Chatham Rev 2 Beach Cruiser (Step Through)
The Chatham Rev 2 Beach Cruiser (Step Through) is a US-made cruiser-style electric bike with a 350W motor and 0.36 kWh battery, offering a 60 km (38-mile) range and 32 km/h (20 mph) top speed. It’s ideal for budget-conscious beach and casual riders.
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 - Step Through: Retro Style on a Realistic Budget
Retrospec Chatham Rev 2 Beach Cruiser - Step Through brings together everything casual riders want—comfort, style, and affordability. Priced at $1,000 (approx. £785 / €925), this cruiser e-bike makes electric riding accessible without cutting corners on essentials. From weekend beach trips to neighborhood errands, it’s built for relaxed rides and good vibes.
- Manufactured in the USA, launched in 2023
- Introductory pricing: $1,000 / £785 / €925
- Designed for laid-back cruising and casual commutes
- Targets new e-bike riders and style-conscious cyclists
Specs Breakdown – Budget Power, Smart Design
Battery
The Chatham Rev 2 is powered by a 36V 10.4Ah (0.36 kWh) lithium-ion battery that offers up to 60 km (38 miles) of range. Real-world conditions trim that closer to 25–28 miles (40–45 km), especially when using higher pedal assist levels. The battery is integrated and simple to use, though the LED display can leave some guesswork when it comes to remaining charge.
- Battery capacity: 0.36 kWh / 360Wh
- Range: up to 60 km / 38 miles
- Integrated display with PAS and walk mode
- Removable for easier charging and maintenance
Performance
Powered by a 350W rear hub motor, this cruiser tops out at 32 km/h (20 mph) and offers six pedal assist levels with a thumb throttle for when you’d rather cruise than pedal. It uses a cadence sensor that kicks in with a noticeable jolt—common in this price range—but it handles moderate hills and smooth terrain without complaint. Shimano’s 7-speed Tourney drivetrain complements the motor for low-maintenance flexibility.
- Motor: 350W rear hub
- Top speed: 32 km/h / 20 mph
- Torque delivery: quick cadence-based assist
- Gearing: Shimano 7-speed with thumb shifter
No torque sensor or suspension, but the extra-wide tires and ergonomic setup pick up the slack. Think smooth boardwalk rides, not technical trails.
Color Range and Design – Step-Through Classic with Cruiser Flair
Exterior
This bike wears its cruiser DNA proudly—26”x3” Wanda tires, full color-matched chain guard, and a step-through alloy frame that makes mounting a breeze. The rust-resistant frame keeps things clean and corrosion-free, while retro-inspired details like leather-textured grips and a padded saddle complete the beach-town aesthetic.
Color Variants
Choose between Sea Mist with silver trim or Overcast Gray with stealthy black accents. The visual appeal extends to the tire sidewalls and saddle, delivering a cohesive look without feeling flashy. Minimal branding keeps the design mature, while thoughtful touches like battery-operated lights make it street-ready from day one.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Affordable entry point into electric cruiser biking
- Comfortable upright position with wide tires
- Step-through frame for easy accessibility
- UL2271 and UL2849 certified for safety
Cons
- Battery indicator lacks accuracy
- Initial jolt from cadence sensor feels abrupt
- No fenders or rack included
- Basic LED display offers limited information
Conclusion: Why Chatham Rev 2 Beach Cruiser - Step Through Is a Smart Buy
Chatham Rev 2 Beach Cruiser - Step Through proves that comfort and casual fun don’t need a premium price tag. With a beach-friendly step-through frame, simple controls, and just enough assist to make hills less painful, it hits the sweet spot for everyday riders who want laid-back performance.
Manufacturer: Retrospec
Watch the Video Overview
Comparison:
For shoppers looking at sub-$1,000 electric cruisers, the Chatham Rev 2 Beach Cruiser - Step Through holds its own against alternatives like the Hurley Layback S, NAKTO Camel Step-Thru, Hyper E-Ride Cruiser, and Ecotric Peacedove. Here’s how it compares across range, speed, power, charging time, and price.
Range
The Chatham Rev 2 tops out at 60 km (38 miles), edging past Hyper E-Ride (32 km / 20 miles) and the Peacedove at 55 km (34 miles). NAKTO Camel hits a similar 60 km range, while Hurley Layback S trails slightly at 50 km (31 miles).
Acceleration and Speed
All five bikes cap at 32 km/h (20 mph). The Chatham Rev 2’s six PAS levels and thumb throttle offer more control than the Ecotric, which lacks assist customization. NAKTO and Hyper deliver similar speeds but with fewer PAS modes.
Power
With 350W, the Chatham Rev 2 matches NAKTO and Hyper, beating out Hurley (250W). Ecotric offers 350W too, but its torque is weaker due to less efficient motor mapping.
Charging Time
Charging the 0.36 kWh battery on the Chatham Rev 2 takes around 4–6 hours. Hyper and Hurley fall within the same bracket. NAKTO often takes 6–8 hours, while Peacedove averages around 5 hours.
Price
The Chatham Rev 2 is priced at $1,000 (approx. £785 / €925). Hurley Layback S comes in lower at $799, NAKTO Camel averages $899, Hyper E-Ride is around $798, and Ecotric Peacedove runs about $849. The Chatham sits just above the lowest tier, but adds value with its styling, comfort, and durability.
