Ride1Up Prodigy V2 vs Denago Folding 1
Two commuter e-bikes at a similar price, compared on the same normalized specs. Both scored by us, both reviewed in full.
The verdict
At virtually identical price and Genius score, this isn't about which is 'better,' it's about whether you need a folding fat-tire commuter (Denago) or a lighter mid-drive bike with stronger brakes and gearing (Ride1Up).
Buy the Ride1Up Prodigy V2
Buy the Prodigy V2 if you want mid-drive power delivery, hydraulic disc brakes, and a proper 9-speed drivetrain in a standard (non-folding) frame that's 4 lb lighter to lift or carry.
Buy the Denago Folding 1
Buy the Folding 1 if you need it to fold down for storage or transport and want the extra battery capacity (672 Wh vs 504 Wh) and range (57 mi vs 50 mi), and you're fine trading down to a hub motor, mechanical disc brakes, and a 7-speed drivetrain.
The differences that matter
- Denago Folding 1 carries 168 Wh more battery, which is the main thing that sets how far you get.
- Denago Folding 1 runs a 250W bigger motor on continuous power.
- Ride1Up Prodigy V2 is 4 lb lighter, which you notice lifting it or carrying it up steps.
Who each one is for
Ride1Up Prodigy V2
The commuter with hills who wants a mid-drive that climbs well and doesn't need maximum range.
Denago Folding 1
Commuters who want a fold-away bike with enough torque for real hills and a throttle for the days they'd rather not pedal.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Ride1Up Prodigy V2 | Denago Folding 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,795 | $1,799 |
| Motor (nominal) | 250W | 500W |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Battery | 504 Wh | 672 Wh |
| Claimed range | 50 mi | 57 mi |
| Weight | 58 lb | 62 lb |
| Max payload | 300 lb | 300 lb |
| Motor type | mid-drive | hub |
| E-bike class | Class 3 | Class 3 |
| Brakes | Tektro HD-M745 180mm Hydraulic | Mechanical disc brakes |
| Drivetrain | KMC 9-Speed Mid-Drive Chain (Shimano Alivio 9-Speed 11-34T, microSHIFT Advent 9-Speed derailleur) | Shimano 7 speed |
| Tire size | 27.5 x 2.25" | 20" x 3" |
Highlighted values are the better of the two where both brands publish the number. Where a spec isn't published we leave it blank rather than guess.
The short version on each
Ride1Up Prodigy V2
What's good
- 90 Nm fed through the gears from the mid-drive motor makes steep hills and dead-stop starts far easier than the modest 250W rating suggests.
- As a Class 3 bike it gives pedal assist up to 28 mph, quick enough to keep pace with city traffic on a longer commute.
- Hydraulic disc brakes (Tektro HD-M745, 180mm) give you strong, low-effort stopping in traffic and in the wet.
What to know
- The 504Wh battery keeps range midpack at a claimed 30 to 50 miles, so long or hilly commutes mean charging more often than a bigger-battery bike.
- Getting the most out of the mid-drive means shifting like you would on a regular bike, so if you don't like managing gears, some of that climbing advantage slips away.
Denago Folding 1
What's good
- 90 Nm of torque is genuinely strong for a folder, so hills and heavy starts feel easy instead of like a workout.
- A throttle lets you ride up to 20 mph without pedaling, which is a welcome break on tired legs or a hot day.
- The 672Wh battery backs a claimed 57 miles, plenty of cushion for most commutes between charges.
What to know
- Mechanical disc brakes are the main trade-off at $1,799, since plenty of rivals now put hydraulics on bikes at similar money; hydraulics grip harder with less effort at the lever, which counts for more given this bike's 25 mph top speed.
Full Ride1Up Prodigy V2 review → Full Denago Folding 1 review →