadster v2     Full Roadster v2 Review

 

Ride1UP Core-5


ride1up core-5 ebike

MSRP: $1,195

The Ride1UP Core-5 is another entry-level model with a clean look and all the essentials for easy riding in an urban environment.

This Class 3 e-bike has a Shengyi 750W geared hub motor, 20mph throttle assist, an LCD display, and a 614Wh battery that delivers 25 to 45 miles of range.

Despite its low price, Ride1UP was able to use groupset components from Tektro and Shimano. These include Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes and a Shimano Altus 7-speed drivetrain. This setup performs well for this price range.

The Core-5 is a comfort-focused eBike, using plush Kenda Kwick Seven.5 2.2″ tires, a comfortable gel saddle, ergonomic grips, and relaxed geometry with swept-back handlebars.

Other notable features include a kickstand, an LED headlight, and compatibility with a rack and fenders.

Add the Ride1UP Core-5 to your shortlist if you want a straightforward and reliable e-bike at a low price.

Buy Ride1UP Core-5     Ride1UP Core-5 Full Review

 

Ride1UP 500 Series


ride1up 500 series ebike

MSRP: $1,395

The Ride1UP 500 series is an award-winning e-bike and one of the brand’s flagship models.

As another streamlined build, the 500 Series comes with just an LED headlight and kickstand but has the option to add a rack and fenders before ($100 at checkout) or after purchasing.

You’ll get a powerful 750W Shengyi hub motor, a 624Wh battery, and a throttle. This system provides assisted speeds up to 28mph and 25 to 45 miles of range.

Ride1UP added all-terrain capability to this bike through the puncture-resistant Kenda Kwick Seven.5 2.2″ tires, 100mm travel Suntour XCT fork, and Tektro mechanical disc brakes. The 500 Series also has extra gearing from an 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain.

Unfortunately, this bike takes a big jump up in weight compared to the Roadster and Core-5, weighing 55lbs without the rack and fenders.

Overall, the Core-5 is a solid choice for any urban rider who wants an affordable, versatile urban e-bike with mixed-terrain capability.

Buy Ride1UP 500 Series     Ride1UP 500 Series Full Review

 

Ride1UP 700 Series


ride1up 700 Series ST ebike

MSRP: $1,695

Commuter e-bikes don’t get much better than the Ride1UP 700-series, spec’d with everything you need to make life easy in the city.

The 700 Series gets a higher-end Bafang 750W, 60Nm motor with a larger 720Wh battery that returns 30 to 50 miles of range.

Other notable upgrades to the 700 Series include the 180mm-rotor Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, 2.4″ WTB Groov-E tires, a Spanninga Luceo taillight, a color display, and improved hydraulic lockout Mozo suspension.

The Ride1UP 700 Series comes in a step-over and step-through frame like the rest of the models. However, the step-through version has a set of cruiser-style handlebars that create a more upright and relaxed position than the flat handlebars on the step-over frame.

Consider the 700 Series if you want a fully-equipped city commuter built to last.

Buy Ride1UP 700 Series     Ride1UP 700 Series Full Review

 

Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser


ride1up Cafe Cruiser

MSRP: $1,595

The Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser is a blend of comfort cruiser and utility electric bike in one sleek package. Each component on the Cafe Cruiser optimizes for functionality or comfort.

Ride1UP chose 26×3″ Chaoyang SandStorm tires, an 80mm travel Mozo fork, mustache handlebars, and a plush comfort cruiser saddle with suspension. These features combine for an exceptionally smooth ride quality but make the Cafe Cruiser the heaviest bike on the lineup, unfortunately.

The Cafe Cruiser has a frame-integrated rear rack with an enormous 130lb capacity, a 350lb payload capacity, a heavy-duty adjustable kickstand, alloy fenders, and LED lights. This setup is similar to that of a cargo e-bike.

Power comes from the same 750W Bafang motor and 720Wh battery as the 700 Series, with a range of 30 to 50 miles. Likewise, the groupset consists of a Shimano Acera 8-speed drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.

All things considered, this is one of the most versatile urban bikes you’ll find, an excellent choice for riders who value comfort and utility.

Buy Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser     Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser Full Review

 

Ride1UP LMT’D


ride1up lmt'd electric bike

MSRP: $1,895

The new generation Ride1UP LMT’D is an attractive electric bike with more power and an improved ride quality.

A notable feature of this bike compared to the cheaper Ride1UP e-bikes is the torque sensor. These sensors allow the motor to deliver a much smoother and natural-feeling power transfer compared to cadence sensors.

The motor on the LMT’D is also more powerful, featuring 100Nm of torque for faster acceleration and improved ability on steep hills. However, Ride1UP chose a smaller 672Wh battery range to save weight. This battery has the same 30 to 50-mile range.

Other notable components include the 180mm-rotor Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, WTB Groov-e 2.4″ tires, and an 80mm travel air suspension fork. Impressively, Ride1UP kept the weight of this bike down to 50lbs.

If you want to turn your LMT’D into a commuter, add a front or rear rack, fenders, and a range of other accessories from the online store.

Add the Ride1UP LMT’D to your shortlist if you want a powerful urban e-bike with mixed-terrain capabilities.

