Trails, sand and snow
REVR CM7
A comfortable full-suspension step-through for gravel commutes; heavy. Read my REVR CM7 review.
$1,399 · 500 W · 864 Wh · 80 mi rated
My hands-on picks
The list above includes every tested bike with a verified price under the line. This section is my take on the ones I'd shortlist.
Every bike on this page is one I rode and filmed myself, and every one had a listed price of $1,500 or less when I checked the brand sites on Oct 26, 2026. I’m 6’1” and about 200 lb, I live on a hilly property with a lot of gravel, and most of these bikes spent several weeks with me before I filmed the review. Where I measured something on camera, I give you the timestamp so you can watch it yourself. Where I didn’t, the page says “not tested” and gives you the brand’s number with the link.
One thing up front: I only ran a full range test on one of these six, the Engwe EP-2 Pro. The other five are not range-tested, so their range numbers below are the brands’ own claims.
The short answer
- Best overall under $1,500: Velotric Discover 2, $1,499. The most complete commuter here, with a torque sensor, lights, rack, fenders and a long warranty if you register it.
- Best value and lightest: Ride1Up Turris, $1,395. 54 lb, Class 3 pedal assist, hydraulic brakes. My test bike had no tail light, and the rack is extra.
- Best for a tall rider who commutes: Mokwheel Asphalt, $1,499.99 on sale. Mokwheel lists riders from 5’6” to 6’6”, the tallest range here, and it fit me perfectly at 6’1”.
- Best for steep gravel and hills: Freesky Ranger Air, $1,399. Two motors and full suspension. It’s also 95 lb.
- Most cushioned ride: REVR CM7, $1,399 for the current CM7s. Full suspension and Zoom hydraulic brakes on 20 in fat tires.
- Best folding pick, if it comes back: Engwe EP-2 Pro, $1,399 list but sold out on Oct 26, 2026. It’s the only one here I range-tested: 23 miles on throttle alone.
Prices and key specs side by side
Prices are from each brand’s own product page, checked Oct 26, 2026 (ET). Specs are the brands’ published numbers unless I say otherwise. “My video” means I said it on camera and the brand page didn’t show it.
| Bike | Price (Oct 26, 2026) | Motor | Battery | Weight | Class | Suspension | Rider height (brand) | Frames sold | My range result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Velotric Discover 2 | $1,499 (sale from $1,999) | 750W, 75 Nm | 705.6 Wh | 63 lb | 1, 2 or 3 (20 mph default) | 80 mm fork | 4’11” to 5’9” (Regular), 5’6” to 6’4” (Large) | Step-through (what I rode); Velotric’s page I captured doesn’t confirm other frames | Not tested; about 30 mi ridden |
| Ride1Up Turris | $1,395 | 750W, 90 Nm | 48V 14Ah | 54 lb | Class 3 with a 20 mph throttle | 100 mm fork | 5’1” to 6’2” | Step-through (ST) and step-over (XR) | Not tested |
| Mokwheel Asphalt | $1,499.99 (sale from $1,799.99) | 500W continuous | 48V 14.7Ah | 64 lb | 2/3 | Front fork | 5’6” to 6’6” | Step-over and step-through | Not tested |
| Freesky Ranger Air M-540 | $1,399 | 2 x 2000W peak | 48V 25Ah | 95 lb (90 lb in spec table) | Freesky doesn’t list a class; 34 mph listed | 120 mm fork, 180 mm rear shock | 5’3” to 6’8” | Step-through | Not tested |
| REVR CM7s | $1,399 | 500W (1100W peak) | 864 Wh | 70.84 lb | 2 throttle, 28 mph assist | Fork and rear suspension | 5’2” to 6’2” | Step-through and step-over | Not tested |
| Engwe EP-2 Pro | $1,399, sold out | 750W (my video) | Engwe doesn’t list it (sold out page) | Engwe doesn’t list it (sold out page) | 20 mph throttle, 28 mph PAS 5 (my video) | Front fork | Engwe doesn’t list it | Folding | 23 mi, throttle only |
Two notes on that table. Mokwheel’s page for the Asphalt lists the price as $1,499.99, so it squeaks in under the line by a penny. The Freesky is covered in its own section below.
