Chatham Rev+ Beach Cruiser (Step Through)
The Chatham Rev+ Beach Cruiser - Step Through is a US-made electric cruiser bike with a 500W motor, 0.5 kWh battery, and a top speed of 32 km/h (20 mph). It delivers up to 83 km (52 miles) of range and features a retro step-through frame for easy riding comfort.
Technical Specifications:
| manufactured in | USA |
| model year | 2023 |
| bicycle type | Cruiser |
| range (km) | 83 |
| battery (kWh) | 0.5 |
| max. speed (km/h) | 32 |
| power (W) | 500 |
* Minimum price set by the manufacturer, excluding taxes and additional options
Chatham Rev+ Beach Cruiser - Step Through: Easy Riding, Classic Looks
Chatham Rev+ Beach Cruiser - Step Through is Retrospec’s take on what happens when you combine beachy vibes with pedal-assist power. Made for sunny-day spins and low-effort cruising, this electric cruiser hits the mark for laid-back riders who value comfort as much as style. For $1,500 (approx. £1,175 / €1,390), it delivers more than the price tag suggests—especially for a US-built frame with a 500W motor tucked inside.
- Built in the USA and launched in 2023 with beachside DNA
- Price starts at $1,500 / £1,175 / €1,390
- Marketed as an entry-level, comfort-first electric cruiser
- Designed for casual riders and urban beach-goers alike
Chatham Rev+ Specs Breakdown – Battery and Motor Insights
Battery
Juiced by a 48V 500Wh (0.5 kWh) battery, this cruiser gets up to 83 km (52 miles) per charge—though real-world rides hover closer to 37 km (23 miles) with assist maxed out. That said, it’s impressive for weekend loops or beach-hopping. You’ll get walk assist, six levels of pedal help, and quick plug-and-play charging.
- Battery capacity: 0.5 kWh / 500Wh
- Max range: 83 km / 52 miles
- Charging port: integrated and easily accessible
- Battery weight: balanced for smooth handling
Performance
The 500W rear hub motor puts out 55Nm of torque—ideal for cruising up neighborhood inclines or breezing past walkers on the boardwalk. Capped at 32 km/h (20 mph), it holds pace with most e-bikes in the city class. Riders can toggle six pedal-assist levels or opt for a throttle-only mode when coasting is the goal. Shimano’s 7-speed Tourney drivetrain keeps shifts light and fuss-free.
- Motor power: 500W rear hub
- Top speed: 32 km/h / 20 mph
- PAS levels: 6 with thumb throttle
- Torque: 55Nm for moderate hill support
There’s no torque sensor or suspension fork here, but honestly, you don’t need it. The smooth, wide tires do the heavy lifting, absorbing street bumps and boardwalk ripples with ease.
Color Range and Design – Step-Through Comfort in Cruiser Form
Exterior
This beach cruiser leans into elegance with a curved step-through frame, leather-style grips, and a wide saddle that makes long rides feel like lounging on a sofa. The 26” x 3” Compass tires pair beautifully with the rust-resistant aluminum frame. While it skips fenders and a rack out of the box, the aesthetic is clean and classic with no plastic clutter.
Color Variants
Available in warm hues and pastel coastal tones, the bike keeps things stylish without screaming for attention. Coordinated sidewalls and brown leather grips elevate the presentation, while the visual harmony of saddle and frame color enhances its cruiser appeal. It’s what you'd expect to see in a California postcard.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Comfort-first frame with step-through design
- Great range for daily errands or weekend rides
- Responsive 500W motor with throttle control
- Stylish design, easy mounting, and upright position
Cons
- No suspension or torque sensor
- Battery indicator could be more precise
- Fenders and rack not included by default
- Heavier than standard cruisers at 59.2 lbs (26.8 kg)
Conclusion:
Chatham Rev+ Beach Cruiser - Step Through is built for slow rides and easy mornings. With its retro cruiser vibe, upright posture, and enough juice for city-to-coastline cruising, it’s more than a pretty frame. It’s a confident, comfort-first ride that doesn't break the bank.
Manufacturer: Retrospec
Watch the Video Overview
Comparison:
The Chatham Rev+ Beach Cruiser - Step Through is riding alongside competitors like the Sixthreezero EVRYjourney 500W, Electra Townie Go! 7D, Schwinn Mendocino Step-Thru, and Micargi Bali. Let’s break it down: range, speed, power, charge time, and value.
Range
The Chatham Rev+ delivers up to 83 km (52 miles), which stacks well against the Townie Go! 7D (approximately 65 km / 40 miles), and the Schwinn Mendocino at 72 km (45 miles). Sixthreezero EVRYjourney is closer in range at around 80 km (50 miles), but the Micargi Bali trails at 60 km (37 miles).
Acceleration and Speed
All bikes cap at 32 km/h (20 mph), but response time varies. The Chatham Rev+ has 6 PAS levels and throttle, putting it ahead of the Townie Go! 7D, which lacks throttle. EVRYjourney has smoother ramp-up but similar peak speed.
Power
The Chatham Rev+ rocks a 500W motor with 55Nm torque. EVRYjourney also uses a 500W hub. Schwinn Mendocino and Micargi Bali hover around 250–350W, making them less potent on hills. Townie Go! 7D runs a 250W Bosch motor—efficient, but not as punchy.
Charging Time
Most of the class—including Chatham Rev+—charges in 4–6 hours. EVRYjourney and Mendocino mirror that, while Townie Go! may edge slightly faster with its Bosch setup. Still, all are in the same ballpark.
Price
At $1,500 (approx. £1,175 / €1,390), Chatham Rev+ sits below Townie Go! 7D ($1,900) and EVRYjourney ($1,799). It’s slightly above Micargi Bali and Mendocino, both priced around $1,300. Value-wise, Chatham Rev+ walks the line well between performance and pricing.
