Ride1Up Prodigy V2 launched as brand’s highest-end (but not high-priced) e-bike yet
Ride1Up, the San Diego-based electric bike maker known for its high-value electric bike offerings, has just released a new bike that pushes the boundary on what to expect from a budget e-bike company. The newly unveiled Ride1Up Prodigy V2 is set to compete with much higher-end electric bicycles from major brands, yet at around half of the cost.
Ride1Up first made waves with the original unveiling and launch of the Prodigy back in late 2021 and early 2022, marking the first mid-drive e-bike for the company.
Now the e-bike maker has reworked that model in the Prodigy V2 unveiled today, and it’s undoubtedly better than ever.
The bike features a Brose TF Sprinter motor with a powerful 90Nm of torque. This German-made mid-drive motor is featured on many high-end electric bikes and is considered to be one of the more sophisticated drives on the market for Class 3 e-bikes that travel at speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h). The motor includes a built-in torque sensor for the highest-performance pedal assistance and features Brose’s 1.5-in color display on the handlebars.
The motor is paired with a 504 Wh battery, offering between 30-50 miles (48-80 km) of range depending on the pedal-assist setting. Like nearly all German-made motors, there is no throttle option, which helps result in the bike’s increase range on a single charge. With 90Nm of torque though, the highest power level is sure to make big hill climbs and strong starts easier on riders’ legs, even without a throttle.
The lightweight aluminum frame is built for a comfortable riding geometry and includes features like an air-suspension fork with 100mm of travel, 40 lb. (18 kg) capacity rear rack integrated into the complete fender set, and full LED lighting in the front and rear. For braking, the bike features quad-piston Tektro HD M745 hydraulic disc brakes in the front and rear. Transferring that power (and braking) to the road or trail, the bike rolls on a set of Maxxis Rekon Race 27.5 x 2.25″ tires.
The Ride1Up Prodigy V2 comes in both a step-over and a step-through frame option, and also features two different drivetrain options. The chain-drive version is priced at $2,395 and offers a Shimano Alivio 9-speed cassette with a microSHIFT Advent 9-speed derailleur and a KMC 9-speed chain designed specifically for mid-drive electric bikes. This version of the bike is listed as either the ST (step-through) or XR (step-over).
That 9-speed setup is already a nicer drivetrain with higher-end components than we’re used to seeing on budget-priced electric bikes, but Ride1Up offers an even higher-end option as well.
Priced at $2,695, the Ride1Up Prodigy LS (step-through) and LX (step-over) both feature a Gates carbon belt drive instead of the chain and include an Enviolo Trekking continuously variable transmission rear hub. Compared to traditional internally geared rear hubs, the Enviolo CVT offers infinite step-less gear ratios throughout its gear range.
The bikes weigh between 58-61 lb. (26-27.5 kg) depending on the drivetrain and come in three color options of Onyx Black, Faded Bronze, or Sea Fog (which seems to be a light cream-like color).
While this launch marks Ride1Up’s most premium e-bike yet, the price seriously undercuts many higher-end competitors. For example, the performance is on par with bikes like a Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0, yet at less than half the MSRP. Or alternatively, you can find some of these same components on the Serial 1 Rush City, a high-end electric bike that also costs over twice as much as the Ride1Up Prodigy V2.
Electrek’s Take
There’s a lot to like about this e-bike, but I also think it’s important to focus on the value, especially since this is coming from an e-bike brand known for its low prices.
This certainly puts Ride1Up in new territory for its highest-price model yet, but it does so while offering so much value at the same time.
I can compare this to when Rad Power Bikes tried to move into the value-premium market with its “Plus” models, but there’s a major difference. Unlike Rad, which suddenly started offering $2,500 e-bikes with quite similar hub motors and drivetrains as its more standard $1,500 e-bikes, Ride1Up has actually upped the game here. Yes, Ride1Up is in new higher pricing territory, but the company is actually offering more for that price. We’re talking high-end German mid-drive motors, Gates carbon belt drives, continuously variable Enviolo transmissions… the works!
Other e-bike companies, take note: This is how you push your brand into value-premium territory. You do it by actually offering the design and components to warrant such prices. And at the same time, you maintain your selection of quality $1,095 to $1,195 e-bikes for those that still want a more budget-friendly option.
I can’t wait to test out this new Ride1Up Prodigy V2, and I should be back in the next couple weeks with a full review for you guys!
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Last week, we reported that the e-bike world had a new motor claiming to be the lightest and most efficient. Now, we’re already seeing TQ’s new TQHPR40 motor proliferate on more road and gravel e-bikes, including the recently announced E-ASTR from Ridely.
