Reviews You Can Rely On

Ride1Up Revv 1 Review

Affordable and high-performance Class 3 electric that cheats traffic, but is it still a bike?
gearlab tested logo
Ride1Up Revv 1 Review (The Ride1Up Revv 1 was a fun way to replace some car trips and avoid traffic.)
The Ride1Up Revv 1 was a fun way to replace some car trips and avoid traffic.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Price:  $1,895 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Ride1Up
By Joshua Hutchens ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Jun 1, 2023
88
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 8
  • Ride - 25% 8.0
  • Range - 25% 8.0
  • Power - 25% 10.0
  • interface - 15% 9.0
  • Assembly - 10% 9.0

Our Verdict

The Ride1up Revv 1 was exceptionally fun and had substantially more power than the competition. This cool Class 2/3 bike has excellent range, a great display, and lights for nighttime adventures. The seated position is somewhat upright, with a comfy padded seat and riser handlebars. These moped-style bikes blur the lines between electric bikes and motorcycles; using them on bike routes or paths in most configurations is not legal. Like many other “bikes” of this style, they're not well designed for pedaling. Regardless, this bike can be so much fun in the right circumstances; it can crush traffic with its 46 mph top speed and take shortcuts that a horse would envy. Its giant battery ensures that you can focus on the fun for a long ride or even skip charging for a few days if you use it for shorter urban trips. We have tested nearly 100 eBikes at GearLab, and this is one of the few we have kept long after testing. Why? With its incredible top speed, we get most places within 10 miles of our testing lab faster than a car and have much more fun doing it. We are on track to ride well over 1000 miles on it in a year. If you calculate how much we save on gas, depreciation, and maintenance on our cars, it is a free electric bike. Our review of the best class 3 electric bikes shows how it stacks up versus competing products.
REASONS TO BUY
Sporty
Comfy and convenient
Very fast
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
No rack
Not great for pedaling

Compare to Similar Products

 
ride1up revv 1
This Product
Ride1Up Revv 1
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Moped Style Class 3 Electric Bike
Editors' Choice Award
Best Class 3 Fat Tire Electric Bike
  
Price $1,895 List
$1,795 at Ride1up
$2,395 List
$2,345 at Ride1up
$1,999 List
$1,699 at Aventon Bikes
$2,595 List
$2,595 at Ride1up
$1,399 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
88
95
84
80
76
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line Fun, moped style Class 3 that excels in the city and holds its own off-roadA comfortable, moped-style errand runner that won't limit you to a certain type of terrainWith a clean design, powerful motor, large battery, loads of features, and fat tires, this bike is ready for adventureFun, moped-style Class 3 that excels on the trails but falters when the hills turn steepA big, capable, fat-tire bike for those on a budget, this bike isn't quite as refined as others we've tested
Rating Categories Ride1Up Revv 1 Ride1Up Revv 1 FS Aventon Aventure.2... Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT Lectric XPeak
Ride (25%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
Range (25%)
8.0
10.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Power (25%)
10.0
10.0
9.0
8.0
9.0
interface (15%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
Assembly (10%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
9.0
7.0
Specs Ride1Up Revv 1 Ride1Up Revv 1 FS Aventon Aventure.2... Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT Lectric XPeak
Wheel Size 20-inch 20-inch 26-inch 20-inch 26-inch
Battery Size (Wh) 780 1,040 720 1,040 672
Sensor Cadence Cadence Torque Cadence Cadence
Motor Power 750W/1200+ peak 1000W 750W/1130 peak 1000W 750W/1310 peak
E-bike Class Class 2 (Can be configured Class 3) Class 2 (Can be configured Class 3) Class 3 (Can be configured Class 2) Class 2 (Can be configured Class 3) Class 2 (Can be configured Class 3)
PAS Settings 5 5 4 5 5
Top Speed Throttle 20mph 20mph 20 mph 20mph 20mph
Top Speed Pedal-Assist 28mph 28mph 28 mph 28mph 28mph
Measured Distance Range 30.8 miles 37.17 miles 28.1 miles 25.85 miles 24.6 miles
Claimed Range 30-60 miles 30-60 miles up to 60 miles 30-60 miles 45-55 miles
Frame Material Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum
Weight Limit 350 lbs 350 lbs 400 lbs 350 lbs 330 lbs
Measured Weight 84 lbs 96 lbs 13 oz 75 lbs 9 oz 94 lbs 8 oz 76 lbs

