Retrospec Valen Rev 14 Review: A 15 MPH Mini E-Moped Built for Kids

The discussion around this bike’s range is slightly different than normal. The fact is, we haven’t tested a significant sample size of kid’s mopeds – we did complete a range test on the Valen Rev 14″, but there isn’t much of a group to compare it to. This is also the case in the upcoming hill and brake tests.

As with all e-mopeds, we completed one throttle only range test. The Valen Rev 14 logged 18.2 miles on a full battery. It’s worth noting that our range testers are all adults – Retrospec’s claimed range of 30 miles is much more realistic for younger, lighter riders.

Considering the use case of the Valen Rev 14″, this is a passable range result. For laps around the neighborhood, or getting to and from a friend’s house, this has enough juice. I could also picture a school commute if your local elementary is nearby.

While the range is enough, the 280 Wh battery isn’t massive. I’d expect to charge with relative frequency, especially if it is the primary way of getting to and from school. A 36V, 1.5 A charger is included, which should charge the battery in around 5-6 hours.

We didn’t expect a blindingly fast hill test result from the Valen Rev 14″ – its motor power is on the more modest end of things, and climbing steep hills isn’t a central priority on this bike.

Our hill test consists of climbing the Devil’s Backbone segment twice; once using solely the throttle, again using the PAS system. This is a tough test for many eBikes, but for a kids’ moped, it would be reasonable to say it’s a little extreme. We still put the Valen Rev 14″ up to the challenge. Although we didn’t expect it to be particularly competitive, its showing still gives us valuable information about the motor performance.

The Valen Rev 14″ didn’t complete the throttle test, but logged a time of 5:02 at 6.0 mph when using the PAS system. For the record, we’ve never had a 250W hub motor complete this climb on throttle alone.

This bike is deliberately light on power in an effort to stay safe and controlled. That does have some inherent limitations – it’s not a beast of a hill climber. However, its pedal assist performance was actually better than expected; Justin didn’t have to push too hard in order to summit the climb. The output is very light, but it was enough to get him up the hill (slowly) without having to lift out of the saddle or exert excessively.

For a lighter/younger rider, we’d expect hill performance to improve – but, this is generally not a hill crusher. It’s best suited for flatter terrain.

The 250W motor peaks at 500W and packs 45 Nm of torque. You get it by now – this isn’t massive power. Here’s the key takeaway though; This is a feature rather than a true drawback. Keeping it modest, safe, and approachable is the way to go on a kids bike.

On an e-moped that prioritizes safety, braking performance is key. Once again, it’s tough to find an ideal comparison class for this test, as the Valen Rev 14 tops out at 15 mph. Our brake test usually measures stopping distance from 20 mph.

Regardless, the bike posted an average stopping distance of 12’10” in our brake test. This is a short stopping distance – again, partially due to the lower entry speed – but still well within the safe range.

These brakes feel powerful. The bike is spec’d with Tektro mechanical disc brakes that are paired with 180 mm rotors front and rear. While we typically like to see hydraulic disc brakes on eBikes, this setup works well for the Valen Rev 14. The levers do ask for some extra pressure compared to hydraulic options, but the brakes still engage with gusto.

The rotors are very large relative to the 14 inch wheels, which allows for the brake system to have more leverage, and in turn, a shorter stopping distance. The 3.0 inch wide tires are likely another factor; they’re decently wide, so the contact patch is sizable. This is especially effective on smaller bikes like this one.

In short, parents can have confidence in this braking setup. It’s reliable and safe.

One of the things I like most about eBikes is that they revive the kid within; Despite the fact that I’m an entire foot over the suggested height range, I was really feeling that way on the Valen Rev 14. I think I was having more fun than the young ones that the bike is intended for.

Retrospec’s suggested sizing fits riders from 4’9″ – 5’3″. It’s been a long time since I was that height, and at 6’3″, I am solidly out of the target height range. However, that seems accurate to me.

I should also add that even at my height, the Valen Rev 14 was more comfortable than I expected. I’m not suggesting that the bike is well suited for tall riders – but frankly, it wasn’t too dissimilar from full size e-mopeds I’ve tested. My legs were cramped (as they always are on e-mopeds) but it was truly better than I expected.

The Valen Rev 14 has no suspension. Soaking up bumps and rough surfaces completely falls on the 14 x 3.0 inch tires and moped style saddle. I did find the ride to be bumpy, but I’d also expect my size and weight to be a factor here. All of my 200 lbs coming down on 14 inch wheels isn’t an ideal recipe for smoothness – Younger, lighter riders will likely have enough cushion for comfortable cruising.

As for handling, this bike feels nimble and lively. For adults, the small size and short wheelbase results in a bit of twitchiness. However, for younger riders, I’d expect the handling to feel just right. It’s the same as if you gave me a kid-sized snowboard. At adult height and weight, it’ll feel small and twitchy. For a kid, it’s exactly what they need.

We discussed the pedal experience a bit in the speed test, but I’ll revisit a few key takeaways here. The Valen Rev 14 isn’t the most refined pedaling experience we’ve seen (it’s a kids bike – that’s okay). The cadence sensor can be a little slow to engage, but there isn’t any excessive overrun. The biggest hangup is the lack of PAS levels. Adding these would increase control, and it’s an upgrade we’d like to see Rectrosepc make.

Generally speaking, this bike is simple, safe, and fun. Those are exactly the boxes it needs to check as a youth-oriented e-moped.

At a basic level, kids want to show their parents that they’re ready for freedoms and privileges. I remember this well, from the first time I was allowed to ride further than the driveway all the way to leaving for college.

While this is true, kids are kids. Massive speed and power is a bad idea for most of the youth population, but they do still deserve to have fun.

The Valen Rev 14, with its controllable motor and good looks, is a great middle ground. Parents can feel good about the approachable nature of this bike, while riders will get access to the freedom and fun that they want.

Performance wise, this bike is a solid performer in both the range and brake tests. The hill test isn’t its strong suit, but we don’t expect otherwise. Moreover, it’s respectable value; The Valen Rev 14 lands exactly where we’d expect it to be in terms of cost. The current $699 price tag is fair when considering that youth bikes aren’t always this well-thought-out.

There’s only one worthy critique on this bike, and it’s relatively minor. We would like to see PAS levels added to the system – even though the bike is very manageable, a selection of variable power would make it even more docile.

This bike is a genuine blast, and a great fit for the younger audience. As for the parents – no need to feel guilty if you end up on some joyrides as well.

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 Valen Rev 14 down in our comments section.