Retrospec Judd Rev Review: A Lightweight Folding ebike for City Life

Fold, Ride, Repeat: My Take on the Retrospec Judd Rev

Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Not all electric bikes are built for city life, but after spending some time with the Retrospec Judd Rev, I can say this one makes getting around effortless. With its sleek aluminium frame, powerful motor, and a design that folds in seconds, this folding electric bike is ideal for commuters, weekend explorers, and anyone who needs a practical, no-fuss ride.

Its 350W rear hub motor, 36V/360Wh battery, and quick-fold aluminium frame, offers convenience without sacrificing performance. But is it the right fit for your daily travels? Let’s dive in.

Who’s It For?

• Riders looking for a lightweight and compact folding ebike
• Commuters who need a portable and easy-to-store solution
• Urban riders who want a smooth, reliable ride on paved roads

I’d recommend the Judd Rev to city riders, students, and anyone who wants an easy-to-store, easy-to-ride ebike. It’s not built for extreme hills or off-roading, but for everyday commuting and casual rides, it gets the job done.

At this price range, the Retrospec Judd Rev offers a solid mix of portability, power, and practicality. It’s not a high-performance beast, but if you need an ebike that folds up small, rides smoothly, and makes urban travel easier, it’s a great option. I’ve had a blast riding it, and for a compact ebike, that’s saying something.

Pros

• Quick folding & lightweight – I could carry it easily and store it almost anywhere.
• On- or off-bike charging – Charging the battery separately was super convenient.
• Low maintenance single-speed drivetrain – No gears to fuss with, just simple riding.
• Easy-change rear wheel system – A thoughtful feature for fixing punctures without stress.
• UL safety certified – Good to know it meets UL2271 & UL2849 standards.

Cons

• Not ideal for hilly terrain – With a single-speed drivetrain, you’ll need to rely on the motor more for steep climbs.
• No suspension – While the tyres help smooth out bumps, rougher roads can still be a bit jarring.

I wasn’t sure how much punch a folding ebike would pack, but the 350W rear hub motor and 36V/360Wh lithium-ion battery are sound. Even with just Pedal Assist, this ebike hits around 20mph easily. Retrospec claims close to 38-mile range with a full charge. The throttle was handy when I wanted to cruise without pedalling, and overall, the ride felt smooth and controlled.

One of my favourite things about the Judd Rev is how easy it is to live with. The lightweight aluminium folding frame means you can carry it up stairs or throw it in a boot without breaking a sweat. It's easy to take it on a train, fold it up in a café, and store it in a small hallway without any hassle. If you’re tight on space, this bike makes a lot of sense.

Expert Verdict

Specs

Components and Build Quality 

The Judd Rev keeps things simple yet effective. Its lightweight aluminium frame makes it easy to carry up stairs or lift into a car boot. The folding mechanism is smooth and intuitive, letting you collapse the bike in seconds. The 20x2.1” city tyres provide a comfortable ride on pavement, while the Tektro mechanical disc brakes offer reliable stopping power. The lock-on grips add extra comfort for longer rides.

Safety and Security

Despite its compact size, the Judd Rev feels stable on the road. The 20x2.1” city tyres smooth out bumps, and the Tektro mechanical disc brakes provide solid stopping power. The lock-on grips are a nice touch, too as they kept my hands comfortable on longer rides. I did notice that the single-speed drivetrain means you rely more on the motor for hills, but for city riding, it works just fine.

Performance and Handling

With a 350W rear hub motor and 36V/360Wh battery, the Judd Rev delivers enough power to hit 20mph with ease. It features 5 levels of Pedal Assist and a throttle mode, making city riding effortless. However, the single-speed drivetrain limits versatility, particularly on steep inclines. While the 38-mile range is decent for daily commuting, heavy throttle use may reduce it.

Comfort and Practicality

Designed for urban riders, the Judd Rev shines in convenience. The lightweight folding frame makes it easy to store in tight spaces, and the removable battery adds charging flexibility. The lack of suspension isn’t a dealbreaker for city riding, but rougher roads can feel bumpy. The ergonomic grips and comfortable saddle help smooth out the experience.

The Retrospec Judd Rev is an excellent choice for riders seeking a lightweight, foldable ebike for city commuting. While it’s not built for steep hills or rough trails, its compact design, solid power, and smooth handling make it a great everyday ride for urban dwellers. If you need a simple, practical, and fun ebike, this one’s worth considering.

Want more?

Check out our best folding electric bike guide.

Learn more:

• All the Retrospec electric bikes we sell
• All the electric bikes we sell
• All electric folding bikes we sell