Ride1UP Core-5 Review | Commuter Electric Bike (2021)

[@ElectricBikeReport]

E-Bike Question of the Day ⚡ Do you like stealthy bikes? Or do you prefer to stand out with something flashy? Let us know in the comments below 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

[@woodsculptor675]

I like the 'retro mini bike/cycle' look vs the 'stealth' look. To me, that's part of the fun of having an e-bike! Great review, though!

[@pddellow]

stealth!!!

[@jcyriln80]

I want suspension, more battery, and better brakes...it’s a good looking bike but there are better bikes for the same price

[@rborroto]

Stealth is preferable for me. The more obviously-electric "flashy" e-bikes tend to be heavy, and that makes this tough for us older riders. This particular Ride1Up bike has one very counter-intuitive feature that I hate: the throttle is on the left side. Just about every single e-bike has it on the right hand side. I'm also not fond of thumb throttles on bikes.

[@18andlikeit]

@@jcyriln80 could you site the better bikes you speak of for the same price?

[@jamesharrison7114]

I have this bike and this review almost makes me want to buy another. I have 2300 miles on mine so far and love it, they also sell an 14ah battery for this bike and you can dial in the pas levels to get it how you like.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

That's quite the distance! Glad to hear you've been enjoying as much as we have so far!

[@rickv1140]

@jūn I read 4 hours

[@jamesharrison7114]

@jūn roughly 5 hours from empty.

[@bigpoppa4094]

what kind of range do you get on the 14ah battery in a max assist vs the lower assist setting? does it go further or perform better than the 10.4 ah? thanks.

[@jamesharrison7114]

@@bigpoppa4094 I never really go full out for very long but from my guesstimate probably about 35ish?

[@markgriswold5197]

Well done. Your comprehensive and thoughtful review helped me choose this bike over the RadMission1, which lacks gears and hill-climbing power, has an inferior display/user interface, and is not nearly as cool-looking. A bonus was the portly, peeing dog at about 7:00... :)

[@ElectricBikeReport]

We hope you enjoy the core-5, mark! That tree belongs to that dog now.

[@RomainDelmaire]

You dodge a bullet right there. I also ordered this bike after cancelling my radmission1 because they screwed me over for several months, extending the delivery deadline every time. Ended up doing a little search and it looks like Rad Power Bikes is screwing over lots of people with false delivery information (they put a short delivery deadline on the website, take your money and then tell you that your order will be delayed by a month, and once you reach that second deadline, they contact you to tell you it's going to be another month). Lost patience after 3 months, ordered the core-5 instead, was shipped within 48h.

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi Mark how are you liking your core 5?… thanks!

[@nafet]

Came here because people were recommending this bike on Reddit. This review is really helpful. I haven't been on a bike in a decade, but I'm looking for an e-bike. Think you would be interested in a best-of or buyer's guide video series for different price points and uses? Also maybe a vid on quality of life and must have accessories and aesthetic-related products, thanks.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

We're definitely interested. Had quite a few reviews we've needed to get done first, but once we have room on the schedule we'll look into more content outside of standalone reviews.

[@BryceSmith32]

Absolutely love the look of this electric bike!

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi did you end up with the core 5

[@RomainDelmaire]

Just ordered this one after Rad Power Bikes screwed me over for several months. Couldn't be happier with my purchase, really fast shipping and affordable bike.

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hello… how is it throttle only up hills?…thanks!

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi how are you liking your core 5 and do you ever do throttle only

[@springhillgolfer878]

If I hadn't just bought a Heybike Cityscape I would have gotten this. Beautiful color and design.

[@jonscottcuts]

Best e bike value for the money out there. I have both FLX Babymaker and the Ride One Up. The Core 5 is best all around in my opinion.

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi how are you liking your core 5 and do you ever use throttle only

[@greenwave819]

Just got mine. Box was fully intact. Easy to assemble. I set mine for 7 PA levels. 10/20/30/45/60/75/99. L5 hits 28. Only thing I really had to adjust was the front brake rubbed slightly. I'm very impressed.

