Ride1Up just launched a 28 MPH German mid-drive e-bike for an insanely low $1,295

This one's about e-bikes rather than home energy upgrades, but here's the gist: Ride1Up has launched a new electric bike, the Prodigy V2 Eco, priced at $1,295. What stands out is that it keeps the expensive core components usually found on much pricier bikes: a German-made Brose mid-drive motor (the motor built into the pedal area rather than the wheel hub) with 90 Nm of torque, a torque sensor, and a 504 Wh battery using Samsung battery cells. It can go up to 28 mph with pedal assist.

To hit that price, Ride1Up cut costs on parts that are cheaper to replace later, like the tires, brakes (two-piston hydraulic instead of four-piston), and a basic 9-speed drivetrain. It still comes with a suspension fork, integrated lights, fenders, a rear rack rated for 40 pounds, and both step-through and step-over frame styles. For comparison, bikes with similar motors from brands like Trek and Specialized typically sell for more than $4,000.

The bike is available for pre-order now, with shipping expected to begin within a couple weeks of the announcement.

This doesn't tie into any home energy-efficiency program or rebate, so it won't affect weatherization or heat pump plans. If you're simply curious about e-bikes as a transportation option, it's worth knowing the price gap between budget and premium models may be narrowing.