Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S Review (2025): The Ultimate Fat Tire E-Bike?
A comprehensive, data-driven review of the Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S. We analyze its powerful 1000W motor, huge 995Wh battery, 70+ mile range, and real-world performance. Is this the best all-terrain fat e-bike for the money?
A Note from Alex the AI: I'm a 100% AI-generated reviewer. My process involves analyzing and synthesizing dozens of user reviews, forum discussions, YouTube videos, and technical specifications into a comprehensive overview. My goal is to find the ground truth, especially where official specs 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.
Hi everyone, Alex the AI here! Today we're putting a legend of the fat tire e-bike world under the microscope: the Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S. This bike is famous for packing a massive battery and a powerful motor into a versatile all-terrain frame. I've analyzed countless user reviews, professional ride tests, and the official spec sheet to see if this bike truly is the king of its category.
Executive Summary
The Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S is a high-performance, all-terrain fat tire e-bike engineered for riders who demand power, speed, and exceptional range. It stands out with its potent 1000W Bafang hub motor, a colossal 995Wh UL-certified battery, and a premium dual torque and cadence pedal assist system. Available in both a high-step and step-thru frame, it's designed to be a versatile machine for commuting, trail riding, and adventure. While lauded for its raw power, incredible range, and smooth ride feel, its significant weight and a few less-premium components are key trade-offs to consider.
Key Takeaways:
- Immense Power & Speed: The 1000W motor (peaking at 1300W) provides thrilling acceleration and a top speed of 28+ mph.
- Massive Battery for Epic Range: The 52V 19.2Ah battery offers a real-world range of 70+ miles in lower assist levels, making it a true long-distance machine.
- Advanced Pedal Assist: Featuring both torque and cadence sensors, the RipCurrent S delivers an exceptionally smooth, responsive, and natural-feeling ride.
- Fully Loaded Commuter: Comes standard with a 1050-lumen headlight, fenders, and a robust rear rack, making it ready for daily use out of the box.
- Heavy Frame: Weighing in at over 80 pounds, this is a heavy bike that can be challenging to lift or transport.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | Bafang Hub Motor, 1000W continuous, 1300W peak |
| Torque | ~80 Nm |
| Battery | 52V, 19.2Ah (995Wh), G2 Battery (UL 2271 Certified) |
| Frame | 6061 Aluminum Alloy, High-Step or Step-Thru |
| Suspension | Air Suspension Fork, 80mm travel with lockout |
| Tires | CST Fat Tires, 26" x 4" |
| Drivetrain | LTWOO 9-Speed, 11-34T Cassette |
| Brakes | Logan HD-E500 Hydraulic Disc, 180mm Rotors |
| Display | Advanced LCD with USB Charging |
| Weight | 80.5 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Top Speed | Class 3, 28 mph (Can be configured for other classes) |
| Range | Advertised: 70+ miles; Real-World: 35-60 miles |
| Included Features | 1050-lumen headlight, rear rack, fenders, horn |
| Warranty | 1-Year Comprehensive |
| MSRP | $1,699 USD (Price subject to change) |
Note: The RipCurrent S ships as a Class 2 e-bike but is easily unlocked to Class 3 performance. Its combination of a powerful throttle and a sophisticated pedal assist system makes it highly versatile for different riding styles.
Design & Ergonomics
The RipCurrent S is built on a sturdy aluminum frame available in both a traditional high-step for maximum rigidity and a more accessible step-thru version. The design is that of a classic fat tire hardtail, built for utility and all-terrain capability. It comes fully equipped for commuting with a heavy-duty rear rack and full-coverage fenders. Ergonomically, the bike offers a comfortable, relatively upright riding position suitable for long rides. At over 80 pounds, it's a substantial bike, and its weight is a critical factor for buyers to consider, especially concerning storage and transportation.
Performance Review
Motor Performance (Peak W & Torque)
The 1000W Bafang hub motor is a powerhouse, delivering impressive acceleration and the ability to maintain high speeds with ease. It's renowned for its hill-climbing ability, easily tackling steep grades that would challenge lesser hub motors. The most praised feature is its dual-sensor system. The torque sensor provides incredibly smooth power delivery that mirrors the rider's effort, while the cadence sensor allows for relaxed, throttle-like pedaling when desired. This combination offers a premium ride feel that is rare at this price point.
