Ride1UP is a US-based brand with a small but impressive lineup of urban and off-road e-bikes that offer a phenomenal bang for your buck.
The e-bike market is booming so it doesn’t come as a surprise that the number of brands is skyrocketing as well.
Ride1UP is a new e-bike company established in 2019, trying to snag a piece of the electric cake by doing things differently.
In a very short time frame, Ride1UP has established itself as one of the leaders in the budget e-bike category. It achieved this by offering high-quality and smartly designed e-bikes at reasonable prices, providing a 1-year warranty and accepting 30-day no-questions-asked returns.
If you’re looking for a daily commuter electric bike that can replace your short car trips or an affordable e-bike for recreation and exercise, you’re likely to find a suitable option in Ride1UP’s lineup.
Contents
Short Overview of the Ride1UP Brand
Ride1UP is a young e-bike company founded in 2019 by Kevin Dugger. The company is based just out of San Diego, California, though the product warehouse is located in Sparks, Nevada.
Like many other popular e-bike brands, Ride1UP started as a DIY project. Kevin Dugger, along with a few of his partners, started building their own e-bikes by hand, because they were not satisfied with the selection on the market.
When starting the company, Kevin Dugger’s motivation was to offer sleek, fast, and high-quality e-bikes that don’t cost as much as a car. As a direct-to-consumer company, Ride1UP can offer lower prices than the competition by eliminating third-party retailers.
Ride1UP will even give you a $40 off coupon if you pledge to replace at least five driving trips per month with their electric bikes. That sounds like a good deal to me!
Most Popular Ride1UP Electric Bikes
At the moment, Ride1UP manufactures nine models, most of which are available in two builds, step-over and step-thru. However, the company keeps expanding its lineup, so we expect new models in the future.
Cadence sensors provide pedal assist on all but the the Prodigy models and the LMT’D, which have torque sensors.
Most Ride1UP electric bikes are hybrid, commuter, or city bikes since most come with sleek tires, fenders, lights, and a rear rack. The price ranges between $995 and $2,695, which puts Ride1UP in the budget category for e-bikes.
CF Racer1
The Ride1UP CF Racer1 is a game-changing e-bike that aims to make the e-road and e-gravel categories accessible to a wider range of riders.
Up until the release of the CF Racer1, you’d have to pay upwards of $4,000 or $5,000 to buy a high-quality carbon electric road or gravel bike. This one costs just $2,295.
The CF Racer1 is built around a lightweight carbon fiber frame, weighs just 27-28 lb, and comes equipped with hydraulic disc brakes and a SRAM Rival drivetrain.
The bike is available in two builds—road and gravel—the only differences between the two are the tires and handlebars.
So if you always wanted to own a Cannondale, Trek, or Scott carbon e-bike but budget was always a problem, now you can do it for much cheaper with Ride1UP.
Portola
The Ride1UP Portola is a highly functional folding e-bike with carefully chosen components. It features a 750W rear hub motor and a choice of two fully integrated batteries (10.4Ah or 13.4Ah).
The Portola is built to thrive in the city but it can handle light off-road terrain thanks to its knobbly 3″ tires and 80mm of suspension.
Ride1UP managed to spec hydraulic disc brakes, which is impressive at this price. Likewise, you get an above-average Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain.
Consider this compact folding e-bike if you need a reliable and affordable folding commuter from a leading e-bike brand.
Rift
Ride1UP’s Rift e-bike is the brand’s first attempt at an all-terrain fat-tire machine, and they knocked it out of the park.
This powerful 750W machine comes in under $2,000 but sports features like Kenda Krusade puncture-resistant 4″ tires, a motor with 95Nm of torque, a 20Ah battery with 50 miles of range, and four-piston hydraulic disc brakes.
Ride1UP also added a high-travel 120mm suspension fork to pair with the fat tires and powerful brakes, meaning the Rift is super capable when the trail gets rough. The only downside is the high weight of almost 85lb.
If you want to use the Rift as an adventure machine on the weekend and a weekday commuter, it’s equipped with all the necessary commuter components, including bright lights and a rack that can support up to 150lb.
Don’t miss out on this affordable fat-tire e-bike if you want reliability, performance, and functionality rolled into one.
Ride1UP Turris
Ride1UP Turris is the ultimate daily commuter and touring ebike in the brand’s lineup. It’s powered by a zippy 750W rear hub motor supported by a 48V 12.8Ah battery integrated into the downtube. The motor delivers 60 Nm of torque and is capable of class 3 speeds, so it won’t have any problems tackling steep inclines.
