Off-Road Freedom: How the Ride1Up REVV1 DRT eBike Takes Overlanding Adventures Where Trucks Can’t Go

Exploring the back roads by truck is our preference, but what happens when the trail narrows and the terrain turns into something better suited for two wheels than four? That’s where we’ve found electric bikes can step in to extend our range.

Whether for scouting terrain beyond where our rig can travel or simply taking a ride out from camp, the Ride1Up REVV1 DRT has proven to be a capable partner.

We’ve been testing the REVV1 DRT, Ride1Up’s off-road, moped-style eBike, on trips through the deserts and mountains of Southern California. First impressions were positive. The bike arrives 90 percent assembled, requiring only a few steps before it’s ready to roll. Its construction feels solid and confidence-inspiring.

The second impression, however, is the weight. At 91 pounds, the DRT is not a lightweight by any measure. It’s comparable to other models in this category, but potential buyers should know it can be a handful to maneuver off the bike.

Once on it, though, the heft disappears. At six feet tall and 185 pounds, the bike fit me well and felt balanced. Ride1Up specifies that the REVV1 DRT is suitable for riders between 5’3” and 6’4”, with a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds.

The seating position is comfortable for me, and the cafe-style saddle is supportive enough for extended rides. I must note however, that the seat cannot be adjusted so if you are shorter or taller than the recommended heights, this bike may not be suitable for you.

Terrain and Ride Experience

Our first ride was in desert terrain, where soft, dune-like sand mixed with hard-packed dirt. The second outing took us onto gravel roads and into wooded trails. We also spent time on paved streets to get a sense of how it handles in everyday settings.

Across all surfaces, the DRT felt stable and well-planted. Its blocky off-road tires, developed with Innova, delivered reliable traction, and the suspension absorbed ruts and bumps without complaint.

The bike is powered by a 52V Bafang RM G0F4.1000 motor paired with a 52V 20ah Samsung 21700-cell battery. This combination provided more than enough power to climb steep, uneven grades and maintain speed over mixed terrain.

We tested ours in the stock configuration, which arrives set up as a Class 2 eBike with pedal assist and throttle up to 20 mph. Ride1Up’s “Multi-Class Speed System” allows riders to unlock Class 3 and Off-Road modes, with speeds reaching 28+ mph, though doing so requires signing a waiver through the manufacturer. A Boost feature is also available in Off-Road mode, temporarily increasing power output for short bursts.

In stock form, the bike had plenty of acceleration and hill-climbing ability without needing to unlock higher modes. Braking was equally reassuring. The REVV1 DRT comes equipped with four-piston hydraulic disc brakes and 203mm rotors front and rear, giving it strong and predictable stopping power.

Controls and Features

The cockpit is simple and intuitive, with a 3.5-inch center-mounted display showing speed, watt output, and battery status. The right-hand twist throttle is easy to modulate, and Ride1Up’s proprietary current-based cadence system gives pedal assist a smooth and natural feel.

The double-crown front fork provides 150mm of travel with hydraulic lockout and preload adjustment, while the DNM rear shock offers 76mm of travel with rebound, compression, and preload adjustability. Together, the suspension makes a noticeable difference in keeping the ride comfortable off-road.

Other features include a MOLLE panel on the frame for attaching gear, a bright round moto-style headlight with high and low beams, and a rear brake light. These details make the bike more versatile for camping or city use.

The Toy Soldier green and gray two-tone color scheme of our test bike stood out as particularly sharp. Black is also available for those wanting a more understated look.

Transport and Practical Use

We carried the REVV1 DRT on a 1UP USA Super Duty bike rack. Its weight does push the limits of some vehicle and rack setups, so hauling two at once could be an issue depending on your equipment. For reference, Ride1Up and 1UP USA are unrelated companies despite their similar names.

Once at camp, the bike proved useful for quick scouting missions, short trail explorations, and just riding out from base to enjoy the surroundings.

It isn’t designed to replace a dirt bike, but it bridges the gap between bicycles and motorized off-road machines in a fun and approachable way.

Range and Battery

Ride1Up estimates a range of 30 to 60 miles depending on riding conditions, rider weight, and throttle use. Off-Road and Boost modes will decrease range significantly, but we stayed within the expected window on mixed rides.

The battery is UL 2271 certified for safety, and its 52V system charges in a reasonable timeframe, though not as quickly as smaller-capacity packs.

Final Thoughts

The Ride1Up REVV1 DRT is a solidly built, moped-style eBike that’s at home exploring dirt trails, forest roads, and desert washes. It offers a comfortable ride, ample power, and styling that stands out.

The MOLLE panel and lighting package add utility, and the suspension makes off-road riding accessible and fun.

Its main drawback is weight. At 91 pounds, it isn’t easy to move around when not riding, and it’s heavy to load onto a rack. Another limitation is adjustability; while it fits a broad range of riders, the fixed seat height may not suit everyone.

Overall, though, the REVV1 DRT impressed us with its power, stability, and looks. For those wanting a capable off-road eBike that can extend adventures beyond where the truck stops, it’s a compelling option.

Learn more about the Ride1Up REVV1 DRT:  https://ride1up.com/product/revv-1-drt/

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