Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser Review: Affordable Style Meets Comfort and Performance
Last Updated on January 22, 2025 by Kristina
Electric cruiser bikes are all about combining comfort, aesthetics, and functionality. The Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser delivers on all three fronts while offering a unique twist on the classic beach cruiser style. Inspired by vintage motorcycles, this Class 3 e-bike brings a fresh design perspective along with solid performance at an affordable price. Here’s a closer look at its features, performance, pros, cons, and alternatives.
Features of the Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser
- Powerful Motor: Equipped with a 750W Bafang geared rear hub motor delivering 60Nm of torque.
- Class 3 Capability: Offers pedal assist up to 28 mph and throttle assist up to 20 mph.
- Integrated Battery: 48V, 15Ah (720Wh) battery with a claimed range of 30–50 miles.
- Hydraulic Suspension Fork: Mozo hydraulic fork with 80mm of travel for added comfort.
- High-Capacity Rear Rack: Welded rear rack supports up to 130 lbs and can accommodate passenger accessories.
- Smooth Braking: Zoom hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors for reliable stopping power.
- Comfortable Ride: Features a broad comfort saddle and swept-back cruiser handlebars for an upright riding position.
- Motorcycle-Inspired Design: Vintage styling cues with a low-slung frame and gas tank-like top tube accents.
- User-Friendly Display: Basic LCD panel for tracking speed, distance, and battery life.
- Cruiser Geometry: Long wheelbase for stability and a smooth ride.
Specifications of the Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Bike Class | Class 3: Pedal assist up to 28 mph, throttle assist up to 20 mph |
| Battery | 48V, 15Ah (720Wh), frame-integrated and removable |
| Range | Claimed 30–50 miles |
| Motor | 750W Bafang geared rear hub motor |
| Torque | 60Nm |
| Weight | 65 lbs |
| Max Rider Weight | 300 lbs |
| Rear Rack Capacity | 130 lbs |
| Tires | Chao Yang 26×3” |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Acera 8-speed |
| Brakes | Zoom hydraulic disc brakes, 180mm rotors |
| Suspension Fork | Mozo hydraulic fork, 80mm travel |
| Frame | Alloy construction |
Pros
- Unique Styling:
With its motorcycle-inspired design, the Cafe Cruiser stands out visually. Details like the low-slung frame and swept bars give it a vintage yet modern aesthetic. - Affordable Componentry:
Equipped with a Shimano Acera 8-speed drivetrain and hydraulic brakes, the bike’s components outperform many similarly priced alternatives. - Functional Rear Rack:
The welded rear rack supports up to 130 lbs, making it versatile for cargo or a passenger seat with footpegs. - Strong Braking Performance:
In tests, the brakes performed well above average, stopping from 20 mph in just 11 feet and 8 inches. - Comfortable Ride:
The broad saddle, swept handlebars, and long wheelbase ensure a smooth and stable ride, even at higher speeds.
Cons
- Limited Hill-Climbing Power:
The 750W motor struggled on steeper hills, requiring rider input to clear challenging inclines. - Large and Cumbersome:
Its long wheelbase makes tight turns and maneuvering in confined spaces more difficult.
Customer Reviews of the Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser
The Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers. Below is a summary of reviews from verified buyers:
- Dave B.:
Dave purchased two bikes and found them to be a great value, though a bit heavy. Despite encountering minor issues, he was impressed with Ride1UP’s quick resolution and smooth ride quality. Both he (6’0”) and his wife (5’5”) were satisfied with the regular-sized bikes.
Rating: ★★★★☆ - Mike R.:
Mike loves the bike’s comfort and speed. He even rides his wife around on it and appreciates the quality components compared to his previous e-bike in the same price range. At 5’9”, he found the frame and seat height to be a perfect fit.
Rating: ★★★★★ - Randy A.:
Randy praised the timely delivery, ease of assembly, and comfort. He highlighted the bike’s responsiveness straight out of the box. At 5’10”, he found the bike easily adjustable to his preferences.
Rating: ★★★★★ - William M.:
William and his wife were very impressed with the bike, calling it the “best bike ever.” At 5’10” and 5’2” respectively, they both found it a perfect fit.
Rating: ★★★★★ - Charles H.:
Charles was thrilled with the quality, describing the bike as sturdy and fast. At 6’1” and 225 lbs, the bike fit him perfectly, and he highly recommends it for its reasonable price and excellent performance.
Rating: ★★★★★ - Thomas V.:
Thomas loved the bike’s solid build and amazing performance. Assembly was straightforward, and it fit both him and his 14-year-old son well. He is considering purchasing another bike for the family.
Rating: ★★★★★
Reported Testing Results
Motor Performance
The Cafe Cruiser’s 750W motor excels on flat terrain, easily reaching its 28 mph pedal-assist limit. It features five pedal assist levels that provide smooth power transitions. However, the motor’s 60Nm torque is underwhelming for hill climbing, as it failed to clear a steep test hill using throttle alone.
Range Testing
During real-world tests:
- PAS 2 (low assist): 45.56 miles before battery depletion.
- PAS 5 (high assist): 26.23 miles before battery depletion.
This is a mid-range performance, sufficient for casual rides and daily commutes.
Braking
The Zoom hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors delivered a consistent and reliable stopping distance of 11 feet and 8 inches, outperforming many other e-bikes in this price range.
Ride Quality
The suspension fork and cruiser-style geometry made for a comfortable and stable ride. However, its size can make navigating tight areas slightly awkward.
Who Is the Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser Best For?
The Cafe Cruiser is ideal for:
- Casual Riders: Perfect for beach paths, city streets, and leisurely rides.
- Commuters: With a comfortable riding position and sufficient range, it’s great for daily commutes.
- Budget Buyers: Riders seeking a well-equipped e-bike without exceeding $1,500.
- Cargo Enthusiasts: Those needing a sturdy rear rack for heavy loads or passengers.
Should You Buy the Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser?
The Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser is a stylish and functional electric cruiser bike that offers great value for its price. While it’s not the most powerful option for hill climbing, its overall performance, comfortable ride quality, and high-quality components make it an excellent choice for casual riders and budget-conscious buyers. With features that rival more expensive e-bikes, the Cafe Cruiser stands out as a great entry into the cruiser e-bike category.
If you prioritize unique aesthetics, comfort, and affordability, the Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser is worth considering. However, if you frequently tackle steep hills or need a more compact e-bike, exploring alternatives like the Aventon Level.2 or RadRunner Plus may be a better fit.
Alternatives to the Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser
If the Cafe Cruiser doesn’t meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Aventon Level.2
- Price: Around $1,799
- Features: 500W motor, torque sensor, and a sleek integrated frame.
- Best For: Commuters looking for a mid-range e-bike with a refined feel and responsive motor control.
Read our Full Review of the Aventon Level 2
- Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus
- Price: Around $1,899
- Features: 750W motor, moped-style design, and customizable cargo options.
- Best For: Riders seeking a versatile e-bike with a mix of utility and style.
Read our Full Review of the Rad Power RadRunner Plus
What do you think about the Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser? Have you tried it or are you considering it? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s discuss! Don’t forget to subscribe for more in-depth e-bike reviews and comparisons.
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Kristina is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
