A reviewer enjoys the Roo Rev's quick, “peppy” throttle acceleration.
In testing, the bike overcomes a 0.5-mile, 8% climb at over 17mph, whether using throttle or max pedal assist.
One tester appreciates the fit adjustability thanks to the telescoping seatpost and BMX-style handlebars.
The bike includes fenders, automatic lights with brake activation at the rear, and front and rear turn signals.
Using max PAS, a 210lb tester gets 42.8 miles of range on a flat, paved route, outperforming similar short-tail cargo bikes.
The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes provide ample stopping power.
An expert says the bike strikes a good balance between stability and nimble handling.
The puncture-resistant CST 3" tires roll smoothly, according to a reviewer.
The Roo Rev has three mounting points on the frame and mounts for a front basket. The rear rack fits a Thule Yepp 2 maxi kids' seat.
The Roo Rev has an above-average payload capacity of 400lb.
The large color display is easy to read and includes a USB charging port.
The wide and low step-through frame makes mounting and dismounting easy.

6 reasons not to buy

The rear rack's 60lb capacity is below average for a cargo e-bike.
A tester reports the dual-legged kickstand scraping the ground in sharp turns.
An expert says the torque sensor feels unrefined and too punchy in the higher pedal assist levels.
The below-average 2A charger returns lengthy charging times.
A reviewer bemoans the cluttered cockpit and messy cable management.
Retrospec doesn’t provide geometry specifications for the Roo Rev.

Bottom line

Retrospec's Roo Rev is a short-tail cargo e-bike. The sole tester praises the strong motor performance, above-average range, reliable brakes, and ride comfort. The balanced handling also impresses. The main gripe is the inconsistent torque sensor, but the rear rack's meager capacity, lengthy charge times, and poorly positioned kickstand are worth considering. Despite these issues, this reviewer feels the Roo Rev hits a sweet spot between price and performance.