The line between e-bike and electric motorcycle keeps getting blurrier, and Ride1Up’s Revv 1 DRT is doing its part to smudge that boundary even further. At first glance, you might mistake this for a proper dirt bike – from the moto-inspired frame tubes to the top tube-mounted battery masquerading as a gas tank. Behind that aggressive styling is a bike that’s ready to make waves in the high-powered e-bike scene.
Ride1Up has built their reputation on delivering serious value in the direct-to-consumer e-bike space, and their off-road focused DRT variant follows that playbook. While it comes loaded with urban-ready features like high/low beams and turn signals, this thing really shows its teeth in off-road mode. With a burly 150mm double crown fork, rear coil shock, and full suspension setup eating up the rough stuff, we clocked speeds north of 33 mph. And about those pedals – they’re there, but with stubby 127mm cranks and a single-speed drivetrain, it’s pretty clear where Ride1Up’s priorities lie.
So let’s dig into whether this moto-inspired machine delivers on its promised versatility, or if it’s caught in no-man’s land between e-bike and electric motorcycle.
My Experience Riding The Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT E-Bike
Let’s start with the obvious: this thing turns heads. My test unit came in the “Blackout” colorway, and between the MOLLE panel, moto-style headlight fairing, and that beefy double crown fork up front, you’d be forgiven for doing a double-take thinking it’s a gas bike. The aesthetic isn’t just for show though – it’s a pretty clear statement of intent about what this bike wants to be.
Throwing a leg over the bike (I’m 180 lbs), you immediately feel the suspension settling into its sag point, giving you that “yeah, this’ll be fun” feeling. The moto saddle and rear shock (complete with damping and rebound adjustment) team up for a surprisingly plush ride. The 15-inch reach feels spot-on for the bike’s intended use, though those 127mm crank arms and fixed saddle height remind you that this isn’t exactly built for Tour de France training.
On city streets, the 20×4 Innova knobbies announce their presence with that characteristic hum. The pedal assist levels are predictably punchy, and the full commuter lighting package (high/low beams, turn signals, brake light) makes urban navigation legitimately practical. In Class 3 mode, it’ll happily cruise at 28 mph, occasionally tickling 29. The 1000W Bafang hub motor does make itself known, but the noise level stays firmly in the “present but not annoying” category.
But this bike really showed its colors when I took it to some BLM land in my southern Utah backyard. In off-road mode, the suspension earned its keep, though I did notice the fork has a pretty pronounced top-out slap. It doesn’t affect performance, but a simple rubber bump stop in the stanchion would quiet things down considerably. But, all-in-all, for a bike this size, the suspension package is surprisingly competent.
Engaging “Off-Road” mode (indicated by a small lightning bolt icon) is where things got more interesting. On smoother dirt, I clocked 34.1 mph – not too shabby. Technical terrain requires a bit more rider input; you’ll need to help muscle this 94-pound rig over serious obstacles. The 95Nm of torque handles steep climbs admirably, and while it won’t keep up with a proper 250cc dirt bike (nor is it trying to), it strikes a solid balance between on and off-road capability.
Range
Estimated Range (from Ride1Up):
- 30 to 60 miles
Real World Range Test Results:
- Throttle Only: 28 miles
Ride1Up advertises the Revv 1 DRT’s range at 30-60 miles, but let’s talk real-world numbers. In my throttle-only test, I clocked 28 miles – and honestly, that’s the number you should care about with this bike.
Here’s why: While I typically run both throttle and pedal-assist range tests, the Revv 1 DRT’s design made it clear where its strengths lie. Those 127mm stubby cranks paired with a seat fixed at a towering 34-inch standover height aren’t exactly screaming “pedal me!” And let’s be real – if you’re shopping for an e-moto style bike like this, you’re probably not training for the Tour de France.
That said, our throttle-only result of nearly 30 miles over two hours of riding is solid. It suggests that Ride1Up’s advertised range isn’t just marketing fluff – if you did want to throw in some pedal strokes, hitting those higher range numbers seems feasible. But the real story here is that you can twist the throttle for a couple of hours and cover some serious ground without having to worry about pedaling efficiency or optimal leg extension.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The Revv 1 DRT means business with its UL-certified 52V powertrain. At its heart is a Bafang 1000W rear hub motor pushing out 95Nm of torque, paired with a beefy 1040Wh battery.
