Ride1UP Prodigy Review (2023): Premium Mid-Drive Electric Bike
Ride1UP's flagship electric bike model, the Prodigy is a top-notch Class 3 e-bike that's powered by a Brose mid-drive motor and 36V 14Ah battery...
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What is the Ride1UP Prodigy?
Ride1UP’s top-of-the-line Prodigy boasts a beautifully designed aluminum alloy frame, powerful Brose mid-drive motor, and a host of top-shelf features that serious riders are sure to appreciate. The Prodigy is the perfect example of what a high-quality electric bicycle should be, with it’s well-though-out design and quality componentry.
A surprisingly affordable high-end e-bike that’s built to deliver the ultimate in comfortable commuting, the Prodigy offers a unique riding experience for those who serious about exploring the world on two wheels.
In this full review of the Ride1UP Prodigy, well take an in-depth look at this impressive bike’s specs, features, pros and cons, and performance. We’ll also share our feelings on what type of rider this e-bike is ideal for and why we think it’s a great model to consider if you’re shopping around for a well spec’d ride that’s durable and built-to-last.
PRODUCT DETAILS
| COMPANY | Ride1UP |
| MODEL | Prodigy |
| CATEGORY | Mid-drive, urban commuter |
| RANGE | 50 miles |
| RECHARGING TIME | 4 to 6 hours |
| WEIGHT | 48 lbs |
| MAX RIDER WEIGHT | 300 lbs |
| WARRANTY | 1-year |
| GUARANTEE | 30-day money-back |
| CUSTOMER RATING | 4.8/5 (12+ reviews) |
| COUPON CODE | See below |
| PRICE | Click here to see best price |
COMMUNITY RATING
PHOTOS
About Ride1UP
Launched in 2018 by Kevin Dugger and headquartered in sunny San Diego, CA, Ride1UP is widely recognized as a leading manufacturer of electric bikes and accessories. Well-known for delivering outstanding value, Ride1UP's current lineup consists of 7 e-bike models plus a range of replacement parts and accessories.
All Ride1UP electric bicycles come with a 1-year warranty which covers customers in the event of a manufacturing defect, and the company throws in a 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind.
Specs
Components
- High-quality 6061 aluminum alloy frame
- Lockout front air suspension with 120mm of travel (XC only)
- SHIMANO 9-speed drivetrain
- Selle Royal SRX saddle (XC)
- Selle Royal Viento saddle (XT and ST)
- 27.5″ x 2.4″ MAXXIS Forekaster tires (XC)
- 27.5″ x 2″ MAXXIS Refuse tires (XR and ST)
- Rear cargo rack (XR and ST)
- Velo ergonomic rubber grips
- 13-gauge black stainless steel spokes
- 180mm Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes
- Heavy-duty kickstand
Electronics
- 250W Brose mid-drive motor (90Nm of torque)
- 36V 14Ah Samsung lithium-ion battery
- 48V 2.0 A charger
- Buchel 80 Lux headlight
- Integrated rear taillight (XR and ST)
- 1.5″ full-color Brose LCD display
- Brose torque sensor
- 4 pedal-assist levels (PAS)
Ride1UP Prodigy Review: E-Bike Overview
The Prodigy from Ride1UP is a well-rounded urban commuter that is perfect for everyday use. A comfortable ride with a powerful mid-drive motor, the Prodigy packs plenty of power for uphill climbs and the bike’s torque sensor delivers smooth, predictable power delivery.
A Class 3 e-bike that’s capable of reaching speeds of up to 28 mph, the Prodigy’s 36V 14Ah battery delivers a respectable range of 50 miles on a single charge.
The Prodigy is available in three different configurations:
- ST version — Road bike configuration with a step-through frame
- XR version — Road bike configuration with step-over frame
- XC version — All-terrain cross country bike with step-over frame
For trail riding, the Prodigy XC is a great option and ships with a front air suspension fork (120mm of travel) and chunkier, trail-ready MAXXIS rubber. However, it’s important to note that this configuration lacks fenders, a rear cargo rack, and taillight. If those features are important to you, you’ll want to opt for either the ST or XR version (or consider one of the brand’s other models like the Ride1UP 500 Series, 700 Series, or Cafe Cruiser).
The included 9-speed SHIMANO drivetrain is excellent and delivers the gearing necessary for both high-speed cruising and steep hill climbing.
In addition to the various configuration options, the Prodigy also comes in three eye-catching colors: Gloss Chalk, Gloss Chameleon, and Matte Gray.
Size and Weight
The Prodigy is a lightweight electric bike, weighing in at only 50 lbs without fenders and rear rack (very similar to the heft of Ride1UP’s entry-level Core-5). The bike has a max capacity of 300 lbs, total length of 71″, and a 43″ wheelbase.
