A Budget-Friendly Mid-Drive EMTB With Real Trail Performance

The Ride1Up Trail Rush is designed as an affordable entry into the mid-drive electric mountain bike category, offering surprising trail capability at a price of $2,095. It performs well across pavement, fire roads, and single track, making it a versatile bike for both recreational trail riders and everyday commuters who want extra climbing power.

Motor & Performance

At the center of the TrailRush is the Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive motor, delivering 90Nm of torque and Class 3 pedal assist up to 28 mph. The motor is known for being exceptionally quiet and provides a very natural pedaling feel. In Eco and Tour modes, the assistance is subtle and ideal for rolling terrain or cruising around town. When switched into Boost mode, the motor becomes far more aggressive and easily tackles steep climbs, maintaining impressive speeds even on double-digit gradients. During testing on a 15% grade, the bike climbed at over 11 mph while remaining quiet and composed.

The 504Wh removable Samsung-cell battery provides a usable but modest range depending on assist levels and terrain. Riders who stay in Eco or Tour can achieve over 30 miles of range, while heavy Boost-mode climbing will draw down the battery more quickly. It’s worth noting that the battery is not UL-certified, so riders in areas requiring UL-approved e-bike systems should be aware of this before buying.

Components

 

The TrailRush comes equipped with a solid set of components chosen to balance trail performance and cost. A RockShox Judy Silver TK air fork with 120mm of travel smooths out rough terrain and includes a lockout feature for more efficient climbing on pavement or fire roads. The Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain shifts reliably and provides enough gearing for varied terrain, although extremely steep trails may occasionally leave you wanting a slightly easier first gear. The Tektro Orion quad-piston hydraulic brakes are powerful and provide excellent modulation whether riding fast pavement descents or navigating technical dirt sections. Maxxis Minion 29×2.6 tires add stability, traction, and rollover capability and come tubeless-ready for riders who want to shed weight and reduce flat risk.

Quick Specs

  • 250w Motor

  • 504Wh Battery

  • Class 3

  • 10 speed

  • 29″ Wheels

  • $2095

Frame & Ride Quality

The alloy frame features clean welds, internal cable routing, and water bottle mounts, giving it a refined look while still feeling durable. There is no noticeable cable rattle despite the internal routing, which is nice since some can rattle and are distracting. The bike weighs about 58 pounds, but the weight is well balanced and contributes to stable handling, especially on descents. The TrailRush is available in medium and large sizes. At 5’8″, riding the large felt comfortable, but riders should still consult Ride1Up’s sizing guide to find the best fit.

On-Trail Performance

 

On the trail, the Trail Rush climbs exceptionally well. The combination of torque, quiet operation, and large 29 inch wheels help it maintain momentum and traction on steep or technical climbs. Descending feels predictable and controlled thanks to the fork, the tires, and the bike’s overall weight distribution. The hardtail design means it’s not built for aggressive downhill riding, but for cross-country trails, rolling singletrack, and mixed-surface loops, the TrailRush feels planted and enjoyable. The included dropper post adds confidence on descents by allowing quick changes in body position.

Everyday Use

 

While capable on trails, the TrailRush also works well as a daily rider for errands or commuting. The Class 3 top speed makes quick work of road sections, and the fork lockout helps improve efficiency on pavement. Steep neighborhood climbs become effortless, and the bike’s stability makes it comfortable for longer-distance rides around town.

Who It’s For

The TrailRush suits riders who want a true mid-drive EMTB without the usual high price tag. It’s a solid choice for those exploring cross-country trails, mixed terrain routes, or fitness rides, as well as riders who want a capable commuter with real climbing power. It’s not meant for hard-charging enduro or downhill terrain, but for most recreational trail riders, it offers more than enough performance.

Final Thoughts

 

The Ride1Up TrailRush brings an impressive mix of power, quality components, clean design, and ride stability at a very approachable price. The motor performance and handling exceed expectations. The components are well chosen, and the overall ride experience is engaging and fun. The battery could offer more capacity, the weight is noticeable at times, and UL-certification may be a concern in some areas, but these trade-offs come with a lower price tag. For riders seeking a reliable and capable hardtail EMTB without spending several thousand dollars more, the TrailRush is a good option for them.

Price: $2095
Sizes: Medium, Large
Weight: 58lbs
Website: www.Ride1Up.com