Ridstar MN20 vs Ridstar MN26
On the numbers that decide this pair, the Ridstar MN20 is 50 Nm more torque than the Ridstar MN26. 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 | Ridstar MN20 | Ridstar MN26 |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated range | 51 km | 54 km |
| Battery | 720 Wh | 960 Wh |
| Weight | 35 kg | 43.1 kg |
| Motor torque | 90 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Top speed | 48 km/h | 45 km/h |
| Price | $699 | $1,200 |
| 5-year cost | $1,568 | $1,623 |
Where each one wins
- Ridstar MN20 is 50 Nm more torque.
- Ridstar MN26 is 240 Wh more battery.
- Ridstar MN20 is 8.1 kg lighter.
- Ridstar MN20 is 3 km/h faster.
The Ridstar MN20 leads on 3 of these, the Ridstar MN26 on 1. Neither sweeps it, so the choice comes down to which of those you actually use.
Who each one is for
Ridstar MN20
Suits you if you want:
- 90 Nm of torque, which is steep-hill territory
- folds, so it fits a boot, a train or a hallway
- fast class, which keeps up with city traffic
- rated to 150 kg of rider and luggage together
- about 51 km estimated, which covers a 25 km each-way commute
What it asks in return:
- 35 kg, which is a bike you park rather than carry
- fast class, so it is registered and helmeted in most places
Ridstar MN26
Suits you if you want:
- fast class, which keeps up with city traffic
- rated to 149.7 kg of rider and luggage together
- about 54 km estimated, which covers a 27 km each-way commute
What it asks in return:
- 40 Nm of torque, so long climbs will ask for your legs
- 43.1 kg, which is a bike you park rather than carry
- fast class, so it is registered and helmeted in most places
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 two land within 5% of each other, which is inside the error on any of these inputs. Cost is not the deciding factor here.
That figure moves mostly on the battery. The Ridstar MN20 covers about 38,400 km before its pack is due for replacement; the Ridstar MN26, about 51,200 km. Ride less than that and the replacement never enters the sum.
| Over five years | Ridstar MN20 | Ridstar MN26 |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $699 | $1,200 |
| Charging | $68 | $68 |
| Servicing | $972 | $648 |
| Battery replacement | ||
| Resale value | $-171 | $-293 |
| Total | $1,568 | $1,623 |
Run these numbers on your own mileage
Which one to buy
- Pick the Ridstar MN26 if you would rather charge less often than carry less weight.
- Pick the Ridstar MN20 if you carry the bike up steps, onto a train, or into a flat.
- Pick the Ridstar MN20 if your route has real hills, or you carry cargo or a passenger.
- Pick the Ridstar MN20 if your commute has fast stretches where the assist cutting out matters.
Verdict
On the measured axes the Ridstar MN20 is the better buy, and the Ridstar MN26 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.
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