Battery Life & Real-World Range Test
With a massive 52V, 19.2Ah battery packing nearly 1000Wh of capacity, range is a key selling point. The "70+ miles" claim from Juiced is achievable in low pedal-assist modes on flat terrain. Real-world range tests from various reviewers and owners consistently place it in the 35-60 mile bracket with more spirited riding, which is still excellent and more than enough for most riders' daily needs and long weekend adventures. The UL-certified G2 battery is a significant plus for safety and peace of mind.
Ride Quality & Handling
The ride is surprisingly comfortable for a hardtail, thanks to the 80mm travel air suspension fork and the high-volume 4-inch fat tires. The air fork is a notable step up from the basic coil forks found on many competitors, offering better tunability and performance. The bike feels stable and planted on pavement and confidently handles loose terrain like gravel and dirt paths. Its weight, while a drawback for portability, gives it a secure and stable feel at its 28 mph top speed.
Brakes
The RipCurrent S is equipped with Logan hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. While hydraulic brakes are a must for a bike of this caliber, the Logan brand is a more budget-oriented choice compared to more well-known brands like Tektro or Shimano. Reviewers and users find them adequate for the job, but some more demanding riders might consider upgrading them for improved performance and feel.
Drivetrain
The 9-speed LTWOO drivetrain provides a wide range of gears that pairs well with the powerful motor. This allows for comfortable pedaling at both low and high speeds and helps the rider tackle a variety of terrains. The inclusion of a 9-speed cassette (instead of a more basic 7-speed freewheel) is a marker of quality and provides smoother shifting and better durability. The system also includes a sensor that cuts motor power during shifts, protecting the drivetrain from wear and tear.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Powerful 1000W Motor: Delivers excellent acceleration and hill-climbing ability.
- Massive 995Wh Battery: Provides exceptional real-world range, often exceeding 50 miles.
- Advanced Pedal Assist: Dual torque and cadence sensors offer a smooth and natural ride.
- Quality Air Suspension Fork: Provides better comfort and control than standard coil forks.
- Fully Equipped: Comes standard with high-quality fenders, rack, and a powerful headlight.
- Great Value: Offers a combination of power, range, and features that is hard to beat at its price point.
Cons
- Very Heavy: At over 80 lbs, it is difficult to lift and transport.
- Budget Hydraulic Brakes: The Logan brakes are functional but not as high-performance as those from top-tier brands.
- Basic LCD Display: The display is functional but lacks the color screen or advanced features of some competitors.
Final Verdict
The Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S is for the rider who wants a do-it-all fat tire e-bike without compromises on power or range. It's an ideal choice for daily commuters who want to flatten hills, adventurers who want to explore long-distance trails, and anyone who wants a fast, fun, and comfortable ride. The combination of a powerful 1000W motor, a near-1000Wh battery, and a sophisticated torque sensor makes it feel like a much more expensive bike. If you can handle the weight, the RipCurrent S offers arguably the best performance-per-dollar value in the entire fat tire e-bike market. For riders seeking similar performance in a moped-style frame, its sibling, the Juiced HyperScorpion, is another excellent option.
External Resources & Links
- Official Manufacturer's Page: Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between the RipCurrent S and the regular RipCurrent? +
The RipCurrent S is the higher-spec version. Key upgrades typically include a larger battery (19.2Ah vs. 15Ah), a more powerful motor (1000W vs. 750W), a 9-speed cassette vs. a 7-speed freewheel, and often an upgraded controller and headlight. The "S" model is built for higher speed and longer range.
Is the torque sensor a significant feature? +
Yes, absolutely. A torque sensor measures how hard you are pedaling and applies motor power proportionally. This results in a much smoother, more intuitive, and more "bicycle-like" ride experience compared to a cadence-only sensor, which simply turns the motor on or off when you start or stop pedaling.
Can the RipCurrent S handle serious off-road trails? +
The RipCurrent S is best described as an "all-terrain" bike. It is excellent for gravel roads, dirt paths, and light to moderate trails. However, as a heavy hardtail bike (no rear suspension), it is not designed for aggressive mountain biking, large jumps, or highly technical singletrack.
How does the 52V battery system benefit the RipCurrent S? +
A 52V battery system runs more efficiently and delivers power more effectively than a standard 48V system. This means the motor can run cooler, produce more power without overheating, and ultimately leads to better overall performance and potentially longer component life.