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Retrospec Joe Rev 2 Review (2026): Putting the ‘Joy’ in Joyride
Though I’ve since gotten used to it, every time I ride the electric blue Joe Rev 2 electric BMX, people stare. Their heads turn as they drive past, eyes narrowed. “Is that an adult riding a BMX bike?” I imagine the thought process going. “Why is it so fast? Why is it so big?” These are valid questions, and they all have the same answer: Because it’s fun.
In fact, my entire family has taken turns riding this bike all over town for the past four weeks, testing it up and down hills, taking it on grocery runs, and even staying out riding until the battery drained. The verdict? The Joe Rev 2 may not be the smoothest ride, but for the price, 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 the vibe of being a 12-year-old kid and riding your bike more than anything I’ve ridden in some time.”
The entry-level Joe Rev was created in this same spirit—a full-sized, BMX-inspired frame with fun color options (electric blue, matte gray), 3-inch tan wall balloon tires, and those unmistakable handlebars. There are no apps or fancy 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.
“No cream, no sugar” is even printed on the chain stays, lest one forget the minimalist doctrine. On the plus side, this lack of bones allows the Joe Rev 2 to weigh in on the lighter side at 56 pounds.
This is the second iteration of the original Joe Rev, which is still available (for now) at the sale price of $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 on the left handlebar displaying power level, battery life, and speed, as opposed to the original’s bare-basic hub with buttons.
The battery can be quickly locked and unlocked from the bottom of the frame with a key and charges from red to full green in several hours; it weighs about 7 pounds, so it’s easy enough to carry in a backpack, though at 18 inches long, it could be a tight fit if your bag is already packed.
At one point during the testing period, my almost-14-year-old son, who is 5’ 10” and 145 pounds, took the Joe Rev 2 out on a full battery to see how long he could ride in our town of hills. We were all surprised to find he hit the red “recharge” light in about 20 miles. It shouldn't have been too much of a shock, given that the hills were steep, and he was using the throttle primarily. But it is a good reminder that, like all ebikes, the Joe Rev 2’s range will vary dramatically depending on rider weight, speed, and conditions.
Interestingly, there’s an ominous warning sticker on the Joe Rev’s frame that states no one under 16 is to ride this bike. It does have pedals and a maximum speed of 20 mph, making it a Class 2 ebike—legal in many, if not, most states for kids under 16.
When I asked Retrospec if there was anything specific about the Joe Rev 2 that would preclude younger teens from riding it, their rep told me the company “follows the most stringent regulations across the markets where their ebikes are sold. As a result, their minimum recommended rider age is 16. If local laws permit younger riders, such as a 12-year-old, it is ultimately up to parents or guardians to determine whether their child has the maturity, experience, and ability to safely operate an ebike.”