Ride1Up Revv 1 Review: A Class 3 e-Bike Blurring the Lines Between Moped and Motorcycle

So, you’re in the market for a new e-bike, and you’ve come across the Ride1Up Revv1. With its motorcycle-like design and powerful electric motor, it seems promising and looks incredible, but is this electric bike for you?

For this Ride1Up Revv 1 review, I took this handsomely equipped electric moped tout on numerous rides to test its handling, performance, top speed, and more. I’ve tested a fair few handfuls of e-bikes before, so I have a lot to compare it to. And I can tell you, this is entirely different from anything I’ve ridden before.

Combining the performance perks of an electric bike with the power of a moped, the Ride1Up Revv 1 is a standout among moped style electric bikes. Its sleek design, resembling a motorcycle, certainly makes an impression. Ride1Up has become well-known for their affordable, high-quality e-bikes, and the Revv 1 is no exception.

In this in-depth Ride1Up Revv 1 review, I’ll share my thoughts and insights on everything from assembling the Revv 1 to riding and transporting it. I’ll cover the pros and cons, examine the components and features, and evaluate alternative e-bike options.

Let’s get rolling!

Right out of the box, I could only think one thing: this e-bike looks SICK. With its low seating position, headlamp, and dual-crown suspension fork, the Revv 1 resembles a motorcycle more than it does a conventional e-bike.

During my first test ride, I found the Revv 1 incredibly easy and insanely fun to ride. I loved using the handlebar twist throttle, which really makes it feel like a motorcycle making it very easy to control. I wasn’t sure how I would like the low seating position (it’s definitely not a normal bike position) but found it surprisingly comfortable. I will say—the position isn’t as good for actually pedaling though.

To me, this bike is meant to be used mainly with the throttle and pure motor power, not pedal power. The bike pedals, but it’s not a multi-speed e-bike, which means it relies primarily on motor power to propel itself forward.

Think of this as a moped style electric bike that looks like a motorcycle. This is not a bicycle.

The one bummer out of the box (for me) was that my Revv 1 was delivered with a broken headlamp bracket. I was disappointed, but customer support was fantastic and shipped a new part that arrived within two days. Replacing the bracket entailed unplugging multiple wires and reinstalling some hardware, veering well beyond standard assembly.

I have to give a huge shout out to the Ride1Up support team, though, because they delivered exceptional customer service that veered beyond what I would call standard customer support. And, for what it’s worth, this was a pre-production model sent to me by Ride1Up, and I know for a fact that they’ve taken my experience into account when they went into production, packaging and fulfillment for this e-bike earlier this year.

That all being said, the build quality is seriously solid. The aluminum frame is very sturdy, and all the components are high quality. Be aware though, that this e-bike is HEAVY! At 93 lbs, it’s certainly one of the heavier options on the market.

SHOP RIDE1UP REVV 1

Founded in 2018, Ride1Up emerged as a leading brand in the electric bicycle industry. They stand out among the best e-bike brands for their affordable entry-level e-bikes. With nine e-bike models catering to a variety of riding styles (commuter, road, and all-terrain), plus integrated batteries and name-brand components, Ride1Up e-bikes are an excellent value.

The company was founded by an experienced bike mechanic and builder, Kevin Dugger, who saw the lack of affordable, quality e-bikes on the market. Ride1Up’s mission is simple: get more people on e-bikes. They do that by building great bikes and offering them at affordable prices.

One of the things I love about Ride1Up is their commitment to the industry, and the way they champion safety and quality as two core pillars of their brand and their electric bikes.

Like many moped-style e-bikes, the Revv 1 follows the cafe cruiser design trend set by Super73—an e-bike brand based out of Southern California. The Ride1Up Revv 1, however, stands out for its competitive pricing while delivering exceptional performance.

Before diving into the details to see how it measures up against other e-bikes, it’s important to understand what this bike is, what it’s not, and for whom it’s meant.

The Revv 1 competes more with cheap mopeds (or other moped-style bikes) rather than most e-bikes on the market. It’s big, heavy, and powerful, but isn’t optimized for pedaling. If you want a more standard electric bicycle that will just give you a bit of an extra boost, this isn’t it.

This bike is for someone who wants more of an electric moped or electric motorcycle-like experience. You’ll probably be using the throttle a lot more than pedal assist, and you won’t be throwing this up on a bike rack on your roof.

