Lectric XP 3.0 vs. Ride1Up Portola – battle of the leading budget e-bikes
There are plenty of low-cost electric bikes out there, but the lowest-priced options can sometimes be more trouble than they’re worth. Two main sub-$1,000 folding electric bikes have risen to the top of the bang-for-your-buck list, the Lectric XP 3.0 and the Ride1Up Portola.
So which one is right for you?
Lectric XP 3.0 Vs Ride1Up Portola – How did we get here?
The Lectric XP 3.0, as the name suggests, is the third iteration of what has become the best-selling electric bike in North America. The $999 e-bike may not be a masterclass in sexy design, but it sure does manage to jam-pack performance into a low-cost ride. And with a large headquarters in Phoenix, AZ, Lectric Ebikes has proven that a strong support team is just as important as a low price tag.
Ride1Up, another leader in value-oriented electric bikes, got its start shortly before Lectric Ebikes with a wide range of commuter-focused models. The company has recently expanded into new bike styles but is a relative newcomer to the folding e-bike space after launching the Ride1Up Portola earlier this week. The Portola is widely seen as an attempt by Ride1Up to target that lucrative folding fat-tire e-bike slice of of the mobility pie that Lectric has dominating for years.
The two bikes are actually quite similar, so let’s dive in and see how we can differentiate them.
Lectric Ebikes vs. Ride1Up: Price
The Lectric XP 3.0 has long been priced at $999, helping keep it on just about every “best e-bike under $1,000” list out there.
The Ride1Up Portola recently debuted with an MSRP of $995, which makes the difference in price largely meaningless unless you were really hoping to spend your last four dollars on some cool beads for your bicycles spokes.
As part of this week’s launch though, the Ride1Up Portola is actually on sale for $895 though, meaning you’ll save an extra $100 if you decide to buy one by… today. For anyone reading this in the future, we’re probably back to that four-dollar price difference.
Speed and power
Both the Lectric XP 3.0 and the Ride1Up Portola ship as Class 2 electric bikes, meaning they’ll hit 20 mph (32 km/h) out of the box on throttle-only acceleration. They can also both be unlocked via the bike’s display to Class 3 speed, meaning you can use pedal assist to reach a maximum of 28 mph (45 km/h).
The power levels are slightly different though. Lectric claims a 500W continuous power motor with 1,000W of peak power and 55 Nm of torque. The Portola gets a more powerful 750W continuous power motor and 65 Nm of torque (the peak power spec isn’t published).
That means that all else being equal, the Portola is likely to accelerate a bit more quickly and climb hills faster, even if the flat ground top speeds of the two bikes are largely similar. Those that live in hillier areas are more likely to feel that difference, while those that live in flatter areas won’t feel the contrast as significantly.
Battery capacity and range
Advertised range is a highly suspect figure in the e-bike world because it can be affected by everything from tire to pressure to terrain to how much you ate for lunch. The exact same e-bike can get 20 miles or 50 miles of range when switching from power-sipping pedal assist to feet-dragging throttle. That means the best way to compare two similarly sized and relatively similarly powerful bikes is by the battery capacity.
The base battery on the Lectric XP 3.0 and Ride1Up Portola are actually the same capacity. Both are rated at 48V 10.4Ah for 500 Wh of capacity.
Both bikes also come with a larger battery option though, with the Lectric’s measuring in at 48V 14Ah for 672 Wh of capacity and the Ride1Up Portola’s packing slightly less at 48V 13.4Ah for 643 Wh of capacity. Those are quite close, but Lectric takes the cake there.
Consider though that the long-range battery option is only a $100 upgrade from Ride1Up but costs an extra $200 at Lectric, so the slightly smaller battery is technically also slightly more cost effective.
Bike components
When it comes to the drivetrain and other bike components, there are several similarities but also a number of key differences.
Both bikes feature hydraulic disc brakes on 180 mm disc rotors. They both feature 20″ x 3″ tires as a nice compromise between comfort and agility. They both feature front and rear LED lights. They both feature simplistic black-and-white LCD displays.
From here, thing start to differ. While both bikes have frame-integrated rear racks, Lectric’s comes with a higher weight rating of 150 pounds vs. the lower weight rating of 130 pounds for the Portola. On the other hand, both bikes have front suspension, but the Portola has 80 mm of travel while the Lectric XP 3.0 has just 50 mm of travel.