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Revv 1 arrives as a Class 2 electric bike with a 780-watt-hour battery and 750-watt motor. This moped-style e-bike features a Multi-Class Speed System, allowing users to switch between Class 2 and 3 modes easily. The aluminum frame and single-crown suspension fork support a wide and long motorcycle-style seat and riser handlebars. Thick, mag-style, 20-inch wheels house the motor and roll on 4-inch knobby tires. The 84 lb bike supports a maximum weight of 350 lbs and has an enormous range. The Full-suspension version of this bike uses a 1040 Wh battery.

Performance Comparison


Especially fun off-road, the fenders are useful.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Ride


Just looking at the Ride1Up Revv 1 makes us want to ride it; it looks fun and inviting. Its ride quality feels less like a bicycle and more like a small motorcycle. The long, “loaf of bread” style seat is soft and comfy, and its handlebar rises to meet you in a comfortable position. The wheelbase of this bike is short and sporty, but its 84 lb mass makes it feel less agile. The cool-looking mag wheels contribute to its motorcycle vibe, and the 4" tires provide traction and comfort. The long seat means you can sit fore or aft, but the seat doesn't raise or lower, so your pedaling position isn't likely ideal. Add to that the single gear, small 127mm crank arms, and weight of this bike, and you realize it wasn't designed for pedaling. It's incredibly fun to ride, but propelling it with exclusively your own force is anything but fun.

The mechanical drivetrain helps you get started or lets you dictate how much power the motor will add. Applying force to the pedals triggers the cadence sensor, and depending on your pedal assist setting (PAS), the motor adds incrementally more power. You get the benefit of looking like a bicycle and have a secondary method of triggering the motor (other than the throttle), but pedaling doesn't contribute much to the bike's power.


The build quality of the Revv 1 is quite good, and its components are well chosen. The 120mm rise handlebars and 100mm travel suspension fork create nice positioning and comfortable handling. The 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors do an excellent job of scrubbing speed and bringing the bike to a stop. While the short crank arms don't help you generate much power, they do keep your feet up high and free of obstacles.

ride1up revv 1 - the revv 1 brings fun wherever it goes!
The Revv 1 brings fun wherever it goes!
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

There's no escaping the feel of the heavy wheels on this bike. They contribute to the motorcycle feel, and their gyroscopic forces slow your steering and make pedaling feel laborious. They also feel incredibly stable at speed and give the bike confidence. 4-inch wide tires never long for grip, and their volume absorbs shock over a wide range of conditions. We rode this bike in dirt, mud, snow, and sand, and it never felt like the tires held us back.

ride1up revv 1 - the powerful hub motor got us up the trails and into the woods with...
The powerful hub motor got us up the trails and into the woods with ease.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

The bike comes equipped with a headlight and tail light that are bright enough for night riding. The tail light features a brake light activated by switches in the brake levers. The headlight on the hardtail model we tested is attached to the bike's headtube and does not follow the steering path. This results in less than stellar night vision; the full suspension version of this bike mounts the headlight to the fork so it follows the riders steering input. The fenders are full coverage and effective; they're nice when encountering mud or a puddle. The bike includes a kickstand, high and low beam settings for the headlight, and a surprisingly loud horn.

While we appreciated the output of the headlight, it being affixed...
While we appreciated the output of the headlight, it being affixed to the frame means it doesn't follow the riders trajectory.
The Revv 1 has integrated lights that are bright enough for night...
The Revv 1 has integrated lights that are bright enough for night time adventures, the tail light even features a brake light.
Headlight has two settings and the tail light features an integrated brake light.

Range


The Revv 1 is capable of incredible range with its 780Wh battery. The battery sits in the center of the top tube, with the aluminum frame surrounding it on three sides resembling a motorcycles gas tank.