Features
1-year warranty
1 of 1336V 14Ah battery (Samsung cells)
2 of 13Rear cargo rack for hauling up to 40 lbs of gear and supplies (XR and ST models)
3 of 13Front and rear fenders
4 of 13MAXXIS Forekaster 27.5″ x 2.4″ tires (XC), MAXXIS Refuse 27.5″ x 2.0″ tires (XR and ST)
5 of 13Brose 250W mid-drive motor
6 of 131.5″ full-color Brose display
7 of 13180mm Tektro hydraulic brakes
8 of 13Buchel Shiny 80 headlight
9 of 13Integrated taillight for improved safety and low-light visibility (XR and ST)
10 of 13KMC chain
11 of 13SHIMANO 9-speed gearing
12 of 136061 aluminum alloy frame
13 of 13*click on hotspots for additional details
Performance and Ride
With its comfortable geometry, the Ride1UP Prodigy is a fantastic choice for riders who want a nice blend of performance, features, and comfort. The XC’s air suspension is surprisingly plush and handles bumps extremely well, providing a smooth and stable ride for trails and light off-roading.
The Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive motor provides plenty of power and the bike’s torque sensor feels very natural. Also, the included 180mm Tektro hydraulic brakes deliver outstanding stopping power, which really comes in handy when navigating crowded city streets and urban areas.
Build Quality
Ride1UP enjoys a good reputation for building high-quality electric bikes, and the build quality of the Prodigy gives Ride1UP fans more of the same. A well-constructed e-bike with top-notch componentry, the Prodigy arrives well-packed from the factory and is covered by Ride1UP’s excellent warranty in the event that an issue arises.
Appearance
The Prodigy is an eye-catching e-bike that’s guaranteed to turn heads wherever its ridden. The bike’s clean lines and attractive aesthetics give off a premium vibe, and the neat cable management and hidden battery contribute nicely to its sleek, stylish design. As mentioned, the Prodigy is also available in three great-looking color options, all of which look outstanding in our opinion (unfortunately, Ride1UP does charge a slight premium for the Gloss Chameleon finish).
Included Accessories & Optional Add-ons
The Prodigy ships with a kickstand, two keys for securing the battery in place, and an 80 Lux headlight. In the box, you’ll also find a 48V 2.0 A charger that features an LED indicator and auto shut-off feature.
Warranty & Customer Support
Like many other e-bike manufacturers, Ride1UP provides a year of warranty coverage with all of its electric bikes. The warranty coverage provides customers with protection in the event of a manufacturing defect, and Ride1UP also throws in a 30-day money-back guarantee. The company is consistently rated highly for its customer support, and has a solid history of addressing customer issues whenever they arise.
As far as contact options go, Ride1UP can be reached via telephone or through the contact form on the company’s website.
At Recharged Rides, we always test the responsiveness of each brand’s customer service department whenever we’re rating an electric bike, and Ride1UP scored well in this category after sending us a same-day reply to our submitted inquiry…
Reader Reviews
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Ride1UP Prodigy Unboxing & Assembly (VIDEO)
Price & Where to Buy it
Currently, the MSRP of Ride1UP’s Prodigy ranges from $2,295 to $2,445 depending on the color and configuration. The estimated delivery time on new orders is 11 to 14 days, and Ride1UP offers $100 flat-rate shipping to Canada and free delivery to the lower 48 states. Since Ride1UP is a consumer-direct brand, you can purchase bikes directly from the company through its official online store.
FAQs
The Ride1UP Prodigy is manufactured in China.
Ride1UP's Prodigy is a Class 3 electric bike.
Pros and Cons
PROS
CONS
- Beautiful aesthetics
- Excellent value
- Peppy 250W mid-drive motor with torque sensor provides impressive power and smooth delivery
- Three optional configurations
- High-quality front air suspension fork delivers comfortable ride (XC)
- Handsome rear rack gives you the ability to load it up with ~40 lbs of gear (XR and ST)
- Included front and rear fenders do a good job of keeping the rider clean and dry (ST and XR)
- Good cable management
- Rock-solid 1-year warranty
- 30-day return policy
- Free shipping to lower 48
Final Thoughts
If you’re shopping around for a great mid-drive e-bike that delivers big bang for the buck, the Ride1UP Prodigy is a model you should certainly be considering.
Ride1UP is a company that’s well-known for producing some of the best e-bikes on the market at super affordable price points, and the Prodigy is another great example of the company’s hardcore commitment to quality and deep value. We love the design of this bike, the color choices and configuration options, and the high-quality components that come on it.
All of the above adds up to a fun and reliable ride that’s capable of delivering impressive performance for both street riding and trails. The Prodigy offers Ride1UP fans a nice upgrade over its lower-priced rides and is a worthy addition to the brand’s lineup.
