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Tom's Guide's best overall and best budget ebike: a light (about 39-44 lb), sharp-handling commuter with a smooth torque sensor and assist up to 28 mph for $1,295. Its small 360 Wh battery drains fast at high assist, and it isn't built for cargo.
Real-world range: Ride1Up claims 20-40 miles. Electric Bike Review got 49.9 miles in the lowest assist level (about 13 mph average). Tom's Guide's battery was down to 80% after five miles at the highest assist level.
Weight: 39 lb (Tom's Guide); 44.1 lb (Electric Bike Review); 40 lb in the gravel setup (Ride1Up)
Recalls (CPSC): No CPSC recall found for Ride1Up (checked 2026-10-11).
E-bike class: Can be set as Class 1, 2 or 3, with pedal assist up to 28 mph (Tom's Guide, Ride1Up)
Battery safety certification: Ride1Up's product page says the bike is certified to UL 2849 and the battery to UL 2271.
Top complaints
- Battery drains fast at high assist
Tom's Guide's battery fell to 80% after five miles at the highest assist level (its budget guide describes this as an 80% drain). The battery is 360 Wh (Electric Bike Review).
- Not made for cargo
Tom's Guide's main con: not ideal for carrying cargo or large loads; a rack and panniers are sold separately. Electric Bike Review notes few mounting points.
- Fiddly battery removal
Electric Bike Review says removing the battery can chip the paint and the release lever isn't intuitive; the single-speed version suits flatter areas.
What owners love
- Fast, fun and sharp handling
Tom's Guide calls it a performance bike dressed as a commuter, with responsive steering and a quick motor.
- Smooth torque-sensor assist
Power ramps up naturally with pedaling (Tom's Guide, Electric Bike Review).
- Good value with safety certification
$1,295 with hydraulic brakes, lights and fenders included (Tom's Guide, Ride1Up); certified to UL 2849 (Ride1Up).
- You carry heavy cargo every day
- You ride long distances at full assist
- You want lots of mounting points
- Fast commutes that feel like a regular bike
- Riders who want a light ebike
- Pavement and easy dirt roads
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Tom's Guide (best electric bikes): Best budget pick and Tom's Guide's top recommendation (updated 2026-09-17): fast and fun; not for cargo.
- Tom's Guide (Ride1Up Roadster V3 review): Review (5 stars): an excellent commuter with a wide gear range and lots of stopping power; one-year warranty.
- Electric Bike Review (Ride1Up Roadster V3 review): Review (updated 2025-09-26): natural torque-sensor power and strong range in eco; few accessory mounts.