What is an electric beach cruiser bike?
An electric beach cruiser gives you the laid-back comfort of a beach cruiser with the power of an EBike. Like a regular cruiser, ours have wide, plush saddles, sweptback handlebars, wide tires, mechanical disc brakes, and a relaxed upright riding position. We add an electric motor, a thumb throttle, and pedal assist, so you can take on hills, ride up to 75 miles, and reach speeds up to 20 mph without breaking a sweat.
Are beach cruiser bikes electric?
Not all beach cruisers are electric, but we think the best ones are. Our
Chatham Rev+ 2 offers up to 75 miles of range per charge, four pedal assist levels, full throttle, and a 500W rear hub motor powered by a 48V/500Wh battery. It comes in a
step through frame too. We usually point folks toward an electric model for beach cruising because of the extra range and versatility, though we also make plenty of traditional
beach cruiser bikes if you would rather just pedal.
What are the benefits of electric beach cruiser bikes?
You get all the benefits of a regular EBike, including effortless riding that flattens hills and extended range for exploring, which is ideal for beach boardwalks and paved paths. On top of that you get the comfort-first design of a cruiser: a plush saddle, sweptback handlebars, comfortable grips, a relaxed riding posture, and wide tires that smooth out bumps.
What are the drawbacks of electric beach cruiser bikes?
Are electric beach cruiser bikes easy to ride?
An electric beach cruiser is the best pick for relaxed EBike rides near the beach. You get a smooth ride from wide tires and a comfort saddle, plus pedal assist that makes cruising the shoreline path effortless. The classic styling suits the coastal setting too. If you are shopping for the best electric bike for the beach, a beach cruiser EBike is the way to go.
Are electric beach cruiser bikes easy to ride?
Absolutely. Our motors deliver pedal assist in easy-to-select levels, so they suit riders of all fitness levels. Sweptback handlebars, an upright riding posture, and a wide, plush saddle make for a comfort-first ride, and a thumb throttle means you can ride without pedaling at all. Step through frames like the one on our
Chatham Rev+ 2 Step Through make hopping on and off simple. If you want extra stability, an
electric trike adds a third wheel, which is a great option for riders who are not comfortable balancing on two wheels.
Can you ride electric bikes at the beach?
Yes, and beach paths are exactly what our cruisers are built for. If you want to cruise paved beach paths, boardwalks, and coastal greenways, an electric beach cruiser is the answer. The motor lets you ride farther and longer while you enjoy the scenery and the sea breeze. For dirt, gravel, and other off-road terrain, look at an
electric fat tire bike instead, which has oversized knobby tires for traction on rough surfaces. Access rules vary by town, so check your local rules before you ride.
Where can I ride an electric beach cruiser bike?
Our electric beach cruisers are happiest on paved paths and greenways, bike lanes, and beach boardwalks. Wide tires, a cushy saddle, sweptback handlebars, and a comfort-first build make them best for relaxed riding. Just remember that being able to ride somewhere is not the same as being allowed to, so always check local rules and regulations before you head out.
How fast do electric beach cruiser bikes go?
Ours reach a top assisted speed of 20 mph. Both the
Chatham Rev 3 and the
Chatham Rev+ 2 get there with a thumb throttle or pedal assist, so you can keep it relaxed or move along comfortably on a bike path. The Rev+ 2 gives you four pedal assist levels to fine tune how much boost you get.
How far can an electric beach cruiser bike travel on a single charge?
Range depends on battery capacity and how you ride. Some brands top out at 20 or 30 miles, while our
Chatham Rev+ 2 travels up to 75 miles on a single charge and its 48V/500Wh battery charges on or off the bike. Our
Chatham Rev 3 covers up to 42 miles. Expect more miles when you pedal along and fewer on full throttle or hilly routes.
How long does it take to charge an electric beach cruiser battery?
About 4 to 6 hours for a full charge on ours. The
Chatham Rev 3 fully charges within 4 to 5 hours and the
Chatham Rev+ 2 within 5 to 6 hours. When you are storing the bike for a long stretch, keep the battery charged between 30 percent and 60 percent, since storing it fully depleted can shorten its lifespan.
What type of battery do electric beach cruiser bikes use?