The Portola has slightly nicer fenders with adjustable arms for getting the perfect tire spacing (though I tend to just grab the Lectric’s arms and pull on them to bend them and adjust my spacing that way). The Portola also has an 8-speed drivetrain compared to Lectric’s 7-speed, and it powers a slightly higher-quality Shimano Altus derailleur compared to Lectric’s cheaper Tourney derailleur.
Speaking of component quality, this is probably a good time to point out that Ride1Up’s Reention FR-5 battery is also considered to be higher quality than Lectric’s more affordable DCH-006 battery. Neither come with UL-certification at the moment, but both companies are expected to such certification at some point in the future.
Both bikes appear to use current-controlled pedal assist systems (PAS), which is a more refined way to implement a cadence sensor and get faux-torque sensor performance. However, the Ride1Up Portola seems to have a finer degree of adjustability built into the PAS sensor to achieve more precise starts with less lag, down to as little as 10% of a pedal turn. There are also individually programmable PAS levels so riders can fine-tune their PAS to their liking.
Ride1Up Portola vs. Lectric XP 3.0: Convenience
Convenience is very much subjective, but there are a few important differences between these two bikes that play a big role in convenience.
For starters, the Ride1Up Portola has a battery that is removable without folding the bike, while the XP 3.0 requires the bike to be folded while the battery is removed. When it comes time for folding and lifting, the 59 lb. Portola is slightly lighter than the 64 lb. XP 3.0.
For everyday use, the Portola thus is likely slightly more convenient, though the XP 3.0 wins on the first day due to its easier assembly right out of the box. In fact, there’s no assembly required since the Lectric XP 3.0 only needs to be taken out of the box and unfolded to be ready to ride. The Portola arrives “95% assembled,” which basically means just bolting on the handlebars. That’s relatively easy (and there’s an instructional video), but it might still be intimidating to someone who has never worked on a bike before, and it is important that it is done correctly so the bike is safe to steer and ride.
Design
Design and aesthetics can be subjective, so this section will be partly based on opinion.
Personally, I find the Ride1Up’s frame design to be sleeker and more attractive than the XP 3.0’s boxier-style frame. I also like the wider range of color choices from Ride1Up.
Lectric gives riders the choice of either a step-over or step-thru frame, while the Portola is available in only a step-thru frame. They both have a nice grab handle in the middle of the frame for lifting, so they both get points there.
The wires are run externally on the XP 3.0, which can be a positive for accessibility in the event of repairs or upgrade work, but also doesn’t look as nice as the internally routed hidden wires on the Portola.
The chrome suspension stanchions and silver fender arms on the XP 3.0 will appeal to anyone who prefers a flashier look, while the Portola’s blacked-out stanchions and fender arms offer a more muted look that blends into the bike.
Accessory lineup
The Lectric XP 3.0 is the clear winner when it comes to the breadth of the accessories offered.
Both bikes come with similar main accessories, such as passenger packages that add a rear bench seat with foot pegs, comfort packages with nicer saddles, cargo rack and basket options, phone mounts, and panniers for carrying groceries. But Lectric has many more additional options available, likely due to holding a several-year head start in the folding fat-tire e-bike space.
Lectric also has more niche offerings such as utility trailers, pet carriers, food delivery bags, and more.
What’s the verdict?
Ultimately, both of these are very nice options with incredible bang-for-your-buck value in the sub-$1,000 space.
I’d consider the Ride1Up Portola to be slightly more refined and with slightly better components, but I can’t count out the Lectric XP 3.0’s larger battery option and fully-assembled shipping, not to mention years’ worth of customer documentation for mods, upgrades, and other content already available in online communities. As a new model, it will take the Portola time to rack up that level of online documentation from a broad rider base.
Ultimately though, both models are strikingly similar in terms of actual specs and real-world performance. So the best decision is likely to go with the one that simply tickles your fancy more.
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Honda’s electric SUV was the third most popular EV in the US in August, behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. Offering over $12,000 in average incentives, the Honda Prologue scored big as buyers rushed to claim the federal EV tax credit.
Honda Prologue registrations surge with huge incentives
As the $7,500 credit expired at the end of September, automakers were offering pretty notable discounts, many in the five digits with combined incentives.
The Honda Prologue has been one of the most discounted EVs over the past few months. Last month, buyers could score up to over $20,000 in combined savings, including a $7,500 credit, $9,500 in financing bonuses, trade-in offers, and 0% interest for six years.
According to the latest registration data from S&P Global Mobility (via Automotive News), the incentives helped propel the Honda Prologue to become the third most popular EV in August.
A total of 138,457 EVs were registered in the US in August, up 24% from a year ago. Honda Prologue registrations surged 81% to 9,005 vehicles, the data showed.