How I picked these six
Here’s exactly what I did:
- I listed every e-bike I’ve reviewed on my channel.
- I opened each brand’s own product page on Oct 26, 2026 and kept the ones listed at $1,500 or less. Six made it.
- For each one I pulled what I said on camera (with timestamps) and the brand’s specs, warranty and return terms.
- I gave each bike the one pick it actually earns from that evidence, like “lightest” from the listed weights or “tallest fit” from the listed rider heights.
I didn’t score them with a formula.
What I can’t tell you is how far each one goes on a charge. Range depends on rider weight, hills, assist level and temperature. Treat every range figure except the EP-2 Pro’s as the brand’s claim.
1. Velotric Discover 2: best overall
Watch my Discover 2 review · Read the full review
The Discover 2 is probably my third or fourth Velotric (6:57), and of the six bikes here it comes with the most included gear and the longest warranty. The 750W rear hub uses a torque sensor (3:58), and Velotric lets you change how the sensor feels, so it can behave more like a cadence bike if you want that instant push (4:06). I said the front fork gave enough suspension for commuting on paved paths and fine gravel (6:31 to 6:40). It has eight gears in the rear and a single ring up front (6:48).
What sets it apart at this price is the kit. Velotric’s box includes the battery, charger, front light, display, fenders, rear rack, reflectors, bell, kickstand, pedals and an assembly toolkit. The bike has Apple Find My built in. Velotric lists 63 lb, a 440 lb max load and a 66 lb rack rating (velotricbike.com, checked Oct 26, 2026).
What I measured: about 30 miles of riding before my follow-up video. That is a ride distance, not a range test. Velotric claims up to 75 miles on pedal assist and 60 on throttle, for a 187 lb rider in PAS 1 on flat ground.
What I’d change: the seatpost. In my follow-up video I said it kept sliding down on me until I cranked the clamp very tight, and then it took two hands to adjust (4:11 to 4:30). I’d like to see some texture on the post. Also, the $1,499 price is a sale from $1,999. If the sale ends, the Discover 2 drops off this list.
Fit and frame: Velotric lists Regular for 4’11” to 5’9” and Large for 5’6” to 6’4”. The bike I filmed was the step-through (first video, 0:33).
Warranty and returns: 5-year frame, 2 years on battery and electrical, 1 year on everything else. Register within 60 days and Velotric extends the frame to 10 years and the battery and electrical to 3 years (velotricbike.com/pages/warranty, checked Oct 26, 2026). Returns are 14 days with a restocking fee: $200 if unused, 22% if used (velotricbike.com/pages/return-refund-policy, checked Oct 26, 2026).
Dealers and service: Velotric’s product page says “1,600+ Dealer Shops” (Discover 2 page, checked Oct 26, 2026), so this is the easiest bike here to find in a shop.
Who it’s for: someone who wants one bike to commute, run errands and ride paved and gravel paths, and who wants lights, rack and fenders without buying extras.
2. Ride1Up Turris: best value and lightest
Watch my Turris review · Read the full review
The Turris is the lightest bike here at 54 lb, per Ride1Up, and that’s a real difference if you carry your bike up steps or lift it onto a car rack. It’s a Class 3 with a 20 mph throttle: pedal assist runs to 28 mph (2:21), and Ride1Up lists the left thumb throttle at 20 mph. The hydraulic disc brakes (2:37) are a step up from what some bikes in this price range use.
It isn’t perfect. On camera I said the tires and crank arms felt a bit cheap (2:49). My test bike had no rear tail light. I said I’d add one for safety and that most e-bikes at or a bit above this price come with one (3:56 to 4:14). Ride1Up’s product page now lists a rear brake light (ride1up.com/product/turris/, checked Oct 26, 2026), so check what ships with yours. The rack is sold separately, and Ride1Up doesn’t list its price.