[@havefunandbikestuffOver40]

Pierce found the hidden gem of the e-bike brake industry!

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hello… do you have the ride 1 up core 5? If so how is it ?…thanks!!

[@bigpoppa4094]

liked how you compared max assist range and the lowest assist range. some auto manufactures dont even display range on their electric vehicles which is mind boggling. wish you described how much assist the lowest level gives in relation to no assist. good job thx

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Thanks for watching. We've gotten a little better at incorporating that since this review. Hopefully when we get the updated core-5 whenever they revamp it we could speak to it then.

[@carlosseuc5044]

Thanks to your standardized testing , l was able to decide the Core 5 was for me. Thanks GREAT JOB.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Glad we could help!

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hello.,, just wanted to ask if you are happy with your core 5 and how is it on the hills?…thanks!

[@itsthereal_dyl]

Great review as always. Any chance you have reviewed more bikes from R1U? Specifically I’d love to see a head to head showdown of the 700 ST vs the Aventon Level!

[@ElectricBikeReport]

It's one we'd love to do a comparison on. Still working on getting the 700 in the shop.

[@steveclayton9901]

I wish Ride1UP would rewatch this. I am very happy with my purchase of this bike this year, only to find out that they have decided to discontinue the model. I agree with all you have noted! 70 years old and it brings back memories of riding my Motobecane!!!

[@bcflyer99]

I like your presentation style, you sound professional and limit your hand movements to a minimum. Some people wave their hands around too much and it's distracting.

[@tommyp4630]

Their website says it has a 750w motor peak 1000w

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi Tommy did you go with the core 5 ?

[@madcannagrow2833]

First day day, lvl 1 pedaling super hard got it up to 26mph but gets tiresome can maintain about 16-18 mph at a good pace. With some conditioning keep it at lvl 1or2 no throttle assistance and I wont be surprised for 40 mile range at decent speeds around 20mph Im excited for this bike!

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hello… how is it up hills throttle only?… thanks

[@madcannagrow2833]

@@bernievassallo3336 i cross the freeway bridges throttle only and the motor doesn’t slow down at all, maintains 19mph I weigh 160

[@Littleboyst7]

@@madcannagrow2833 hey, does your paint show signs of chipping and does the motor sounds loud on your bike?

[@madcannagrow2833]

@@Littleboyst7 no paint chips, and my motor is pretty quiet I think. If you hear a hum/buzz sound you might need to adjust spokes and unless you know what your doing take it into a shop. I love my bike tho its fun

[@TheAbsolutShame]

Got mine before being discontinued. Almost daily I get offers to sell it. Looks amazing and incredibly fun to ride. I pretty much stopped driving at this point. Just take it in the road and mix it up with racking it on public transportation. Btw mine has the 750 watt motor and 12.4 ah battery with integrated front light upgrade, 2022 version. Buying a 14ah secondary battery as that is the capacity limit with the Eel Reention Pro's. That is the only downside...and the saddle. No suspension fork is a huge plus keeping the weight down.

[@austinwoodworth4719]

Love my core 5 so far.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

We are glad to hear! We are pleased with how much we've enjoyed testing out the Core 5 as well!

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hello just wanted to ask if you still love your core5 and how does it do up hills?.., thanks!

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hello Austin how are you liking your core 5? Thanks!

[@pddellow]

love the clean look!!!

[@clarkbrown9018]

Great reporting as always from Electric Bike Report. Any reviews on the Ride1Up Turris?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

The review is in the works! It should be coming out very soon!

[@clarkbrown9018]

@@ElectricBikeReport Thank you! Looking forward to it.

[@laurenksoares]

Would love your opinion! Comparing this to the 500/700 series. Does the lack of a suspension fork make a huge difference here? Will mostly be riding on pavement and maybe some trails.

[@lifeofmike556]

No, the front fork suspension doesn't do anything unless you land really hard on the front wheel. It doesn't even absorb shock like a spring, BMX bikes don't have a front suspension either which people literally jump off ramps. In short, if you're planning on jumping it off crubs and ramps look for a front suspension. Otherwise if you're casually riding any Ebike 500watts and above will be a lot of power.

