The Ride1Up Portola: A More Compact Folding EBike
Mitchell Anderson
Mitchell has been fascinated by electric scooters since 2019. He began sharing his enthusiasm on his YouTube channel, “RK9 Rides,” in 2020. He joined Rider Guide in 2023, and between the two channels, he spends seven days a week riding, testing, and writing about electric scooters. He has tested dozens of models from dozens of brands and is always on the lookout for the newest and greatest scooters. His current favorite models are the Nami Klima and the NIU KQi3 Max.
Folding electric bikes are so popular these days that the third best-selling EV in the US isn’t a car, it’s an ebike. While the most popular model might have a lot to offer, it also has competition like the Ride1Up Portola, a folding ebike that gives you even more power and features for the same price and folds down a little more compactly.
Ride1Up Portola – $995
The Ride1Up Portola could be the most compact folding electric bike in its price class, with specs to beat the competition. The Portola’s folded dimensions of 19” x 29.5” x 33” are a little more compact than the Lectric XP 3.0 at 18″ x 28″ x 37″ and rival the XP Lite 2.0, which collapses down to 16” x 28” x 36”.
With three less inches in length, you might have an easier time getting the Portola into the trunk of a car or the back of a coat closet. If storing or frequently transporting an ebike is a concern, then the Portola should be on your list.
Unfolded, the Portola has fully adjustable handlebars and seat post to fit riders from 4’10” to 6’4”, and it weighs a relatively svelte 59 pounds. Ride1Up promises the “most comfortable ride ever” from their bikes, and if you don’t agree, you’ll have 30 days to return the bike, with free shipping both ways (conditions apply, of course).
One downside of this compact design is that the Portola has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, which is less than the Lectric XP 3.0 and the Velotric Fold 1. But the welded-on rear rack can hold an additional 130 pounds, and Ride1Up’s set of accessories includes a passenger kit for $125.
Ride1Up Portola Specs
|
Range |
Up to 40 mi (or 45 mi with 13.4Ah battery) |
|
Top Speed |
28 mph |
|
Sensor |
Cadence Sensor |
|
Battery |
48V 10.4Ah or 48V 13.4Ah ($1,095 model) |
|
Motor |
750W w/65Nm torque |
|
Controller |
48V 20Amp Sinewave |
|
IP Rating |
IP65 |
|
UL Listing |
UL2849 |
|
Lighting |
12V 40 Lux headlamp, 6V commuter brake light |
|
Brakes |
Hydraulic Brakes |
|
Shifting |
Shimano Altus 8 speed drivetrain |
|
Weight Limit |
300 lbs |
|
Suspens. |
80mm front fork, hydraulic lockout |
|
Add. Feat. |
Left hand thumb throttle, alloy fenders, Sunlite folding pedals |
Ride1Up Portola Summary
The Ride1Up Portola is a versatile electric bike that offers a wide range of features and benefits. It is designed to provide a smooth and effortless ride, making it suitable for commuting, recreational riding, and even light off-road adventures.
One of the standout features of the Ride1Up Portola is its powerful motor. It is equipped with a 750W motor that provides ample torque for hilly terrain and challenging road conditions. Whether you’re climbing steep hills or cruising through city streets, the Portola delivers consistent and reliable performance.
In addition to impressive performance, the Ride1Up Portola also boasts some premium safety features. It’s got powerful LED lights for riding in low-light conditions or at night. And it comes with powerful hydraulic disc brakes and a brake light to alert drivers behind you.
Breaking Down the Tech Specs of the Ride1Up Portola
The bike itself can be set up to be operated as a Class 1, 2, or 3 electric bike, with speeds up to 28 mph on pedal assist and 20 mph with the throttle.Depending on the model you buy, as well as rider weight, terrain, etc, you can expect to get anywhere from 20 to 45 miles of range.
There are features here you rarely see at this price, including hydraulic brakes, a brake light, and a sinewave controller, which provides a smoother throttle response, faster acceleration, and better hill climbing.
The Portola also has a lower step-thru height than most folding electric bikes, making it ideal for riders with limited mobility, or those who just don’t want to step over a high top tube to get on their bike.
Lots of companies are competing for the title of best folding ebike these days, but the best folding electric bike is the one that fits you best as a rider. If you’re looking for an ebike that is exceptionally compact, easy to ride, and packed with high-end features at a budget price, then you should definitely consider the Ride1Up Portola.
