Fafrees F20 Mate vs Fafrees FF20 Polar
On the numbers that decide this pair, the Fafrees F20 Mate is 25 Nm more torque than the Fafrees FF20 Polar. Everything else is below, including where it loses.
Range is our estimate under the reference ride, not the manufacturer's claim. Cost is over 5 years at 3,000 km a year, on the same formula the cost-of-ownership calculator runs. How we work this out
| Spec | Fafrees F20 Mate | Fafrees FF20 Polar |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated range | 62 km | 77 km |
| Battery | 874 Wh | 1080 Wh |
| Weight | 39.9 kg | 34 kg |
| Motor torque | 65 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Top speed | 25 km/h | 24 km/h |
| Price | $2,418 | $1,499 |
| 5-year cost | $2,868 | $1,849 |
Where each one wins
- Fafrees F20 Mate is 25 Nm more torque.
- Fafrees FF20 Polar is 15 km further on range.
- Fafrees FF20 Polar is 206 Wh more battery.
- Fafrees FF20 Polar is 5.9 kg lighter.
The Fafrees F20 Mate leads on 1 of these, the Fafrees FF20 Polar on 3. Neither sweeps it, so the choice comes down to which of those you actually use.
Who each one is for
Fafrees F20 Mate
Suits you if you want:
- 65 Nm of torque, enough for rolling ground
- folds, so it fits a boot, a train or a hallway
- rated to 180 kg of rider and luggage together
- about 62 km estimated, which covers a 31 km each-way commute
What it asks in return:
- 39.9 kg, which is a bike you park rather than carry
Fafrees FF20 Polar
Suits you if you want:
- folds, so it fits a boot, a train or a hallway
- rated to 150 kg of rider and luggage together
- about 77 km estimated, which covers a 38 km each-way commute
What it asks in return:
- 40 Nm of torque, so long climbs will ask for your legs
- 34 kg, which is a bike you park rather than carry
Each line above is read straight from the specification: torque, weight, payload, battery and our range estimate. Nothing here is a preference, and neither bike is being recommended over the other.
What each one costs to own
Over 5 years the Fafrees FF20 Polar costs about 944 EUR less to own, once purchase, charging, servicing, a battery replacement where one is due, and resale are all counted.
That figure moves mostly on the battery. The Fafrees F20 Mate covers about 46,613 km before its pack is due for replacement; the Fafrees FF20 Polar, about 57,600 km. Ride less than that and the replacement never enters the sum.
| Over five years | Fafrees F20 Mate | Fafrees FF20 Polar |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $2,418 | $1,499 |
| Charging | $68 | $68 |
| Servicing | $972 | $648 |
| Battery replacement | ||
| Resale value | $-590 | $-366 |
| Total | $2,868 | $1,849 |
Run these numbers on your own mileage
Which one to buy
- Pick the Fafrees FF20 Polar if you ride to the edge of the battery and dislike planning around it.
- Pick the Fafrees FF20 Polar if you would rather charge less often than carry less weight.
- Pick the Fafrees FF20 Polar if you carry the bike up steps, onto a train, or into a flat.
- Pick the Fafrees F20 Mate if your route has real hills, or you carry cargo or a passenger.
- Pick the Fafrees FF20 Polar if the five-year total is what you are optimising.
Verdict
On the measured axes the Fafrees FF20 Polar is the better buy, and the Fafrees F20 Mate needs a reason of its own: a colour, a frame, a shop you trust, a price that moves. None of those are in our numbers, and all of them are legitimate.
Range here is an estimate under one reference ride, not a measurement. Yours will differ with terrain, weight, tyres and weather, which is what the range calculator is for.
Tell me when either of these gets cheaper
One email when a price moves on a bike you are watching. Nothing else.