Head to head

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

Range figures are MathBikes estimates under the reference ride. Prices are the current listed price.
SpecRidstar MN26Ridstar Q20
Estimated range54 km55 km
Battery960 Wh960 Wh
Weight43.1 kg31.8 kg
Motor torque40 Nm85 Nm
Top speed58 km/h53 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.

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.

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.

Price drops

Tell me when either of these gets cheaper

One email when a price moves on a bike you are watching. Nothing else.