Chatham Rev 2 Beach Cruiser
The Chatham Rev 2 Beach Cruiser is a retro-styled electric cruiser with a 350W rear hub motor, a 0.36 kWh battery, and a max speed of 32 km/h (20 mph). Built for leisure, it offers up to 60 km (37 mi) range and an upright, comfortable ride ideal for casual city and beach use.
Technical Specifications:
| manufactured in | USA |
| model year | 2023 |
| bicycle type | Cruiser |
| range (km) | 60 |
| battery (kWh) | 0.36 |
| max. speed (km/h) | 32 |
| power (W) | 350 |
* Minimum price set by the manufacturer, excluding taxes and additional options
Chatham Rev 2 Beach Cruiser: Affordable Style Meets Easy Cruising
Chatham Rev 2 Beach Cruiser is Retrospec’s take on a beachside classic—with a twist of lithium. Built in the USA and launched in 2023, this cruiser-style electric bike marries vintage looks with 21st-century ease. Powered by a 350W hub motor and a neatly integrated 374Wh battery, it’s designed for short hops, flat roads, and weekend chill rides. With a wallet-friendly $1,000 price tag (approx. £805 / €930), it’s one of the best electric cruiser bikes in its class.
- Manufactured in the USA with a rust-resistant aluminum alloy frame
- Sales launched in 2023, targeting casual urban and beach riders
- Starting at $1,000 (£805 / €930), making it highly competitive in the cruiser e-bike space
- Optimized for comfort and simplicity with step-through and high-step frames
With its brown-sidewall tires, faux leather details, and color-matched frame accessories, it’s a looker with real utility. And it doesn’t cost an arm and a crankset.
Specs: Power, Battery, and Range
Battery
Housed inside the downtube, the 374Wh (0.36 kWh) battery blends right into the frame. You get up to 60 km (37 mi) on paper, though expect closer to 30–48 km (18–30 mi) depending on how much throttle you use. Charging takes 4–5 hours from zero, and the battery is removable for indoor juicing.
- Battery capacity: 374.4Wh (48V, 7.8Ah)
- Range: Up to 60 km (37 mi), realistically 30–48 km (18–30 mi)
- Charging time: ~4–5 hours
- Certification: UL2849 safety certified
Performance
The 350W motor delivers moderate zip, topping out at 32 km/h (20 mph). It’s a Class 2 bike with 5 pedal-assist levels and a thumb throttle. Don’t expect torque beast behavior, but for flat trails, boardwalks, and quick errands, it’ll keep pace. The Shimano 7-speed drivetrain gives just enough gear variety, though ghost pedaling may creep in near top speed.
- Motor: 350W rear hub
- Top speed: 32 km/h (20 mph)
- Torque: ~40Nm
- Drivetrain: Shimano Tourney 7-speed
- Weight: 25.8 kg (57 lb)
Power delivery is responsive thanks to a cadence sensor that triggers motor assist within a few pedal strokes. Steep hills? You’ll want to lend some leg.
Color range and Design: Vintage Beach Charm with Electric Guts
Exterior
Design-wise, the Chatham Rev 2 goes all in on classic cruiser vibes. It’s available in relaxed tones like Sea Mist and Matte Graphite, and includes design touches like a full chain guard, faux leather grips, and a brown saddle. 26x3” Compass tires with reflective sidewalls ensure grip and visibility. Just note—it ships with no lights or fenders.
Color Variants
Color-matched rims and accessories complete the look. Choose from several frame colors, all styled for vintage appeal. And thanks to the internal battery, the e-bike “look” stays hidden—until you twist the throttle.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Gorgeous cruiser styling with integrated battery
- Comfortable upright position and 3” tires
- Lightweight for an e-bike at 57 lb (26 kg)
- Budget-friendly price and UL-certified electronics
- Shimano drivetrain and thumb throttle included
Cons
- 350W motor lacks hill-climbing strength
- No built-in lights or fenders
- Throttle and battery gauge could be more precise
- No suspension—rough roads will be felt
- Some riders may find the saddle firm on longer rides
Conclusion:
If vintage beach bikes got an electric reboot, it’d be the Chatham Rev 2 Beach Cruiser. For $1,000, you get style, simplicity, and just enough motor to float you through beach towns and boulevards. It’s not built to haul or climb, but for leisure riding with flair—it’s tough to top.
Manufacturer: Retrospec
Watch the Video Overview
Comparison:
The Chatham Rev 2 Beach Cruiser finds itself in the same sandbox as the Lectric XP Lite 2.0, Electra Cruiser Go!, and Ride1Up Core-5. Each brings a different flavor to the casual riding category, but let’s break it down where it counts: range, power, charging time, design, and price.
Range
The Chatham Rev 2 claims up to 60 km (37 mi) with its 374Wh battery, offering around 30–48 km (18–30 mi) real-world. The Lectric XP Lite 2.0 is similar with a 48V 7.8Ah battery offering up to 64 km (40 mi). The Ride1Up Core-5 boasts a larger 500Wh battery and pushes about 72 km (45 mi) under ideal conditions. Electra Cruiser Go! falls slightly short with a 250Wh battery delivering roughly 48 km (30 mi).
Acceleration & Power
Chatham Rev 2 uses a 350W rear hub motor—plenty for beach paths but not a hill destroyer. The XP Lite 2.0 also uses a 300–350W setup but feels peppy thanks to the lightweight frame. Ride1Up Core-5 flexes a bit more with 500W sustained power (750W peak), making it a better hill climber. Electra Cruiser Go! is the weakest in the pack, using a 250W Hyena system tuned for gentle cruising.
Charging Time
Chatham Rev 2 recharges in 4–5 hours. XP Lite clocks in around 4 hours. Ride1Up Core-5 takes about 5–6 hours due to its larger capacity. Electra’s smaller 250Wh unit charges in just over 3.5 hours, but trades off overall capacity.
Design & Features
Design-wise, Chatham Rev 2 wins big on style—color-matched parts, vintage cues, and cruiser geometry. XP Lite 2.0 folds, which is great for storage, but looks more utilitarian. Ride1Up Core-5 leans commuter, with integrated lights and a more modern hybrid frame. Electra Cruiser Go! looks the part of a beach bike too, but lacks component quality found in others at its price point.
Price
Chatham Rev 2 holds the line at $1,000 (£805 / €930). XP Lite 2.0 starts just under that at ~$999 (£805 / €925). Ride1Up Core-5 comes in at $1,195 (£960 / €1,110), while the Electra Cruiser Go! demands a premium at $1,599 (£1,285 / €1,480), despite having lower-end specs.