Lithium-ion, because it is lightweight and long lasting. Our
Chatham Rev+ 2 uses a 48V/500Wh Li-ion battery built with LG 21700 cells, and it charges on or off the bike. The
Chatham Rev 3 uses a 36V Li-ion battery. Most importantly, our EBike batteries and complete electrical systems are certified to UL2271 and UL2849, so they have passed independent testing for electrical, mechanical, and environmental safety.
What size electric beach cruiser bike do I need?
Our step over Chatham has an 18 inch frame and a 32 inch standover height, which suits riders from about 5 feet 7 inches to 6 feet 4 inches. Our
step through Chatham has a 16.5 inch frame and a 24 inch standover height, which suits shorter riders from about 5 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 1 inch. Bikes are sized by inseam, and you want roughly an inch of clearance over the top tube when you stand over the bike. Every product page has a Sizing tab with the details.
Should I choose a step through or step over electric beach cruiser?
Choose a step through if you want the easiest possible mounting and dismounting, and a step over if you prefer the classic cruiser silhouette. We build both the
Chatham Rev 3 and the
Chatham Rev+ 2 in each frame style with identical motors, batteries, and components, so nothing changes but the way you get on. Step through frames also have a lower standover height, which suits shorter riders and frequent stops.
Do electric beach cruisers have gears?
Electric beach cruisers from a lot of brands skip gears, but ours have them. Every retrospec electric beach cruiser runs a Shimano 7-speed Mega-Range drivetrain to handle climbs, flats, and descents. That sits alongside the pedal assist levels you use to fine tune your power output, plus a thumb throttle for effortless riding.
Do electric beach cruisers have fenders?
Ours do. The
Chatham Rev+ 2 comes with full-wrap front and rear fenders, so spray from water and road grime stays off you when the pavement is wet. On the
Chatham Rev 3, fenders are one of the add-ons you can mount using the built-in mounting points, along with a rear rack and a basket.
Do electric beach cruisers have head and tail lights?
Not every electric beach cruiser has lights, but ours do. The
Chatham Rev+ 2 has an integrated 80 Lux headlight and an included taillight with a brake function, and the
Chatham Rev 3 has an integrated 40 Lux headlight and a battery-operated taillight. Both keep you visible in low light, so you can enjoy a shoreline sunset without racing the clock home.
How much does an electric beach cruiser bike cost?
Prices vary by features and battery capacity, and we work to keep ours affordable. Our
Chatham Rev 3 starts at $999.99 with a 350W motor and up to 42 miles of range. Our
Chatham Rev+ 2 is $1,499.99 and adds a 500W motor, a bigger 48V/500Wh battery, up to 75 miles of range, and four pedal assist levels. Both ship free, and you can pay over time with Affirm at checkout.
Are electric beach cruisers worth the price?
We think so. You are getting real range and power in a lightweight, streamlined bike that still gives you a workout whenever you want one. Between $999.99 and $1,499.99 you get a comfort-first cruiser with a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, Tektro mechanical disc brakes, integrated lights, UL2271 and UL2849 certification, and a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Are electric beach cruisers fun to ride?
Absolutely, and that is really the point. A cushioned saddle, wide 3 inch tires, and sweptback handlebars make for a relaxed, easy ride. Getting tired or heading into a hill? Pedal assist and full throttle let the motor do the work with a flick of your thumb, so the ride stays enjoyable from start to finish.
Are electric beach cruisers good for exercise?
Yes, because you decide how much work to do. Dial the pedal assist down and pedal more for a workout, or let the motor help when you are tired. Our
Chatham Rev+ 2 offers four pedal assist levels, so you can ride farther and more often, which is where the real fitness benefit comes from.
How much maintenance do electric beach cruisers require?
Not much. Regular checks on tires, brakes, and chain tension cover most of it. Keep the battery charged, and store the bike somewhere clean and dry, out of direct sunlight. Your owner's manual and our
Help Center walk through the details, and the
Chatham Rev 3 even includes an all-in-one tool for assembly and tune-ups on the go.
How do I protect an electric beach cruiser from salt air?