[@carlosseuc5044]

All my prior bikes have shocks…so l did find it rough riding. Now though, with a new wider Mtn bike tire, a lower inflation pressure, a Suntour suspension seat post and Redshift suspension stem l am satisfied. Btw l looked for a quality suspension fork but NONE are available for this bike at present. Hope it helps. Also learning to ride not sitting always on the saddle is critical.

[@stevengottschalk281]

Thanks so much for your thorough reviews. I'm 74 years old, 5'6", 150 lbs. and moderately fit. I have a pristine Myata Ridge Runner mtn. bike that I purchased in 1985 that's getting too difficult for my arthritic knees to ride even on the paved roads and bike paths I currently ride on. I've been considering only step through models, like the Adventon Pace 500 and Adventon Level based on your reviews. Now that I've seen this Ride1up Core 5 review, I'm thinking this might be an even better choice. Was wondering if you thought the Core 5 Step Through version will offer equal performance and 49lb weight for placing on a bike rack. Thanks for your patience in wading through all of this comment! (btw have you ever reviewed or have an opinion concerning another option I considered - the KBO Breeze?)

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi Steven! Did you end up with the ride1 up core 5? If so how is it?… thanks!

[@stevengottschalk281]

@@bernievassallo3336 I actually purchased an Aventon Pace 500 Step-through ( 2nd Generation) and I love it.

[@skcyclist]

Excellent review way to go guys

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Thank you kindly, Steve!

[@ivysantafe]

Great review for this and the Roadster v2, thank you! Of the two, which would you choose for a for a 5'5" gal who is a long-lapsed road cyclist (so the more aggressive riding position of the Rv2 is not a drawback, possibly even a plus) looking for a first ebike for recreational/commuter/fitness use in St George?

[@tetraphobie]

I'm caught in a similar conundrum, curious to know what e-bike you ended up choosing & your thoughts on it.

[@ivysantafe]

@@tetraphobie I went with the Roadster v2, and I absolutely love it. Just what I needed. The riding position is very relaxed compared to a conventional road bike. It is lighter than most ebikes, though heavier than even midrange road bikes. I get very good mileage per charge and it is a dream to ride. lithe and responsive. Makes me feel young again. There is a gravel version now, too, if that is your kind of thing. Good luck!

[@eilbron]

How would you compare this to ride1up lmt’d? For 600$ more you get alot more

[@michaeljamesmccabe]

Great review!

[@smolmuffin]

Bought this yesterday on impulse but have been looking at ebikes for months as I bike to work and wanted something that was easier on me + capable of going faster. Badly need to get my full license before my learners expires so maybe I could have used the money for lessons but paypal credit actually let me finance the bike so it should arrive next week. Excited but nervous, I'm smaller, 5'3, 120 lb soaking wet. Hope the step through is more accessible to me and i don't get a defective bike. Tho I do have to plan around Florida showers so that's going to be a interesting one. Any tips for that? Thought about grabbing a tarp to protect it + keep the battery in the breakroom. (has a camera) when I arrive with it and rain is likely but might be able to talk management into stashing it in the stock room on those days. Bike is considered water resistant so I figured it could survive a light shower but if anyones got personal experience pass it on.

[@charleswarwick4849]

Do you guys have any thoughts as to why the 500 series had so much worse hill climbing performance (on throttle only anyway) compared to this one? I thought they had the same motor so I'm pretty surprised by the huge difference between the two (1'33 vs 2'40 ish). I love the specific tests, makes your reviews the best out there!

[@18andlikeit]

I was just wondering the same thing. Both bikes have the same motor and I think weigh about the same.

[@18andlikeit]

So I got the 500 a couple weeks ago.. its a great bike! I'm serious.. I love this thing. I got some pretty serious hills in my area and with peddling I can get up all of them, I definitely have to work at getting up the steepest hills, but I can do it. Normal hills is a breeze getting up. Over 200 miles on it so far. It's a quality, very solid feeling ride.. I'd recommend the 500 to anyone!

