Why the new sub-$1K Ride1Up Portola electric bike will shake up the market
If you’re wondering what that rumble you just felt was, it’s a shockwave rippling through the e-bike market in the US after this morning’s launch of the Ride1Up Portola. The $995 e-bike could upend the race for top-value e-bikes thanks to its low price combined with impressive performance.
Ride1Up Portola to shake things up
San Diego-based Ride1Up is no stranger to launching value-priced electric bikes. The brand is known for crowd favorites in the commuter category and has even expanded into new territory from adventure bikes to mopeds.
But with the launch of the Ride1Up Portola today, the company’s first folding e-bike, we’re seeing a new level of bang-for-your-buck than we’ve ever witnessed from the brand before.
The electric folding bike ships as a 20 mph (32 km/h) Class 2 e-bike, but users can unlock Class 3 performance using the bike’s display to reach speeds up to 28 mph (45 km/h).
The low-step frame makes it easy to get on and off the 59 lb. (26.8 kg) bike, and the battery is removable from the top tube without folding the e-bike.
A 750W continuous-rated rear hub motor powers the Portola and comes wrapped in the rear 20″x3.0″ tire. Those 3.0″ tires cut a nice balance between fat tires for comfort and narrower tires for better handling.
For those that can resist the urge to throttle around all the time, a cadence sensor with 24 magnets pairs with an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain for respectable (at this price) yet basic pedal performance.
The low-tread tires are urban-optimized, meaning this is more of a commuter folding e-bike than an adventure bike, though light trail riding is still certainly reasonable. The inclusion of a built-in rear rack rated for 130 lb. (59 kg) of load as well as a fender package and front/rear LED lights help lend more credence to the commuter use.
A set of hydraulic disc brakes on 180 mm rotors provide powerful stopping force and an 80 mm front suspension fork helps soak up those bumps.
The stock 48V 10.4Ah battery offers 500 Wh of capacity for just $995, but there’s a larger 643 Wh battery version of the bike available for just $1,095, boosting range by nearly 30% for only $100 more. Though as if those prices weren’t good enough already, the company has a launch promotion today that drops the intro price to just $895 for the first 50 units.
Electrek’s Take
Let’s be honest about what this is: It’s obviously Ride1Up’s shot across the bow of Lectric eBikes, saying “We see your Lectric XP 3.0 and we raise you a Ride1Up Portola.”
On the one hand, the folks over in Phoenix probably aren’t too thrilled out it. But then again, Lectric’s game plan for years has basically been to look at what other e-bike companies are doing, and then simply build a lower cost version and do it better. So it’s not like they can really complain about healthy competition.
Whether or not this is better than the XP 3.0 is likely going to come down to a matter of opinion since a lot of the specs are quite similar between the two. While Lectric has a well-established reputation in the value folding e-bike space that Ride1Up can’t hope to match for years, the Portola itself looks like a strong competitor.
You don’t get Lectric’s slime tires, but you do get a battery that can be removed without folding. You don’t get Lectric’s super-comfy saddle, but you do get an arguably sexier frame (and more color options!). You don’t get as many accessories to choose from, but you get the long-range battery for $100 less than you’d pay for the long-range XP 3.0.
My big question is whether Ride1Up’s existing Passenger Package accessory will fit the bike. If so, that would add second-rider capabilities allowing you to take a friend or kid on back. The rack is only rated to 130 lb. (unlike the 150 lb that the current Passenger Kit can support on models like the Cafe Cruiser). But there do appear to be footpeg mounts on the Portola’s frame, so perhaps we’ll see Passenger Kit approval on the Portola, even if it comes with a 20 lb. lower weight rating than on other Ride1Up e-bikes that the Passenger Kit fits.
It’s hard to say that either the Portola or the XP 3.0 is that much better than the other at this point. In fact, they seem pretty darn evenly balanced, and I’m a firm believe that e-bikes need to be able to stand on their own. From what I can tell, Ride1Up has knocked it out of the park here with a value-based design that should excite both existing fans and newcomers to the brand alike. And that’s great news for anyone on the hunt for a value e-bike that can hit high speeds and offer great utility for under $1,000!
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Several well-known players in the US electric bicycle market have recently joined forces in creative ways. Electric Bike Company, known for its local manufacturing in Southern California, has just announced a major merger with Integral Electrics, an e-bike brand uniquely designing electric bicycles for women and other short statured riders.
Both Electric Bike Company and Integral Electrics have carved out interesting niches in the industry. EBC has become famous for its extremely customizable electric bicycles. Riders can choose everything from the specific paint color to the combination of components and even the material choices – locally manufactured wooden fenders, anyone?
With multiple assembly locations across Newport Beach in Southern California, the local production has allowed EBC to respond quickly to one-of-a-kind builds that are designed by customers on its website or in any of hundreds of dealer locations around the US. The extreme customization has lent itself well to a market where customers often want to create unique bikes that show off personality and character.
Integral Electrics has also found itself an underrepresented market, but this time with a focus on female riders. The brand focuses on making cycling more accessible, regardless of a rider’s gender, height, or cycling experience. The company’s e-bikes are built to fit a wider range of riders, carry multiple children, and make cycling easier for everyone.
The company’s founder and CEO Laura Belmar started Integral Electrics back in 2023 along with co-founder Paul Freedom, relying on her own experience struggling to find a cargo e-bike that she could comfortably ride with her children. A serial entrepreneur with successful ventures already under her belt, Belmar followed her instincts and tapped into that underserved market.