The Turris is also equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, a 100 mm front suspension fork, and a 7-speed drivetrain. That’s a generous package for a price of just $1,295.
Ride1UP also equipped its newest commuter ebike with front and rear fenders, a front headlight, riser bars, 27.5″ x 2.4″ tires and a comfy saddle.
Get the Turris if you want a capable year-round commuting or adventuring class 3 ebike.
Revv 1
Ride1UP Revv 1 is a moped-style electric bike that’s modern, powerful, and quite affordable, selling for $1,895 (hardtail model) or $2,395 (full-suspension model).
It’s powered by a 750W rear hub motor that’s paired with a 52V 20Ah battery on the full-suspension model or a smaller 52V 15Ah battery on the hardtail model. Both provide an estimated range of 30-60 miles.
Other than that, this beast boasts spokeless wheels, front and rear lights, fenders, hydraulic disc brakes, and turn lights on the FS model.
Get it if you want a reasonably priced moped ebike that looks phenomenal and is capable of class 2 and class 3 speeds.
700 Series
The Ride1UP 700 Series is a smooth and elegant hybrid electric bike that can easily replace your car for all short errands and grocery shopping. It comes boasting a hydraulic 100mm front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, lights, and handy accessories.
This urban beauty is powered by a 750W/60Nm motor and a 672Wh battery that give you a 28 MPH top speed and a 30–50-mile range. It’s by far one of Ride1UP’s most popular and best-looking bikes.
Café Cruiser
The Ride1UP Café Cruiser is an impressive hybrid electric bike with the versatility to take on two passengers. This bike is compatible with the plus-one cargo kit from Ride1UP which allows a passenger to sit comfortably behind the rider/driver. It also comes boasting a hydraulic 80mm front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, integrated LED lights, and handy accessories such as a heavy-duty Kickstand.
This passenger e-bike is powered by a 750W/60Nm motor and a 720Wh battery which gives you a 28 MPH top speed and a 30–50-mile range. It is certainly one of the most intriguing and versatile Ride1UP e-bikes.
Roadster v2
Ride1UP Roadster V2 is the sleekest and most badass-looking e-bike built by this Californian company.
This is an inconspicuous electric beast that hides all of its components and achieves a super-clean look. Roadster V2 sports a 350W rear hub motor and a discreetly integrated 250Wh battery. It also comes with a carbon belt drive instead of a chain, so maintenance is almost non-existent.
See more: Best Belt Drive Electric Bikes
This setup will give you a 20–35-mile range that you can get for $1,000.
LMT’D
If all you think about is power and speed when it comes to e-bikes, Ride1UP LMT’D is the right choice for you.
This is by far the most powerful Ride1UP electric bike with a 750W (1000W Peak and 100Nm Torque) motor and a 672Wh battery. It will easily achieve 28 MPH with pedal-assist and 20 MPH with throttle and maintain it for 30–50 miles.
LMT’D also boasts 2.4″ Schwalbe Super-Moto X tires, hydraulic discs, and 80mm of air suspension. This bike means business!
For similar designs, see our review of Buzz Bikes and Royal Dutch Gazelle Bikes.
Prodigy v2
Ride1UP Prodigy is the only bike from the Ride1UP with a mid-drive motor. This is a premium e-bike with a budget-friendly price, available in four variations: two Gates Carbon belt-drive and enviolo internal hub, and two standard 9-speed microSHIFT drivetrains.
The LS and ST are step-through, and the XR and LX are step-over frames. All four use fast-rolling Maxxis Rekon Race 2.25″ cross-country tires and a capable 100mm suspension fork.
You’re looking at a serious Class 3 e-bike with a 90Nm motor, 28mph max speed, and an integrated 504Wh battery. The continuously variable transmission internal hub and belt-drive setup add extra durability and capability to his impressive bike.
Size Chart of Ride1UP Bikes
Most Ride1UP electric bikes are available with both step-over and step-through frames, each of which comes in a single size.
Therefore, shorter riders should go for a step-through frame, whereas those who defy gravity a bit more can opt for the step-over to get a better fit.