[@18andlikeit]

@B1GFRONTO well I weigh 200 lbs, I'm 67 years old and the 500 does everything I need it to. I'm talking about the 500XR, not the ST, (Step Through) which might be a little more flimsy without the top tube of the frame. I think the manufacturer weight rating for the 500 XR is 275lbs.

[@dida0824]

Rider weight. I think they have mentioned it before the two reviewers have about 50lbs in weight difference

[@VVVVV99611]

L2Peddle

[@kaleidoscopevision4959]

I have one of these, I've had it for like 2.5 months and it has 669miles on it,It was Fine up until a week ago and now it's all of a sudden it's losing power and once it starts doing it you can't turn it on immediately and when you can turn it on it will keep doing it, Im getting in touch with there support tomorrow, I have full bars when it happens to I don't even use the throttle anymore and it's still doing it.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Hopefully you get it sorted out through customer service, Dan! Could be worth checking if your local bike shop has an e-bike expert to help diagnose what's going on too.

[@kaleidoscopevision4959]

@@ElectricBikeReport I just put some electric tape on the wire that has the rubber cap over it going into the motor, cause the cap came off before and the wire looked like that maybe where it's coming from there was a little rust on the metal to so I took it for a 10mile ride today and I didn't lose power so I hope that's it. 🤞

[@kaleidoscopevision4959]

It's still going since I put that electric tape on it I'm at 692miles now,so I think that was it 🤞I need to learn how to make my own repairs

[@kaleidoscopevision4959]

It's Losing power again F me

[@thisiswhatido8920]

@@kaleidoscopevision4959 did you fix it

[@jonneet2126]

Sounds like an awesome ebike for the $$$

[@tsant6591]

Their website says the core 5 will be discontinued soon, and gone forever. So what happens to service warranty and parts for this bike? No way lol.

[@timothylacey5318]

Nice informative overview.

[@WisdomInExperience]

What is the range in miles ?

[@michaelcaley7735]

Maybe they changed the motor in a year, but the website says the motor is 750w

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi Michael did you end up with the core 5 if so how is it

[@scottconnors8419]

What size frame is this bike you reviewed?? I just bought ride up v2 roadster, but wonder if I like this more,since a bad back has me trying a ebike...

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi Scott! Did you end up getting the ride 1 up core 5? If so how is it

[@scottconnors8419]

@@bernievassallo3336 recieve this week,I have bad mobility issues w back n neck so hoping core 5 is little more back friendly..praying I can make it work to get cardio and exercise I desperately need...i,I, keep u posted.....

[@bernievassallo3336]

It’s very hard to tell how steep that hill is… can you rate it 1-10 of course 10 being the most difficult… thanks!

[@msmart2u2]

I think this bike would fit me.

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi Dwight did you get the core 5? If so how is it up hills

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi Dwight did you get the core 5 from ride 1 up? If so how is it

[@dacvidz]

What other similar bikes are top contenders to this one?

[@estebangarcia9105]

Does it feel like a regular bike when pedaling only with the power off?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Fairly close, yes.

[@dougmoore5252]

Thank you for this

[@ElectricBikeReport]

No problem 😊

[@adrianiles6019]

Can this Ride 1 Up Core 5 be purchased in the UK

[@kurukiddo]

How much miles do you get on "Throttle Only" on flat roads?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

We do not perform throttle only tests in our range tests. It would likely be a few miles shy of what we get on max PAS those.

[@richard7331]

Okay this video says 500 w motor how come some of the videos I'm looking at for a core5 say a 750 watt motor what is the situation there please let me know thank you.

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi Richard did you end up with the ride1 up bike

[@PlubusDomis]

Now the Core 5 has a 750w motor... was does that mean for this review?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Hopefully we can review the bike again soon with the new motor.