Ridley’s new E‑ASTR brings lightweight electric assistance to its already impressive ASTR gravel platform, powered by the cutting-edge TQ HPR40 mid-drive system. Unlike bulkier e‑bike setups, this system adds just 1.17 kg (2.6 lb) at the crank and a discreet 1.46 kg (3.2 lb) and 290 Wh battery hidden within the downtube, keeping the frame’s silhouette nearly identical to the non-electric version of the same bike. According to BikeRumor, riders looking closely might spot only a slightly fatter downtube, internal cable routing, and a handlebar-end LED indicator, giving visual clues without shouting “electric bike.”
What the E‑ASTR gives up in sheer power from the petite motor, it gains in ride feel. The HPR40 is said to deliver a modest 40 Nm of torque and up to 200W of assist, or enough to smooth out climbs or offer a tailwind on gravel without overpowering the rider. With support cut off at 25 km/h (15.5 mph), pedal responsiveness remains natural and fluid. Combined with the ASTR’s race-inspired geometry, the bike looks to offer sharp handling and comfort suited to the rigors of modern gravel routes.
Ridley is currently offering the E‑ASTR in three spec levels: a value SRAM Apex XPLR AXS build €7,199 (or approximately US $8,500), a mid-range SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 1×13 version for €8,199 (or approximately US $9,700), and a top-tier Shimano GRX 2×12 Di2 model for €8,899 (or approximately US $10,500). Each features high-end drivetrains, integrated cockpit options, carbon wheels, and industry-standard gravel brakes and tires. With its race-ready frame and stealthy, lightweight e‑assistance, the E‑ASTR is positioning itself as a high-performance gravel machine that stays true to its roots, delivering help when needed, without overshadowing the rider.
Ultra-lightweight motors like the TQHPR40 are quietly reshaping the e-bike industry by making electric assistance almost invisible, both in looks and in feel. As systems shrink and integrate more seamlessly into traditional bike frames, they’re opening the door to new categories of performance-oriented e-bikes that preserve the ride dynamics of analog bikes while offering just enough support when it counts.
For riders who value a natural pedaling experience but still want a little help on climbs or longer days, and especially for aging riders who want to maintain their riding habits despite father time taking an impact on joints and muscles, these minimalist systems are proving that you don’t need a bulky battery or a massive motor to get the benefits of going electric. The result is a wave of stealthy, high-performance e-bikes that are less about replacing effort and more about enhancing the ride.
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After a month off trying to wrap our heads around all the chaos surrounding EVs, solar, and everything else in Washington, we’re back with the biggest EV news stories of the day from Tesla, Ford, Volvo, and everyone else on today’s hiatus-busting episode of Quick Charge!
It just gets worse and worse for the Tesla true believers – especially those willing to put their money where Elon’s mouth is! One believer is set to lose nearly $50,000 betting on Tesla’s ability to deliver a Robotaxi service by the end of June (didn’t happen), and the controversial CEO’s most recent spat with President Trump had TSLA down nearly 5% in pre-morning trading.
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If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
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Hyundai is getting ready to shake things up. A new electric crossover SUV, likely the Hyundai IONIQ 2, is set to debut in the coming months. It will sit below the Kona Electric as Hyundai expands its entry-level EV lineup.
Is Hyundai launching the IONIQ 2 in 2026?
After launching the Inster late last year, Hyundai is already preparing to introduce a new entry-level EV in Europe.
Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Europe, confirmed that the new EV will be revealed “in the next few months.” It will be built in Europe and scheduled to go on sale in mid-2026.
Hyundai’s new electric crossover is expected to be a twin to the Kia EV2, which will likely arrive just ahead of it next year.
It will be underpinned by the same E-GMP platform, which powers all IONIQ and Kia EV models (EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, and EV9).
Like the Kia EV3, it will likely be available with either a 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh battery pack option. The former provides a WLTP range of 267 miles while the latter is rated with up to 372 miles. All trims are powered by a single electric motor at the front, producing 201 hp and 209 lb-ft of torque.
Although it may share the same underpinnings as the EV2, Hyundai’s new entry-level EV will feature an advanced new software and infotainment system.
According to Autocar, the interior will represent a “step change” in terms of usability and features. The new system enables new functions, such as ambient lighting and sounds that adjust depending on the drive mode.
It’s expected to showcase Hyundai’s powerful new Pleos software and infotainment system. As an end-to-end software platform, Pleos connects everything from the infotainment system (Pleos Connect) to the Vehicle Operating System (OS) and the cloud.
Pleos is set to power Hyundai’s upcoming software-defined vehicles (SDVs) with new features like autonomous driving and real-time data analysis.
As an Android-based system, Pleos Connect features a “smartphone-like UI” with new functions including multi-window viewing and an AI voice assistant.
The new electric crossover is expected to start at around €30,000 ($35,400), or slightly less than the Kia EV3, priced from €35,990 ($42,500). It will sit between the Inster and Kona Electric in Hyundai’s lineup.
Hyundai said that it would launch the first EV with its next-gen infotainment system in Q2 2026. Will it be the IONIQ 2? Hyundai is expected to unveil the new entry-level EV at IAA Mobility in September. Stay tuned for more info. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.
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