Buy Ride1UP LMT’D

 

Ride1UP Prodigy


ride1up Prodigy XC electric bike

MSRP: $2,295

Ride1UP’s premium electric bike, the Prodigy, is a model with the builds and two distinct designs.

You have the standard urban models, one step-over and the other step-through. The third build is a cross-country hardtail mountain bike.

All three models have a premium Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive motor with 90nm torque, a 504Wh battery, and 30 to 50 miles of range. In addition, they each have Tektro 180mm hydraulic disc brakes and 9-speed Shimano Alivio gearing.

The XC off-roader comes with a 120mm travel air suspension fork, Maxxis Forekaster 27.5×2.4″ cross-country tires, a 42T narrow-wide chainring, a Selle Royal SRX saddle, and an 80 lux headlight.

On the other hand, the urban models have rigid forks, dual LED lights, Maxxis Re-Fuse 2.0″ gravel tires, a Selle Royal Viento saddle, a 40lb-capacity rack, and fenders.

Don’t miss out on the Prodigy if you’ve got a higher budget and want a premium mid-drive electric bike from Ride1UP.

Buy Ride1UP Prodigy

 

Ride1UP E-Bike Classes, Motors, and Batteries

Ride1UP electric bike aluminum frame

Ride1UP e-bikes are efficient, with the primary focus of getting riders from point A to B

Ride1UP focuses on efficient bikes that get riders from point A to B in the most cost-efficient way.

The company philosophy is simple, and it works. Not only are the e-bikes efficient, but everything about the company is quick and seamless. Customer service has been regarded as A+ throughout multiple reviews. Ordering an e-bike is quick, the 30-day return process is easy to process, and the manufacturing is all self-funded.

Ride1UP offers all these great principles behind a production line that lives up to the same standards as the best Class 3 e-bikes.

 

Good Customer Service and Affordable Prices

We’ve read through dozens of online blog reviews and hundreds of customer-submitted reviews in Reddit, Amazon, Quora, and so on. Almost everyone has something good to say about their customer experience.

If we had to choose a unique feature that Ride1UP excels at, it’s pricing their e-bikes and keeping their customers happy.

Have a broken part in the shipping? Get a replacement within the week after contacting customer service. Have a question about adding aftermarket accessories? Customer service has got your back. This among many other effective and punctual responses from Ride1UPs customer service, has kept customers loyal to their product and company.

All in all, it’s a refreshing experience for beginner and veteran e-bike riders to find a company that cares more about the experience than the profit.

 

You Might Also Ask

On the off chance that you have unanswered questions, here’s a quick overview of the most frequently asked questions about Ride1UP.

  • Where are Ride1UP bikes made? 

Ride1UP e-bikes are designed in San Diego, California, where the company is stationed. However, the assembly line does happen in China. As for the sourcing of all the components, this is backed by a global supply chain sourced from multiple countries.

  • What types of e-bikes does Ride1UP make?

Ride1UP offers three types of e-bikes: mountain, road, and city. Ride1UP offers pretty much all three types of e-bikes, all of which are Class 3. Specifically, Ride1UP offers 3 city bikes, 1 road bike, and 1 mountain bike.

  • How much weight can Ride1UP bikes carry?

All five of Ride1UP’s e-bikes can carry up to 275 lbs of weight. This doesn’t exclude the passenger, so don’t expect your 500 or 700 Series to carry two people at once without buckling in pain.

  • How fast do Ride1UP e-bikes go?

All of Ride1UP’s e-bikes are Class 3, meaning they accelerate up to 28 mph. However, the Roadster v2 is limited to 24mph, making it the slowest but cheapest among the group.

  • Are Ride1UP bikes worth the money?

Absolutely. Ride1UP bikes are arguably the most worth-it e-bike when looking for an e-bike with the specifications they offer. Ride1UP’s product line is affordable, and the quality lacks nothing but even more praise.

 

Bottom Point — Who Are Ride1UP E-Bikes For?

Ride1UP electric bike review

Beginner E-Bike That Is Affordable and Powerful. Photo Credit: Ride1UP, California.

Ride1UP has a target demographic of absolutely everybody who wants to get a beginner e-bike that’s affordable yet powerful. The company’s product line offers e-bikes that are built for mountain trails, city streets, and road pathways.

If you’re looking for an e-bike that’s entry-level priced but jacked with premium hardware components, Ride1UP is something you can stand behind. Lastly, we’ve said this multiple times already, but their customer service is excellent. If you don’t like the e-bike, you can return it with no questions asked within 30 days of owning the bike!

See All Ride1UP E-Bikes


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Facts

Price
1195$

Ride1UP e-bikes are made to be affordable for the masses whilst at the same time offer the same premium quality just like the other high-end e-bikes in the market. They are perfect for just about everyone.

Features

  • Ride1UP electric bikes are incredibly affordable with their models ranging from prices from $995 to $1,795.
  • The design of the Ride1UP e-bikes inspires to be visually pleasing, minimal, and lightweight, without sacrificing quality craftsmanship.
  • Ride1UP offers free-shipping within the US and a generous 30-day free return policy.
  • The customer support behind Ride1UP is one of the best in the business and goes above and beyond to meet your satisfaction.
  • Ride1UP offers a wide variety of e-bikes for every type of rider, from city commuters, mountain trail riders, and road cyclists.



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