Salt air is part of the charm of coastal riding, and a short routine keeps it from becoming part of your bike. After rides near the coast, wipe the frame and components with a damp cloth, dry everything thoroughly, and store the bike indoors or under cover. Keep the chain and drivetrain lubricated, and never spray water directly at the battery or the electrical connections.
Do I need a license to operate an electric beach cruiser bike?
In the United States, electric bicycle regulations vary by state. In most states, including California, electric beach cruisers are classified as bicycles and need no special license. In a few states they are classified differently and can require registration, a license, or insurance. Check your state's EBike laws at
PeopleForBikes.org before you ride.
Are retrospec electric beach cruisers safety certified?
Yes. Both the
Chatham Rev 3 and the
Chatham Rev+ 2 are tested and certified to UL2271 and UL2849 standards for electric bicycles, which cover the battery and the complete electrical system. That means the battery, charger, and wiring have passed independent safety testing, so you can charge and ride with confidence.
Do retrospec electric beach cruisers come with a warranty?
Yes, every one of our electric beach cruisers comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Both Chatham models are covered and both ship free. You can see exactly what is covered and how claims work on our
warranty page, and registering your bike takes about two minutes and makes support smoother later.
Can I customize an electric beach cruiser bike?
You can. Both Chatham models come in several colorways across the step over and step through frames, so you can start with the look you want. From there, mounting points let you add a rear rack, a basket, fenders, and more from our
EBike parts and accessories collection, so you can set the bike up around the rides you actually take.
What is the best electric cruiser bike?
The best electric cruiser bike is the one that keeps you comfortable and upright while the motor handles the hard part. Our cruiser EBikes give you sweptback handlebars, a padded saddle, throttle and pedal assist, and up to 75 miles of range. Both the
Chatham Rev 3 and the
Chatham Rev+ 2 come in step through and step over frames, so there is a comfortable fit for beach days and everything in between.
What is the difference between an electric beach cruiser and an electric city bike?
An electric beach cruiser prioritizes relaxed comfort with sweptback handlebars, a plush saddle, and a laid back upright position. An
electric city bike has a sportier posture built for versatile urban riding. If your rides are mostly coastal paths, boardwalks, and easygoing neighborhood loops, the cruiser is your match. If you weave through city streets daily, go with a city bike.
When is a fat tire electric bike a better choice than a beach cruiser?
An
electric fat tire bike is the better choice when you ride on dirt, gravel, snow, or other loose off-road terrain. Oversized knobby tires give you traction where cruiser tires can slip. An electric beach cruiser is the better pick for pavement, boardwalks, and packed paths, where its comfort-first design shines and the smooth 3 inch tires roll fast.
Which bike won Best Electric Beach Cruiser in Electric Bike Report?
Electric Bike Report named our
Chatham Rev+ 2 Best Electric Beach Cruiser. Reviewers highlighted its relaxed upright geometry, cushy saddle, and sweptback handlebars, plus the balance of comfort and control from its 3 inch tires. The 500W rear hub motor and integrated 48V/500Wh battery deliver smooth power and up to 75 miles of range, which is what makes it so easy on a long boardwalk ride. The
step through frame earns the same praise.
How do I choose the best electric beach cruiser for my lifestyle?
Think about where and how far you ride. If you want upright comfort with enough power for hills and headwinds, look for a 500W motor, a long-range battery, and wide tires for stability, which is our
Chatham Rev+ 2 with up to 75 miles of range. If your rides are shorter and you want to spend less, our
Chatham Rev 3 covers up to 42 miles for $999.99. Then pick the frame style that suits how you like to hop on.
Is an electric beach cruiser good for light commuting?
It is. Our cruisers handle errands, short work commutes, and scenic rides comfortably, with pedal assist and throttle to control your effort and mechanical disc brakes for confident stopping. If you commute longer distances every day or want a sportier, more upright-to-forward riding position, our
electric commuter bikes and
electric city bikes are built specifically for that.
Where can I buy an electric beach cruiser bike?
You can buy directly from us online or through an authorized dealer. If you are torn between models, our
30 second EBike quiz narrows it down fast, and our
dealer locator finds a shop near you. Retailer inventory can differ from what is online, so contact your local dealer about in-store availability. Any model on our site can ship straight to your door.