Since some automakers don’t report monthly or US sales numbers, the S&P Global Mobility data offers a snapshot of sales performance.
The Prologue was yet again one of the most discounted models, with incentives of $12,704 in August, according to Motor Intelligence. Last August, Prologue incentives were just $5,813. Honda’s gas-powered CR-V had just $2,016 in incentives in August.
Although the $7,500 credit expired on September 30, Honda is still offering generous incentives for Prologue buyers and lessees.
The 2025 Honda Prologue is available with up to $16,550 in lease cash in most states. Alternatively, Honda is offering 0% APR financing for up to 60 months.
2025 Honda Prologue trim |
Starting Price* | EPA Range (miles) |
| EX (FWD) | $47,400 | 308 |
| EX (AWD) | $50,400 | 294 |
| Touring (FWD) | $51.700 | 308 |
| Touring (AWD) | $54,700 | 294 |
| Elite (AWD) | $57,900 | 283 |
Although the Acura ZDX will not return for a 2026 model year, Honda is planning to launch the 2026 Prologue. We have yet to learn prices, but we could see it priced slightly lower due to the loss of the $7,500 EV credit.
Hyundai announced earlier this month it’s reducing 2026 IONIQ 5 prices by up to nearly $10,000 on some trims. The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 now starts at under $35,000. Will Honda match it?
Want to check out the Prologue for yourself? You can use our link to find available Honda Prologue models in your area (trusted affiliate link).
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XCharge North America (NA) has opened Oregon’s first solar + storage DC fast charging station at Arrowhead Travel Plaza in Pendleton, part of the Wildhorse Resort & Casino complex owned by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
NetZero Energy helped bring the project to life, handling system design and project management. The solar canopy provides renewable power to the chargers, while the integrated batteries make the site more resilient and capable of off-grid operation during outages.
The new station integrates four dual-dispenser 215kWh GridLink chargers with 40kW of solar that can output up to 194kW per unit, allowing drivers to charge quickly with CCS1 or NACS plugs while reducing strain on the grid. The site’s location on Interstate 84 is key because Arrowhead serves more than 1.7 million vehicles a year. Many drive the steep, rough weather-prone Cabbage Hill grade, where a full charge is essential for safety.
“We partnered with XCharge NA because they provide a grid-friendly charging solution with battery storage that seamlessly integrates with a custom solar canopy – a perfect fit for our climate,” said Tom Fine, general manager of Arrowhead Travel Plaza.
Each GridLink charger includes bidirectional capability, meaning it can send power back to the grid or function off-grid in the event of an emergency. It also has a built-in safety system that monitors battery packs with multiple sensors and fire suppression technology.
With this project, XCharge North America now operates in 18 states. Cofounder and president Aatish Patel called Oregon’s first solar-supplemented DC fast-charging site a milestone: “Our Arrowhead Travel Plaza installation goes beyond simply delivering ultra-fast charging – it’s a powerful demonstration of how integrating our GridLink technology with solar power can offset grid demand, enhance a charging site’s resilience and flexibility, and even bolster the region’s energy architecture.”
Read more: XCharge NA is now leasing DC fast chargers to small businesses
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. 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.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to
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Environment
Bluetti launches Pioneer Na(Sodium) station starting from exclusive $735, save $1,116 on Tenways AGO X e-bike gear + battery bundle, more
Today’s Green Deals is the third in a row that is headlining a new power station release, with Bluetti launching its new Pioneer Na(Sodium) Portable Power Station and bundles with exclusive savings for our readers starting from $735. From there, we have the massive $1,116 savings on Tenways’ AGO X All-Terrain Mid-Drive e-bike that comes with $307 in FREE add-on gear alongside a FREE Power Bank (extra 180Wh battery) for $1,999. There’s also BougeRV’s e-bike Rack Hitch for all vehicles hitting a new $350 low, Greenworks Gen 2 electric pressure washers, and our favorite ongoing Prime Day Sales (half of which are ending tonight) – plus, many more available to browse in our Post-Prime Day Green Deals hub here. And don’t forget about the hangover deals that are collected together at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s $1,000 super-early bird savings on EcoFlow’s upcoming DELTA Pro Ultra X power station, the new low price on Heybike’s Hero Carbon-Fiber All-Terrain e-bike, and more.
Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.