On range: I said that after 25 miles on an e-bike, I’m ready to be done (2:02 to 2:07). Ride1Up claims 30 to 50 miles from its 48V 14Ah battery. I didn’t range-test it.
Price: $1,395 on Ride1Up’s site on Oct 26, 2026, with no sale price shown. When I filmed, the price was $1,295 (0:33).
Fit and frame: Ride1Up lists a 5’1” to 6’2” rider height and sells a step-through (ST) and a step-over (XR) frame.
Warranty and returns: 1 year, original owner, defects only. Parts and labor for 30 days, then parts only (ride1up.com/warranty-info/, checked Oct 26, 2026). Returns within 30 days if the bike has under 20 miles, with a $250 fee if you cancel during or after shipping (ride1up.com/return-and-pre-order-policy/, checked Oct 26, 2026).
Dealers and service: Ride1Up sells direct. Its FAQ says dealer test rides cost “a premium,” and it suggests professional assembly.
Who it’s for: a rider under 300 lb who wants the lightest bike here, doesn’t need a rack in the box and can live with a 1-year warranty.
If you’re stuck between these two, I compared them head to head in Velotric Discover 2 vs Ride1Up Turris.
3. Mokwheel Asphalt: best for a tall commuter
Watch my Asphalt review · Read the full review
This is my third or fourth Mokwheel (0:19), and the fit and finish were better than the Basalt I tested early on (3:40). It ships as a Class 2 bike, ready to ride (0:47 to 0:50). Mokwheel’s page now lists it as Class 2/3. At 6’1” and 200 lb, it fit me perfectly (1:18 to 1:20). Mokwheel’s page says the Asphalt is “designed for taller riders” and lists a 5’6” to 6’6” rider height, with step-over and step-through frames (mokwheel.com/products/asphalt, checked Oct 26, 2026).
It’s a commuter first. It has integrated rear tail lights (1:32), hydraulic disc brakes (1:12), fenders and a rack. There’s only a front fork, which I said is fine if you’re mostly on paved paths (1:48 to 1:54). The full-color display stayed readable in direct sunlight (3:13), and it has a thumb throttle (3:02) and seven gears (3:26).
The detail I keep thinking about is the kickstand. Mokwheel tucked it closer to the rear axle (2:00), and that let me hang the bike on my Steadyrack even with the fender on (2:10 to 2:14). Small thing, but if you store bikes on a wall, it matters.
Then there’s the torque sensor. I explained in the video why I prefer a torque sensor over a cadence sensor (6:52 to 6:54): the motor responds to how hard you pedal, so it feels more like a regular bike. The Asphalt and the Discover 2 are the only bikes on this list with one.
Price: $1,499.99 on Mokwheel’s site, on sale from $1,799.99 (Oct 26, 2026). In my video I quoted roughly the same sale price (6:40).
Specs (mokwheel.com, Oct 26, 2026): 500W continuous, 860W peak, 48V 14.7Ah, 64 lb, 27.5 x 2.4 in tires, Tektro TKD171 hydraulic brakes, 350 lb payload, 50 to 60 miles claimed.
Warranty and returns: 2-year warranty, 15-day returns, as shown on the product page (mokwheel.com/products/asphalt, checked Oct 26, 2026). I didn’t find the full terms on that page.
Dealers and service: Mokwheel’s site has a “Find A Dealer” page and says you can test ride at dealers across the US.
Who it’s for: a taller rider commuting mostly on pavement who wants a torque sensor and doesn’t need rear suspension.
4. Freesky Ranger Air: best for steep gravel
Watch my Ranger Air review · Read the full review
The Ranger Air is the outlier here: two motors, full suspension and a 48V 25Ah battery, all at $1,399. The front motor is what you’re paying for. On camera I said the front tire will pull you up a steep incline (1:40 to 1:43), and that is the one thing no other bike here does. With the fork and rear shock together, the ride was super smooth (1:46 to 1:51). It’s an easy step-through model (1:52).