When it comes to riding modes, here’s where things get a little more fun. While the bike ships as a Class 2 (20 mph), you can unlock both Class 3 (28 mph) and Off-Road modes (33+ mph) once you’ve completed the necessary waivers.
But wait, there’s more: In Off-Road mode, you can access what Ride1Up calls “Boost Mode.” (post August 2023 models only). Pressing and holding the minus button, watch for the lightning bolt on your display, and the controller amps jump from 28 to 35. In human terms, that means snappier acceleration, better hill-climbing chops, and a bit more top-end speed. Just don’t expect to set any range records while you’re playing with that extra juice.
The 20-amp battery (a hefty 10.6-pound unit that looks like a moto gas tank) isn’t just for show – the positioning helps keep that weight centered and high, which actually improves handling compared to lower-mounted battery designs. Plus, it’s lockable and removable for charging, with a handy charge level indicator right on the unit. The whole system is monitored through a center-mounted LCD display that keeps tabs on all your vital stats, from speed and battery level to which power mode you’re currently running.
Components
Let’s break down what Ride1Up has pieced together here. The Revv 1 DRT comes swinging with a beefy Bafang 1000W rear hub motor pushing 95Nm of torque through a single-speed drivetrain. Paired with a massive 52V, 1040Wh battery, it’s clear they weren’t messing around with the power plant on this one.
The suspension setup tells you exactly what this bike is about: a RST 150mm double crown coil fork up front with preload and lockout options, matched to 76mm of rear travel. While that rear travel might seem modest compared to the fork, it’s plenty for the kind of mixed-terrain bombing this bike is designed for. Plus the rear shock has rebound and dampening adjustments to dial-in the right amount of ‘cush’ you’re looking for.
The 20-inch wheels wrapped in Innova off-road rubber might raise some eyebrows in the traditional mountain bike crowd, but they make perfect sense for an e-moto style ride – keeping the center of gravity low while maintaining nimble handling.
Stopping power comes courtesy of 4-piston LBN hydraulic brakes clamping down on serious 203mm rotors. Given that our test unit weighed in at 94.1 pounds (a bit over the advertised 91), you’ll appreciate that braking muscle. The rotors’ 2.5mm thickness and electric cut-off sensor are nice touches that show some real thought about long-term durability and safety.
The cockpit setup is thoroughly moto-inspired, with wide 720mm bars featuring a comfortable 25-degree sweep and 120mm rise, mounted to a sensible 45mm Promax stem (not adjustable).
While you do get pedals (basic black alloy units) and a 42T chainring mated to those 127mm cranks we mentioned earlier, the fixed moto-style saddle and overall geometry make it clear – this is a throttle-first machine that happens to have pedals, not the other way around.
One detail worth noting: Ride1Up has cleanly integrated the electronics into the frame, keeping the vital bits protected from the elements and tampering. Speaking of smart frame design, they’ve utilized what would typically be dead space in a moto frame (where you’d normally find an engine) by installing an alloy MOLLE panel. At 18 inches wide by 9 inches long, this checkerboard mounting system is perfect for strapping down gear or, if you prefer, can be swapped out for an optional 18x9x6.2-inch cargo box. It’s the kind of thoughtful design touch that serves both form and function – adding utility while enhancing those moto aesthetics.
Combined with the 350-pound load capacity, this suggests they’re expecting owners to put this bike through its paces.
Screen / User Interface / App
While plenty of e-bike manufacturers are pushing fancy smartphone apps these days, Ride1Up keeps it refreshingly old-school with the Revv 1 DRT. There’s no app connectivity here, which means one less thing to potentially glitch out or need updating. Instead, you get a straightforward center-mounted LCD display that handles all the essential functions without unnecessary complexity.
The display gives you all the key metrics at a glance: current speed, battery level, assist mode, and trip data. The interface is clean and visible in daylight, with a backlight feature for night riding that you can toggle with a 2-second press of the up button. One particularly handy feature is the ability to cycle through different data screens (speed, trip distance, ride time, max speed, and average speed) using the mode button – useful for tracking your adventures without diving into menus.