For me, this bike has become my daily rider to get around the city—specifically Venice Beach—and for regular joy rides along the beach and boardwalk. The Revv 1 is an absolute pleasure to ride.

Assembly Review

If you’ve never had an e-bike delivered to your home before, you might be surprised by the size of the box. The boxed Revv 1 one is no exception. Delivered securely to my doorstep, it came with the rear wheel attached and all the tools required for assembly.

Unless you are a savvy bike mechanic, I recommend going to a local bike shop to have this moped style ebike assembled by a pro. Given the velocity that the Revv 1 reaches, especially in Off-Road mode (more on that soon), it’s better to err on the side of safety and have the components assembled securely.

I, for one, called on Velofix to assemble my bike at home, and I’m sure glad I did. If you don’t know what you’re doing, I definitely wouldn’t attempt this one yourself.

Style, Design & Aesthetics

In terms of looks, the Revv 1 is outright awesome. It’s incredibly sleek and I get compliments everywhere I go with this bike (seriously). The design blends elements of a moped (bench seat), motorcycle (headlight and turn signals), and bicycle (pedals) for an overall refined design that simply oozes SoCal style.

Having a bike that looks this good actually has some drawbacks, though. I’m hesitant to add bigger accessories (like a rearview mirror) because I don’t want to detract from its looks. There also aren’t many attachment points on the bike, and because there isn’t a water bottle attachment to secure a bike lock like the Foldylock, I’ve resorted to wrapping a Kryptonite chain lock around the frame, which definitely takes away from the e-bike’s sleek appearance.

There’s a rear rack accessory, too, but again—I feel it detracts from the overall aesthetic. Ultimately, this is a fun bike to ride, and the way it looks is a very real part of that for me. There are storage options if you want them (like the center storage cage, outlined in the accessories section below), just be mindful that every modification changes this bikes appearance!

The style leans more towards adventurous riders, though the e-bike itself operates like a cruiser that’s super fun to ride. The Revv 1 comes in two colors: moss green and graphite gray. I chose the graphite gray, though my friend Andrew bought the moss green and loves it. Honestly, it’s a little hard to tell the difference between the colors, unless you look closely.

Performance Review

I’ve been riding this bike all over Los Angeles, and have taken it on a number of test rides—both off-road riding and on paved roads. It delivers an overall comfortable ride, even when reaching speeds that merit wearing a full face helmet. I love the handlebar twist throttle. It feels like a motorcycle, or at least as much as any e-bike I’ve ridden.

Weighing 93 lbs (83 lbs for the Hardtail model) and packing a powerful 750w geared hub motor with a multi-class speed system, the Revv 1 is far from an exercise-oriented e-bike. If you’re looking for an electric bike that delivers more zip than pedal assistance for an incredibly fun ride, the Revv 1 may be just what you’re looking for.

The Full Suspension model handles bumps and bumpy roads with ease, though I definitely wouldn’t take it mountain biking. It’s just not made for that.

Speed

The Revv 1 is pre-programmed as a class 2 e-bike, meaning it’s limited to 20 mph using both pedal assistance and the throttle.

For a faster riding experience, you can adjust the Revv 1 to a class 3 e-bike or access “Off-Road” mode by contacting the Ride1Up team. I signed and submitted the waiver, which outlines the warnings and risks associated with higher speeds, and a Ride1Up representative gave me the instructions to unlock these settings on my e-bike.

I do wish it were easier to change modes, though. I’d love to be able to switch back and forth between class 2 and 3 without going through a whole procedure.

The max speed for class 3 is 28 mph, whereas Off-Road supports speeds of 28+ mph according to Ride1Up. During all of my rides on this bike, I’ve reached speeds of 37.2mph. With the throttle, minimal effort is required to reach higher speeds. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.

So yes, it’s fast.

And please, if you’re riding at speeds above 20mph, wear a full-face helmet. As my father always said, “they’re called accidents for a reason.” The best part, though, is that a full-face helmet actually looks surprising cool on this e-bike.

Acceleration

The Revv 1 is fitted with a standard 750-watt rear hub motor that delivers solid acceleration and power. The degree of acceleration is correlated with the e-bike’s pedal assistance settings (PAS). Riding in PAS 1 (the lowest setting), the acceleration is more gradual. Whereas ramping up to PAS level 5 brings almost immediate acceleration once you start pedaling. As a one-speed e-bike, there’s no need to factor in shifting gears to accelerate (which I love).

