Is the Ride1Up Roadster V3 the best lightweight electric road bike for you? If you’re looking for a sleek, stealthy e-bike that blends the agility of a traditional road bike with the power of electric assist, the 40-pound Roadster V3 might be exactly what you need. But how does it compare to the previous Roadster V2? Are the upgrades worth it?? And most importantly—is it worth your money?
I’m Lisa at E-Biking Today and this is the Ride1Up Roadster V3: Tested & Reviewed. I think you’ll be surprised at the power and battery life, so let’s get started!
What Makes the Roadster V3 Stand Out
The Ride1Up Roadster V3 is all about minimalist design, lightweight performance, and high-speed pedal assist—without the bulk of a traditional e-bike. Weighing just 40 lbs, this is one of the lightest electric road bikes in its class, making it perfect for riders who want to move fast, maneuver easily, and enjoy a stealthy e-bike experience.
Unlike many e-bikes that scream “electric,” the Roadster V3 keeps its battery hidden in the frame and tucks away its 500W hub motor, giving it a look that’s almost indistinguishable from a regular road bike. But don’t let its minimalist style fool you—this ebike packs serious power.
Speed & Performance: How Fast Does It Go?
The Roadster V3 is a Class 1-3 e-bike, meaning it can be configured for different speed levels depending on local laws and personal preference. With pedal assist, it can reach speeds up to:
- 28 mph with the chain drive
- 25 mph with the belt drive option
This makes it ideal for urban commuting, fast-paced road riding, or just enjoying a thrilling, sweat-free ride.
Motor & Ride Feel: Does It Have Enough Power?
The new 500W Mivice (Me-vi) hub motor with 50Nm of torque delivers smooth, natural acceleration that feels effortless. Thanks to the Intui-Drive torque sensor, power delivery is instantaneous and intuitive, responding to how hard you pedal instead of relying on a basic cadence sensor.
What does that mean for your ride? No more jerky, laggy motor engagement—just seamless, proportional power that makes climbing hills and accelerating from stops feel effortless. I found the pedal assist to be super responsive. Each PAS level increased the speed smoothly and consistently. And when I hit the Boost level, it really took off, but without jerking! I was pretty impressed at the power of the 500W motor.
And hills, no problem. Level 4 Boost is there if you need it!
Plus, the Ride1Up Roadster v3 has a 9-speed Microshift that’s easy to use and incredibly helpful for hills. It offers just the right amount of gearing. At first, it was an adjustment not seeing what gear I was in, but it shifted smoothly to the next gear.
Battery & Range: How Far Can You Go?
The 10Ah Samsung removable battery comes with smart battery management (BMS) for longer life and better performance. Ride1Up says to expect a range of 20-40 miles, depending on:
- Rider weight
- Terrain
- Inclines
- Level of pedal assist
For city riders and commuters, this range should be more than enough for daily use. But here’s what’s interesting. I rode 14 miles and my display said I still had 94% battery charge remaining. And it showed my riding mode usage, so you can see I used all levels but still had a huge charge left.
The best part? The battery is UL 2271 Certified, meaning it has passed rigorous safety tests to prevent overheating or electrical hazards.
How Does It Compare to the Roadster V2?
The Roadster V3 improves on the V2 in several key areas:
- More Power – The Ride1Up Roadster V2 had a 350W motor, while the V3 upgrades to 500 Watts with 50Nm torque, making it significantly stronger for hills and high-speed riding.
- Torque Sensor – The V2 used a basic cadence sensor, which made power delivery feel less natural. The V3’s Intui-Drive torque sensor makes the ride feel smoother, more responsive, and better at adjusting to your pedaling effort. What’s cool is that this system was developed by the same engineers behind the popular BOSCH e-bike drive system. This advanced torque sensor felt natural on all roads and I got the instant power I needed on hills.
- Hydraulic Brakes – The V3 now features Tektro hydraulic brakes, replacing the mechanical brakes on the V2. This means better stopping power with less effort, which is a major safety upgrade.
- New Display & Controls – The 1.3″ VeloFox OLED display with an integrated throttle is colorful and offers better functionality. The stats are pretty small and might be hard to read for some. But it is nice to find the throttle next to the pedal assist, instead of trying to remember what side of the bike it’s on in a moment’s notice.
- More Configurations – The V3 comes in three frame sizes, Low-Step, Medium, and Large to accommodate more riders. Even though the lowest step-over point is 22 inches, higher than many low step e-bikes, I still felt in control since the bike was so incredibly light.
Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Before hitting that “buy” button, here are a few things to consider:
- Gearing Options – The Roadster V3 comes in two drivetrain versions: belt drive for a low-maintenance, grease-free ride or a 9-speed chain version for those who want more control over gearing.
- Weight Capacity – Supports riders up to 300 lbs, making it versatile for different body types.
- Tires – The 700x45c Pirelli Cinturato gravel tires are great on the road while still offering reliable grip on variable hardpacked terrain and gravel paths.
- Built-in Lighting – This ebike is equipped with a 120-lux front light and a 8-lux rear light, ensuring visibility for night rides.
- Saddle – The Selle Royale Vivo seat is firm yet remarkably comfortable.
- Fenders & Frame Durability – The 2.3″ metal alloy fenders and internal electronics add durability, especially for commuters riding in varied weather conditions.
- Pedals – Non-slip pedals keep your feet secure.
Pricing & Value: Is It Worth It?
The Ride1Up Roadster V3 is priced at $1,295, making it one of the most affordable lightweight electric road bikes with premium features. The advanced torque sensor, hydraulic brakes, gravel tires, throttle, and powerful 500W motor make it a fantastic deal compared to similar e-bikes which can easily cost over $2,500.
Get the perfect Roadster v3 for you.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If you want a lightweight, stylish, and stealthy electric road bike with impressive power, a natural ride feel, and premium components at a budget-friendly price, the Ride1Up Roadster V3 is an obvious choice.
It’s perfect for commuters, fitness riders, and city cyclists who want the benefits of a lightweight e-bike without the extra bulk. It delivers a high-performance ride at a price that’s hard to beat.
So, is the 40-pound Roadster V3 the right e-bike for you? Drop a comment below to let us know. And, enjoy your ride!
