Ride1UP Revv 1 FS Review 2024 | The New Moto E-Bike King?
Nov 20, 2023
2 Comments
Share
It rips! It roars! This moped-style e-bike brings the heat without breaking the bank.
Moped-style e-bikes are decidedly on the rise, with more and more Super73 imitators releasing their take on the popular design with each passing day. It’s usually a bad idea to run late to the party – that is, unless you want to make a dramatic entrance. With the Revv 1, Ride1UP smashed through the front door, scattered the revelers on the dance floor, and cannonballed into the swimming pool! In this Ride1UP Revv 1 review, we wring out our shirts while we cover this moto-inspired e-bike’s specs and performance.
Where many e-bikes make you do a hefty chunk of the heavy lifting, the Ride1UP Revv 1 allows you to take it easy with a relaxed and comfortable ride. We think most riders are likely to operate the machine with just its throttle, but if you choose to use the bike’s pedals, you won’t have to worry about working up a sweat. With a single gear and a cadence sensor, the motor requires only a casual turning of the cranks to jump in and take over.
When that happens, look out! The Revv 1 can launch into motion and quickly get up to its (shipped) Class 2 speed limit of 20 miles per hour. Even the bike’s lowest pedal assist system (PAS) setting is capable of reaching fast speeds, making it practical for extending the distance a rider can go on a single charge of the battery. Ride1UP advertises a range of 30-60 miles, and we put that claim to the test!
With so much good, you might expect to pay a premium for the Revv 1, but you’d be surprised there, too. In typical Ride1UP fashion, the Revv is so competitively priced that we’re not sure how they get away with it.
To learn more about this radical, rippin’ roadster, read on to our full review of the Ride1UP Revv 1!
Sponsor
Bike Category:Moped / Moto
Class 2 E-Bike:PAS and Throttle up to 20 MPH (Can be changed to class 3 or unrestricted)
Sponsor
Ride1UP Revv 1 Video Review
Pros- An easy, fun, and casual ride. Thanks to its single gear, 750W motor, and cadence sensor, the Revv 1 doesn’t require much more than light pedal motion (or simply the use of its throttle) to take you where you want to go in style.
- Trademark Ride1UP affordability! The Revv 1 offers a great list of features and solid performance that would be difficult to match for its price point.
- The Revv 1 is FAST! As a contender for our favorite moped-style e-bike, it has no trouble hitting its (shipped) Class 2 max speed of 20 mph quickly, and can be unlocked to Class 3 or Off-Road mode for even bigger thrills!
- Customization in looks, functionality, comfort, and price. The Revv 1 comes with either a full-suspension or hardtail configuration, with two color options, and an optional cargo cage to expand its usefulness.
- Looks are subjective, but we think the Revv 1 looks cool and powerful – just like it feels!
- Full electric vehicle functionality. With lights, fenders, a horn, and turn signals, it comes equipped with all the features needed to be comfortable and capable on roads. Its controls are also nicely distributed across its handlebars.
- Great stability and maneuverability. The bike’s 20”x4” CST Scout tires and a low center of gravity give it confident handling and a solid ride feel even when braking.
- Solid range, with an even better setup on the way! Our testing supported Ride1UP’s advertised 30-60 miles with a single battery, and the company plans to offer a dual-battery option soon!
Cons- The bike looks great, but its design requires multiple disassembly steps to change or patch flats on the rear wheel.
- A handful of unbranded components, like the Revv 1’s brakes, are affordable, but makes it hard to predict how long they’ll last. We appreciated the performance of the hydraulic 4-piston brake setup, but we can’t speak to its longevity.
