What Happened

Though I’ve since gotten , every time I ride the electric 2 electric BMX, people stare. , eyes narrowed. “ riding a BMX bike?” I imagine the thought process going. “? ?” questions, answer: Because it’s fun.

In fact, my entire family riding , testing , taking it on grocery runs, and even staying out riding until the battery drained. The verdict? 2 smoothest ride, , it’s a unique and worthwhile option for basic cruising and casual riding.

California-based Retrospec specializes in affordable outdoor toys; primarily paddleboards, longboards, bikes, and no-frills ebikes like the foldable Judd Rev 2, which WIRED contributing reviewer Michael Venutolo-Mantovani wrote “captures a 12-year- riding anything I’ve ridden .”

The entry- created spirit—a full-sized, BMX-inspired options (electric blue, matte gray), 3- balloon tires, and those unmistakable handlebars. readouts, no lights, and no shocks. Just five levels of pedal assist and a throttle attached to a single-speed drivetrain and 750-watt rear-hub motor.

Why It Matters

“No cream, no sugar” is even printed , lest one forget the minimalist doctrine. , allows 2 lighter side at 56 pounds.

second iteration of the original Joe Rev, available (for now) $1,200. The Rev 2 sports a bigger 500 Wh battery with a listed 60-mile range (up from 48 miles) and an updated display. Namely, a 2-by-2.5-inch LCD screen handlebar displaying power level, battery life, and speed, as opposed to the original’s bare- buttons.

The battery can be quickly locked and unlocked from the bottom a key and charges several hours; it weighs about 7 pounds, so it’s easy enough a backpack, though at 18 inches long, a already packed.

Teen SpiritAt one point during the testing period, my almost-14-year-old son, who is 5’ 10” and 145 pounds, 2 out on a full battery . surprised “recharge” 20 miles. It shouldn't a shock, , throttle primarily. a good reminder that, like all ebikes, 2’s dramatically depending on rider weight, speed, and conditions.

What Comes Next

Interestingly, there’s an ominous warning sticker ’s frame that states 16 . pedals and a maximum speed of 20 mph, making it a Class 2 ebike—, if not, most states 16.

When I asked Retrospec anything specific 2 that would preclude younger teens from riding it, company “follows the most stringent regulations across the markets where their ebikes are sold. As a result, their minimum recommended 16. permit younger riders, such as a 12-year-old, it is ultimately up to parents or guardians to determine whether maturity, experience, and ability to safely operate an ebike.”

Though 2 isn't overly heavy, I still wouldn’t feel comfortable letting a 12-year-, and even 13 is debatable; I’m sure I don’t 17 accounted for 20 percent injuries from 2020 to 2024.

However, an adult-sized, mature 14- or 15-year- a gray area. allowed 2 occasionally, but not regularly. If you decide , deemed acceptable by several , though stylistically a couple notches below the e-moto-style frames popularized by brands like MacFox.

As is typical with ebikes, some assembly 2 is required upon arrival. Chiefly, attaching the wheels, pedals, and handlebars, a generously wrenches. , it took a couple seated properly—there was a slight wobble during my husband’s inaugural ride around the block, but after further tightening, resurfaced. The brakes are mechanical disc with 180 mm rotors, which also occasionally needed tightening, but otherwise caused no issues during the testing period.

a flat surface, around the parking ’s former elementary school. I levels of pedal assist kick in quickly and almost forcefully; the throttle -to-use thumb switch located handlebar. a height (5’ 6”), a couple of minutes.

suspension—— complaint . In fact, I a short ride yesterday. 2's , plasticky, and small—definitely worth swapping ’ commuting otherwise riding it daily.

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