Juiced RipRacer Review, 2024

Intro

Compact e-bikes are the newest flavor to be added to the e-bike world. These are e-bikes that tend to be smaller, more nimble, and offer a more thrilling ride than a standard e-bike. These are the Mini-Coopers of the e-bike world. In our review of the Juiced RipRacer we will take a look at what makes this a compact e-bike, the quality of the design and how it differs from some other compact e-bike designs on the market.

One of the most notable differences between the Juiced RipRacer and some of the other compact e-bikes on the market is that the RipRacer didn’t downgrade power or braking in an effort to trim the e-bike. It is equipped with a powerful 750W brushless, geared hub motor, an 811Wh battery to give the RipRacer real range and hydraulic disc brakes to make sure it can stop safely and quickly.

Like many compact e-bikes, the Juiced RipRacer is a single-speeder with a throttle. Juiced has offered the RipRacer in both Class 2 and Class 3 versions; currently, they only sell the Class 3 edition that allows a top assist speed of 28 mph.

Riders looking for a zippy e-bike that is more zoom than work will find the Juiced RipRacer to be an exciting alternative to some of the other e-bikes out there. Let’s take a deeper look.

E-Bike Category: Compact e-bike

Who the Juiced RipRacer Electric Bike Is for:

Anyone looking for a pocket rocket that is all about having fun on their ride. This e-bike is aimed at recreation more than errands.

Juiced RipRacer E-Bike Specs

• Battery: 811Wh lithium-ion
• Expected Range: up to 55 mi. estimated
• Charger: 2A
• Motor: 750W brushless, geared hub motor
• Pedal Assist: 5 PAS levels
• Throttle: Half twist
• Display: Bland and white LCD
• Headlight: Included
• Taillight: Included
• Frame: Hydroformed 6061 aircraft aluminum
• Fork: 6061 Aluminum
• Fenders: N/A
• Kickstand: N/A
• Handlebars: Alloy
• Grips: Rubber
• Drivetrain: Single speed
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 180mm rotors
• Pedals: Alloy
• Saddle: Wide comfort saddle with carrying handle
• Tires: 20 x 4-in.

In-Depth Juiced RipRacer Review

Juiced RipRacer Review: Comfort, Handling, and Ride Qualities

As we mentioned in our opening, the Juiced RipRacer is a compact e-bike; that is, it’s smaller than your average e-bike, and that distinction gives it some very specific qualities. The aspect of this worth noting may seem obvious: For riders who have struggled to find an e-bike that offers a comfortable fit due to more petite proportions, the RipRacer offers a terrific alternative to full-size e-bikes.

The RipRacer’s handling is nimble, moreso than most e-bikes with 20-in wheels due to its short wheelbase. It can turn tighter than most e-bikes, which gives it a very sporty feel. Riders should bear in mind, though, that at higher speeds, such quick handling can feel quite nervous and may not feel stable enough for riders to feel confident.

Riders looking to make short trips exciting will love how the Juiced RipRacer handles, but anyone looking for high speed for longer commutes may find the handling to be distracting.

Juiced RipRacer Review: Motor, Battery, and Drivetrain Performance

Zippy. That’s a good word to describe the Juiced RipRacer. Its 750W brushless, geared hub motor turns with 80Nm of torque and because it is coupled with 20-in. Wheels—a relatively small wheel size, which is easier to accelerate—this thing takes off like a goosed mustang. Also contributing to the motor’s muscular output is the fact that this is a 52V motor, not 48V like those of most of their competitors. A higher voltage motor (and matching battery) improves the flow of current to the motor. Think of it as a bigger hose.

The battery is a substantial 811Wh, which they estimate should give riders in the neighborhood of 55 mi. of range per charge.

The sizable motor and battery are a notable point of difference from some compact e-bikes. With some manufacturers, the notion of compact includes a smaller motor and battery in an effort to reduce weight and make them easier to store when not in use. Juiced went with a powerful motor and battery so that the RipRacer doesn’t suffer from sluggish acceleration or give its owner range anxiety.

The drivetrain on the Juiced RipRacer is a single speed and with just one gear, most riders will be limited in how fast they can go under pedal-assist. The lack of a low gear for climbing will make starting a bit more of a challenge and while that gear will feel great at 12 mph, it will be difficult to pedal fast enough to go 20 mph. Riders are likely to find themselves using the throttle much of the time.

Juiced RipRacer Review: Braking, Safety & Warranty

Of the compact e-bikes on the market, we have tended to be underwhelmed by the braking. The Juiced RipRacer doesn’t skimp on stopping. It is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes paired with 180mm rotors. Stopping, or even slowing for turns, won’t be an issue.

Because the RipRacer is a compact e-bike with a small frame, the handlebar sits lower than it would on a more typical e-bike. That places more weight on the front wheel. Should anyone ride this e-bike on a steep downhill offroad, we would encourage a bit of caution. It would definitely be easier to go over the bar due to the combination of the short reach to the bar, the low bar, small wheels and short wheelbase. We don’t actually think the design is unsafe, just that there are some situations where caution should be exercised.

The warranty is a fairly standard one year, but they seem to include more exceptions than we typically see.

Juiced RipRacer Review: Recommendation/Final Verdict

As we noted elsewhere in our review, the RipRacer gives up nothing on full-size e-bikes when it comes to three of an e-bike’s most important features: the motor, the battery and the brakes. Riders looking for an e-bike with aggressive acceleration, the handling of a go-kart and the ability to stop on a dime and leave a few cents change will find the Juiced RipRacer a compelling option.

The RipRacer does diverge from other compact e-bikes in another, less favorable way—its weight. The Class 3 RipRacer, due to its powerful motor, full-size battery and hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, tips the scales at 66 lbs. This won’t be as easy to pick up (the handle on the saddle is convenient, though) and stow as some compact models, like the JackRabbit, but it will dust the JackRabbit as it zips away from a stoplight. Everything is a trade, huh?

Bigger riders will also want to take note that unlike full-size e-bikes that may have a weight rating of 350 lbs., the RipRacer’s capacity is a more modest 275 lbs.

We wonder if riders might have been better served by eliminating the drivetrain from the Juiced RipRacer and replaced it with foot pegs. That could have reduced some weight as well as helped set expectations. Shoppers expecting an e-bike they can pedal may be surprised that it may be a challenge to find a comfortable position with regard to saddle height and handlebar reach. A careful review of their videos on the site will show that they never actually show anyone pedaling. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but we like when manufacturers are straight with consumers.

The Class 3 Juiced RipRacer includes what is called “Race Track Mode.” Riders looking for maximum zoom with the throttle will find this unrestricted mode very attractive, but we would caution riders to consider the experience of those around them before throttling down a bike path at 28 mph.

The emerging category of compact e-bikes is an interesting take on what an e-bike can be and just who and how it can serve. Based on the models we’ve seen so far, Juiced has come up with a novel interpretation in the RipRacer. Riders looking for a thrilling experience that doesn’t sacrifice range will want to take a serious look at this e-bike.

Thank you for reading through our review of the Juiced RipRacer. Still have further questions? Wondering how it compares to a similar e-bike we’ve reviewed? Let us know in the comments below!