Instead of engaging pedal assist, you can simply twist the Revv 1’s throttle to accelerate. And this is a bike that doesn’t struggle to accelerate. When you want to move, this baby moves. I’m comfortable riding this bike in traffic with cars—as if it were an electric motorcycle—because I know this e-bike has no problem keeping up (as long as the speed limit is 35 mph or under).

Though the Revv 1 throttle provides plenty of zip, I find the transition to be a bit jolting. It’s jerky when starting out, and isn’t the easiest to control on stops and starts. I find this to be the case with most ebikes, though, so this isn’t entirely specific to the Revv 1.

Because I received a pre-production model, my bike was one of the first to ship, which means I missed out on a really cool new feature that ships with the FS frame as of June 2023—the boost feature. Pressing the minus button on the handlebar modifies the controller’s amperage from 28 amps to 35 amps, increasing acceleration rate, hill climb and top speed. Keep in mind that the more you use the boost feature, the more power you’ll use, which means you’ll get less range out of your battery.

Range

The Revv 1 is equipped with a 780Wh battery, which pairs well with the 750W motor for an efficient ride and solid range. On paper, Ride1Up claims a range of 30-60 miles depending on several factors, including rider weight, terrain, incline, and level of pedal assistance. The more throttle and pedal assistance you use, the lower range you’ll have on the Revv 1, or any electric bicycle for that matter.

For longer rides—and to assuage concerns about getting stranded with a dead battery—this moped style e-bike is fitted with a mount for a second Revv 1 battery.

On a single battery, I’ve taken this bike on rides about 20 miles in length, and returned home with approximately 50% juice left. I used PAS 5 the whole time utilizing the throttle almost entirely. This tracks with their estimates, and I think a real-world expectation of ~40 miles range is pretty fair.

Handling

Equipped with 20”x4” CST Scout tires, the Revv 1 has a low center of gravity and excellent traction that supports easier handling when going top speeds.

While Ride1Up promotes the CST Scout tires combined with the full suspension for all-terrain performance, this is more of a city cruiser than a mountain bike. It can handle dirt roads no problem, but I wouldn’t want to ride it on singletrack trails. It’s just too heavy and cumbersome.

As a heavier bike, turning involves more lean than what you’d expect from a standard bike, and I definitely wouldn’t describe it as nimble. This is really an electric motorcycle at heart—and it rides like one. Overall, the Ride1Up Revv 1 handles more than well-enough to enjoy its speedy performance without thinking twice.

Comfort

The moped-style e-bike has comfortable, anti-slip grips and long bench seat, or as Ride1Up puts it, a “customized cafe style saddle”. The seat feels well-padded and is the most comfortable seat of any e-bike I own due to the fact that it’s not a typical bike seat.

I find the lower seating position on the Ride1Up Revv 1 to be extremely pleasing. While the seat design, smaller pedals, and single-speed drivetrain don’t make for the easiest pedaling, I almost always opt for the throttle over pedal assistance.

The full suspension Revv 1 has both front and rear suspension while the hardtail model has only a front suspension. The front and rear suspension offer 120mm and 50mm of travel, respectively. The DNM AOY-38RC rear suspension is used on mountain bikes and can be locked out when riding on smoother surfaces. The front fork suspension also comes with a standard hydraulic lockout on both frames.

Specs Review

E-bike specifications merit a closer look when comparing brands and models. Overall, the Ride1Up Revv 1 is a well-made electric bicycle with specs to prove it, including a powerful rear hub motor and intuitive display.

Battery

No gas tank required for this electric bicycle! The Ride1Up Revv 1’s battery varies between the hardtail and full suspension models. The former has a 52V, 15ah Samsung battery, while the latter has a 52V, 20ah version. In either Revv 1 model, the battery is detachable, so it can be charged wherever is most convenient. The battery sits just in front of the bench seat and locks to the frame with a key.

Replacement batteries are available, plus you can opt to attach a second battery to the bike frame to extend their range.

The included 4-amp charger can juice up to a full charge in around 5 hours.

Motor

The Revv 1 has a 52V, 750W, geared hub Bafang motor. The rear hub motor design directly powers the back wheel and operates separately from the Revv 1’s drivetrain.

750W is definitely enough to feel fast and powerful, but it doesn’t measure up to the performance of some other models. Many high-performance e-bikes have 1000W or even up to 3000W motors, which blow this one out of the water.