Check out the Ride1UP size chart that we’ve created below to find the correct size based on your height measurement. If you’re still in two minds after that, you can read Ride1UP’s guide on finding the right size bike.
| Roadster V2 | Small: 5’3″-5’8″ | Large: 5’7″-6’2″ |
| Portola | 4’10”-6’4″ | |
| Turris |
ST: 5’1″-6’2″ | XR: 5’6″-6’4″ |
| 700 Series | ST: 5’0″-6’2″ | XR: 5’5″-6’4″ |
| Café Cruiser | ST: 5’0″-6’4″ | XR: 5’5″-6’4″ |
| LMT’D | ST: 5’1″-6’2″ | XR: 5’6″-6’4″ |
| Rift | ST: 5’1″-6’2″ | XR: 5’6″-6’4″ |
| Revv 1 |
FS: 5’2″-6’4″ | HT: 5’2″-6’4″ |
| Prodigy v2 |
ST/LS: 5’1″-6’3″ | XR/LX: 5’6″-6’4″ |
Ride1UP Warranty and Returns
Ride1UP stands behind their products and the build quality so you’ll get a 1-year warranty on any Ride1UP e-bike you get. The warranty applies to any manufacturing defect and the company will issue a replacement or refund if:
- The bike was purchased directly from Ride1up.com.
- You are the original and first owner of the bike (warranty is not transferable)
- The bike has followed all intended use purposes
- The electronics have not been repaired or modified.
In addition to the 1-year warranty, Ride1UP also offers a 30-day trial period during which you can try out the bike. If you’re not satisfied with it for whatever reason, you can return it within a month, no questions asked. The only conditions to be met are that the bike needs to be in original (perfect) condition and that the buyer is responsible for the cost of return shipping. This is a great chance to see if an e-bike is really the right choice for you without any commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to find out more about Ride1UP electric bikes? Check out the FAQs below.
Is Ride1UP worth it?
Ride1UP produces value-packed e-bikes with budget prices and solid components. All Ride1UP e-bikes feature powerful electric components that develop Class 3 speeds and provide a solid range. The company cuts a few corners to lower the price, but the final product is well worth the price.
What class are Ride1UP e-bikes?
Ride1UP builds class 3 e-bikes that can develop pedal-assist speeds of up to 28 MPH. The only exception is Roadster V2 that has a 24 MPH top speed. Most Ride1UP e-bikes also have a throttle with a 20 MPH top speed, which puts them in the Class 2 category as well.
Is Ride1UP legit?
Yes, Ride1UP is a legit e-bike company with headquarters in San Diego, California. It makes high-quality Class 3 e-bikes that come with a 1-year warranty and a 30-day return period. Therefore, it seems like the company is confident about the quality it provides.
How much is a Ride1UP e-bike?
Ride1UP e-bikes are pretty affordable considering the value you get. At the moment, the cheapest model (Roadster V2) costs just $995, whereas the most expensive one (Prodigy) costs $2,195. So, on average, you should expect to pay around $1,500 to ride a Ride1UP e-bike.
What is the best Ride1UP e-bike?
All Ride1UP bikes are the best in their unique ways. It all depends on what qualities you’re looking for. The LMT’D model is the most powerful one, whereas the Roadster V2 is the simplest and easiest to maintain. For commuters, 500 Series and 700 Series should be the top picks.
Final Thoughts About Ride1UP
Ride1UP entered the e-bike market only a few years ago, but it has already caused a stir and brought some novelties and new trends. Its approach is different from the competition, which makes it stand out from the pack—powerful Class 3 electronics, sleek appearance, simple modern design, and outstanding customer service.
Ride1UP e-bikes are not the best-equipped or the flashiest electric bicycles you can get, but they are packed with values and features that you won’t get elsewhere for the same amount of money.
If you’re looking to get an affordable and reliable electric workhorse for commuting, fitness, or leisure riding, Ride1UP is definitely a sound choice.
I bought one in April 2023, it’s been a horrific experience.
Mine arrived missing bolts on the headstay and the quick release springs, meaning the bike was totally unusable. They were very quick to tell me the fine print of their warranty said there was no warranty in Canada. It took me threatening to have Amex reverse the charges for them to send the bolts, and even then it was weeks to get them to send me the parts, and they were the wrong ones (they ordered on Amazon and direct delivered to me).
Eventually on the first ride with the bike 4+ weeks after I received it and I got a flat, thought it was just bad luck, had a shop change the flat and they showed me the packing staple stuck in the tube. Noting the tube came assembled in the tire so it was clearly a manufacturing error.
Now with less than 300 miles on the bike the back wheel has a serious warp (more than an inch), I’ve never dropped or crashed the bike, took it to multiple bike shops to try and fix, one tightened all the spokes but the warp is still there, sent pics and videos to them but they said it’s minor and they refuse to send a replacement wheel. I’ve had the bike on the road for less then 3 months and I’ll have to junk it and burn the $2k.
I regret buying the piece of junk from them, they fall apart, and the company doesn’t do anything.
Very sorry to hear about your negative experience. Could you tell us which model you bought?
