If you are looking at an affordable electric trike, the Retrospec Boca Rev has a lot to offer. At $1,599, this model boasts good performance and a dealership network, so you may even be able to see it before you buy. I personally like the classic look it offers. The matcha green colorway with paint-matched metal fenders is reminiscent of a vintage glade green Cadillac. It wasn’t long ago that finding electric trikes under $2,000 was tough, but thankfully, we’re seeing a lot more new models hit the market. In this review, we’ll dive into what makes the Boca Rev stand out compared to its rivals.
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How Does The Retrospec Boca Rev Stand Out?
The Retrospec Boca Rev distinguishes itself with several practical features designed for a comfortable and reliable riding experience. The fatter Chao Yang tires with knobby tread are versatile. They strike a good balance for riding on paved surfaces while also handling gravel and dirt paths with confidence. It has an impressive 500 lb carrying capacity which is well above its competition. And it doesn’t over-complicate the riding experience. The single-speed drivetrain and a straight-forward three-button controller make it very easy to just hop on and ride. Plus, its folding design is a great bonus, making storage and transport more convenient.
Frame, Fit, and Ride Comfort
The Boca Rev is designed with accessibility in mind with its low standover height. This makes it a good option for a wide range of riders. The overall construction feels solid, built to accommodate both the rider and a good amount of cargo. The “Super Comfort” saddle lives up to its name and has an adjustable backrest. Riders up to 350 lbs can ride this electric tricycle and the rear rack makes up the remaining 150 lbs of its total carrying capacity.
It also offers a more classic look when compared to competing models with appealing colors like Matcha Green, Matte Graphite. For Grateful Dead fans, there is a special edition for $150 more that’s green with the “Steal Your Face” skull printed on the backrest, the marching bears on the downtube, and the classic lightning bolts sprinkled around the frame. See our frame and sizing table below to see if it’s a good fit for you.
Retrospec Boca Rev Components
Retrospec Boca Rev’s components are chosen to provide a reliable and straightforward riding experience. The 500W rear hub motor on an open differential axle offers plenty of power and the 48V 10.4Ah battery offers a decent range for most daily uses. If you want all the details, see our specs table below.
Performance
The Boca Rev offers a stable ride, but it’s important to remember that trikes require a different riding approach than bicycles, especially for turns and inclines. This is especially important for delta-style e-trikes that don’t offer the same intuitive balance as a two-wheeled bike when navigating turns or uneven terrain.
Throttle Only Acceleration Test (0-14mph)
The 500W motor provides plenty of power for acceleration. During testing, the top speed achieved with throttle only hovered around 12.8 mph, which is a comfortable and safe speed for a delta-style trike but below the advertised 14 mph.
Pedal Assist Modes with Cruising Speeds
The Boca Rev comes with six pedal assist levels. I found sticking with levels 1, 3, and 6 sufficient for most riding, though some may enjoy the extra levels for fine-tuning your effort. The top speed with pedaling and throttle generally hovers around 13 mph, offering a steady and enjoyable cruising speed. The single-speed drivetrain is well-suited for lower speeds and efficient climbing. When riding at higher speeds, my legs were spinning a bit faster than I’d prefer and I didn’t feel like I was contributing much until I hit an incline.
Hill Climb Tests
Throttle Only Hill Climb Test
The motor delivers ample power for tackling moderate hills, making it capable of assisting you up inclines even without pedaling.
Pedal Assisted Hill Climb Test
When combining the motor’s power with your pedaling, the Boca Rev handles climbs effectively, striking a balance between offering a workout and easy climbing.
Comparison with the Lectric XP Trike
When evaluating the Retrospec Boca Rev against other popular options like the Lectric XP Trike, both offer distinct strengths. The XP Trike, priced at $1,499, was one of the first options we noticed under the $2,000 price point. Known for its compact, foldable design, strong performance, and larger 13Ah battery. It is able to hit its 14 mph max speed with ease, and is slightly faster than the Boca Rev’s 12.8 mph max we hit in our tests. It also boasts that modern, angular look I mentioned earlier.
Both trikes share reliable hydraulic disc brakes and convenient folding. The XP Trike’s 20″ x 2.6″ street tires favor pavement, while the Boca Rev’s fatter 20″ x 3″ knobby tires offer better grip. While both have comfort saddles with backrests, the Boca Rev’s “Super Comfort” saddle is slightly larger and, in my view, a touch more comfortable. The XP Trike has a 415 lb capacity, less than the Boca Rev’s 500 lbs.
Lectric operates as a direct-to-consumer brand, which means test rides aren’t typically available before purchase, though they are widely respected for their customer support. Retrospec’s dealer network offers the potential of the traditional “bike shop” experience with the potential for test rides and in-person support.
For a comprehensive look at the Lectric XP Trike, including its features and performance, you can read our full review here.
What to Expect from the Retrospec Buying Experience
One significant advantage of choosing the Retrospec Boca Rev is the company’s extensive network of nearly 500 US bike shops. This means you might have the opportunity to see the trike in person before buying, take it for a test ride, or even purchase it fully assembled, which can be a huge convenience. This level of local support and accessibility is often missing from direct-to-consumer models in this price bracket.
For those who opt for home delivery, assembly is generally straightforward. The trike comes with a multi-tool that covers most of the necessary adjustments. However, it’s a good idea to have a standard wrench on hand, particularly for securing the pedals and the front wheel, to ensure everything is tightened properly. While the folding design is a nice touch for transport, remember that trikes are inherently heavy, so moving it around still requires some effort.
Pros and Cons
Excellent
Our Thoughts
The Retrospec Boca Rev truly stands out as a solid choice for anyone seeking an affordable and dependable electric trike. It blends an appealing design with strong performance and quality components, making it a very competitive option in its price range. Its intuitive ease of use, stable, comfortable ride, and the significant added benefit of Retrospec’s wide-ranging dealer network all contribute to a genuinely positive ownership experience that sets it apart.
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