The Creator™ is the latest all-electric Type C offering from RIDE, a manufacturer which prides itself on combining commercial transit-grade durability with school bus-specific design. Positioned between the compact Achiever Type A and the larger Dreamer Type D, the Creator fills a crucial gap in the market for districts that require full-size capacity with medium-range daily demands. It is a purpose-built zero-emission bus with performance, features, and cost-savings engineered specifically for the K-12 transportation space.
With seating for up to 77 passengers and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 37,500 pounds, the Creator meets the core service needs of most American school districts. Under the floor, two lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) blade battery configurations are available: a 188 kWh base pack or an extended-range 282 kWh version. The larger option yields an EPA-estimated 170-mile range on a single charge, which places the Creator firmly within reach of most typical school routes, according to RIDE’s internal route modeling.
Powering the Creator
Both battery configurations are compatible with 60 kW DC fast charging and 19.2 kW AC Level 2 charging. The bus can recover a full charge in as little as 2.5 hours on DC or overnight with AC. RIDE backs the Creator with a 12-year battery warranty, underscoring the manufacturer’s confidence in the platform’s longevity.
The Creator’s powertrain features an integrated e-axle. The drivetrain responds with smooth, instantaneous torque delivery and quiet operation, which not only improves ride quality but also promotes better communication and focus inside the bus.
Braking is enhanced with three-stage regenerative braking. This allows drivers to tailor their deceleration while also returning energy to the battery. The regen braking system is calibrated to optimize energy recovery without compromising passenger comfort. Additionally, the bus features hill-hold assist as standard, ensuring rollback protection on steep grades and increasing driver confidence during starts and stops.
Driver-Focused
Inside, the Creator is designed to prioritize comfort, safety, and electric-vehicle simplicity. During the Road Test, our driver praised the ease of maneuvering and the comfortable ride, noting that the quiet operation made it easy to communicate with passengers seated at the rear. The driver compartment includes a digital instrument display and rearview camera monitor that assisted throughout the drive.
The cabin features a flat floor which facilitates easier mobility for students and staff. The flat floor and absence of wheel-well intrusions contributed to smooth boarding and interior movement during our test ride.
HVAC operation draws power from the high-voltage battery system. During the Road Test, the fully electric air conditioning system performed reliably, with the drive confirming modest energy draw and the potential for regenerative braking to help offset HVAC-related losses on long routes. RIDE estimates operational savings of up to 65 percent compared to diesel, based on energy costs, maintenance, and brake wear alone.
Test Driving the Creator
To evaluate the Creator in a real-world setting, School BUSRide conducted a (roughly) 110-mile round-trip test drive beginning and ending at RIDE’s Lancaster, California production facility. The route included both urban and rural road segments, steep highway grades, desert winds, and a scenic climb through the historic Tehachapi Loop. Behind the wheel was Lenard Edwards, State Certified Driver Trainer Supervisor for the Antelope Valley Schools Transportation Agency (AVSTA), one of the first agencies in California to adopt RIDE buses in regular service.
Edwards is no stranger to electric buses.
“We’ve got twenty RIDE buses,” he noted early in the drive, “but this was my first time behind the Creator.”
As the vehicle pulled out from the RIDE test yard, he immediately noted the difference in turn radius and control. “Because the wheelbase is shorter, maneuvers are a lot easier in this space.”
As we merged onto California State Route 14 and gained speed, the Creator cruised easily at 62 mph. Wind and road noise were notably absent.
“The ride is really quiet. That’s one of the first things I noticed,” Edwards said, adding that he didn’t need to raise his voice to talk to staff seated in the rear of the cabin.
The toughest part of the route was the climb to Tehachapi, which includes a continuous uphill stretch. The Creator maintained steady performance throughout, and its battery state of charge dropped predictably, aligning with RIDE’s published metrics. Edwards deployed the regenerative braking system on the descent and was pleased with its effectiveness. “I’m expanding to all three regen stages,” he noted. “You can feel the difference on each.”
At the famous Tehachapi Loop, the Creator navigated the gravel shoulder and dirt turnout without scraping or dragging. “Do you ever see dirt roads on your routes?” a RIDE staffer asked. “Oh, absolutely,” Edwards replied. “I didn’t get her too dirty., though”
Later in Tehachapi town, we tested the Creator’s hill-hold feature at an uphill stop sign. Edwards released the brake with confidence and accelerated forward with no rollback. A simulated school drop-off and alley reversal further demonstrated the bus’s agility. “The hill-start assist takes a lot of stress off newer drivers,” Edwards added.
Throughout the return trip to Lancaster, we continued to monitor power usage, regenerative braking, and driver fatigue. Cabin temperature remained cool under full HVAC operation, and range estimates proved accurate. Edwards noted that AC usage typically reduces range by 5–10 percent, but “you can get some of that back if you know how to drive it,” he said. “Every time you take your foot off the accelerator, it’s going back into the battery.”
As a final point of evaluation, we asked Edwards how the Creator compares to other electric and diesel models in the AVSTA fleet. “For most of our daily routes, I’d say this bus could do 80 to 85 percent of the work,” he responded. “We’ll keep a few diesel coaches for long athletic trips, but the Creator is ideal for everything else.”
He also commented on the shift in driver perception as AVSTA has added electric buses.
“There was a little push-back in the beginning with electric, but as soon as they get into one, they love it,” he said. “They don’t want to go back to the old ones.”
With many school districts navigating tight budgets, zero-emission mandates, and evolving student needs, the Creator presents a compelling solution.
“I’d take this bus on an all-day run tomorrow,” Edwards said as we pulled back into the Lancaster plant.