Ridstar MN26 vs Ridstar Q20
On the numbers that decide this pair, the Ridstar Q20 is 45 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 MN26 | Ridstar Q20 |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated range | 54 km | 55 km |
| Battery | 960 Wh | 960 Wh |
| Weight | 43.1 kg | 31.8 kg |
| Motor torque | 40 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Top speed | 58 km/h | 53 km/h |
| Price | $1,200 | $969 |
| 5-year cost | $1,623 | $1,772 |
Where each one wins
- Ridstar Q20 is 45 Nm more torque.
- Ridstar Q20 is 11.3 kg lighter.
- Ridstar MN26 is 5 km/h faster.
The Ridstar MN26 leads on 1 of these, the Ridstar Q20 on 2. Neither sweeps it, so the choice comes down to which of those you actually use.
Who each one is for
Ridstar MN26
Suits you if you want:
- fast class, which keeps up with city traffic
- rated to 136 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
Ridstar Q20
Suits you if you want:
- 85 Nm of torque, which is steep-hill territory
- fast class, which keeps up with city traffic
- rated to 150 kg of rider and luggage together
- about 55 km estimated, which covers a 27 km each-way commute
What it asks in return:
- 31.8 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 Ridstar MN26 costs about 138 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 Ridstar MN26 covers about 51,200 km before its pack is due for replacement; the Ridstar Q20, about 51,200 km. Ride less than that and the replacement never enters the sum.
| Over five years | Ridstar MN26 | Ridstar Q20 |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $1,200 | $969 |
| Charging | $68 | $68 |
| Servicing | $648 | $972 |
| Battery replacement | ||
| Resale value | $-293 | $-237 |
| Total | $1,623 | $1,772 |
Run these numbers on your own mileage
Which one to buy
- Pick the Ridstar Q20 if you carry the bike up steps, onto a train, or into a flat.
- Pick the Ridstar Q20 if your route has real hills, or you carry cargo or a passenger.
- Pick the Ridstar MN26 if your commute has fast stretches where the assist cutting out matters.
- Pick the Ridstar MN26 if the five-year total is what you are optimising.
Verdict
On the measured axes the Ridstar MN26 is the better buy, and the Ridstar Q20 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.