ELECTRICAL SPECS & FEATURES
- Battery : 52V 20ah, Samsung 50E 21700 Cells (56 cells) (Full Suspension); 52V 15ah, Samsung 50E 21700 Cells (42 cells) (Hardtail)
- Display: 3.5” Center Mount w/ Watt ‘RPM’ bar and turn signal indicators
- Motor: 52V Geared Hub Bafang Motor, 750W
- Headlight: Moto Style Round Headlight, 120 Lux, high and low beam
- Taillights: Starunion Brake LIght
- Pedal Assist: Integrated Sensitive Cadence Sensor w/ 5-stage PAS
- Range: 30-60 miles (claimed)
- Throttle: Right-hand Twist Throttle
- UL Certification:UL 2271 Certified
Weight & Dimensions
- Claimed weight: 93 lbs
- Maximum weight capacity: 400 lbs
Components & Accessories
- Brakes: 4-piston Hydraulic Disc Brakes w/ Electric Cut-Off Sensor
- Fenders: Hardened Alloy Fenders
- Fork: Double-crown 120mm, Preload and Rebound adjust w/ hydraulic lockout (Full Suspension); 100mm, Rebound adjust and hydraulic lockout (Hardtail)
- Frame: Durable Alloy Frame with internal protected & locked electronics
- Drivetrain: Single-speed, 32T Chainring w/127mm cranks, and KMC Pro chain
- Grips: Anti-slip Rubber Grips
- Saddle: Customized cafe-style saddle
- Handlebar: Width: 720mm, Sweep: 25°, Rise: 120mm
- Kickstand: Kickstand
- Pedals: Alloy Black Pedals
- Tires: CST Scout eMoped All-surface Tires, 20×4.0″ (Full Suspension); Kenda Krusade 20×4.0″ (Hardtail)
- Rear Suspension: DNM AOY-38RC, rebound, air pressure adjust and lock-out
Ride1UP Revv 1 Review: E- Bike Overview
At first glance, the Ride1UP Revv 1 might look like a motorbike, with its squat stature, dual crown suspension fork, huge headlight, and full suspension. When you get closer, you’ll notice that the “gas tank” is actually a battery, the foot pegs are pedals tied into a single-speed drivetrain, and the rear wheel hub is a small motor. This combination of features blurs the lines between bicycle and motorbike, creating a capable, street-competent machine.
This style of e-bike is becoming a common sight, largely thanks to the popularity of the Super73 and Juiced brands. Until recently, these moto- or moped-style e-bikes have held a pretty high price tag – and until now, the lower-priced models we’ve seen have come from far less-established/less-proven brands than Ride1UP. We’ve reviewed the full catalog of other Ride1UP e-bikes, and we have consistently been impressed by the company’s commitment to keeping prices down, while consistently offering quality and performance that rivals what we see in more expensive models.
Traditionally known for more commuter-focused, traditionally-styled e-bikes, Ride1UP is treading new ground with the Revv 1. This bike is compact, aggressive, and powerful! With a 52V, 750W rear hub motor, a 1040 Ah battery, and a comfortable, padded seat – the Revv 1 can take you fast and far in comfort and style.
Sponsor
Few e-bikes we’ve tested at EBR feel as good as the Revv 1 does at high speeds.
A dual-crown suspension fork and gigantic headlight enhance the Revv 1’s aggressive motorbike styling.
The bike’s 52V, 750W rear-hub motor is integrated into its cast alloy wheel.
As a Class 2 e-bike, the Revv 1 includes a throttle that is the easiest and most comfortable means of getting around with it. The bike also employs a cadence sensor to keep the machine moving with a casual turn of the pedals, for those who want to look or feel like they’re contributing. The Revv 1’s single-speed drivetrain IS mostly for e-bike classification purposes though; regardless of how you choose to engage the motor, it’s doing just about all of the heavy lifting. This gives the bike a casual and relaxed ride experience that harkens back to the gas-powered machines that inspired it.
We loved the speed and thrills produced by the Revv 1’s motor even in the Class 2 mode it arrived in, but for those looking for even more adrenaline, the bike can be adjusted to Class 3 or Off-Road Mode. These settings allow access to speeds up to (or above, respectively) 28 mph, but are only available after direct communication with the team at Ride1UP – but wow, are they fun!
It was honestly very difficult to find something we didn’t love about the Revv 1, but we do think there are a couple of considerations to be aware of; we’ll talk more about those later.
Let’s dive into the full Revv 1 review and look at the bike’s actual performance in our testing, so we can put our experiences in a better context.
Ride1UP Revv 1 Review: Circuit Speed Test
In order to insure its legality in the largest possible number of places, the Ride1UP Revv 1 ships as a Class 2 e-bike, meaning that its motor offers assistance up to 20 miles per hour regardless of whether you’re pedaling or using the throttle. Since the bike will arrive with this limitation, we performed our measured testing in this mode, although we did make sure to have some additional fun in its unlocked settings.
To reiterate one primary aspect of the Revv 1, most riders are likely to operate the bike mainly using its throttle, for at least a couple of reasons. In our experience, the bike’s combination of weight, positioning, and chainring size makes starting up from a stopped position somewhat difficult without the throttle. Furthermore, the absence of a full cassette means that its pedal assist system is its only other means of adapting the bike to its environment outside of its throttle modulation.
