[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong] U.S. electric bicycle maker Ride1Up has launched its new folding electric bike, the Portola 02. It is a second-generation product that keeps the base performance of the previous model while improving the pedal-assist system, battery, cargo configuration and electronics.

On Aug. 18 local time, electric vehicle outlet Electrek reported that the Ride1Up Portola 02 goes on sale starting at $895, or about 1.25 million won.

The biggest change in the new model is the pedal-assist system. Ride1Up applied both a torque sensor and a cadence sensor to its in-house Intui-Drive system.

While the previous model adjusted motor output mainly based on whether the rider was pedaling and the pedaling speed, the new version also detects how hard the rider pedals. It is designed so the motor intervenes more naturally when starting from a stop or riding at low speeds.

Basic riding performance follows the framework of the previous model. It comes with a 750W motor and 20 by 3-inch wheels. The top speed under Class 3 standards is 28 miles per hour, or about 45 km per hour.

It said it focused on improving areas riders can feel in real use while keeping the riding characteristics of the existing Portola, rather than creating a completely new product.

Cargo capability also offers more choice. The Portola 02 provides an optional removable rear rack, and it can also include a rack integrated with the frame. It is intended to allow use as a folding e-bike while also carrying loads for commuting or shopping.

Buyers can choose between 10Ah and 15Ah LG batteries. A model equipped with the 15Ah battery offers a range of up to 60 miles, or about 96 km, with pedal assist.

The Portola Lite with a 10Ah battery weighs 52 pounds, or about 23.6 kg, and the 15Ah model weighs 59 pounds, or about 26.7 kg. As weight differences directly affect portability and storage convenience for folding e-bikes, it is designed to allow selection depending on the user environment.

Prices vary by battery and configuration. The 10Ah Portola Lite costs $895, and the 15Ah battery model starts at $995, or about 1.40 million won. A higher-end model that includes the 15Ah battery and a frame-integrated rack costs $1,095, or about 1.53 million won.

Electronics have also been upgraded. It applies a large color display and an updated battery management system, and it also provides a location-tracking feature similar to Apple’s Find My as standard.

This allows riders to check the bike’s location if it is lost or stolen. The location-tracking feature does not replace a physical lock and is intended to be used as an auxiliary anti-theft measure.

The wheels and tires keep the 20 by 3-inch specification. The configuration is intended to allow riding not only in typical urban conditions but also on light unpaved roads such as gravel. It aims for a relatively lighter and more agile ride feel than 4-inch-class fat tires. Shimano Altus is used for the drivetrain. The exterior comes in four colors: bronze, gray, white and blue.

Ride1Up’s strategy with the Portola 02 is to keep folding e-bike price competitiveness while improving ride feel and practicality. It targets commuting and urban travel by highlighting a starting price of $895, a lightweight model in the 23 kg range and an option offering up to about 96 km of range.

The Portola 02 is closer to a follow-up model that refines aspects users can directly feel based on technology accumulated over the past several years, rather than a complete redesign of the existing model. It is expected to broaden choices for consumers seeking a balance among price, portability and range in the folding e-bike market.