In our standardized range test, the Revv 1 was able to travel 30.8 miles without pedaling over varying terrain on a ride that included over 1500 feet of elevation gain at an average speed of 15.2 mph. Ride1Up says the bike has a 30-60 mile range, reaching the upper limit would likely require quite a bit of pedaling on level ground. We consider this exceptionally good considering the weight of the bike and size of the tires.

ride1up revv 1 - the revv 1 proved itself as quick and agile.
The Revv 1 proved itself as quick and agile.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Power


The Revv 1 ships as a Class-2 model limiting its power to the hub motor, giving it a top throttle speed off 20mph. Given its pedaling limitations, you won't go much faster than that on flat ground; it's still fun and stable feeling, yet restrained. Switching to Class-3 mode enables pedal assist speeds of 28 mph which we were able to reach on an incline but didn't feel much difference at lower speeds; throttle speed is still limited to 20mph. The difference in ride quality is barely noticeable and 28 mph never felt too fast for the roads and terrain we were testing on.


Switching to off-road mode requires registering the bike and signing a waiver with Ride1Up, unlocking the bike's potential. Company literature tells us that off-road mode enables speeds of 28+ mph on pedal assist and throttle only. Having ridden other models in “off-road” or “unlocked” mode, we were dubious of the results but quickly surprised. The Revv 1 is powerful and quick enough to get your adrenaline pumping. Off-road mode is “for private street and property only,” and it's easy to understand why; it brings out a completely different side of this bike. It's sporty, fast, powerful, and quite fun to ride in the dirt. There was enough power to air out small jumps and reach 46 mph on our closed course. At that speed, the bike doesn't feel bike-like; ditch the vented, half-shell styrofoam lid for a real motorcycle helmet. We hope owners will be responsible with off-road mode and respect the rules of the road; it's quite powerful.

In a word, it's "Zippy!"
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Interface


The display on the Revv 1 is designed for easy readability and contains a wealth of information. It features a two-tone color scheme and is centrally located on the handlebar, allowing riders to quickly glance at it without taking their eyes off the road. Current speed is displayed prominently with state of charge represented by a battery that decreases in 20% increments. PAS level, average speed and trip distance occupy the remaining perimeter of the display.


Throttle is intuitively controlled by a half length twist grip on the right side. The handlebar controls, including the power button, headlight switch, and horn, are conveniently located within reach of the rider's thumbs.In addition, the controls have a straightforward +/- button for switching between PAS settings. The main power button is located on the side of the battery, which resembles a gas tank. The opposite side of the battery has a clear LED display that indicates the current charge level.

The twist throttle is intuitive and quite responsive.
The twist throttle is intuitive and quite responsive.
The controls are simple and easy to reach.
The controls are simple and easy to reach.
The large and easy to read display on the Revv 1 was a tester...
The large and easy to read display on the Revv 1 was a tester favorite.

The M button displays a Bluetooth icon but there is no connectivity available at this time. Aside from a navigation map, we can't imagine a phone screen contributing much to the already comprehensive display.

ride1up revv 1 - twist throttle and easy access to the headlight switch and horn.
Twist throttle and easy access to the headlight switch and horn.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Assembly


The Revv 1 is delivered almost fully assembled, making the final setup quick and easy without requiring much time or skill. The bike includes all the necessary tools, a manual, and even a beanie. Due to its weight, we recommend having a second person assist with moving the box and installing the front wheel.


Ride1Up offers a step-by-step assembly video and instructions to guide you through the process. The majority of the preparation involves removing the protective packaging and clipping off the zip ties. After unpacking, you simply need to install the handlebar, pedals, and headlight; inflate the tires, charge the battery, and the Revv 1 is to ride.

The hard work has been done for you, final assembly doesn't take much.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Should You Buy the Ride1Up Revv 1?


Certainly! If you're searching for an extremely enjoyable electric bike and are aware that it isn't particularly designed for exercise, then this could be the bike for you. However, if you're looking to cycle on bike paths and improve your fitness, we suggest looking for an alternative. This class 2 bike is remarkably powerful and entertaining in off-road mode and has a substantial range in its lesser modes. It's an exhilarating experience to ride, enabling you to explore various terrain confidently.

What Other E-Bikes Should You Consider?


If you're interested in this type of e-bike, you should check out the Revv 1 full-suspension model for a more comfortable ride with better lighting. Additionally, the Super73 S2 is worth considering. Super73 offers a variety of hip and fun bikes in different colors. Although the S2 doesn't provide as many watts per dollar as the Revv 1, not everyone requires that level of power.

ride1up revv 1 - the ride1up revv 1 was a fun way to replace some car trips and avoid...
The Ride1Up Revv 1 was a fun way to replace some car trips and avoid traffic.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Joshua Hutchens