MiRider 20

MiRider specialise in electric folding and compact electric bikes, assembling them at their base in North West England. The MiRider 20 is the big sibling of the brand’s 16in model. It is available as both a single-speed (tested here) and as a three-speed with the innovative Efneo crank-based gearbox. 

We’ve loved all of the MiRider models we have reviewed so far, with particular highlights being the fun MiRider One and the low-maintenance belt-driven M24 GB3. The presence of a throttle on all the models has been a particular performance highlight, as has their proprietary three-speed gear system.

The MiRider 20 looks like it has the same funky looking frame as the One with an adjustable elastomer suspension element and wide profile tyres that made me want to head off road as soon as I was on it – something you might hesitate to do with a 16in-wheeled e-bike.
 

Throttle power a winning feature – and now in a 20in version

MiRider 20, by Richard Peace

Like all the other Mirider models, the MiRider 20 features a throttle – not something many e-bikes have. Probably most readers will know that e-bikes powered to max assisted speed by the throttle alone – that is to say independently of pedal action – are not legal.

Perhaps less well known is the fact that throttles are in fact allowed in two ways. The first is at low speed (up to 4.5mph) independently of pedal action, but the second is up to the full assisted speed of 15.5mph, as long as the pedals are being turned.

The 20 can do both, but it’s the latter that is the real fun feature of a MiRider ride. It means you can cruise along in the lower of the five power levels then ease on the throttle power as and when you need it. Weaving through traffic, cresting hills and getting away early at traffic lights all become super easy and super fun thanks to the well-modulated trigger action of the MiRider throttle.

The ‘walk assist’ type low speed throttle is also a handy feature, especially on a single speed, allowing for smoother starts when most pedal effort is needed.
 

A great ride on and off road

I trialled the MiRider 20 both on road and on bumpy bridleways that are a step-up in difficulty from where I might usually take a leisure bike (railpaths and the like). In short, I was impressed. Even on rather hummocky, soft grass it was reasonably comfortable and the throttle was handy to help me over bigger bumps. 

Whilst I would only have ventured onto easier off-road terrain on a 16in wheeled bike, the increased 20in version with those large volume tyres gave it a whole new level of capability and its comfy saddle and adjustable rear elastomer suspension also helped greatly smooth out the ride.

MiRider 20 (16).JPG, by Richard Peace

Of course it’s horses for courses when it comes to wheel size on folders; the bigger wheel size also means a bigger – and heavier – frame. I weighed the MiRider at 19.6kg (you can make it 1.4kg lighter by removing the battery). That weight was always going to be greater than the 17.65kg I weighed the MiRider 16 at.

Similarly, folded size is significantly bigger at 93.5cm x 71.5cm x 43cm against the 67cm x 66cm x 43cm of the 16in wheeled option. Still, it’s a reasonably quick, easy and compact fold with a fairly powerful magnet clamping the two halves together. 

As noted, the throttle is still great fun and the 20in wheels give a more assured and safer feeling ride than the 16in version, though the extra acceleration of the 16 gives it a bit more of a thrill factor. Whilst the times up my hill climb test were impressive – as they were for all the other MiRiders I’ve tried – the single speed gearing meant more pedal effort than for multi-geared bikes that delivered similar times. On my ultra steep test climb that exceeds 20% it needed great effort to get up – but it made it! Not all single speeds have managed this – although clearly single speeds are not at home in very hilly country.

Range is hard to quantify, especially when you factor in off-road riding and use of a throttle, which is a combination that can quickly eat into battery capacity. A very rough estimate for my 70kg frame was 15-25 miles – the former based on off-roading a lot and the latter in less demanding, flat, tarmac conditions. 

I had a couple of niggles that meant this was a 4-star review rather than 4.5 stars. The MiRider 20 lacks a hardwired rear light and the display is a little small to read for those with old persons’ eyesight, like me, while the power control buttons are a little fiddly. 
 

Summary 

This is another fun and high quality e-bike from MiRider and comes with their usual two-year guarantee. It’s a nice extra option that sits between the 16in and 24in wheeled models and will no doubt prove popular with leisure e-bikers and the motorhoming fraternity in particular. Having reviewed several MiRiders – all without any technical issue whatsover – it’s nice to be able to give another ringing endorsement to a UK-based firm with a strong track record 

The main UK based competition in the 20in wheeled folder stakes comes from Estarli and we have already reviewed and liked one of their models. Like MiRider, they have a programme of new models often based on incremental improvements to existing designs. Alternatively, if you want a lot more power and battery capacity and don’t mind the extra weight and hole in your wallet, we have also liked every Tern Vektron we have tried. 

Indeed, the future of the e-folding market looks very interesting as lighter carbon-fibre models begin to appear. We have already looked at the ADO Air 20 – though at 18.5kg it didn’t actually offer significant weight savings. We are also hoping to take a look at a model from carbon-fibre folder specialist Q.ik and a throttle controlled model from Pedibal in the coming weeks. Those seeking a 20in e-folder are starting to look spoiled for choice.

mirider.co.uk

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