I bought the 700 series. But with the shoddy build quality and horrible customer service I wouldn’t recommend anyone taking a risk with anything they make.
I had a similiar experience, only the wheel came warped and they won’t fix it because it’s out of the 30 days warranty. It took me longer than 30 days just to put the thing together because it was so hard to do. Also, the motor failed after 2 rides. Wish I never purchased from them. Total nightmare experience 🙁
I bought a 700 Series fully loaded commuter
Had my battery go out after 3 months and they did not honor their warranty. Got crickets when I asked them to replace it. Had high hopes for this company. Not sure if anyone else has had problems.
I do not understand reviews that do not mention if the sensor are torque, cadence or both. All the articles I have read always point out how superior torque sensors are but professional reviewers don’t divulge that critical piece of in.
So what kind of senors do they use?
Hey Ken! Thank you for your comment. Here’s the information you’re looking for:
“Cadence sensors provide pedal assist on the following models: Roadster V2, Core-5, 500 Series, 700 Series, and LMT’d (CS- Cadence sensor version). The Prodigy & LMT’D have torque sensors.”
We’ve now included this information in our review as well.
Pure garbage over price junk
Hi Frank,
Can you tell us more about as to why you came to this conclusion?
BUYER BEWARE. I bought four bikes from Ride1UP as gifts for friends. One came with a deep gouge on the body of the bike. Is it rideable? Yes. Is it in the new condition I expected? Absolutely not. Patricia, the Ride1Up representative, suggested it was an “annoying blemish.” I insisted it was a deep gouge. My bike shop agreed with me. They wrote to Ride1Up as follows:
While we are capable of fixing the gouge on the bike it is not cost effective or recommended to perform that task at a bike shop on a BRAND NEW bike. Very deep gouges on new bikes should be handled by the manufacturer. While I understand you believe that it is a very “cheap to fix” problem but to do it correctly is not in fact cheap, easy or fast for that matter. It is very time consuming. To fix it correctly would require a larger area than the gouge to be cleaned and degreased, then it should sanded with different grits and cleaned again, after that the large area needs to be abrased and etched and then rinsed so that the specialized aluminum epoxy can adhere. Once it adheres for 2 days then you can start the sanding and smoothing process, once again using multiple grits. After yet another cleaning you can then match the paint and repaint the MUCH LARGER area at this time. Then you can add the clear coat so that it matches the rest of the frame. You can not use just any epoxy to fix this issue. Aluminum reacts easily with oxygen, weakening the bond, therefore, if not fixed correctly you will have to redo the repair often. The photo you sent of the other 700 that was “repaired” did not go through this process. It was not sanded and it was not filled in with epoxy. The only area that was touched was the small scratch and it appears as if a little bit of paint was all that was used. It did not fix the scratch, it made it less noticeable from afar. As we have stated in multiple emails and the phone conversation this is not merely a small scratch. It is a deep gouge and needs to be addressed properly. Perhaps our photos did not show you the severity of the damage.
Your disclaimer that you require customers to acknowledge before purchase states “minor scratches” but once again there is nothing minor about this. A minor scratch could be considered an “annoying blemish” as you are fond of calling it. The clear coat damage below the deep gouge is not concerning and would be considered normal problems with shipping, as would a light scratch. This is NOT a light scratch.
I do have a body shop able to do the repair in the coming weeks and it is estimated about $500 to repair. Once again, to do it properly requires time and the appropriate materials to do so. This is one of those projects people see on Pinterest and think “I can totally do that” and then realize half way through that there is a lot more to it than it appeared and fail at matching the desired end result. I applaud those individuals willing to give it a try, yet caution them that it will be more costly for a professional to fix if they do get the desired end result.
RIDE1UP HAS BEEN A PAIN TO DEAL WITH. I HAVE FOUND THEM TO BE RUDE AND UNCOOPERATIVE. THEY FINALLY GAVE ME A $110 REFUND, BUT I’M LEFT WITH A DAMAGED BIKE TO GIVE AS A GIFT. I’VE SPENT BETWEEN $6,000 AND $7,000 ON FOUR BIKES. IT HAVE ONE OF THEM FAULTY IS MORE THAN “ANNOYING.” IT’S INFURIATING.
I WILL NEVER BUY FROM THIS COMPANY AGAIN. THE BIKES MAY BE GOOD BIKES, BUT, FOR ME, THE JOY IS GONE.
Hi Tom,
That sounds serious. Can you send us pics so we will be able to verify the issue?
What a total nightmare. Bought a Lmt’d for $2k. I’ve had it just over a year with 430 miles ridden. I took it to a local bike shop to get a full tune up.
