Retrospec Roo Rev Review | A Ready-To-Roll, Reliable Ride

I was a little skeptical of the Roo Rev’s range at first. A 700Wh battery paired with a 750W motor doesn’t hit the 1:1 ratio of watt hours to motor watts I hope to see, but the bike exceeded my expectations.

It didn’t quite reach the 75 miles claimed by Retrospec, but it still turned in one of the most impressive range test results we’ve seen for a utility/short-tail cargo bike. We ran our standard bookend tests—one in Eco mode and one in Turbo mode—and saw the following results:

That Turbo result is the second-longest range we’ve recorded in this category, and the only bike to beat it had 27% more battery capacity. For context, similar models we’ve tested average between 33.3 and 60.8 miles on a single battery.

Even though the Eco result was about average in terms of mileage, efficiency told a different story. The Roo Rev used just 11.4 Wh per mile, compared to the class average of 12.6 Wh/mi. As noted in our speed test, the bike rolls quickly even in Eco mode, so delivering both speed and efficiency is a big win.

The numbers were even more impressive in Turbo: just 16.3 Wh per mile compared to a category average of 22.6. That’s a level of efficiency we rarely see at high power.

A few factors help explain these results. Torque sensors tend to be more efficient than cadence sensors, and most competing bikes rely on the latter. The Roo Rev also runs on slick tires that roll smoothly, and while its 71-lb weight isn’t featherlight, it’s up to 11 lbs lighter than others in our database.

Of course, as always, range will vary depending on terrain, payload, and riding style. But based on our testing, the Roo Rev is one of the better bikes we’ve reviewed when it comes to squeezing every mile out of its battery.

Cargo and utility e-bikes are often jokingly called the minivans of the cycling world—comfortable, roomy, and built to haul people or gear. The comparison mostly works, but it breaks down when you look at motor performance. Unlike a minivan, the Roo Rev feels downright sporty.

Proof of this can be found in our hill test data. We took the bike to our Devil’s Backbone Hill Test, and the results were impressive. Just look how it stacks up vs the other bike’s we’ve taken to the hill this year:

Those are strong numbers, especially for a short-tail utility bike. The Ananda system’s 750W motor (1,150W peak) and 85Nm of torque clearly give it the muscle to climb.

That extra power matters on a bike designed for hauling. With a 400-lb payload capacity, you need a motor that won’t bog down on hills, and the Roo Rev delivers. The torque sensor adds to the experience—if you’re really loaded up and start pedaling harder, it detects the effort and feeds in extra power, making steep climbs feel manageable.

The Roo Rev stands out with a unique brake setup. It uses an industry favorite Tektro 2-piston hydraulic brakes, but with an uncommon rotor arrangement: a larger 203mm rotor in the rear and a smaller 180mm rotor up front. Typically, the larger rotor is placed up front since that wheel handles most of the stopping force, but in theory, a bigger rear rotor can help improve control.

In our standardized brake test (see graphic above), the Roo Rev achieved an average stopping distance of 20’10”. That’s shorter than the current all-bike average of 21’7”, though just a touch longer than the utility/short-tail category average of 20’4”.

Overall, it’s a safe and capable setup. Utility and cargo bikes tend to perform well in braking tests thanks to their smaller 20” wheels and lower center of mass, which naturally aid stopping power.

As for the larger rear rotor, it’s hard to quantify the added control, but in practice, the rear wheel behaved well. It resisted skidding or fishtailing, even with slicker tires, suggesting the setup may indeed provide more stability.

Considering this bike is built to haul passengers or gear, any braking advantage—wherever it’s applied—is a welcome addition.

Frame and Fit
The frame construction is solid. Step-thru designs can sometimes feel flexy, but this one rides with confidence and stiffness than most other STs. Its 13” standover height is among the lowest we’ve seen, which makes it especially appealing to shorter riders or those with limited mobility.

Handling and Comfort
Handling strikes a nice balance. The BMX-style handlebar is wide at 760mm, but paired with 20” x 3” tires, the bike feels both stable and nimble when diving into corners. The handlebar can be tilted forward or back to fine-tune reach and body positioning—from upright and relaxed to more forward and aggressive. Add in the two-tier telescoping seatpost with nearly 13” of adjustment, and it’s easy to find proper leg extension.

The suspension fork adds another layer of comfort. It has 80mm of travel, and while the Zoom fork is more entry-level, it’s still a nice inclusion. It even locks out for a firmer, more direct ride when you want it.

Features and Utility
The Roo Rev comes commuter-ready with a headlight, brake lights, integrated turn signals, and fenders. The bright rear rack adds some visual pop while handling up to 60 lbs, and the overall payload rating of 400 lbs leaves plenty of room for rider and cargo. Retrospec also offers a range of compatible add-ons, including Thule child seats, baskets, panniers, and foot pegs. The rack should be customizable with a cushion as well, though there isn’t one currently on the website.

The dual-leg kickstand is another plus. It makes loading heavy gear or seating a child less awkward, though combined with the low frame height, the legs can scrape pavement if you corner sharply (it happened to me three times). It’s more surprising than hazardous—just be aware of the possibility.

Cockpit and Extras
The cockpit can feel a little cluttered. With a shifter, control pad, turn signal buttons, a throttle and a bell all mounted separately on top of the bar, it lacks the cleaner integration some bikes offer. Cable management feels busy, too. Still, those gripes are softened by thoughtful extras: front turn signals are rare to see, plus you get three separate mounting points along the frame for bottles, pumps, or locks. The display is large and easy to read while remaining uncomplicated.

The Retrospec Roo Rev is equal parts fun and functional. It impressed us across all of our standardized tests, and it handles so well that my test miles often felt more like a joyride than work.

The motor packs plenty of punch. Its torque sensor could use a bit of refinement, but with some saddle time you’ll learn how to harness its power for sweat-free hill climbs and quick acceleration up to top speed. Dial it back into the lower assist levels, and it transitions into a relaxed, leisurely ride.

Fit is another strong point. With its low step-thru frame, telescoping seatpost, and wide handlebars, it accommodates a broad range of riders. Add in the included rear rack, 400-lb payload capacity, and numerous accessory options, and you’ve got a capable hauler for just about any need.

The cockpit could be tidier—fewer bulky controls and neater cable routing would help—but that’s a minor gripe in the bigger picture. Overall, this is one of the few e-bikes that feels approachable to almost anyone, with a value proposition that’s fairly high.

Whether you’re brand new to e-bikes or a seasoned rider looking for a reliable utility option with cargo potential, the Roo Rev is well worth a look.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Retrospec Roo Rev down in our comments section.