Ride1Up adds throttle to its popular low-cost electric bike
Unlike in much of Europe and Asia, electric bikes sold in the United States can benefit from the inclusion of a hand throttle, which allows riders to power an e-bike’s motor without pedaling. These make up the vast majority of e-bikes in the US, and now the value electric bike maker Ride1Up is bringing that throttle to one of its only e-bikes that was missing one: the Ride1Up Roadster V2 Gravel Edition.
At just US $1,095, the Ride1Up Roadster V2 is perhaps one of the best deals on a belt-drive electric bike anywhere in the country.
When its upgraded Gravel Edition launched after the original bike’s release, the new version saw improved brakes and a higher quality Gates carbon belt drive added, though the price walked up a couple hundred bucks to accomodate the higher quality parts.
Now it looks like the company has made one more key addition to the Ride1Up Roadster V2 Gravel Edition: a thumb throttle.
The added throttle is likely an optional accessory that can be added or removed, so those that prefer to pedal or keep their e-bikes in pure Class 3 mode (the bike tops out at 24 mph or 38 km/h) can do so. And of course the throttle can simply be ignored as well by those that prefer using pedal assist most of the time but relying on throttle backup for extra steep hills or getting rolling on inclines (this is a single speed e-bike, after all).
The throttle-enabled options looks to be a bit pricier at US $1,345, though this is still one of the most affordable Gates belt drive e-bikes anywhere on the market. Those Gates belts are prized for their long lifespans, silent operation, maintenance-free use and higher average lifetime efficiency than chains.
The lightweight 33 lb (15 kg) e-bike comes in two frame sizes (small and large) to accomodate more riders. The Roadster V2 Gravel Edition offers a sporty ride stance, gravel-ready tires and Tektro mechanical disc brakes.
The 350W motor (500W peak) is matched with an equally modest 36V 7Ah battery for 25 Wh of capacity. It’s not a particularly large battery, but it fits the lightweight and efficient design of the bike. On moderate pedal assist, riders can expect 30 miles (48 km) of range, though high power riding will drop that range. Throttle-only riding will also tax the battery more quickly. A second auxiliary battery can be added though, mounting like a water bottle on the frame and doubling the bike’s range. The bike is so light and easy to ride though that pedaling without any battery power is still quite easy.
Along with the throttle, Ride1Up has launched a new colorway option for the Roadster V2 Gravel Edition known as Stardust.
It’s been a big year for colorway updates from e-bike brands, many of which have focused on launching smaller updates to existing models instead of rolling out new models – though Ride1Up has bucked that trend with several new model releases recently.
Himiway also launched new colorways, though with state-centric themes for California and Florida. Rad Power Bikes saw new color options for the RadRunner, and Ampler Bikes just launched new limited edition pink and blue e-bike colorways as well. Some brands like Electric Bike Company have gone all in on colorways, offering to paint e-bikes literally any color in the rainbow for their customers.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
The Stripe logo on a smartphone with U.S. dollar banknotes in the background.
Budrul Chukrut | SOPA Images | LightRocket via Getty Images
Stripe cut 300 jobs, representing about 3.5% of its workforce, mostly in product, engineering and operations, CNBC has confirmed.
The payments company, valued at about $70 billion in the private markets, still expects to increase headcount by 10,000 by the end of the year, which would be a 17% increase, and is “not slowing down hiring,” according to a memo to staff from Chief People Office Rob McIntosh. Business Insider reported earlier on the cuts and the memo.
A Stripe spokesperson also confirmed to CNBC that a cartoon image of a duck with text that read, “US-Non-California Duck,” was accidentally attached as a PDF to emails sent to some of the employees who were laid off. Some of the emails mistakenly provided affected employees with an incorrect termination date, the spokesperson said.
McIntosh sent a follow-up email to staffers apologizing for the “notification error” and “any confusion it caused.”
“Corrected and full notifications have since been sent to all impacted Stripes,” he wrote.
