Ride1UP Roadster v2 Review
Editorial Team
2023-12-28The Ride1UP Roadster V2 is one of the highest-value e-bikes in its price range, offering a wide range of upgraded components and design features from the Roadster V1. With its sleek minimalist design and quiet motor, at first glance, it can easily be mistaken for a normal bike.
With an additional off-road gravel option available, riders looking for a value-packed budget e-bike will find that Roadster V2 offers a practical, low-maintenance, and all-around fun riding experience.
In this in-depth review, we’ll go over what makes the Ride1UP Roadster V2 a commuter single-speed electric bike worth considering.
- MSRP: $1,095
- Class: 3
- Motor: Single-speed drivetrain 350w Geared Hub Shengyi
- Battery: 36V 7.0ah Samsung 35e Cells
- Range: 20-30 miles
- Tires: 700 x 28c
- Drivetrain: Single-speed carbon drive belt
- Brakes: Dual-pivot calipers
Frame, Geometry & Sizing
Made of 6061 aluminum alloy, the frame sports a sleek modern look, and comes in two sizes, 52 and 58cm. Ride1UP recommends the 52cm frame for riders 5’3″ – 5’8″ tall, and the 58cm frame for riders between 5’8″ – 6’3″.
The seat height can be adjusted and is around the same height as the handlebars, promoting a forward pedaling position that boosts comfort and control. The narrow handlebars make the handling snappy, allowing you to easily slip through traffic and maneuver around people. If you’d like more control, especially at lower speeds, wider handlebars can be added.
- Read Next: Overview of Ride1UP Electric Bikes
The Roadster V2 is a featherweight e-bike compared to most electric bikes out there, weighing just 33lbs (around 15kg). With the battery housed in the down tube of the frame, the rear belt drive HUB motor is the only clear indication that this is an e-bike. But don’t let its light weight fool you, there’s plenty of power behind the Roadster V2.
Roadster V2 Motor & Battery
Fitted on the rear wheel is a 350W, 40nm torque HUB motor that can reach 500W of peak power. The motor uses a single-speed belt drive system rather than a chain and multiple gears, making it a lot quieter and easier to maintain.
With 5 different levels of assist, the motor does a great job of getting up to speed, reaching top speeds of around 24 mph on the max assist level.
While it can be said the Roadster V2 is made for mostly flat urban commuting, it still does a great job climbing up most standard hills in the city, even in the 10 – 15% range.
Concealed in the down tube is a 36V, 7.0ah Samsung 35e cell battery. The battery cannot be easily taken out of the frame and charged separately, but it can be taken out for replacement or servicing. Depending on the assist level, terrain, and rider weight, the Roadster V2 has a range of anywhere between 20 – 30 miles.
Components
The impressive array of components that come with the Roadster V2 outmatches most e-bikes at this price point. Starting from the top, the barely-noticeable LCD display on the handlebars includes a speedometer, battery gauge, and a pedal-assist-level indicator, which is controlled by a bottom bracket cadence sensor.
The brake levers are durable alloys with rubber-pad inserts and control a set of dual pivot rim brakes, as opposed to disc brakes on the Gravel edition. The tires ride smoothly and come as either Kenda Kwest 700Cx28 or Continental Terra 700Cx40 for the Gravel option.
- Related post: 8 Best Belt-Drive Electric Bikes to Consider
The drivetrain is a 64/20T (or 63/22T for Gravel) single-speed belt drive, making it a lot more durable, lighter, and quieter than a traditional bike chain. The 9/16″ Wellgo pedals feel solid under the feet when riding or standing. And speaking of which, a kickstand does not come with either option of the Roadster V2 but can be added separately.
Other Ride1UP E-Bikes to Consider:
- Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser Review
- Ride1UP Core 5 Electric Bicycle Review
- Ride1UP 700 Series Review
- Ride1UP Prodigy Review
- Ride1UP LMT’D Review
- Ride1UP Revv 1 Review
Roadster V2 Shipping and Assembly
With free shipping to most US states, the Roadster V2 comes 90% pre-assembled, with a few basic assembly steps required, as shown in this video. It’s also recommended to keep the box for the first 30 days since Ride1Up offers a 30-day return policy with a full refund if certain criteria are followed.
All the tools needed to assemble the e-bike come included in the box. Make sure not to turn on or move the bike when charging, as that can cause permanent damage to either the charger, e-bike, or both. Once everything is tightened in place, you’re now ready to impress onlookers with how fast you can pedal (assist)!
Our Verdict: Ride or Pass?
The Roadster V2 does an expert job juggling price, quality, design, and fun riding. It’s fast, lightweight, and a welcome commuter e-bike for new and experienced riders. The stealthy, urban design doesn’t draw any unwanted attention with a surprisingly quiet motor to boot.
Add to that a low-maintenance belt drive system and you have a truly value-packed e-bike with few competitors in this price range. The Gravel edition adds even more off-road potential with disc brakes and Continental Terra tires that are known to be used in high-end dirtbikes.
Overall it can be said that the Ride1Up Roadster V2 is an e-bike made for the masses. Its price, easy maintenance, and components make it a top contender for new and regular e-bike enthusiasts looking for the best commuter electric bike money can buy.
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