In the past, electric bicycles were a big purchase, with prices for new bikes on par with used cars But San Diego-based Ride1UP has changed that with a series of electric bicycles ranging from $1,095 to $2,295

This is due in part to the increasing global demand for e-bikes, which has made electric bike motors and batteries available at more realistic prices, and in part to Ride1UP's lean production and delivery model

Take Ride1UP's top-spec $2,295 Prodigy electric mountain/city bike for example, scheduled for release in 2022 and available for pre-order this summer It uses a motor and battery system from leading German brand Brose, which also produces e-bike kits for major brands costing thousands of dollars or more

Ride1UP also produces electric bikes for those who want to go further than just in the city Most models are available with step-through frames for easy mounting and dismounting, or with crossbars

Robust frames and high-quality components make them affordable e-bikes built to last

Most Ride1UP bikes feature a battery built into the frame This keeps the lines clean and prevents dirt from accumulating All-weather rideability is enhanced by fenders and lights, and many of the e-bikes in this series have a convenient rack on the back for carrying luggage

Lower-priced e-bikes from other brands often have shorter ranges and limited assistance Frames can also be unstable, with an uncomfortable ride and low rigidity

Ride1UP wanted to change this situation and design a series of e-bikes with durability and performance that would make people want to keep using them This includes high-quality alloy frames and, in many models, suspension forks There are also components from well-known brands like Shimano and Tektro, high-quality tires, and disc brakes

All models have powerful motors, with 750-watt 48-volt hub motors on most models; battery options rated as high as 175 Ah provide ample range and 35 to 70 miles between charges; and the Ride1UP e-bikes have sophisticated control software, often in color, and bar-mounted displays that allow the rider to select assist levels and view available charge and range

Ride1UP e-bikes have the performance to be a viable alternative to cars for commuting and getting around town, and Ride1UP's goal is to encourage riders to switch to electric bikes for many of their trips, saving money, helping to reduce emissions, improving the communities and, in many cases, speed up door-to-door travel

The Roadster V2 offers street style with a secret assist

The Ride1UP has a cool design like the Roadster V2, a single speed urban fixie style with belt drive The Roadster V2 is surprisingly light at 33 pounds, so it can easily be carried up stairs or inside buildings

With the Ride1UP Roadster V2 available for only $1,095 and a myriad of eye- and wallet-friendly options, it's no wonder the Ride1UP has caught our attention Another popular model, the Core-5, is priced at $1195

The new Prodigy, on the other hand, has a Brose motor that rivals the performance of major brand MTBs, and its 90Nm of torque is the most powerful for climbing and riding over serious climbs

Ride1UP has also cut costs from its sales model: instead of selling through bike stores, which add considerably to the list price of an e-bike, it sells directly through its website

Ride1UP pays attention to detail, designing its packaging to slip through shipping companies' oversize luggage restrictions Therefore, Ride1UP offers free shipping within the 48 contiguous states from its Nevada warehouse Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii will be $190, and to Canada and Mexico for $100

Ride1UP offers a 30-day free trial period and a one-year warranty to make it easier to see and buy bikes in person The company offers comprehensive US-based customer support via phone, web chat, and email, and an online knowledge base where you can find answers to common questions0% financing is also available