Ride1Up TrailRush Review | Exceptional eMTB Value

We tested the TrailRush’s range capabilities with two separate rides: one using the bike’s Eco setting, and the other using its maximum Boost setting to get a real-world sense of its performance.

One important note up front: we conducted these tests on local bike paths, as we don’t have access to many longer XC trails nearby (and our dedicated eMTB test track is a bit too demanding for a bike with this steep of a headtube angle). So if you’re riding trails full-time, your results could vary slightly.

Ride1Up advertises a range of 30 to 50 miles, and our testing supports that—and then some. In Boost mode, the TrailRush delivered 29.5 miles before the battery ran out. On Eco mode, it reached an impressive 80.7 miles, far exceeding the brand’s own estimates.

We’ve tested this motor and battery combo multiple times over the years, and the results have remained remarkably consistent across different bike platforms. If nothing else, it’s a model of reliability.

One last battery-related perk: many eMTBs don’t offer removable batteries, so it’s a welcome feature that the TrailRush does. This makes loading the bike onto a hitch rack easier, and for anyone planning longer cross-country adventures, it opens up the possibility of carrying a spare battery to swap in for extended rides, should you choose to purchase one.

We took the TrailRush to our newly implemented Hill Test 2.0 at the Devil’s Backbone to help evaluate its climbing performance. The climb is a challenging half-mile stretch averaging an 8% grade, and it’s the kind of hill that would be a brutal slog on an acoustic bike for all but upper-tier cyclists.

The TrailRush handled it well, reaching the top in 2 minutes and 14 seconds, which translates to an average speed of 13.5 miles per hour. We’ve only tested a handful of mid-drives on this new course so far, but even with the limited sample size, that time is just one second off the current average for mid-drives.

The TF Sprinter motor impressed us. It delivers power in a smooth, natural-feeling way and does so surprisingly quietly. It’s not aiming for land-speed records, but that’s not the point here. For a cross-country bike like the TrailRush, it’s the right tool for the job. You’re not chasing aggressive climbs and rowdy descents like you would with an enduro bike. This bike is designed to extend your endurance on flowy singletrack, making longer trail rides feel easier and more enjoyable. It also provides enough power to tackle the occasional steep section when needed, which it still does well.

The Deore 10-speed drivetrain paired well with the motor. Ten gears feel like the e-bike sweet spot, offering enough range to tackle climbs, flats, and descents without overcomplicating things.

I could sum up the TrailRush’s ride quality by saying it has several good traits, and even some great ones, with no glaring weaknesses. But let’s dig into the details.

The overall build is solid. At 59 lbs, the bike is on the heavier side, but the motor easily offsets the weight in the upper level PAS modes, and I actually appreciated the planted, stable feel the weight provided on the trail.

Ride1Up has always done a great job with paint, and our Cobalt Blue tester looked sharp, while the other color options appear equally appealing based on photos. A few minor aesthetic drawbacks are worth noting, like the bulkiness of the motor and some exposed cabling, but it’s far from being a clunker. As a bonus, the frame can hold two water bottle cages, which is always nice to see.

Fit and geometry are dialed in well for an XC ride. While the bike only comes in two frame sizes, I think Ride1Up did a good job splitting the difference. The longer wheelbase and chainstays help with stability, and there’s enough variation between the Medium and Large sizes to find a reasonable fit. Two sizes is limited by eMTB standards, but at this price point, it’s a fair tradeoff to keep costs down—and thankfully, the geo feels well thought out. If you can confidently swing a leg over it’s standing height, you should do well on it.

I was pleasantly surprised by the fork. It was the candidate I thought would be subject to lower quality given the rest of the bike, but it’s a nice air fork that is plush but supportive too. It holds up on bumpier singletrack and handles trail chatter without compromising pedaling efficiency during long rides through the countryside.

The 4-piston Tektro brakes also impressed. While we don’t conduct formal braking istance tests for eMTBs and focus on feel and modulation instead, these passed our real-world checks. A 200mm front rotor might be nice for added heat dissipation given the bike’s weight, but I never felt it was necessary during testing. I’m probably just greedy.

The Maxxis tires offer the kind of dependable traction that’s made them a go-to on bikes like this. I also appreciated that the wheels are tubeless-ready, so you have the option to run lower pressures and worry less about flats.

The display is on the simpler side, which I actually prefer on a mountain bike. It’s easy to read at a glance, and the buttons for changing PAS levels are tactile and respond quickly. While there aren’t motor tuning options available, the default programming felt spot-on for the TrailRush’s XC intentions, so I didn’t find myself wishing for more customization anyway.

I’ve got to hand it to Ride1Up. When they enter a new category, they tend to show up a little later than other brands, but when they do, they undercut the competition with seriously compelling value. Just look at how the Revv 1 stacks up against Super73 in the moped-style segment, or how shockingly good the CF Racer 1 was as a carbon road/gravel bike for the money.

They’ve done it again with the TrailRush; this is a well-equipped XC/trail eMTB that delivers value that’s tough to beat. From head to tail, it’s built with quality components, but without charging an arm and a leg. Even if this bike were priced higher, it would still be a solid option; the fact that it comes in where it does just makes it all the more impressive.

The Brose motor remains one of the quietest and most seamless systems out there. It provides a welcome boost without making the ride feel like a dirtbike. It’ll keep you engaged and active in the experience, rather than feeling like the bike is doing all the work.

If there’s one word that kept coming to mind while riding, it’s “balanced.” The TrailRush feels planted and confident through corners and on loose terrain. And when you settle into a rhythm on rolling singletrack, it’s almost meditative. The suspension is solid, and the overall ride quality makes it easy to get in the flow and stay there.

Whether you’re new to mountain biking or a seasoned cross-country rider looking to go electric, the TrailRush absolutely deserves a spot on your shortlist.

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 Ride1Up TrailRush down in our comments section.