In 2022, Stripe cut roughly 1,100 jobs, or 14% of its workers, downsizing alongside most of the tech industry, as soaring inflation and rising interest rates forced companies to focus on profits over growth. The Information reported that Stripe had a few dozen layoffs in its recruiting department in 2023.
Stripe’s valuation sank from a peak of $95 billion in 2021 to $50 billion in 2023, before reportedly rebounding to $70 billion last year as part of a secondary share sale. The company ranked third on last year’s CNBC Disruptor 50 list.
In October, Stripe agreed to pay $1.1 billion for crypto startup Bridge Network, whose technology is focused on making it easy for businesses to transact using digital currencies.
Brothers Patrick and John Collison, who founded Stripe in 2010, have intentionally steered clear of the public markets and have given no indication that an offering is on the near-term horizon. Total payment volume at the company surpassed $1 trillion in 2023.
WATCH: Early Bridge investor weighs in on $1.1 billion Stripe deal
Thinking about upgrading your EV? Rivian (RIVN) launched a new promo on Tuesday, offering up to $6,000 to upgrade your R1S or R1T. Here’s how you can snag some savings.
Rivian R1S and R1T upgrade deal offers up to $6,000
Rivian delivered over 51,500 vehicles last year as the EV maker gains momentum. Although it was only slightly higher than the ~50,100 delivered in 2023, Rivian is expected to see even more growth this year.
After shutting down its Normal, IL manufacturing plant last April and renegotiating supplier contracts, Rivian has seen “significant cost improvements,” according to CEO RJ Scaringe.
Rivian also began delivering its next-gen R1S and R1T models last year. The new Large and Max battery packs have redesigned modules and more efficient packaging, “making them easier to manufacture and service.” For example, Rivian’s new EVs use seven ECUs, down from 17 in the first-generation R1T and R1S.
With new plant upgrades, reworked supplier contracts, and more efficient vehicles, Rivian is now passing the savings on to customers.
Rivian introduced a new promo on Tuesday, offering up to $6,000 to upgrade your R1T or R1S. The bonus amount varies by trim:
- Tri with Max battery: $6,000 USD / CAD 8,600
- Dual with Max battery and Performance upgrade: $4,500 USD / CAD 6,500
- Dual with Max battery: $3,000 USD / CAD 4,300
The offer is for current R1T or R1S owners or lessees in the US and Canada. Rivian launched the new promo on January 21, and it runs through March 31, 2025.
After you purchase or lease a qualifying vehicle, Rivian will apply a discount toward the MSRP. You must take delivery by March 31, 2025. In the fine print, Rivian stated, “You must request a trade-in estimate to qualify for this offer, but trade-in of a vehicle is not required.”
Any other models are excluded from the offer. These include Dual Standard configurations, Dual with Large battery configurations, custom builds, demo vehicles, and pre-owned vehicles.
The new offer follows Rivian’s previous upgrade promo introduced last October, giving qualifying gas-powered vehicle owners or lessees up to $3,000.
Check out the Rivian R1 Shop to view eligible models. You can see eligible Rivian R1S here and R1T models here.
Electrek’s Take
Rivian’s R1S was already the tenth best-selling electric vehicle in the US last year, with nearly 27,000 models sold. With more driving range and power at a lower cost, the electric SUV could see even more demand in 2025.
Then again, with the arrival of new luxury electric SUVs, like the Jeep Wagoneer S and Volvo EX90, Rivian will face more competition in the US.
Rivian’s latest promo comes as the Company looks to carry the momentum from the end of 2024 into the new year. The EV maker is offering other deals, including 1.99% APR for 60 months on the R1 Dual with a Max Battery and Performance upgrade.
Even if you are not eligible for the promo, we can still help you find deals on Rivian’s electric SUV in your area. You can use our links below to view offers on the Rivian R1S and R1T near you today.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports10 months agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports3 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business2 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway