Ride1Up CF Racer1 review: Testing the lowest cost quality carbon fiber gravel/road e-bike
In the world of electric bikes, the words “carbon fiber” usually means big bucks. Actually, it’s the same in the pedal bike industry, it’s just that e-bikes already start out more expensive. That means carbon fiber electric bikes have always commanded premium prices – at least, until now. When Ride1Up rolled out the new CF Racer1 e-bike, it shook up the electric gravel bike market with a reasonably priced direct-to-consumer model that can scratch that lightweight e-bike itch for more hardcore riders.
Priced at $2,295, the CF Racer1 is around half the price that most other carbon fiber gravel e-bikes start at, let alone the even nicer models whose prices head even further north.
But just because it’s a lower-cost bike doesn’t mean it’s cheap. It may not have the most insanely top-shelf components on it, but it’s got a great mix of quality parts and features to fit the needs of the majority of enthusiast riders. If you’re a pro rider, you’re going to be looking at different bikes entirely.
And since Ride1Up focuses on that larger swath of recreational, commuter, and enthusiast riders, the direct-to-consumer sales model means you aren’t paying a big bike shop markup, either.
See the CF Racer1 in action in my video review below, then keep reading for even more info!
Ride1Up CF Racer1 video review
Ride1Up CF Racer1 tech specs
- Motor: 250W continuous rear hub motor (42 Nm of torque)
- Top speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)
- Range: 16-40 miles (25-64 km)
- Battery: 36V 7Ah (252Wh) with Samsung cells
- Weight: 28.6 lb (19.2 kg)
- Load Capacity: 225 lb (102 kg)
- Frame: Carbon fiber
- Brakes: SRAM Rival 1 hydraulic disc brakes on 160 mm rotors
- Extras: Color LCD display with speedometer, battery gauge, PAS level indicator, two frame sizes available in either road or gravel variants, Rival 1 11-speed doubletap shifters
- Price: $2,295
A different kind of riding
The CF Racer1 is a different kind of electric bike intended for a different kind of rider. If you’re familiar with most direct-to-consumer e-bike companies out there, Ride1Up included, then you’ll know the typical D2C e-bike. We’re talking chunky tires, robust (i.e. heavy) frame, throttle activation, budget shifters, etc. You won’t find any of those parts on this e-bike.
That’s because the CF Racer1 is more of a cyclist’s bike. Those drop bars are par for the course in road bikes, but we almost never see them on common budget-minded electric bikes. Same goes for the SRAM Rival 1 shifters, which you press sideways to upshift or press even harder in the same direction to downshift. They certainly feel new to most casual riders (I find myself on bikes with these types of shifters usually just once or twice a year, for example), but they’re easy to use and give you that quality feel that the cheap Shimano stuff on entry-level fat tire bikes just doesn’t have.
The drop bars allow you to lean more forward and get a tighter tuck, which is useful when you’re trying to maintain that top speed of 28 mph and not fight against your own body’s meat sail. However, I find I’m usually up on the horns to sit taller, as I’m not a huge fan of super tucked riding. And when I really want a taller view of the road, I grip the middle portion of the bars for the most comfortable ride. The three positions are a big plus, though I basically never drop down into the lowest position, so it’s more like a two-position bar for me.
The biggest reason I hang out on the horns most of the time is because I also like knowing those brake levers are ready for me, both in city riding in case of unexpected car behavior, and while trail riding in case I come across an obstacle I wasn’t expecting.
Ultra-light, but at a cost
And then of course there’s the carbon fiber frame, which, along with the modest battery and motor specs helps to reduce the weight of the bike to a mere 28 pounds! That’s a featherweight in the e-bike world, believe it or not.
That low weight means you won’t get crazy power or super long-range riding, though you can still get up to 30-40 miles if you keep the pedal assist in a very low power level. And while the 250W motor is fairly low power compared to most of the e-bikes I ride, it’s not meant to be a hot rod. It’s a modest torque motor designed for folks who actually want to pedal and get a workout. It will still take you up to 28 mph – it sure did for me. But you’ve got to be a part of that process, giving your own muscle assist as well in order for the pedal assist to take you to that top speed. In other words, it’s taking the pain out of the ride but it’s not doing all the work for you.
It feels like a good balance of power though, especially on such a lightweight e-bike.
One more part I wish I could have seen added to the electrical system would be a torque sensor. As it stands now, the cadence sensor works fine for riding, but has a bit of sensor lag when you first get rolling – especially if you don’t downshift low enough at stops. That impacts you more in stop/start riding, but for folks who spend long periods of time at constant speed – which is a lot of what this e-bike is designed for – then you won’t notice the cadence sensor very much.
More than paint deep
There are two colors available on the Ride1Up CF Racer1, known as Clouded Gray and Rainbow Black. The bike I’m testing is the Rainbow Black, which may sound like an oxymoron until the sun comes out. As soon as you get some bright light on the paint, it illuminates with a rainbow array of metal flakes, producing a beautiful spectrum of light reflecting off the glossy surface.
It’s hard to capture in photos and videos, though I did my best in the photo above. You can also see a few good shots in my video review at the top of this page. Just know that in real life, the effect is even more pronounced and is truly beautiful to look at.
On the flipside though, when you’re riding in overcast weather, you’ll find that the paint basically just looks like glossy black.
The take-home message
Here’s the thing: The Ride1Up CF Racer1 is a great e-bike, but it’s not for everyone. In fact, it’s not for most people. Most of us are more at home on a Portola fat tire e-bike or a Turris trail bike. You’ve got to be someone who already enjoys riding road bikes (meaning you like to pedal), who doesn’t mind the lack of throttle, and who is comfortable with a tucked ride. But if you’re in the market for a gravel e-bike, that’s probably already you.
In that case, this is a killer deal for a super lightweight carbon fiber electric bike. With options for road or gravel (basically different handlebars and tires), you’ve got all of your bases covered.
So yeah, if you’re a pro rider, this isn’t going to cut it for you. But if you’re like most of us – just someone who enjoys riding and wants to get that electric gravel bike experience without shelling out $5k, then this is the bike for you.
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InMotion, a well-known brand in the world of personal electric mobility, has officially launched its latest electric unicycle, the InMotion V9. Combining advanced technology and new safety features, the V9’s design positions this electric unicycle as a key option for urban commuters and adventure seekers alike who want good performance without spending a fortune.
Believe it or not, the electric unicycle market is quite broad. There are dozens of interesting models, offering everything from slow, beginner-friendly wheels to massively powerful and scary fast off-road electric unicycles (EUCs).
The new InMotion V9 launches as something of an in-between wheel, providing enough power and speed to keep it fun and interesting, yet without going so over-the-top that it becomes unaffordable or unapproachable by newer riders.
Priced at $1,299, the InMotion V9 is powered by a 1,000W motor that can reach peak outputs of 2,000W. This setup delivers a top speed of around 28 mph (45 km/h), positioning it well for urban streets and bike lanes, two of the most common stomping grounds for EUCs.
Range anxiety isn’t just a concern for cars; it can also affect micromobility riders. For its part, InMotion gave the V9 a fairly hefty 84V and 750Wh battery. This capacity allows the V9 to achieve up to 37 miles (60 km) per charge under optimal conditions. The UL-listed battery charges fairly quickly, reaching full capacity in approximately five hours.
One key feature of the V9 not found on most beginner-friendly wheels is its Nimbus Air suspension system, which provides 60 mm of travel to enhance rider comfort and reduce fatigue on uneven surfaces.
The included suspension is even more notable considering the V9 is currently InMotion’s lightest suspension-equipped electric unicycle, weighing around 48.5 lbs (22 kg). And speaking of weight, the EUC can support riders weighing up to 265 lbs (120 kg).
The InMotion V9 doesn’t skimp on smart features, either. Its integrated GPS tracking enables owners to remotely locate and monitor their unicycle via InMotion’s mobile app, even when powered off. Remote locking functionality further enhances security, ensuring peace of mind for riders frequently leaving their wheel unattended.
Additional smart integrations include customizable RGB side accent lights and built-in Bluetooth speakers, allowing riders to personalize their ride and stay entertained while commuting – or just keep cars and other road users more aware of their presence. The V9 also includes USB-A and USB-C ports with 20W output to ensure riders can conveniently charge their mobile devices while on the go.
Safety is always paramount in electric transportation devices, especially those that come with their own unique concerns like electric unicycles. The V9 has TÜV Rheinland UL2272 certification and “advanced fire-resistant technology” to mitigate risks further.
The InMotion V9 is now available for purchase through local InMotion dealers and via the official InMotion online store.
I don’t cover electric unicycles as often as e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices, but not because they are less deserving. They’re certainly more niche, but I know that the EUC community is adamant about their advantages. And listen, I get it. They’re small and convenient to park or store inside, they don’t require much maintenance at all, and they’re pretty fun after you get the hang of them. An EUC can be intimidating at first, but once it clicks in your brain after a few learning sessions, riding one is a blast!