Two things bugged me. First, you unlock it with a passcode or an NFC smart card (0:41). That’s a nice anti-theft touch, but the bike starts in rear-wheel drive mode (0:50), and I wish there were a way to keep it in dual-motor mode (1:03). You have to switch it on every ride. Second, the turn signals are a little gimmicky (2:04).
It’s also heavy. Freesky lists 95 lb on one part of the page and 90 lb in the spec table. Either way, this isn’t a bike you lift onto a car rack alone.
About the speed: Freesky lists a 34 mph top speed and doesn’t list an e-bike class on the page I checked. Many state e-bike laws stop at 28 mph (Class 3), so a bike that goes 34 mph may not count as an e-bike where you live. It could be treated as a moped or motor vehicle, with registration or license rules. Look up your state on the laws page and read e-bike classes explained before you take it on a bike path or trail.
Specs (freeskycycle.com, Oct 26, 2026): dual 2000W peak hub motors, 105 Nm each, 48V 25Ah IPX7 battery, cadence sensor, 26 x 4 in fat tires, 180 mm 4-piston hydraulic brakes, 120 mm fork, 180 mm coil rear shock, 400 lb max load, 60 to 105 miles claimed.
Fit and frame: step-through only, with a listed 5’3” to 6’8” rider height.
Warranty and returns: for orders on or after Nov 13, 2025, 24 months on the motor, battery and controller and 12 months on other parts, for the original buyer, and only if you bought from freeskycycle.com. Amazon and shop purchases follow the seller’s policy. 15-day returns (freeskycycle.com/products/ranger-air-m-540, checked Oct 26, 2026).
Dealers and service: Freesky’s site has a “Find a Dealer” link. Since the warranty only covers direct orders, I’d buy direct.
Who it’s for: a rider on steep, loose ground who cares more about climbing than about weight or legal-class simplicity.
5. REVR CM7: most cushioned ride
Watch my CM7 review · Read the full review
The parts that stood out on the REVR fat tire step-through were the brakes and the suspension. REVR used Zoom hydraulic disc brakes (0:58), a name brand I was happy to see. With a big front fork and rear suspension, it felt like floating on a cloud on dirt and gravel (2:45). The knobby tires held traction on dirt, including on a slope (3:50 to 4:00).
That’s also where I said the high-end feel stops. The crankset didn’t feel as smooth as others, and it’s only a cadence sensor (3:00). I’d like to see a torque sensor at this price. It’s a Class 2 bike with a 500W rear hub motor (3:11), and REVR offers an extra battery that slides in at the back (3:23), though my demo bike didn’t have it.
It’s a heavier e-bike (4:29), mostly because of the fat tires and rims. REVR lists 70.84 lb. I still said it’s great for a medium to long commute with some gravel along the way (4:49).
A naming note: I reviewed the CM7. REVR’s current listing is the “City E-Bike CM7s.” REVR’s CM7s page doesn’t say what changed from the CM7, so here’s what I can and can’t confirm. Same: 500W rear hub (my video, 3:11), Zoom hydraulic brakes (0:58), step-through frame. Different on paper: REVR lists 28 mph assist for the CM7s, while I called the CM7 a Class 2 bike in my video (3:11). Unknown: whether the battery, frame or anything else changed. If that matters to you, ask REVR before you buy.
Price: $1,399 for the CM7s on REVR’s site (Oct 26, 2026).
Specs (revrbike.com, CM7s, Oct 26, 2026): Bafang 500W, 1100W peak, 864 Wh 48V 18Ah, 20 mph throttle and up to 28 mph assisted, Kenda 20 x 4 in tires, ZOOM 180 mm hydraulic brakes, 450 lb payload, 80 miles claimed, 9-hour charge.
Fit and frame: REVR lists 5’2” to 6’2” and sells step-through and step-over versions.
Warranty and returns: 2-year warranty. Returns within 15 days of delivery for non-defective items (revrbike.com CM7s page, checked Oct 26, 2026).
