Problems with Ride1Up Bikes: 5 common issues (Explained)

Ride1Up is a brand of electric bicycles that are designed and manufactured in the United States. Bikes from Ride1Up are renowned for their dependability, value, and distinctive features that accommodate a range of riding styles and preferences.

However, like any popular product out there, even some of the best e-bike brands come with their own problems.

Below you will discover all of the best troubleshooting tips when it comes to helping fix any issues and problems you may be having with your Ride1Up e-bike.

1. Problems with your Ride1Up E-bike’s Internal Controller

If you are having Ride1Up e-bike issues, such as a motor that won’t work or another comparable problem that can’t be linked to your electric bike’s hardware, it could be necessary to replace the internal controller.

The internal controller is often found inside the frame of an electric bike and is connected to a number of additional parts, including the throttle, motor, battery, and brake sensors.

The internal controller takes information from these parts and provides signals to the motor controller to ensure the e-bike runs smoothly and effectively.

If you find yourself having problems with these aspects of your bike’s performance then you will be relieved to know that replacing your Ride1Ups internal controller is a quick and painless process, as long as you know the correct steps.

There are several things to bare in mind when replacing your e-bike internal controller, such as:

1. You will need to be in possession of the necessary tools, such as a correctly sized Philips screwdriver to easily remove the battery housing screws without creating any damage.
2. Before beginning, I suggest taking a photograph of how the wires are originally connected in order to aid in putting them back together in the correct way. Doing so will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
3. The wiring diagrams differ slightly between models such as the Core-5 and LMT’D bikes.
4. The replacement time should take no longer than half an hour.

The instructions will differ depending on which model you own.

For example, here is how to access the internal controller for the 500 series ST Frame:

1. Locate the controller at the bottom of the down tube.
2. Remove the battery from the bike and loosen the 4 screws holding the lower part of the battery panel.
3. Entirely remove each of the 4 screws and gently release the connected wires.
4. Once each wire is disconnected, you will be able to safely and carefully remove the internal controller.

When these steps are completed, you can assess whether there is any visible damage and whether the controller needs replacing.

2. Your Ride1Up Electric Bike’s Brake Disks are Creating Unusual Noises

There are two main types of brake pads, so it’s important to know which one your e-bike has in order to troubleshoot the noise problem:

• Metallic Disc Brake Pads – these tend to last longer and are more durable under high temperatures. The only downside is they can be fairly noisy.
• Organic Disc Brake Pads – these tend to be quieter but typically do not last as long as metallic pads.

If you currently own metallic brake pads on your Ride1Up electric bike and the noise is causing you annoyance, it may be worth considering replacing them with an organic alternative to alleviate some of the noise.

Brake discs commonly make noise when they are under normal conditions, such as when the temperature outside is cold, or you are making steep or long descents, so if this is the case, it is not much cause for concern.

Here are the most common reasons why your electric bike brake pads may be making loud or unpleasant noises:

• Contaminated materials are affecting the brake disks’ performance.
• Grit, dirt, and oil from your hands or other objects can cause the brakes to make squeaking sounds.
• Misaligned brake calipers.
• Pads are not properly bedded.
• Your pads have overheated.
• Damage from a crash or mishandling can cause a misshapen rotor.
• Loose parts, such as the rotor, the pads, or the caliper.

If you feel that any of the above issues may be present, try heading over to the Ride1Ups troubleshooting page to help you fix your problem in no time.

3. Some Ride1Up Electric Bikes have Rider Height Restrictions

When it comes to choosing an electric bike, it’s essential that you get the most comfortable ride possible, and this includes having a bike with a base frame suited to your (or the rider in question’s) height and build.

Although not incredibly common, some users have reported that particular models of Ride1Up electric bikes are not suited to people over the height of 6ft.

For example, some users have stated the Ride1Up Core-5 is not particularly well suited to those taller than your average person.