For this reason, our standard Circuit Test (explained in the graphic above) seemed as though it might be irrelevant since we typically only pedal the bike being tested. In truth, it revealed a few unique and interesting things about the Revv 1:
First, the bike’s tuning. With many e-bikes we have tested – especially those with cadence sensors, like the Revv 1 – their pedal assist system typically sets a top speed at each PAS level. PAS 1 might be 6-8 miles per hour, while PAS 5 might be 19-20 miles per hour. In the case of the Revv 1, the bike is capable of reaching speeds around 17 miles per hour in PAS 1, and tops out at 20 miles per hour in PAS 2 through 5. It was nice to observe this power in lower settings, as it makes the Revv 1 practical in lower PAS settings, and it’s not a characteristic we commonly see.
Unusually, in Class 2 mode, the Revv 1’s PAS doesn’t so much as dictate top speed; it determines how quickly you can get there. In PAS 1, you can feel engaged with the single-speed drivetrain, and the actual motor assistance builds slowly. Above PAS 1, acceleration becomes faster and more powerful as the PAS setting increases, to the point where the bike screams into motion in PAS 5. In these settings, any pedaling you do is likely to be ghost pedaling: moving the cranks just to keep the motor engaged.
Sponsor
It’s hard to be mad about battery range between 36 – 52 miles, but there is a dual battery add-on on the way if you need more range!
A single-speed drivetrain allows for casual pedaling but also encourages throttle use.
The single rear shock is an affordable but functional component that makes for a comfortable ride.
As is visible in the graph above, there isn’t much of a noticeable difference between PAS 3, 4, and 5 with the Revv 1 in Class 2 mode. To get a better picture of the bike’s performance, we thought it was a good idea to redo our Circuit Test with the bike in Class 3 mode, which changed things drastically.
In Class 3 mode, the throttle is still limited to 20 miles per hour, but the bike can reach 28 miles per hour when (ghost) pedaling. In this setting, the PAS did have a more noticeable limiting effect on speed when using foot power, but as the data shows, motor assistance does still taper off at the higher end.
This illustrates to us that the Revv 1 is not only capable of higher speeds; it was made for them. We’re bike people who don’t want to see any problems for individuals OR the industry, so please be safe and check your local laws before unlocking it. We briefly tried the bike in Off-Road Mode, but did not gather test data with this setting. In our short test rides, we found it to be fully capable of reaching speeds around 35 miles per hour, which was frankly exhilarating! Our play time here was short, but the Revv 1 never felt dangerous, unstable or out of control, earning serious props from us.
One final thought: some e-bikes offer different throttle speeds at different PAS settings, which gives their rider more precise speed control without requiring them to maintain a specific degree of rotation on the throttle. Unfortunately, this is not a feature with the Revv 1, but one that we think would be appropriate for the bike – especially when considering the likelihood that its rider will rely heavily on throttle power.
Sponsor
Ride1UP Revv 1 Review: Range Test & Battery Performance
Ride1UP’s website states that the Revv 1 is capable of traveling between 30-60 miles on a single charge of its 52V, 20 Ah Samsung battery. We performed our standard Range Tests (see the graphic above) on the bike to evaluate that claim.
With the Revv 1 in PAS 5, we achieved a result of 36.4 miles, which exceeded the lower end of Ride1UP’s advertised range. We managed to pedal for 52.2 miles in PAS 1, which is a little under the top-end figure, but still a significant distance – and still close enough to satisfy us!
Quite a few factors influence range, including speed, weather, terrain, rider weight, etc.; far too many for our test to account for. For that reason, the goal of our real-world test is to arrive at a ballpark figure, and we consider Ride1UP’s claims to be well within the margins when compared to our results.
Going by the numbers, the Revv 1 appears to have quite an efficient motor/battery pairing. We prefer to see at least a 1-to-1 ratio between a bike’s nominal motor wattage (750W, in this case) and the watt-hour (Wh) rating of its battery (the Revv 1 has a 780 Wh battery, which is weighted in the better direction). This, in theory, means that the bike could travel for a little over an hour at its maximum assistance setting. In our testing, which was again performed in Class 2 mode, we traveled for just over two hours.
Let’s talk more about the Revv 1’s motor/battery pairing. The vast majority of e-bikes we have tested have 48V systems, but the Revv 1 stands out by using a 52V motor and battery. This means that its motor requires more power to function, but also that its battery stores and delivers more power to meet that requirement. It is also significant because it is an element the Revv 1 shares with Juiced e-bikes, which are known for their power (and much higher price). In general, 52V systems are faster, but also more efficient. The power delivered by 48V batteries commonly drops off as their cells lose charge, but this is typically far less pronounced with 52V batteries. For anyone who wants to learn more about how batteries and their motors interact, we go into more specifics in our guide to e-bike batteries.
