Though I’ve since gotten used to it, every time I ride the electric blue Joe Rev 2 electric BMX, people stare. Their heads turn as they drive past, eyes narrowed. “Is that an adult riding a BMX bike?” I imagine the thought process going. “Why is it so fast? Why is it so big?” These are valid questions, and they all have the same answer: Because it’s fun.

In fact, my entire family has taken turns riding this bike all over town for the past four weeks, testing it up and down hills, taking it on grocery runs, and even staying out riding until the battery drained. The verdict? The Joe Rev 2 may not be the smoothest ride, but for the price, it’s a unique and worthwhile option for basic cruising and casual riding.

All Eyes on Me

California-based Retrospec specializes in affordable outdoor toys; primarily paddleboards, longboards, bikes, and no-frills ebikes like the foldable Judd Rev 2, which WIRED contributing reviewer Michael Venutolo-Mantovani wrote “captures the vibe of being a 12-year-old kid and riding your bike more than anything I’ve ridden in some time.”