Cafe Cruiser E-Bike Leaves You With Enough Cash To Buy Your Favorite Summer Wine

One of the reasons some people don't buy an e-bike is because some can be awfully expensive. This time around, we're going to be taking a closer look at a machine known as the Cafe Cruiser from Ride1Up, an e-bike with a price set a 1,595 USD (1,463 EUR at current exchange rates).

If you've never heard of this manufacturer, it's not a problem, but it should help to know that this American team hit the market back in 2018. Since then, they've managed to stay alive in a rather cutthroat industry. They did it by offering fun and affordable machines that put smiles on people's faces.

Now, as summer approaches, it would also seem that the human need for speed also grows. I think it has something to do with cooling off at high speeds. So to meet your need for speed, Cafe Cruiser can assist your pedaling up to 28 mph (45 kph). That should be more than enough to bring a smile to your face. Feeling the burn isn't your thing? Guess what? You can just use the throttle on the bike and sit back, cruising around town like a king or queen with speeds up to 20 mph (32 kph).

All that power and speed are clearly offered by a motor. Well, this manufacturer can provide a fast e-bike for a budget price because it uses a Bafang motor. Not a big fan of this Bafang? I say give them a chance as they were among the first to concentrate their efforts on e-bike systems.

Overall, you'll find a rear-mounted hub motor with 750 watts of power and 60 Nm (44.3 lb-ft) of torque. But once you couple this with a 48 V 15 Ah battery with Samsung cells, you'll be able to get a range up to 50 mi (80.5 km). But this is affected by road conditions, rider weight, and cargo. Since safe handling is also a priority, you'll be able to manage assist the levels from an LCD display and controller and keep an eye on battery levels, speed, and range.

Speaking of cargo, this trinket seems prepared to carry just about anything you can fit on it. Imagine you went shopping for a new PC monitor. Just drop that sucker on the integrated rack, strap it in place, and try to make it home in one piece. Best of all, Ride1Up feels their machines are ready to even handle an extra rider onto this rack; you can add a padded seat for an adult or a child's seat.

One feature I found rather neat, and I'm sure you will, too, is the inclusion of a suspension fork at the front of this machine. While most city bikes don't need much cushioning, Ride1Up feels that your comfort is a priority, and our bottoms will surely thank them for the 80 mm (3.14 in) of available travel. A suspension integrated into the seat should add even more comfort.

Now, as you're riding along on any bike, there are some things you may want to consider, and one of them is how you'll be sitting on the bike. Overall, you'll find a wheelbase of 48 in (122 cm), a stand-over of 28.5 in (72.4 cm), and a reach of 20 in (51 in); a laid-back ride. There is a step-through version too, so take the time to consider which is best for you.

Another issue that folks encounter when looking for an e-bike is their weight. Since battery packs and motors tend to weigh quite a bit, this mobility alternative tends to be much heavier than traditional bikes, and the Cafe Cruiser does come in with a weight of 65 lbs (29.5 kg). With cargo, rider, and bike, the allotted limit is 300 lbs (136 kg), so you have some room to play with when grocery shopping.

Do you know what I think this e-bike is best for? Going around town on a Saturday or Sunday and just enjoying the local coffee, grabbing lunch with friends, and possibly some shopping. Finally, you'll make it back home, connect your battery to the charger, and enjoy a glass of wine from the bottle you bought to celebrate your new e-bike. Sounds like a neat way to start off the summer if you ask me.