During our range tests, we had the chance to get a sense of the bike’s ride feel and level of comfort. I’ll discuss that in greater detail later on in this Ride1UP Revv 1 review, but overall, we were very satisfied. We did notice that the Bafang 750W rear hub motor was somewhat noisy, but considering the bike’s moto-inspired design, we don’t think it will bother most riders.
Ultimately, we were seriously impressed with the Revv 1’s performance in our Range Tests. The bike provides solid range, especially when considering that its motor does 95-100% of the heavy lifting. Even in its maximum setting (in Class 2 mode), 30+ miles is a lot of ground, and for those looking for greater range, Ride1UP has plans to offer the option for a second battery that can mount to the metal housing above the cranks. This is an option that we’re seeing more frequently on e-bikes across the board, so it’s great to see Ride1UP continuing the trend!
Sponsor
Ride1UP Revv 1 Review: Hill Test
The paved path we chose for our Hill Test, which you can read more about in the graphic above, was selected specifically for its difficulty. It pushes most e-bikes to their limits, and we’ve seen quite a few that were not able to make the climb.
The Ride1UP Revv 1 left those e-bikes – the ever-popular Super 73 – in the dust! This bike was insanely fast and powerful on the climb in PAS 5, with a result of just one minute to the top. Its throttle-only results were slightly less extraordinary (but still quite impressive) at one minute and eight seconds. This data reinforces what we found in the Circuit test; that the Revv 1’s speed and power does seem to be improved when the pedals are moving.
Sponsor
We were fans of the comfort the rear shock provided and recommend that model if it’s within your budget.
The CST Scout eMoped tires on the FS model are made for performance with acceleration and braking.
4-piston hydraulic disc brakes are a welcome sight on this speed-hungry bike, but we wish they were from a reputable brand.
When we look at the Revv 1’s specs, its 750W rear hub motor with 95 Nm of torque falls well within the range of commonly-seen power ratings. So how did the Revv 1 achieve such great results in this test?
Once again, we must return to the fact that the bike uses a 52V motor and battery system. As I mentioned in the Range Test section above, this means that more power is delivered to and used by the motor. The data from this test clearly shows that the bike’s 52V system gives it greater speed and uphill capability than we typically see with 750W motors.
Ride1UP Revv 1 Review: Safety and Brake Test
Due to the high speeds at which e-bikes can travel, we feel that it is imperative for them to have excellent braking systems. This becomes an even more important feature on e-bikes, like the Ride1UP Revv 1, that are capable of reaching 28+ mph.
To measure the performance of the Revv 1’s brake system, we again kept the bike in its default Class 2 mode, then powered it up to its 20 mph motor-assisted speed limit. We applied the brakes hard to stop as quickly as possible and measured the distance the bike traveled as it slowed. Then, we repeated the process two additional times and calculated an average from the three sets of data.
Once again, the Revv 1 demonstrated solid performance, with an average stopping distance of 19’-2”. This result is consistent with similar e-bikes we have tested and falls right in the middle of the average results among those. We noted that the bike also felt remarkably stable when stopping, and hardly deviated from its line of travel, which we attributed both to its brakes and wide 4” tires.
Let’s talk about the bike’s hydraulic brake system. Like a few of its other components (suspension fork, drivetrain, etc.), the Revv 1’s brakes do not display a visible brand. This is part of the tradeoff that comes from the trademark affordability of Ride1UP e-bikes, but it is a consideration that consumers should be aware of. These brakes (and other unbranded components) performed well throughout our testing, but since that is relatively short, we can’t speak to their ability to hold up over an extended period of time.
That said, we were decidedly happy with the Revv 1’s results. We were also pleased to see that the brakes included on the bike were not only hydraulic disc brakes, but that they also of the 4-piston variety. 4-piston systems are less commonly seen but perform significantly better than more typical 2-piston brakes, since there is more surface area applied to the rotors. We definitely feel that 4-piston brakes are more appropriate for speed demons like the Revv 1.
The additional safety features included on the Revv 1 consist mainly of its headlight, taillight, and turn signals. These add to its motorbike-style appearance but also make it competent for on-road use when dealing with automobile traffic. We did find ourselves forgetting to turn the turn signals off, so we wish that they were accompanied by some type of sound, but we love seeing them included regardless. Not only do they add an extra layer of communication between the rider and other motorists, but they also just simply fit the bike well!