The shop contacted me shortly after I dropped it off and said they couldn’t tune it up because it was unsafe and told me not to ride it again.
Long story short. The chain ring was installed too close to the frame and every time I rode it. It would grind or shave the frame. They told me that it wasn’t put together correctly (bad QC) and to contact Ride1up to see if they can help.
Well, I contacted Ride1up and they wanted me to send pics, which I did. They told me to take it to another bike shop because the first bike shop might be “a little bias”. You know, since they are a bike shop that sells bikes. Strange, I know.
I took it to a second bike shop and they said the same thing. Not good and there’s nothing they can do. It’s unfixable.
Sent emails back and forth to Ride1up. Provided videos and quickly came to the conclusion that both bike shops must be pulling a quick one on me because, well. They are bike shops and they are there to sell bikes, and god forbid if it’s not a bike they sold you, then they must be dishonest.
They recommended that I take it to a third bike shop that sells non ebikes, since my issue is mechanical components and not electronic related. That made no sense, but ok. I’m pretty sure almost all bike shops sell ebikes, but whatever.
Short story long. I’m S.O.L. They won’t help me since I’m past the 365 day warranty window. I’m out $2k and will be out another $500+ when I send them my broken bike back.
I’m totally bummed my bike wasn’t built right, but I’m even more disappointed at the poor customer service and lack of concern on Ride1up’s part. I really loved riding my Lmt’d.
I would think that a small business would care about the quality of their products, but they proved me wrong.
Hi Al,
That sounds like a total nightmare. That is why I personally prefer to buy my bike where I can test ride it, that way, if there are issues, then they will be solved right there. It doesn’t make sense to me as well. As for the chain ring, is there no way to upgrade it to a much better version because, like one said the issue is mechanical and not electronic? An upgrade of components should fix it. Can you inquire about other bike shops and see if an upgrade is possible? Show them pics of the issue first. Ask the bike mechanic if changing some of the components can fix the issue of the chainring rubbing against the frame.
I do echo Kyle L. on April 4 2022.
Bought a Prodigy bike which came with a defective wheel. From the beginning it had a broken spoke and was wobbling. The following happened:
· I sent Ride1up a photo of the broken spoke and a video the way the wheel wobbled.
· They sent me a new spoke and told me to take it to a local bike shop for repair.
· The bike shop said the wheel has severe flat spots and the problem couldn’t be fixed. They said I’d need a new wheel.
· I told Ride1up what the bike shop said and explained that my new bike came with a defective wheel from the beginning and all I wanted was for them to replace it under warranty.
· They still didn’t want to just replace the wheel. Instead they asked more questions and asked me to go back to the bike shop so they could make a video of the problem wheel.
· I am in the process of buying a brand new wheel on my “brand new” Prodigy.
· When I first got my bike I was telling everybody about this bike, now I am telling everybody to spend a bit more and go with a reputable company.
· Ride1up NEVER AGAIN!
I have gotten the total run-around from these guys and am very unhappy with the fact that they don’t want to make it right for me. I am writing this review to warn potential customers of the lack of service that this company provides. Beware!
Update:
The company is working with me now on the issue and it seems like they’re going to make it right for me. I didn’t think it was going to happen but I’m surprised and grateful. I will consider buying from them in the future.
Good to hear that you got it running. Currently, it is a big mess in cycling industry and we all hope it settles!
I brought a bike and the led speed controller on handlebars just stopped working I call store and all about it filled out a warranty claim me and store and ride1 up just didn’t care terrible customer service and support none my people will be buying from you guys your a sad company that don’t care about their customers big zero rating from me and I’m gunna tell everyone
STAY CLEAR- and heed the warnings of horrible customer service. Rode the bike for 136 miles and now the bike is dead. They agreed to send a battery and now they are unsure if they will send battery. Would like me to spend another 30 -45 mins – diagnosing the bike problem myself???? Am I a bike mechanic., Carefully read the reviews , there service is NOT good at all. Again the bike lasted 5 trips , I have zero faith in this company.
Respect the unhappy reviews of the other customers, this is not a company thats respects its clients
Hi Kyle,
Sorry to hear about the inconvenience. I am curious.. what are they asking you to diagnose?
Purchased 2 500 series, both are falling apart and the warranty is bogus. Multiple calls to the so called warranty department just make you go through hoop after hoop and then when you actually do jump through the hoops they just say no.
Hi Lenard,
That is unfortunate. Can you please provide us more details about your case, what happened, what customer department told? Also please send pictures to [email protected]? We shall have a look.
I’m a huge fan of the Ride1up 700.
Here is my video review of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlDAkButeXw