2020 Ride1Up LMT'D Review

Video Review

Written Review

The Ride1Up LMT’D electric bike is a premium Ebike with excellent components that’s priced closer to an entry-level ebike. This ride has a powerful motor and above-average capacity battery, front air suspension, hydraulic disc brakes and our favorite: a torque sensor!

Power — 750 nominal watts, 1,000 peak watts

The Ride1Up LMT'D electric bike has a powerful MXUS geared hub motor with an output of 750 nominal watts and 1,000 peak watts with an impressive 100 Newton meters of torque. This motor is tuned well and has a smooth roll-on of power that feels perfectly in sync with pedaling.

Speed  — 28 mph

The Ride1Up LMT'D electric bike has a top speed 28 mph, which can be reached by using the pedal assist, and a top speed of 20 mph that can be reached using the throttle. This makes the LMT'D a class 3 electric bike, which might be restricted in some places. The throttle is live from 0 mph, which is a nice touch and usually a good way to compensate for the latency inherent with cadence sensors, but as this ride has a torque sensor that’s not necessary.

Battery and Range — 48 volt 14 ah, 45 miles

The Ride1Up LMT'D electric bike runs on a 48 volt system and comes stock with a 14 amp hour battery, offering an estimated max range of 45 miles under ideal conditions. The battery is located low on the down tube keeping the center of gravity low and the balance true. The battery is also locking and removable so it can be charged separately from the bike. A small detail, but the rubber grommet that keeps the plug inlet covered actually stays in place when riding!

Pedal assist sensor — Torque sensor

The Ride1Up LMT'D electric bike is equipped with a torque sensor that measures the torque placed on the cranks. This is wonderful to see on a bike at this price point, and helps to give a truly responsive feel when riding. Unlike cadence sensors, torque sensors allow for near instant activation and deactivation of the motor when the rider starts and stops pedaling. This is especially important for an electric bike geared towards tackling serious off-road trails.

Display — Ride1Up, LCD

The Ride1Up LMT'D electric bike is equipped with a Ride1Up branded LCD display located on the left side of the handlebars. The display is color and easy to see even in direct sunlight, but it’s a bit canted on the handlebars and feels like it needs a separate piece or a different mounting bracket so it can be perfectly level. The display is color and very easy to read in direct sunlight. It offers plenty of feedback, including speed, distance, battery level and much more.

Frame and weight — 6061 Aluminum alloy, 51 pounds

The Ride1Up LMT'D electric bike has two color options — a smokey black/blue and light tan — and comes in a standard step-over frame and also a step-thru frame those looking for an approachable ebike where you can keep your feet flat on the ground when at a complete stop. The LMT'D is made from 6061 aluminum alloy and weighs in a relatively light 51 pounds, making it pretty easy to load, carry up stairs and just move around in general.

Suspension —  RST Asteria air suspension, 80 mm of travel, 

The Ride1Up LMT'D electric bike has a RST Asteria air suspension that offers approximately 80 mm of travel. It also has a compression clicker, rebound adjust and lockout. Since the suspension can be finely tuned, the rider can adjust it to their riding style. This is yet another upgrade point that is a bit surprising to see on an ebike at this price point.

Gearing — Shimano Alivio, 8 speed

The Ride1Up LMT'D electric bike uses a Shimano Alivio derailleur with a 8 speed cassette. It also has trigger shifters on the right side of the handlebars. Normally we see Shimano Tourney derailleurs and sometimes an Altus, but the Alivio is a pretty high quality derailleur and we’re pleasantly surprised to see this here.

Brakes — Hydraulic disc, 180 mm rotor

The Ride1Up LMT'D electric bike has Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors in the front and rear. These brakes are exactly what we want to see on a bike that goes this fast. They offer more than enough stopping power, even in wet and muddy conditions, and are perfectly capable of controlling even the steepest descents. They also have motor inhibitors built into the brake levers, which instantly cut power to the motor whenever they are depressed, ensuring the shortest possible stopping distance. Since these brakes are hydraulic, it allows for adjustment on the actual brake levers themselves, so they can be finely tuned for each rider’s hand size.

Warranty — 30 day return, 1 year comprehensive.

The Ride1Up LMT'D electric bike has a 30 day money back guarantee and a 1 year comprehensive warranty, a pretty generous return policy and a solid warranty as well.

Price — Starting at $1,795 USD

Starting at $1,795 USD, the Ride1Up LMT'D is very competitively priced for what is being offered. The reality is, Ride1Up is way under market pricing here on this bike, and part of that is likely due to the fact the purchaser has to assemble the bike themselves (or hire someone to do it.) They also offer free shipping to the contiguous U.S. with $190 fee for Hawaii and Alaska, and a flat $100 fee for Mexico and Canada. Not too bad at all. 

Who’s it for — Road riders looking for a great deal

The Ride1Up LMT'D electric bike feels like a good choice for those riders who plan to spend the majority of their riding time on paved streets. The LMT’D can certainly handle some light dirt trails, but is not ideal for serious eMTB riding. Still, for road use, it’s really hard to beat the LMT’D in terms of overall value. The hydraulic disc brakes, air suspension, powerful motor and larger-than-average capacity battery, quality Schwalbe tires and excellent warranty are just a few reasons this bike stands apart of the crowd. If you’re looking for a road warrior that can also hit some light trails, you’re definitely going to want to consider the LMT’D!