With the electric unicycle market continuing to gain traction, InMotion still faces competition from other premium brands. However, the V9’s comprehensive package of comfort, safety, and advanced smart features, combined with its competitive price point, should place it pretty well in the crowded landscape of personal electric transportation.
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Fremont, California-based Delta Electronics just rolled out a sleek new 50kW DC Wallbox charger that’s designed for tight spaces at ACT Expo 2025.
This charger packs a punch in a surprisingly slim, 10-inch-thick, and lightweight (just 225 pounds!) casing that can be wall-mounted or set up on a pedestal. It’s specifically designed for tight spaces like urban parking lots, busy corporate campuses, or crowded fleet operation hubs.
Delta plans to manufacture these 50kW DC Wallbox chargers in Plano, Texas, keeping it local and supporting the rapid EV infrastructure growth across North America.
A 50 kW charger is at the low end of Level 3 fast charging speed, because you don’t always need to charge your car in 25 minutes. It’s the ideal charging speed for shopping, lunch, or seeing a film. Eng Taing, Delta’s senior VP and GM of energy & telecom Infrastructure, says, “Our focus is on seamlessly integrating high efficiency charging into the diverse scenarios of everyday life, including commercial operations, not just maximizing power output.”
With a 97% efficiency rate, the Wallbox can juice up two EVs simultaneously using either CCS1 or NACS connectors. Plus, the 23-foot cable makes it easy to accommodate nearly any parking layout, eliminating headaches during installation.
Delta’s vertical integration approach means it handles everything from design to manufacturing. But it doesn’t stop at hardware; the charger also connects to Delta’s IoT platform, offering remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and over-the-air updates. That hopefully means fewer disruptions and smoother operations for fleet managers and EV users.
If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
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More car buyers are hunting for used EVs – CarMax says searches filtered by “electric vehicle” have nearly doubled since January 2022.
CarMax saw EV searches surge in March 2022 and again in June 2024. The first spike lined up with the gas price shock after Russia invaded Ukraine, and the second came right as the Biden administration rolled out its $4,000 federal tax credit for used EVs.
The online used car marketplace’s Spring 2025 Electric Vehicle Consumer Report shows just how far used EV prices have tumbled, down over 40% between January 2022 and February 2025. By comparison, prices for gas cars, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids only slipped about 12% over the same period.
The top 10 most popular used EVs
For the third year running, the Tesla Model 3 and the Model Y were in the No. 1 and No. 2 slots, respectively, from September 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025. The Chevy Bolt jumped into third place from its previous spot at No. 7 in 2024 and 2023. The Ford F-150 Lightning (7) and the Rivian R1T (10) made the top 10 for the first time, while the Tesla Model S and the Audi e-tron dropped out. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Nissan Leaf were at Nos. 5 and 6, and the Volkswagen ID.4 (4), Nissan LEAF (6), and the Ford Mustang Mach-E (9) made the list for the third year in a row.
What people are trading in
For the first time ever, more people are ditching sedans and coupes for EVs than SUVs. CarMax says sedans and coupes made up 44% of all EV trade-ins, up from 36% in 2024 and just 29% the year before. It’s a clear sign that the EV switch is picking up speed across more than just SUV drivers.
When customers traded in sedans for EVs during this report’s measurement period, the most common EVs they purchased were the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, and Chevy Bolt EUV.
The top traded-in model for an EV at CarMax was the Tesla Model 3, and those who traded in a Model 3 usually went for a Model Y. The rest of the top five include the Honda Civic and Accord, the Nissan LEAF, and the Toyota Prius. The Ford F-150 truck, the top trade-in alongside the Accord in the 2024 report, dropped off the list.
Where used EVs are most popular
Since this is CarMax’s report, it’s of course based on data sourced from its 250 stores across the US. In 2025, Oregon beat California to become the state with the highest percentage of EV sales compared to each state’s total sales at CarMax. California has previously held the top ranking since 2023.
The West Coast continued to dominate when it came to used EV sales. California and Washington were in second and third place, respectively. Nevada and Arizona were fourth and sixth, while Utah and New Mexico (new to the top 10 list this year) held spots five and seven. On the East Coast, New York (10) appeared on the list for a second time, dropping two spots from No. 8 in 2024.
The newcomers include Minnesota, which jumped 24 spots in a year to No. 8, and New Jersey, which moved up six slots to No. 9.
To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*
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