[@shubhamkokul9]

I am a 5'4 guy planning to buy an e-bike I like roadster v2 and core-5 which one should I go for? TBH I want a cleaner looking bike weight is a concern for me as a I would need to pick it up and move up the stairs in my apartment. I don't wanna get a step thru as I like the classic look more. What would you recommend? Thanks in advance for any thoughts or suggestions.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Either of those are great. The Roadster is much lighter, whereas the core-5 isn't crazy heavy (by e-bike standards anyway) with a lot more oomph from the motor in terms of speed.

[@shubhamkokul9]

@@ElectricBikeReport But will my height be a deterrent buying any of those? I see roadster is 33 lbs where as core 5 is 49 I am open any other suggestions as well. I am looking for a light weight bike for my height

[@bernievassallo3336]

@@shubhamkokul9 hello… I wanted to ask which bike you went with? I’m 5’6 and curious … thanks!

[@jdubdoubleu]

Can the throttle be used to help give me a boost bringing the bike upstairs for my apartment?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

In theory, sure. Do we recommend it? No.

[@chow-chihuang4903]

I think there is a “walk” assist mode that propels it at around 2-2.5mph that might be useful for this. I think you hold down the increase PAS level button, but check the manual for the control panel.

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi Josh… which e bike did you go with

[@jdubdoubleu]

@@bernievassallo3336 I didn't. I went with a scooter instead. Kaabo Mantis 8. Eventually I'd like to get an e bike, but the scooters are a lot of fun.

[@rangersmith4652]

The Ride1Up website describes this motor as "750w sustained." So is it 500 nominal or 750 sustained? Aren't "nominal" and "sustained" supposed to be pretty much the same (as opposed to "peak" power)?

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hello Ranger Smith… did you ever get an answer about the motor on the core 5

[@rangersmith4652]

@@bernievassallo3336 No. I bought a LMT'D though. Great bike.

[@benca6151]

Are there fenders available? Rear rack? Thinking of commuter style bike

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi… just saw your question. As I am now shopping for a bike I figured I would answer that. Ride 1 up does sell both of them as accessories. I’m pretty sure that you have made your purchase though… what did you go with?

[@benca6151]

@@bernievassallo3336 couldn't afford anything. So I turned my old bike into an ebike. Someday I hope to be able to get one purposely made as an ebike though

[@bernievassallo3336]

@@benca6151 thanks for the response! What’s your budget for an Ebike? I have been looking so long I can tell you what’s out there. Bernie

[@lisacee6868]

Does the battery need to be installed on the bike to charge? Or can I remove the battery and charge it in the house?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

You can take off the battery to charge separate from the bike!

[@lisacee6868]

Do you know how much the ride 1 up core 5 battery weighs? I need to be able to lift it into a van for transportation.

[@pddellow]

I believe it weighs no more than 8 lbs

[@jeffmoore9487]

Does the Core 5 throttle and/or pedal give a little power from a dead stop? I find that real useful in the city and on snow and ice when you must manage power more precisely. Thanks

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Yes it does

[@jeffmoore9487]

@@ElectricBikeReport Thanks a lot for getting back to me!

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi did you get the core 5

[@jeffmoore9487]

@@bernievassallo3336 My current bike refuses to die. After 5 years its still going strong. The Core is the one I'll buy right after the funeral though.

[@carlosseuc5044]

This is the vid that finally made up my choice! There were lots of vids that were all opinions , yours had more comparative info and details! Thanks again!🤩🤩🤩

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi Carlos how are you liking your core 5 and do you ever use throttle only

[@dacvidz]

Is this motor silent? I thought I could hear it in the video

[@ByTheGram]

I have this bike it sounds like an rc car. Not too loud though

[@oliverfend9802]

im torn between this and the radmission. the range of the rad mission is better but this can go faster

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Faster and has gearing. Mission is a single speed which is something to think about depending on how hilly your area is and how much of your legs you're looking to use.