Dealers and service: REVR doesn’t list dealers on the page I checked. Plan on direct support by mail.
Who it’s for: a rider who wants the softest ride on this list and a step-through frame two people of different heights can share (4:24).
6. Engwe EP-2 Pro: the folding pick, currently sold out
Watch my EP-2 Pro review · Read the full review
On Oct 26, 2026, Engwe’s US site listed the EP-2 Pro at $1,399, with every color marked unavailable. I’m keeping it on the list because it’s the only bike here I range-tested, and because it folds.
I rode it for about two weeks (0:15) and did a max range test and got 23 miles on a full charge, down to zero (7:51). Those 23 miles were full throttle with no pedaling, at about 200 lb, on ground with a good amount of hills. The bike is rated for no more than 300 lb (8:08). If you pedal, you’d expect more range, but I didn’t test that.
It folds in half, and I fit it in the trunk of my Model 3 (2:11). Folding or unfolding took me about 30 seconds (6:39, 7:33). It came fully assembled in the box (6:19). It’s still pretty heavy to handle (5:24), so “folding” doesn’t mean “light.”
On power, the 750W motor pulled me fine up and down hills, but starting on an incline felt a little slow (2:36 to 2:48). On the throttle it reaches 20 mph, and in PAS 5 I reached 28 mph with moderately aggressive pedaling (8:50 to 9:11). In my video I also said the fork was “pretty good, definitely not super high quality” (1:42 to 1:56), and the brake had no problem stopping me at about 200 lb (8:43 to 8:48). I didn’t say on camera whether they’re hydraulic or mechanical.
Price history: when I filmed, it was about $1,100 on Amazon with a $100 coupon (9:35). Today Engwe lists $1,399 and sold out.
Warranty and returns: Engwe’s warranty page lists 12 months on the frame and on most electrical parts and the motor, with shorter terms on wear parts (us.engwe.com/pages/warranty, checked Oct 26, 2026). Returns are 30 days from delivery (us.engwe.com/policies/refund-policy, checked Oct 26, 2026).
Dealers and service: Engwe’s site has a “Find a dealer near me” link.
Who it’s for: someone who has to fit a full-size e-bike in a sedan trunk. If it stays sold out, see my best folding e-bike guide for other picks.
Which one should you get?
Answer these three questions and the list narrows fast.
Will you ride mostly on pavement? Then you want the Discover 2, the Turris or the Asphalt. All three use 27.5 in tires and front forks only, and all three weigh under 65 lb. Pick the Discover 2 for the most included gear and the longest warranty. Pick the Turris if weight and speed matter most. Pick the Asphalt if you’re tall: it has the highest listed rider height of the three (6’6”) plus a torque sensor.
Do you have steep, loose hills? Then the Freesky’s second motor is the feature that earns its 95 lb. It’s the only bike here with a front motor, and that’s what pulled me up a steep gravel incline in my review. If you can live with a single motor, the REVR also has full suspension and weighs 70.84 lb, per REVR.
Do you need to fit it in a car? Only the EP-2 Pro folds, and right now you can’t buy it from Engwe. Check back.
Things I’d budget for
- A tail light on the Turris. My test bike was missing one (see the Turris section above).
- A rack for the Turris. Ride1Up sells it separately.
- Shipping to Hawaii or Alaska. Ride1Up charges $600 (ride1up.com/shipping/, checked Oct 26, 2026).
- A shop check after assembly. Ride1Up suggests professional assembly, and I’d have a shop look at the brakes on any of these.
Who shouldn’t buy any of these
- Riders over 300 lb looking at the Turris or EP-2 Pro. Both are rated for 300 lb. Look at the REVR (450 lb) or Discover 2 (440 lb) limits instead.
- Anyone who must carry the bike up stairs every day. Even the lightest here is 54 lb, and the Freesky is 95 lb.
- Riders under 4’11”. None of the brand height ranges listed here go lower.
