Like many, I’ve become completely captivated by the sheer pleasure of riding lightweight bikes. This passion has led me to own both a lightweight electric bike and a traditional, non-electric bike. For those exploring the world of electric mobility without wanting to lug around a heavy machine, I want to share my positive experience with a model that truly embodies the “Lightest Electric Bike” philosophy: the Ride1UP Roadster v2. And yes, for our Canadian neighbors, Ride1UP does ship to Canada! Starting at a reasonable $1100, and tipping the scales at a mere ~33 lbs, this e-bike has been an absolute game-changer for my daily commutes and weekend adventures. My personal journey with the Roadster v2 has been fantastic, and I’ve consistently been impressed with their customer support as well.
Side view of Ride1UP Roadster v2 lightweight electric bike
Roadster v2 – Ride1UP: Your Entry into the Lightest Electric Bike World
The Ride1UP Roadster v2 is specifically designed as a single-speed, lightweight electric bike, boasting a minimalist and stealthy aesthetic. Its agility is immediately noticeable, and it effortlessly reaches speeds of 15mph, making it ideal for navigating city streets or enjoying leisurely rides. If you’re looking to understand what makes the “best lightweight electric bike”, the Roadster v2 is an excellent starting point for exploration and firsthand experience.
Over the course of over 7000 miles with my Roadster v2, the required maintenance has been incredibly minimal. In fact, the only repair needed was a carbon belt replacement at around 5000 miles. For prospective owners, I highly recommend considering purchasing a spare carbon belt – they are around $50 and can be a lifesaver to have on hand just in case. The specific model I initially purchased didn’t include a throttle, but it’s worth noting that newer versions might now offer a throttle option. However, if you prefer a throttle-less experience, or vice-versa, Ride1UP provides options. You can easily swap components by purchasing the “gen 2 display” from their website for around $50, allowing you to customize your ride to your exact preferences.
For those looking to extend their journeys even further, an extender external battery is available for $370. This addition almost doubles the range of the bike. While I opted for the extended battery, I found that the internal battery alone still provides a solid range of approximately 20 miles – naturally, this will depend on factors like your weight, fitness level, and chosen pedal assist level and speed.
In my search for the perfect balance of performance and price, I genuinely couldn’t find a better value proposition than the Roadster v2. For me, choosing this e-bike was an easy decision, well worth the minimal risk associated with purchasing an online-only bike. I absolutely love it! It has capably carried me through numerous metric centuries and even an imperial century ride. As you can probably tell, I’m a huge advocate for this model.
Of course, if budget is less of a concern and you’re willing to invest significantly more, brands like Lemond offer incredibly light bikes that are often described as works of art. Similarly, the Specialized Turbo Creo is another excellent lightweight option, and it comes with the added benefit of being available at local bike shops, provided you have a dealer nearby for convenient servicing and support. However, for those seeking an accessible entry point into the world of “lightest electric bike” enjoyment without breaking the bank, the Ride1UP Roadster v2 remains a top contender in my book.