[@oliverfend9802]

@@ElectricBikeReport my current bike is a piece of crap mountain bike with a broken derailleur.. essentially a single speed lmao. Anything will be an immediate upgrade realistically. My area is mostly flat and I can squeeze some time in between to charge my bike if needed. I do food delivery full time so whatever I get I will be using for hours daily. Investing in a backup battery pack wouldn't be a bad idea either

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi Oliver! Did you get the ride 1 up core 5?… if so how do you like it?.,, thanks

[@estebangarcia9105]

Can I turn it on while I am riding with power off?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Yup.

[@cj9741]

At 6’ with 34” inseam, is the core 5 large enough for me. Or would a pace 500 large frame be a better fit? Core 5 had a good hill climb fo a 500w motor.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Most of our test riders are between the heights of 5'11" and 6'2" and have all fit very well on the Core 5 so you should have zero issues there!

[@18andlikeit]

@@ElectricBikeReport would you know why the Core 5 did better on the throttle only up hill compared to the 500?

[@bigpoppa4094]

the bike has a 750w motor now

[@bernievassallo3336]

@@bigpoppa4094 hey Big Poppa… I just wanted to confirm that the ride1 up core 5 now has a 750 watt motor. Thanks!

[@bigpoppa4094]

@@bernievassallo3336 I got the core 5 like 6 months ago. It rarely uses all 750w. The screen displays the w output and I guess you can get close with PAS 5 along with full throttle. Otherwise it’s using 500 or less. I live in San Francisco with tons of hills, and I can get up every hill with ease. Great bike

[@ltcajh]

I can’t figure out whether this works for people 65-67 inches tall?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Should be fine, though you might like the accessibility of the step thru version a little more.

[@bernievassallo3336]

@@ElectricBikeReport I don’t know if you will remember the core 5 by ride 1 up or not. If so my question… would the seat height be the same on the high step versus the step thru? Thanks! And God bless you !!

[@ephemeralnihilist]

If I only ever wanted to use the throttle for 10- 20 mi. commutes would this be fine ?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Should be, but only ever using throttle means you'll use up the battery faster each time.

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi Fishy… I’m looking for an E bike to use throttle only like you… did you end up with the core 5

[@ephemeralnihilist]

@@bernievassallo3336 my cousin sold me his 92' Toyota paseo lol 😅

[@rickv1140]

How does this do in say a dirt trail? Not rock just dirt road.

[@kurukiddo]

This or Lectric XP Lite?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

We like them for different reasons. If you want to save space or easily store/transport a bike, the Lite is great. If you want a little quicker motor, and gearing options, Core 5.

[@90slimit1]

I miss my LMTD(stolen) this better satisfy me 😉

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Bike theft is the worst. Hope this one has better luck for you!

[@madcannagrow2833]

Im definitely getting a gps hidden in the frame somewhere

[@bernievassallo3336]

Hi did you get the core 5?if so how is it

[@estebangarcia9105]

Can I turn it off when I am in pedal assistant or do I need to stop?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

You can take pedal assist down to 0 at any time.

[@olivercox2565]

How is 1200 “around the thousand dollar price point”

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Good question! Prices fluctuate over time so we typically avoid saying an exact amount in the review. This means we have to talk about price with some wiggle room since they could take off or add $150 to the price at any time.

[@p-san]

just gonna say this really quick that i could tell that was an e-bike the second i looked at it. the large boxy frame gave it away.

[@MadeOnAMacBook]

7:00 dog moment

[@marciolprado1]

I believe you could fit your helmet better. It's safer than the way you present it in the video.

[@52938564725K]

Hate to be that guy. But I’m not even halfway through the video and I’ve heard; “ It’s not my personal preference but…..” you make it sound like every part/component is bad because it’s not your personal preference. With all due respect I didn’t click on this review for your personal preferences. Instead, I was looking for an unbiased review of the actual bike and how it performs. Definitely not wasting my time with the rest of your “personal preference” review. Should have just clicked the Electrek review…..

[@fifififo5918]

Mr. Lopez, I had you for Trolling 101 at Mesa Community College during Spring '21. I never heard back from you about my final exam score.

[@jcyriln80]

Not for me

[@melbietoast82]

Does Pierce have an Instagram?