If you are under 6ft tall then obviously, this shouldn’t be an issue, but it’s worth considering the size of the bike’s frame if you happen to be someone with a taller stature.

All in all, with the rider height restriction aside, the Core-5 still managed to gain an impressive 93 out of 100 score on BikeRide.com, so it’s safe to say that it is a brilliant bike to own.

Please also check out our article about electric bikes with high weigh capacity which features Ride1Up.

4. The Assembly of Certain Models of Ride1Up E-bikes can be Complex for Beginners

When you have first purchased your electric bike, it’s unfortunate when you discover that the assembly of the particular model you have bought is more time-consuming than you first thought.

Most electric bikes tend to come about 80% pre-assembled; however, some makes and models do not. This is particularly true according to reviewers of the Ride1Up e-bike 700 series.

Luckily, there are many tips on how to assemble your 700 series bike on Ride1Ups general support page; simply search for ‘700 series’ in the help bar.

However, as the folks at Ride1Up.com state:

“If you are not familiar with installing this or not familiar with bicycle part names, it may be best to have it assembled by a bike shop. As with many bike components, proper installation is important to avoid damage to the bike and to avoid injury while riding the bike.”

Here are some examples of helpful assembly tips available:

• Always ensure the crank arms are 180° from one another.
• When installing the pedals, make sure you use a generous amount of grease on the pedal threads to ensure the pedals aren’t damaged by the crank arm.
• It may sound simple but always double-check you are installing the correct pedal to the corresponding side of the frame (e.g., the right pedal must go on the right-hand side, and the left on the left).
• Make sure the brake cable is correctly installed inside the fork for protection when you are both riding and moving the bike around.
• Never use or squeeze the brake levers before installation.
• Cables should not cross over, check the videos on Ride1Up.com to ensure they are routed correctly.
• Your bike’s display should always be on the left, with the shifter on the right. This allows you to know your handlebars are placed correctly.
• Never touch the brake rotors with unclean hands or any other oily substances, as this can create unwanted noise or damage when you go to ride your bike.
• Brake levers should be placed facing forwards and pointing down so that you can grip them effectively whilst being able to keep full control of your bike’s handlebars.

Even having read the advice above, it’s worth noting that ElectricBikeReport.com also states:

“All direct-to-consumer e-bikes require a little assembly, but the 700 Series needed more than average. We’d highly suggest taking this e-bike to a bike shop to be built by a professional.”

5. Certain Ride1Up Electric Bikes come Without Popular Components

Unfortunately, some models of Ride1Up electric bikes come without rear lights, racks, or fenders.

Bike fenders, otherwise known as mudguards, attach to the frame of a bicycle and are designed to prevent mud, water, and other debris from spraying up onto the rider or the bike’s components.

Racks can also be considered an essential part when owning an e-bike, so not having one included can be disappointing. As for rear lighting, this should be a highly important matter of safety for the rider and also for drivers and pedestrians.

The Ride1Up models that do not include these important elements are the LMT’D and the Core-5.

However, these components can be easily bought and attached to your bike depending on the make or model that you own, so all in all, it’s not a massive downside, perhaps just an added expense.

General Pros and Cons of Ride1Up Electric Bikes

Pros

Great value: These bikes are affordable. Ride1Up electric bikes are well-built and come with high-quality parts, making them great value for money.

Lightweight and easy to transport: Most Ride1Up bikes are easily portable, meaning they are great for commuting, leisure, and also outdoor activities.

Long battery life: Ride1Up electric bikes are known for having a battery life that is highly competitive compared to other brands on the market and this makes yet another reason why they are a great choice of e-bike.

Cons

• Complex to build – it may be best to use a professional service.
• Not all models are suitable for all heights and weights of the specific rider.
• Brake disks can overheat and create noises when in use.
• Internal controller issues.

Sources

700 Series Assembly

Ride1UP 700 Series Electric Bike Review 2023

Ride1Up Core-5