- Anyone who needs to ride where only Class 1 is allowed without changing settings. Of the classes the brands list, only the Discover 2 includes Class 1.
- Anyone who wants a test ride before buying and has no dealer nearby. Returns run 14 to 30 days with fees, so a bad fit costs money.
Class and legal notes
Three of these bikes can run past 20 mph on pedal assist: the Discover 2 (adjustable from 12 to 28 mph), the Turris (28 mph) and the REVR (up to 28 mph assisted). That’s Class 3 territory, and many states keep Class 3 bikes off multi-use paths or set an age minimum. The Freesky’s listed 34 mph top speed is beyond any class. Read Class 2 vs Class 3 and check your state on the laws page before you pick by top speed.
FAQ
What’s the best e-bike under $1,500 right now?
For most people I’d pick the Velotric Discover 2 at $1,499 (Oct 26, 2026). It’s the most complete package for commuting: torque sensor, lights, fenders, rack and the best warranty on this list. Just know the price is a sale from $1,999.
Which of these has the longest range?
I only range-tested the EP-2 Pro: 23 miles on throttle alone at about 200 lb, on hilly ground. For the rest, the brands claim the Freesky goes 60 to 105 miles and the REVR up to 80 miles. I haven’t verified either.
Which is best for a heavy rider?
By the brands’ listed limits, the REVR is highest at 450 lb, then the Discover 2 at 440 lb, the Freesky at 400 lb and the Asphalt at 350 lb. The Turris and EP-2 Pro are rated for 300 lb. I’m about 200 lb, so I haven’t ridden any of these near their limits. If you’re near the top of a range, I’d lean toward the REVR or Discover 2 for the extra margin.
Do any of these have a torque sensor?
The Discover 2 and the Asphalt. The Turris, REVR, Freesky and EP-2 Pro use cadence sensors (Ride1Up’s is a current-based cadence sensor).
Is a $1,500 e-bike worth it over a $1,000 one?
I can only speak to these six. Five of them list hydraulic disc brakes (Discover 2, Turris, Asphalt, Freesky, REVR), and the EP-2 Pro’s brake type isn’t on Engwe’s sold-out page. Every brand here lists a warranty of at least 1 year. I haven’t done a head-to-head with $1,000 bikes on this page, so I can’t tell you the jump is always worth it.
Are these prices going to stay under $1,500?
Not guaranteed. The Discover 2 and the Asphalt are both on sale today. I check prices on the brand sites and update this page with the date.
Sources
- My video reviews: Velotric Discover 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntlBeGEuM50) and follow-up (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjFFAMh8Vdk); Ride1Up Turris (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-yUvCXrBMM); Mokwheel Asphalt (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wRwuyKvBQ4); Freesky Ranger Air (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwdHJukzsjA); REVR CM7 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_aNHxP2JuE); Engwe EP-2 Pro (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHFcz0CMuSE).
- Velotric: https://www.velotricbike.com/products/velotric-discover-2, https://www.velotricbike.com/pages/warranty, https://www.velotricbike.com/pages/return-refund-policy, checked Oct 26, 2026.
- Ride1Up: https://ride1up.com/product/turris/, https://ride1up.com/warranty-info/, https://ride1up.com/return-and-pre-order-policy/, https://ride1up.com/shipping/, checked Oct 26, 2026.
- Mokwheel Asphalt, https://www.mokwheel.com/products/asphalt, checked Oct 26, 2026.
- Freesky Ranger Air M-540, https://www.freeskycycle.com/products/ranger-air-m-540, checked Oct 26, 2026.
- REVR City E-Bike CM7s, https://revrbike.com/products/revr-500w-city-electric-bike-cm7s, checked Oct 26, 2026.
- Engwe EP-2 Pro, https://us.engwe.com/products/engwe-ep-2-pro-750w-folding-electric-mountain-bike, checked Oct 26, 2026 (all variants unavailable); https://us.engwe.com/pages/warranty and https://us.engwe.com/policies/refund-policy, checked Oct 26, 2026.