-November 15, 2021 at 8:58 AM Pacific Time

Since I started riding an electric bike from Ride1Up in 2018, I have found that the company has done a good job in two things. First of all, it makes the classic-looking electric bike perform better than its appearance. Secondly, its price makes me puzzled, wondering how they can sell it at such a low price. The Ride1Up 700 series is a perfect example in both aspects.

This commuter electric bike for urban assaults is ready to use right out of the box and has everything a rider needs for a powerful city electric bike.

Perhaps most importantly, it has the speed and power that accompany cars on the road.

Although I don't mind the level 2 electric bike, when the motor assist is cut off, I often feel that I hit the wall at 20 mph (32 km/h).

The Ride1Up 700 series is a level 3 electric bike, so as long as I give it some honest pedal assistance above level 2 speed, it will allow me to reach 28 mph (45 km/h).

Although the rear hub motor may claim a continuous rated power of only 500W, it is paired with a 22A controller and a 48V battery to provide slightly more than 1,000W of peak power consumption. This results in powerful acceleration, whether you rely on the accelerator or pedal assisted half-length exercises.

Before I delve into this review, be sure to check out the test video below. There, you will see me putting the Ride1Up 700 series on a real-world commuter ride. Then continue reading my other thoughts!

I am always a little annoyed when I see electric bikes that are clearly designed for urban cycling but do not contain important city-specific accessories (such as lights, mudguards or frame).

I know that there is an argument that not everyone needs the last two (although it is my belief that all electric bicycles should be equipped with lighting equipment).

But mudguards and frame are very useful, I believe they are basically necessary equipment for commuting electric bicycles. Even if you live in a low rain area, the occasional irrigation puddle or the wrong hose will still give you unexpected tire spray. The fact that it is there even when I pack it in my backpack instead of the gear on the rear rack usually helps prevent my bag from hanging close to the wheels.

As far as the Ride1Up 700 series is concerned, this electric bicycle offers a triple advantage. Bright lights, high-quality hardened alloy fenders, and a luggage-style rear frame that can withstand a weight of 50 pounds (23 kg).

In addition to these three key accessories provided as standard equipment, other commuter-friendly components include Schwalbe SUPER MOTO X 27.5 x 2.4 tires (one of my favorite road tires), powerful dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano eight Acera derailleur on the speed flywheel.

Is there a better gearbox than Acera? Yes. But is this good enough for 95% of us.

Between those large Schwalbe tires and the 100 mm travel of the front fork (equipped with hydraulic locking devices), the ride is suitable for the urban jungle. Sometimes potholes and curbs must be dealt with head-on, so in these cases, large tires and larger suspensions are a godsend. The Ride1Up 700 series does not have a rear suspension, because this is a big requirement for commuter bikes (though not unheard of). But at least the Selle Royal gel saddle adds a bit of comfort at the rear.

I am very excited about the commute load here, although of course there is room for improvement. The cadence sensor is good, but I am spoiled by the better torque sensor on the Ride1Up LTM'D. If they included a torque sensor on the 700 series, that would be great! Although considering that the price of this bike is $1,695 and includes accessories such as lights, mudguards, and racks as standard equipment, I can see how the torque sensor is not included in the budget.

What's the matter with the left throttle? Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer the right throttle. I know that the trigger shifter means that there can be no thumb throttle on the right, but why not use the half-twist throttle? Not only is it my favorite style, but it also happens to be the best style (according to me).

So the specifications of this bike are good, of course. But what about electronic products?

Ride1Up almost nailed it there.

The combination of a powerful engine and a fast top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) provides confident performance. I have no qualms about walking the lane in an urban scene because I know I have the ability to support it. But when the traffic becomes congested, I can easily slide back to the bike lane and become a cyclist (of course, driving at a reasonable speed depending on the scene).

The 48V 14Ah battery provides enough battery life, but I cannot say that it is the largest battery I have ever seen. The battery capacity is 674 Wh, and the rated cruising range is 30-50 miles. The standard disclaimer of "You can only get the maximum range at the lowest pedal assist setting" applies here of course, and you should know that making the throttle happy really affects your range. But there are few commutes that exceed 30 miles—and you rarely ride a bicycle anyway. So the battery seems to be sufficient for this role.

The fact that the battery is also integrated into the frame is another advantage of the Ride1Up 700 series. Not only does it look slick, but it also helps reduce theft, making it harder to steal.

These small details seem to be added to this electric bike: well-designed and integrated components, beautiful cable management to prevent mouse nests on the handlebars, color LCD screen, gel saddle. The extra small parts here and there are beyond what we usually see in the mid-price range of electric bikes.

At US$1,695, you are really good value for money here. At this price, it's very cost-effective for a fast and powerful road bike equipped with all necessary commuting equipment.

I have few small complaints. Ride1Up has done a great job in the design and execution of the 700 series, which shows this.

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Micah Toll is a personal electric car enthusiast, battery nerd, and the author of Amazon's number one best-selling book DIY Lithium Battery, DIY Solar, and the Ultimate DIY Electric Bike Guide.

You can send him a reminder via Micah@electrek.co

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