Navigation is handled through a simple three-button control pad near the left grip, which lets you adjust assist levels (0-5), toggle the lighting, and access the walk-assist mode. Speaking of assist levels, the display also indicates when you’re in the bike’s different power modes – including that spicy off-road mode that lets you unlock speeds above 28 mph (after completing the required waiver, of course).
While an app might’ve been nice for tweaking detailed settings or tracking rides, the current setup nails the basics without overcomplicating things. For a bike built more for thrills than training metrics, that feels about right.
Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT Model Options
The Revv 1 DRT comes in a one-size-fits-most frame that Ride1Up says works for riders from 5’3″ to 6’4″. Available in either murdered-out “Blackout” or a military-inspired “Toy Soldier” green and black combo, both colorways lean hard into that moto aesthetic. Fair warning though – at 94 pounds (plus another 10.6 for the battery), you’ll want to make sure you’ve got your parking spot sorted.
While the standard Revv 1 comes in both hardtail and full-suspension variants with a tighter 49-inch wheelbase for more urban-focused riding, the DRT version we’re looking at here is built specifically for rougher stuff. You get beefy plastic fenders front and rear as standard, though Ride1Up’s made the interesting choice of keeping the rear rack as an optional add-on.
Speaking of add-ons, the DRT’s moto-inspired frame design includes a clever MOLLE panel where a gas tank would normally sit. You can either stick with the panel for strapping down gear, or swap it for an optional center storage cage. Other accessories in the catalog include a passenger seat kit, rear rack, and extra battery if you’re planning some seriously long adventures.
Is The Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT Worth Buying?
After putting serious miles on the Revv 1 DRT both on and off-road, it’s clear where this bike sits in the e-bike landscape. This isn’t trying to be your fitness companion or your grocery-getter (though it could manage the latter with the optional rear rack). Instead, it’s purpose-built for riders who want the look and feel of a dirt bike crossed with the accessibility and practicality of an e-bike.
At $2,395, Ride1Up continues their tradition of delivering serious value. You’re getting commercial-grade components, thoughtful design touches like the MOLLE panel and integrated lighting, and enough power to make both urban commutes and off-road adventures genuinely entertaining. The full suspension setup, while not quite dirt bike-level plush, handles rough terrain better than you might expect from a bike in this price range.
That said, it’s worth being realistic about what you’re getting into. At 94 pounds, this isn’t a bike you’ll casually toss on a standard bike rack or carry up apartment stairs. The fixed seat height and short cranks mean you’ll want a backup plan that doesn’t involve pedaling if you ever run out of juice. And while it’s got proper off-road chops, you’ll need to adjust your expectations – this is more trail explorer than motocross racer.
For commuters looking for something with an attitude that can handle weekend dirt adventures, or the folks who want some off-road fun without the maintenance headaches of a proper dirt bike, the Revv 1 DRT makes a compelling case for itself. Just be honest about how you’ll actually use it – this is a commitment to a particular style of riding rather than an all-around solution.
Bottom line: If you’re drawn to that moto aesthetic and want something that can legitimately handle both pavement and dirt while keeping a smile on your face, the Revv 1 DRT delivers. Just make sure you’ve got a solid plan for transporting it and storing it before pulling the trigger.
Pros
- Legitimate head-turner that backs up its moto look with real performance.
- A punchy 1000W rear hub motor with cadence sensor delivers instant power when you want it.
- High-mounted 1,040Wh battery nails the moto aesthetic while providing practical range.
- No messing around in the braking department – 4-piston hydraulic calipers and massive 203mm rotors bring you to a stop with excellent control.
- Frame-integrated MOLLE panel is a smart solution for securing gear, whether you’re commuting or hitting trails.
- A full commuter-friendly lighting package with high/low beams, brake lights, and turn signals makes it equally as practical as it is fun.
Cons
- Limited pedaling ergonomics with no seat height adjustment and tiny 127mm cranks – you really don’t want to run out of battery on this one.
- At 94 pounds with that moto-inspired frame, you’ll need more than your basic bike rack to transport this beast – think truck bed or heavy-duty platform rack.
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