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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Despite hyping the product for a year and half, it is fairly clear that Tesla doesn’t want to sell its new cheaper Model Y. At least, in the US.
Here’s why.
Remember the Cybertruck RWD?
Tesla launched the new cheaper version of the Cybertruck in April for $10,000 less than the AWD and about $20,000 worth of features removed.
By September, Tesla discontinued the model. It lasted a solid 6 months.
Many believed that Tesla wasn’t actually looking to sell the new version, which served more as making the Cybertruck AWD seemed like better value.
We might be witnessing a redo here witht the new standard Model Y that Tesla launched yesterday.
It costs $5,000 less than the Model Y Long Range RWD, which Tesla now calls “premium”, along with the AWD and Performance versions, while Tesla removed roughly $6,000-$8,000 worth of features.
The value proposition is not great, but that’s not the only reason why Tesla doesn’t seem to want to sell it.
The automaker currently doesn’t offer a lease on the new version, which is not unusual after having just launched a new variant or model. For example, Tesla is still not offering leases on the Model Y Performance, which only recently launched in the US.
But more importantly, Tesla is financing the new Model Y Standard at an APR almost 30% higher than for the cheaper “Premium” version.
The result is only $72 difference in monthly payments between the two versions:
The difference is virtually the same as between the Premium RWD and AWD, but you get a whole additional motor for that.
Electrek’s Take
We have been anticipating a situation like this, but it is honestly even worse than we thought.
For example, we didn’t anticipate Tesla removing Autopilot as standard. That alone is a few thousands dollars of value removed before even accounting for the hardware changes, such as the cloth interior, cheaper seats, or even the power folding mirrors.
Then, there are the honestly quite lazy changes, like not actually removing the glass roof, but covering it inside with a headliner.
The only really good thing I see from this launch is that it is very efficient EV and Tesla still has a lead on that front over most.
However, I have to reiterate that it is getting lazy with this lead.
The standard version is only 125 lbs lighter than the premium despite Tesla seemingly using the same battery pack with a few cells removed. When you add up all the features removal, the weight loss should be much more significant, but that’s harder to do when you make decision such as covering the glass roof rather removing it.
Tesla has to know that the value proposition here is not good.
It’s a bummer that Tesla went with that rather than a new smaller and less expensive vehicle as originally planned.
Especially when you consider that the decision was made to try to increase the utilization rate of Tesla’s current production lines, which appears to be running at about 60% amid this demand slump.
I don’t think this, and the new standard Model 3, which is better value to be fair, solve this situation.
As I previously stated, I believe this boost demand between 10-15% and that’s after Tesla either drops the price or introduces 0% interest financing, which I expect before the end of the quarter.
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On today’s incredibly frustrating episode of Quick Charge, Tesla is making it easier than ever to make fun of them by rolling out a new, “affordable” Model Y that costs $2,000 more than the “expensive” one did last week, thanks to the cancellation of the $7,500 tax credit that Elon Musk (the guy who is so good at business that he’s allegedly worth $1 trillion) spent $200 million campaigning for.
We’ve also got the new, single-motor Volvo EX30 at a price that undercuts the cheap Tesla, but includes a full length glass roof that isn’t inexplicably covered in upholstery to punish poor people. All this and more – enjoy!
Source Links
Today’s episode is brought to you by Climate XChange, a nonpartisan nonprofit working to help states pass effective, equitable climate policies. The nonprofit just kicked off its 10th annual EV raffle, where participants have multiple opportunities to win their dream model. Visit CarbonRaffle.org/Electrek to learn more.
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Chevy’s electric SUV is now the best-selling EV in the US outside of Tesla. The 2026 Chevy Equinox EV is slightly more expensive than the outgoing model, but GM has added new style packages for you to choose from.
GM raises 2026 Chevy Equinox EV price, adds options
The Chevy Equinox EV doesn’t need much help. Starting at just $34,995, the 2025 Chevy Equinox quickly became one of the best-selling electric vehicles in the US.
Entering its third year, the Equinox EV remains GM’s most affordable EV, with starting prices slightly higher at $36,495. That includes the $1,395 destination fee.
Since it’s a carryover model, there aren’t too many changes, but buyers will have several new style packages to choose from.
The 2026 Chevy Equinox LT gains a new Midnight Package, which adds black emblems, bowtie, badging, wheel caps, and 19″ black painted aluminum wheels, for $595.
There’s also a new Tech Bronze Package available on the LT and RS trims. The new option includes a Tech Bronze decal, a black nameplate, a black bowtie emblem, and 21″ Tech Bronze wheels. It costs an extra $3,595.
The 2026 Chevy Equinox EV is now listed on GM’s website. It’s still available in LT1, LT2, and RS trims with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD) powertrain options.
The base 2026 LT FWD trim starts at $36,495 with up to 319 miles of range, including a $1,395 destination fee. Upgrading to AWD costs an extra $5,300, with a slightly shorter range of 307 miles.
| Chevy Equinox EV trim | 2025 Starting Price | 2026 Starting Price | EPA-estimated Range |
| LT 1 FWD | $34,995 | $36,495 | 319 miles |
| LT 1 AWD | $38,295 | $39,795 | 307 miles |
| LT 2 FWD | $43,295 | $43,295 | 319 miles |
| LT 2 AWD | $46,595 | $46,595 | 307 miles |
| RS FWD | $44,795 | $45,595 | 319 miles |
| RS AWD | $48,095 | $48,895 | 307 miles |
Following another record quarter of EV sales in Q3, GM said that the Chevy Equinox EV was the best-selling non-Tesla electric vehicle in the US.
With several new affordable EVs arriving, including the new Nissan LEAF, will the Equinox continue to be a top seller in 2026? It will be interesting to see where the rankings end up at this time next year.
Wondering if Chevy’s electric SUV lives up to the hype? You can use our link to find 2025 and 2026 Chevy Equinox EV models near you and try it out for yourself.
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