Bluetti launches new Pioneer Na(Sodium) portable power station with exclusive savings starting from $735
Bluetti has launched its newest backup power solution, and we’ve secured some exclusive savings for our readers on it and its bundle options. You can now pick up Bluetti’s Pioneer Na(Sodium) Portable Power Station at $735.08 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS8OFF at checkout for an additional 8% savings. It’ll normally go for $1,299 at full price once these initial launch savings end, with the discount today starting things at $799, while our readers score a bonus $64 price cut further. All-in-all, that’s a combined 43% markdown that cuts a total of $564 off the tag and sets the bar for future discounts down the road.
The standout feature of Bluetti’s new Pioneer Na(Sodium) portable power station, as the name might hint to you, is its cold-proof construction and sodium-ion battery cells, which make it ideal for trips and/or emergencies during severe cold weather as low as -13 degrees. It’s also even more eco-friendly than typical power station designs, utilizing sustainable sodium over rare metals like lithium and cobalt. Great for ice fishing trips, snow camping, or blackouts in winter, this model brings along a 900Wh capacity that provides up to 1,500W of steady power for daily essentials, while surging up to 2,250W for high-demand appliances.
The Bluetti Pioneer Na portable power station is built to last for 4,000+ charge cycles, with the brand rating it for a 10-year lifespan – plus, it even boasts ultra-low standby consumption of 1.5W, meaning it’ll always be ready to assist you with portable power regardless of it sitting idle for months. It sports five primary recharging methods, with a typical AC outlet putting it back to 80% in 45 minutes or to full in 65 minutes. Of course, there’s a 500W max solar input, which can also be used simultaneously with an AC outlet to cut down times to 35 minutes (80% battery) or 52 minutes (100% battery). There’s also the options to plug into your car’s auxiliary port, or you can get faster on-the-go charging from the brand’s 500W Alternator Charger 1 (bundle below).
***Note: Remember to use the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS8OFF at checkout to score the prices below; otherwise, you’ll be paying the normal launch rates.
Bluetti’s Na(Sodium) power station launch deals:
Save a total $1,116 on Tenways’ AGO X all-terrain mid-drive e-bike with FREE gear and 180Wh power bank at $1,999
Tenways is offering a special extra battery promotion (known as the Tenways Power Bank here) on its AGO X All-Terrain e-bike at $1,999 shipped that also comes with $307 in FREE additional add-on gear, while also offering a 50% discount on the standalone power bank, were you wanting to pick one up for any other models from the brand you may already have. The AGO X e-bike normally goes for $2,499 without discounts, which we’ve mostly seen taken down to this rate over the year, with some occasional drops lower to $1,899. This is the first bundle with the Tenways Power Bank ($309 value), however, giving you a total of $1,116 savings, which is the biggest deal we’ve tracked to date. Alongside this model, you can also find the CGO600 Pro Lightweight e-bikes with $300 price cuts and $118 in FREE gear, as well as the option for a 50% off Power Bank add-on.
If you want to learn more about the AGO X e-bike, or the Power Bank, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.
Mount this tiltable BougeRV e-bike rack hitch to your vehicle and carry up to 200 pounds for a new $350 low
Through its official Amazon storefront, BougeRV is now offering the best rate yet on its 2-inch e-bike Rack Hitch with Ramp for cars, SUVs, and trucks at $349.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page coupon. Earlier in the week we spotted its more affordable e-bike-compatible counterpart returning to its $180 low, and now, this more premium model is coming down from its full $500 price tag to follow suit. Discounts here have only gone as low as $400 up until today, with that rate beaten out by this $150 markdown that lands costs at a new all-time low price.
If you want to learn more about this bike carrier, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.
Greenworks’ gen 2 13A 1,900 PSI portable compact electric pressure washer goes anywhere for $110
Amazon is offering the Greenworks 13A 1,900 PSI Portable Compact Electric Pressure Washer at $109.99 shipped, which matches the price direct from the brand’s website. While it carries a $160 MSRP, this newer cleaning model has been keeping down at $128 at Amazon since the summer began, with this rate only having been beaten by the one-time $104 low we spotted during the Prime Day event last week. If you missed your chance at that low price, you’re getting the next-best rate here with a total $50 savings from its MSRP. You can also shop all the brand’s current electric pressure washer deals by heading to its Amazon storefront here.
If you want to learn more about this newer electric cleaning solution, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.
Best Fall EV deals!