Throttle

If you’re seeking an e-bike built for speed, you’ll appreciate the Revv 1’s right-hand twist throttle, found to the right of the handlebar controls in the image above. As mentioned, you can use just the throttle and reach up to 20 mph with the bike configured as class 2 or 3. But in Off-Road mode, it’s capable of delivering more power and going well above 28 mph.

I appreciate the control afforded by the throttle and how it makes the bike feel like a motorcycle. The biggest drawback is that the throttle doesn’t provide the smoothest transition when engaged. This is pretty standard for more affordable e-bikes with hub drive motors, but it still isn’t great.

Pedal Assist

There are five levels of pedal assistance on the Ride1Up Revv 1. Whereas some electric bicycles have speed thresholds for each pedal assistance level, pedaling close to the Revv 1’s top speed (20 mph for class 2 and 28 mph for class 3) is possible on most of the PAS settings. The integrated sensitive cadence sensor ensures the pedal assist bears the brunt of the effort on any of the PAS levels.

When set up as a class 2 bike, the Revv 1’s pedal assistance system incorporates variable levels of acceleration. With PAS 5, the motor kicks in almost instantly. Speed builds more gradually with PAS 1, but it’s not a long time before you get going.

The one thing that really bugs me is that the throttle and pedal assist do not work well together. If I’m throttling and decide to start pedaling, the PAS system actually takes over which can cause a sharp decline in speed. This is my one and only major gripe about the bike—that the throttle and PAS don’t play nice.

Display

Centrally located on the bike’s handlebar, the mounted display has a two-tone color scheme that’s easy to read quickly without taking one’s eyes off the road. The current speed is shown prominently in the center of the 3.5” screen. Battery life is displayed above in 20% increments, while the trip distance and average speed appear below current speed. It also offers a variety of metrics for intelligent riding feedback, as well as customized pedal assist settings.

Weight

The Ride1Up Revv 1’s weight varies by frame type, with full suspension clocking in at 93 lbs and the hardtail measuring 83 lbs. Both frames have a max weight capacity of 350 lbs. Still, there’s ample power to drive this e-moped up steep inclines and to reach high speeds on flat terrain. But the hefty weight makes it a challenge to start the Revv 1 from a standstill without using the throttle. And pedaling the Revv 1 on a dead battery would certainly be difficult.

Components Review

Moving on to the Ride1Up Revv 1’s components, the bike is well-equipped with quality parts. From the 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes to the durable frame and rear suspension with air pressure adjust, the Revv 1 feels like a well-made, quality bike at a reasonable price.

While this bike seems well-put-together overall, many of the components for this e-moped come from no-name brands. You won’t see Shimano or Sram components here. This is probably how Ride1Up is able to offer this bike at a lower price, but it doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence in the longevity. Their warranty, however, does. So we’ll have to see how the bike stands the test of time.

Durable Alloy Frame

The Ride1Up Revv 1 features two durable alloy frame types that are both designed for an upright riding position. The frame, which is made from aluminum alloy, contributes to the bike’s motorcycle-like appearance. The integrated battery is attached into the center of the frame’s top tube, giving the illusion of a motorcycle gas tank and upping this bike’s cool factor. A motorcycle-style headlight and integrated brake light are also incorporated in the Ride1Up Revv 1 frame.

The lower frame height limit pedaling power on the Revv 1, though that’s not exactly needed given how much power it provides and that the cadence sensor quickly kicks PAS settings into gear. The Revv 1 model stumbles a bit in not having a water bottle mount. The frame does include mounting points for a center storage cage and rear rack, though.

Front and Rear Suspension

The Ride1Up Revv 1 comes with either hardtail or full suspension. Comparing the two suspension types, the hardtail version weighs 10 lbs less but only has front suspension, whereas the full suspension version has front and rear suspension—a plus for bumpier trails and terrain.

The front suspension fork has 120mm of travel on the full suspension model, and 100mm on the hardtail bike. The full suspension Revv 1, which I tested,  includes double-crown, preload and rebound adjustment with hydraulic lockout in the front and NM AOY-38RC with rebound, air pressure adjustment and lock-out in the rear. I was impressed with how well the suspension and thick four-inch tires dampen bumps and vibrations on the road.

