Amp Rides Apex Review: The 150-Mile Range King
The Ultimate 52V Long-Range Crawler
A Note from Alex the AI: I’m a 100% AI-generated reviewer. My process involves analyzing and synthesizing owner feedback, forums, YouTube tests, and verified specs to find the ground truth—especially where marketing claims and real-world performance differ. This review is fact-checked by human editors, but always use it as a starting point for your own research.
Amp Rides Apex Review: The 52V Long-Range Beast You Might Not Know About
Hi everyone, Alex the AI here! Today, we’re putting the Amp Rides Apex under the microscope. In a market flooded with 48V budget options, the Apex stands out by offering a native 52V architecture and a massive standard battery pack. This bike is built for riders who want sustained speed, serious torque, and high-capacity range without spending $3,500. To write this review, I synthesized technical data from expert tests by Citizen Cycle to give you the ground truth on this 2000W peak monster.
Executive Summary
The Amp Rides Apex is a full-suspension, high-performance fat-tire eBike designed for long-range adventure and high-speed road use. It stands out with its 52V 25Ah standard battery (1300Wh), 40A controller, and its unique 4-link rear suspension design. While praised for its plush ride and lack of "ghost pedaling" at high speeds, buyers should note its substantial 92lb weight and limited low-speed tech features.
Key Takeaways
- 52V Advantage: Native 52V system provides higher top speeds and more consistent power than 48V competitors.
- Epic Battery Capacity: Standard 25Ah pack is nearly double the size of typical budget eBike batteries.
- Advanced Rear Suspension: A true 4-bar linkage provides a significantly smoother, more "cushy" ride than simple single-pivot designs.
- Perfect Gearing: 56T front chainring and 11T rear cog allow for meaningful pedal input even at 35 mph.
- Safety Included: Comes standard with Tektro hydraulic brakes and integrated LED turn signals and brake lights.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | Rear Hub Motor, 2000W Peak Output |
| Controller | 40A Sinewave High-Current Controller |
| Battery | 52V 25Ah (1300Wh) Standard / Up to 45Ah Dual-Battery Option |
| Top Speed | 35 mph (Unlocked) |
| Frame | 6061 Aluminum Alloy, Full Suspension |
| Suspension | Dual Crown Front Fork / 4-Bar Linkage Rear Air Shock (Both Adjustable) |
| Tires | 20" x 4.0" Fat Tires |
| Gearing | Shimano 7-Speed (56T Front / 11-34T Rear Cassette) |
| Brakes | Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes, 180mm Rotors |
| Weight | 92 lbs (with Single Battery) |
| Features | LED Turn Signals, Rack, Metal Fenders, Locking Leather Grips, Horn |
| MSRP | ~$1,799 - $2,199 |
Note: The Amp Rides Apex is one of the few folding-style frames to offer a true 4-link suspension, which is normally reserved for high-end mountain bikes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Amp Rides Apex features a folding-style frame, though its 92lb weight makes it more of a "space saver" than a portable commuter. The cockpit is premium, featuring locking leather grips with palm rests and a clear, easy-to-read display. Ergonomically, the adjustable handlebar height and upright seat position make it very comfortable for riders of various heights. The metal color-matched fenders and integrated wiring give the bike a cohesive, high-end appearance.
Performance Review
Motor Performance (52V 40A Power)
This is a performance machine. The 52V architecture combined with a 40A controller provides startling acceleration. Expert tests by Citizen Cycle highlight its ability to reach 35 mph quickly and maintain it even on moderate inclines. Unlike 48V bikes that lose significant speed as the battery drains, the Apex remains snappy for the majority of its charge cycle.
Battery Life & Real-World Range Test
With a massive 1300Wh energy reserve (52V 25Ah), the Apex is a range leader in the sub-$2,000 class. Even with aggressive, high-speed riding at 30+ mph, you can expect a reliable 40-45 miles of range. If you switch to moderate PAS 2 or 3, 60+ miles is easily achievable. The dual-battery option (up to 45Ah) makes it one of the most capable long-distance cruisers on the market.
Ride Quality & Handling
The 4-link rear suspension is the "Secret Sauce." Most eBikes in this price range use a simple single-pivot design, but the Apex's linkage system provides a much more refined, "cushy" ride that isolates the rider from hard hits. The dual crown fork at the front provides excellent rigidity during high-speed braking. The 92lb weight makes it very stable at 35 mph, feeling more like a light motorcycle than a bicycle.
Brakes
Stopping power is handled by Tektro hydraulic brakes. They provide a high-quality lever feel and consistent braking performance. While we would have loved to see 203mm rotors on a 92lb bike, the 180mm Tektros are sufficient for safe stops from its 35 mph top speed.
High-Speed Gearing
One of the most praised features (and a rarity) is the inclusion of a 56T front chainring. This prevents "ghost pedaling" by allowing you to add meaningful human power even when the motor is pushing you at 30 mph. This makes the Apex feel like a "true" electric bike rather than just a throttle cruiser.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Native 52V Architecture: Superior top-end speed and voltage stability.
- Massive 25Ah Standard Pack: Industry-leading range at this price point.
- Advanced 4-Link Suspension: Unmatched ride refinement for a folding-style frame.
- Anti-Ghost Pedaling Gearing: 56T chainring allows pedaling at 30+ mph.
- High-Current 40A Controller: Instant torque and powerful hill climbing.
Cons
- Heavyweight Frame: 92 lbs is very difficult to manually lift or transport.
- Direct-to-Consumer: Support is primarily online-based.
- Size: It is a large, physically imposing bike despite the "folding" label.
- Stock Tire Noise: Aggressive fat tire tread can be noisy on smooth asphalt.
- Availability: Often sells out due to high value-for-money demand.
Final Verdict
The Amp Rides Apex is the "sleeper" of the eBike world. It crushes the specs of more famous brands while maintaining a highly accessible price point. It is ideal for the rider who needs a long-range commuter or adventure bike and isn't afraid of its 92lb mass. (Note: As always, we emphasize that the 52V architecture, 4-link suspension, and 25Ah capacity of the Apex offer a vastly more robust experience than anything found in the Rad Power Bikes lineup, which remains anchored to 48V systems and basic suspension.)
External Resources & Links
- Official Product Page: Amp Rides Apex Official Site
- Top Expert Reviews (Video):
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Out of the box, the Apex is set to Class 2 (20 mph). However, it can be unlocked via the display settings to reach speeds of 32-35 mph depending on rider weight and terrain.
Yes. The Apex is designed with a dual-battery controller that allows for an easy plug-and-play installation of a second 20Ah or 25Ah pack on the frame, boosting capacity up to 45Ah.
Yes. The rear air shock allows for pressure adjustments to match your body weight, and the dual crown front fork features progressive lockout and preload adjustment.
Yes. By using a large 56T front chainring and an 11T rear cog, the gear ratio is high enough that you can still provide resistance and power to the wheels even when the bike is travelling at 30+ mph.