- Velotric Nomad 2X e-bike (camo) with DELTA 3 Plus station: $3,048 (Reg. $3,298)
- Velotric Nomad 2X e-bike (sage or fig) with DELTA 3 Plus station: $2,948 (Reg. $3,298)
- Heybike Hero 750W Mid-Drive Carbon-Fiber All-Terrain e-bike (return low): $2,299 (Reg. $3,099)
- Rad Power Radster Road Commuter e-bike: $1,999 (Reg. $2,199)
- Rad Power Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike: $1,999 (Reg. $2,199)
- Lectric XPedition 2.0 35Ah Cargo e-bike w/ up to $694 bundle: $1,999 (Reg. $2,693)
- Heybike Hero 1,000W Carbon-Fiber All-Terrain e-bike (new low): $1,899 (Reg. $2,599)
- Velotric Fold 1 Plus e-bike (gray or white) with DELTA 2 station: $1,898 (Reg. $2,198)
- Velotric Fold 1 Plus e-bike (mango or blue) with DELTA 2 station: $1,828 (Reg. $2,198)
- Rad Power RadRunner Plus Cargo Utility e-bike with extra battery: $1,799 (No price cut)
- Lectric XP Trike2 750 Long-Range eTrike with $455 preorder bundle: $1,799 (Reg. $2,254)
- Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus Folding e-bike (lowest price): $1,699 (Reg. $1,899)
- Lectric XPedition 2.0 26Ah Cargo e-bike w/ $545 bundle: $1,699 (Reg. $2,244)
- Lectric XPeak 2.0 Long-Range Off-Road e-bike with $415 bundle: $1,699 (Reg. $2,114)
- Rad Power RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike with extra battery: $1,599 (Reg. $1,799)
- Aventon Abound Cargo e-bike: $1,599 (Reg. $1,999)
- Ride1Up VORSA Modular Multi-Use e-bike: $1,595 (Reg. $1,695)
- Rad Power RadRunner Cargo Utility e-bike with extra battery: $1,499 (No pirce cut)
- Lectric XPeak 2.0 Standard Off-Road e-bike with $247 bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,746)
- Lectric XP Trike2 with $257 bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,756)
- Rad Power RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,799)
- Aventon Aventure 2 All-Terrain e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,999)
- Lectric XPedition 2.0 13Ah Cargo e-bike with $346 bundle: $1,399 (Reg. $1,745)
- Aventon Level 2 Commuter e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,899)
- Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru Fat Tire e-bike: $1,399 (Reg. $1,599)
- Heybike ALPHA All-Terrain e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,699)
- Hiboy TITAN Pro Electric Scooter (new model, code HSTP10): $1,350 (Reg. $2,000)
- Lectric XPress 750 Commuter e-bikes with $415 bundle: $1,299 (Reg. $1,714)
- Lectric XP4 750 LR Folding Utility e-bikes with $394 bundle: $1,299 (Reg. $1,693)
- Heybike Hauler Dual-Battery Cargo e-bike (new low): $1,299 (Reg. $1,899)
- Heybike Mars 2.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike with extra battery: $1,199 (Reg. $1,848)
- Lectric XP Lite 2.0 JW Black LR e-bike with $439 bundle: $1,099 (Reg. $1,538)
- Hiboy TITAN Electric Scooter (new model, code HST9): $1,001 (Reg. $1,700)
- Lectric XP4 Standard Folding Utility e-bikes with $79 bundle: $999 (Reg. $1,078)
- Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes with $439 bundles: $999 (Reg. $1,438)
- Heybike Hauler Single-Battery Cargo e-bike (new low): $899 (Reg. $1,499)
- Segway E3 Pro Electric Scooter: $600 (Reg. $700)
Best new Green Deals landing this week
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
- Here’s how to score $1,000 savings on EcoFlow’s upcoming DELTA Pro Ultra X power station
- Anker kicks off 50% early-bird discounts on new SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 power station starting from $749
- Heybike offers Hero carbon-fiber all-terrain e-bikes at best prices starting from new $1,899 low (Reg. $2,599+), more
- Save up to 56% on EcoFlow DELTA 2 and 3 Pro expansion batteries or a home hub starting from a $349 low for 48 hours
- Jackery’s latest HomePower 3600 Plus power station and bundles at new lows from $1,519 + FREE gifts (Reg. $2,799+)
- Camplux’s 8-gallon mini under-sink electric water heater back at $208 low (Reg. $260), more from $136
- Aiper’s IrriSense smart sprinkler system covers up to 4,800 square feet with a 39-foot reach at a $500 low (Reg. $700)
- BougeRV’s 2-bike carrier for SUVs and trucks boasts a tilting feature and 150-pound payload for a $180 low (Reg. $260)
- Post-Prime Day Green Deals: Discounts still live on e-bikes, e-scooters, power stations, tools, more
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