Now Integral Electrics and Electric Bike Company are merging under a single brand, with Integral Electric’s designs joining the EBC family. EBC has several famous models available, but the brand has long skewed more in the direction of cruisers and comfort bikes. The addition of Integral Electric’s cargo bikes and trikes will help further round out the diversity of models offered.
“Integral’s emphasis on female riders and on cargo e-bikes is a welcome addition to the EBC family,” said EBC founder and CEO Sean Lupton-Smith. “We want to stay on the cutting edge of where the e-bike market is headed, and Integral’s innovative approach helps push us forward.”
And with EBC’s local manufacturing, those bikes will be made closer to home than ever. “Building in the USA also has distinct safety advantages,” explained Belmar. “From my first visit to Electric Bike Company’s California factory, I have been indelibly impressed by the emphasis on quality and safety. Shipping bikes fully built and inspected is so much safer for customers. Electric Bike Company has already achieved one of our long-held aspirations. I’m honored to be part of this team.”
In a climate of tariff uncertainty, the ability to build and assemble bikes locally is becoming even more advantageous. “As tariffs, regulation and competition put pressure on the e-bike industry, Sean’s focus on customization and safety at Electric Bike Company was prescient,” added Freeman. “As we look around the industry, it’s clear that he has built a business that is well-positioned to meet this moment.”
As part of the merger, Belmar will assume the role of President and Chief Commercial Officer at EBC, and Integral Electrics’ Advisor Michael Edwards will join the EBC board.
The news of the merger follows quickly behind another major EBC partnership that saw Pedego ink a licensing deal with the brand to leverage EBC’s customization strengths to produce unique customer-designed Pedego e-bikes.
In addition to rolling out EBC’s Design Wall at many of Pedego’s stores, allowing customers to visually construct any e-bike combination right there in real-time on a large touchscreen, the partnership adds Pedego’s 150+ stores to EBC’s 250+ dealer network, giving customers access to one of the most extensive e-bike sales and service networks in the country.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Environment
Honda’s $99 Prologue EV lease offer is too good to be true, but it’s still a crazy deal right now
A nearly $50,000 electric SUV for just $99 a month? If that sounds too good to be true, it’s because it kind of is. One Honda dealer is promoting a Prologue lease offer for just $99 for 24 months, but you may have a hard time getting your hands on one.
Honda Prologue EV listed for lease at just $99 per month
Honda’s electric SUV is already one of the most popular EVs in the US. In December, it was the third top-selling electric vehicle trailing only the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.
Since the first models hit the streets last March, the Prologue climbed to become the seventh best-selling EV in 2024, beating out Chevy’s new Equinox EV and even the Rivian R1S.
Although Honda, like most, is offering generous discounts to clear inventory, one dealer is taking it to the extreme.
Buena Park Honda in California is promoting a Honda Prologue lease deal for just $99 for 24 months (plus taxes) with a $3,977 down payment. The crazy low offer is for the 2024 Prologue EX FWD with 10,000 miles a year, but there’s a catch.
For one, there’s only one model listed in its inventory, and it’s the Elite trim, listed at $51,850 (MSRP of $59,350 minus the $7,500 federal EV tax credit). You will also need a trade-in vehicle, including a 2014 or newer Honda or competitor brand.
A salesperson from the dealership told online auto research firm CarsDirect that the EX models are out of stock because they are “really hard to get your hands on.”
Also, if you factor in the down payment and $595 acquisition fee, the effective cost is $295 per month. That’s only slightly better than the official $239 for a 24-month lease offer Honda is promoting. With just $1,499 due at signing, the effective rate is $301 per month, or just $6 more.
| 2024 Honda Prologue trim | Starting Price (w/o $1,395 destination fee) |
Starting price after tax credit (w/o $1,395 destination fee) |
Starting price after tax credit (with $1,395 destination fee) |
EPA Range (miles) |
| EX (FWD) | $47,400 | $39,900 | $41,295 | 296 |
| EX (AWD) | $50,400 | $42,900 | $44,295 | 281 |
| Touring (FWD) | $51.700 | $44,200 | $45,595 | 296 |
| Touring (AWD) | $54,700 | $47,200 | $48,595 | 281 |
| Elite (AWD) | $57,900 | $50,400 | $51,795 | 273 |
Although this is offered in California and other CARB emissions states, the Prologue is on sale in different regions for just $209 for 24 months. With $2,699 due at signing, the effective rate is still just $321 per month.
Honda says the Prologue “delivers the same level of quality, reliability, and performance” you expect from the brand.
Based on GM’s Ultium platform, the electric SUV has an EPA-estimated range of up to 296 miles. Although it shares GM’s tech, Honda fine-tuned the Prologue with an added multi-link front and rear suspension to give it a more “sporty” drive.
The Prologue has more interior space, with 111.7 cu ft of passenger volume, than the Honda CR-V (106 cu ft). It also features an 11.3″ touch-screen infotainment system with built-in Google, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto support, something GM has moved away from.
Ready to find deals in your area? Although it may not be $99, these offers are hard to pass up for a nearly $50,000 electric SUV. Check out our link to find deals on the Honda Prologue near you today.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports11 months agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports3 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business2 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway
Comments