Ride1UP Revv 1 Review: Ride Comfort & Handling, Cockpit, and More
First impressions are always important, and we couldn’t help but be thrilled by our first ride on the Revv 1. The bike’s short but stocky frame and 20”x4” CST Scout tires keep its center of gravity low, which gives it a vastly different handling and ride feel than a traditional bicycle or e-bike. Turning requires a bit more lean than riders unfamiliar with this style of e-bike might expect, but with some practice, the Revv 1 becomes nicely maneuverable.
As I mentioned previously, the bike feels incredibly stable when traveling and slowing down. This is due to the size and tread pattern of the CST tires, which are designed to have excellent grip for acceleration and braking. We think these were a great choice for traversing the paved roads the Revv 1 was made for.
The Revv 1’s black and white display is simple but effective and easy to read.
The thickly-padded saddle is comfortable and also long enough to make the bike comfortable for taller riders.
Well-textured rubber grips make sure your hands aren’t going to slip off accidentally.
The Revv 1’s right handlebar hosts the twist throttle and control panel for the bike’s lights, turn signals, and electronic horn.
The rear suspension was another feature we greatly appreciated, although we did detect a fair amount of noise from the mechanisms. The Revv 1’s single DNM rear shock isn’t a high performance component, but it is affordable and in our experience, did a good job of softening bumps that would otherwise be rough on a hardtail model.
The Revv 1’s contact points were comfortable, too. I loved the textured grips on the handlebar, which also had an appropriate amount of rise. Its pedals felt a little on the small side for me, but again, considering that the bike is likely to be powered mostly by throttle, I didn’t mind. The saddle’s padding was thick and cushy – personally, I wish it had a little more support and less squish, but that’s a pretty minor point of critique.
One thing to note with moped-style e-bikes (at least those we’ve tested so far) is that their saddles are typically not adjustable in height, so pedaling can feel uncomfortable or cramped depending on the bike’s geometry. I’m pleased to say that the testers here at Electric Bike Report, who are all in the neighborhood of 6’ tall, had no problems with the Revv 1; its seat is long enough to allow riders to scoot back for better leg extension. In my experience, the frame members to the side of the centrally-mounted battery requires a bit more leg spread than we typically experience, but this also was no bother.
The cockpit of the Revv 1 is functional, with well-distributed controls. In addition to the front brake lever, the button pad for power and PAS adjustment is mounted on the left bar. The throttle is next to the right grip, along with the rear brake lever and a control panel for lights, electronic horn and turn signals. The bike uses a simplistic but large and readable black-and-white display that I think matches its design.
All-in-all, the Revv 1 felt great to operate, even after a few consecutive hours on the bike. It has clearly been created with both comfort and functionality in mind, and does both of those things well.
Ride1UP Revv 1 Review: Summary / Where to Buy
EBR picked the Ride1UP Revv 1 FS as one of the best overallelectric bikes of the year!
From start to finish, the Ride1UP Revv 1 was a blast to test and an all-around smash hit at the office! We loved its aggressive styling, its full level of electric vehicle functionally, and of course, its absurd level of speed and power. There’s no doubt about it: this bike shreds!
It was honestly pretty tough to find anything we didn’t like about the Revv 1, but being thorough is part of the job. I didn’t cover this element in previous sections, but our largest point of criticism is in regards to the difficulty of removing the bike’s rear wheel. Changing out / patching a flat tire is not an easy task, as it requires removal of the protective shroud over the bike’s wiring and controller, and disconnection of that controller from the motor. This is not something that could be done easily on the side of the road (it’s not simple on a standard bike, and far more complicated here), so we’d love to see the process simplified.
Otherwise, the brakes (and a few other components) do not display a brand or model number with proven longevity and performance, but we understand that this is how Ride1UP can offer the Revv 1 at such a competitive price.
Seriously – finding a moped-style e-bike with this level of performance and from an established, reputable brand is nigh-on impossible!
We loved the thrills we experienced while riding the Revv 1. It was comfortable, capable, and with three modes of operation, awesomely adaptable to its environment!
Bottom line: if you’re a speed addict with a penchant for tearing up the streets (safely in Class 2 or Class 3 mode, of course), you’re going to love the Ride1UP Revv 1 just as much as we did. This is an e-bike for those looking for a low-powered motorcycle, and it receives our full stamp of approval!
Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Ride1UP Revv 1.
Sponsor
Sponsor
Reader Interactions
Comments
Leave a Reply
thanks for the review, lots of good informations