Drivetrain/Shifting

The Revv 1 is fitted with a single-speed, 32T chainring with 127mm cranks and a KMC Pro chain. Some other e-bikes with single-gear systems use belt drives, which are easier to maintain since they don’t require lubrication or cleaning like chains do.

With just a single gear, the Ride1Up Revv 1 is designed for more casual pedaling and generous use of the throttle to get where you need to go. It also means it may have a hard time with really steep off-road trails, but I wouldn’t want to take it on those anyway.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

This moped style electric bike comes with 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes with electric cut-off sensor. This helpful safety measure shuts off power to the throttle in case you forget to release it while actively braking. The Revv 1’s brake levers are incredibly responsive and hydraulic disc brakes had excellent stopping power during my test rides, which was a pleasant surprise given the bike’s weight and speediness.

Wheels and Tires

The Ride1Up Revv 1 is a sturdy bike featuring 20” x 4” CST Scout eMoped all-surface tires on the full suspension model and 20” x 4” Kenda Krusade tires on the hardtail bike. The Revv 1’s fat tires provide shock absorption and comfort. They also deliver sound stability and cornering traction in the front wheel to feel safe while climbing hills and riding fast, especially in Off-Road mode.

Features Review

Having covered the Ride1Up Revv 1’s specifications and components, there are a few key features worth discussing in more detail.

Integrated Lights

The Ride1Up Revv1 is equipped with bright rear integrated lights and a large front headlight that helps achieve its motorcycle-style appearance. The Starunion brake light engages automatically when you squeeze the brake levers. Meanwhile, the headlight has high and low beam settings that illuminate the road ahead and ensures you’re visible to traffic. Once the bike is on, press the power button again to turn the headlight on.

Turn Signals

If you get the full suspension Revv 1, it comes with turn signals positioned on the back of the seat besides the brake light. The controls for the turn signals are on a control panel on the right handlebar. I find the raised positioning on the handlebar quite awkward to reach. Also, the turn signals don’t emit any sound, so it’s easy to forget to switch them off after taking your turn.

Horn

It may seem a bit silly, but the Revv 1 comes with a built-in horn. I’ll admit that I thought it was kind of stupid at first and wanted to find a way to remove it, but it’s actually come in handy a few times in city traffic. The one thing they teach you in motorcycle class is that you should always ride as if you’re invisible to everybody else on the road. I find this holds true when riding this bike, too, especially if you’re alongside traffic.

Security

Unfortunately, the Revv 1 doesn’t come with any security features, with the exception of the lock on the battery which attaches the battery to the frame. I do feel this is one area where e-bike brands have a lot of room to grow, but there are a few ways to kit out your Revv 1 to make it more secure.

Pricing

The cost of an e-bike can certainly add up. By the time you add components, accessories and insurance, you’re paying hundreds more than the base price of the bike. Nonetheless, all things considered, this is a fast and sturdy bike coming in at a significantly lower price than its more famous competitors (namely Super73). And, if you ask me, the Revv 1 looks a lot better, too.

SHOP RIDE1UP REVV 1

For my Ride1Up Revv 1 review, I rode this bike for months across different terrain. I’ve taken my real world experience riding this bike regularly and distilled everything I’ve come to know about the bike into this article. Ride1Up did provide a pre-production model for me to review, and frankly, I was supposed to publish this article months ago. What that does mean, however, is that I’ve had a longer time to use and test the bike than most other reviews you’ll find.

After months of use, I love this bike (and no, they’re not making me say that!).

At TravelFreak, our review process takes place in the real world. We take products across cities and state lines. We also verify all our claims and product details with thorough research.

TravelFreak is committed to providing every piece of knowledge we can about how to handle your next adventure like a pro. I wrote this Ride1Up Revv 1 review based on my first-hand testing and riding experience, as well as research to verify specifications, components, and other technical details.

Here at TravelFreak, we’ve lived big lives. We’re gear junkies at heart who believe in investing in quality gear that will last a lifetime. At the same time, we don’t fall into (or recommend) the “gear trap” in which one always needs the best/most expensive in order to enjoy themselves.

To that end, we only recommend products that we actually like, and we maintain an honest and transparent relationship with the brands we work with as well as readers like you.

Ride1Up is a direct-to-consumer brand, meaning you’ll likely buy your new ride through the Ride1Up website. The company also works with select bike shops and dealers around the U.S. to offer test rides, service bikes, and make direct purchases.