ENVO ST50 vs. Rize City: Best Canadian Step Thru Bikes

Electric step-thru bikes are no longer just for leisure riders—they’re quickly becoming the go-to solution for commuters, casual riders, and anyone who wants the performance of an e-bike with easier mounting and dismounting. Two standout contenders in this category are the ENVO ST50 and the Rize City.

Both are designed with comfort, utility, and accessibility in mind. But which one really delivers where it counts? Let’s cut through the specs and marketing to unpack what these bikes offer—and where the key differences lie.

STYLE & DESIGN: The First Impression

Both the ENVO ST50 and Rize City feature integrated (hidden) batteries, a must-have for modern e-bike aesthetics. Step-thru frames naturally emphasize accessibility, and both brands execute this well.

That said, the ENVO ST50 shows a cleaner overall frame flow, with more refined welding and geometry that feels more intentional. The Rize City looks functional, but the ST50 edges it out with a modern, minimalist design that appeals to urban sensibilities without sacrificing utility.

Winner: ENVO ST50

ERGONOMICS: Fit for More Riders

Step-thru bikes are all about ease of access—and fit plays a huge role in comfort. Rize City comes in a single frame size, designed to suit a general range of rider heights. It works for many, but one-size-fits-all rarely fits all that well.

The ENVO ST50, on the other hand, comes in two sizes, giving riders a better chance of dialing in the right fit. That translates into more comfort, more control, and less fatigue on longer rides. Especially important for riders who are new to cycling or returning after a break.

Winner: ENVO ST50

MOTOR POWER & TORQUE: Real-World Performance

Rize City runs a 500W rear hub motor with 65Nm of torque, which handles flat city streets just fine and can climb moderate inclines without issue.

The ENVO ST50 ups the game with a 750W-rated motor delivering 80Nm of torque, software-limited to 500W for compliance in Canada but unlockable for private property or trail use. That extra torque means better hill climbing, faster starts from a dead stop, and a smoother ride under load—especially handy if you’re carrying cargo or a child seat.

Winner: ENVO ST50

RANGE & BATTERY EFFICIENCY: How Far Can You Go?

Range can make or break your confidence in an e-bike, especially for longer commutes. Rize City advertises up to 80 km on pedal assist, which is decent for most urban use cases.

The ENVO ST50 pushes range further with up to 150 km on a single charge using pedal assist. Even adjusting for real-world riding variables, that’s a substantial bump in usable range. More range equals more freedom—whether that means running errands, taking the long route, or just charging less often.

Clear Winner: ENVO ST50

DISPLAY & CONNECTIVITY: Smart Features

Rize City sticks with a basic black-and-white LCD display, showing essentials like speed, assist level, and battery life. It works, but it’s barebones.

The ENVO ST50 features a full-color display and Bluetooth connectivity, unlocking mobile app pairing for ride data, system updates, and fine-tuning settings. It adds a layer of smart-bike functionality that’s becoming increasingly valuable to tech-savvy riders.

Winner: ENVO ST50

COMPONENT GRADE: Under-the-Hood Quality

Both bikes are spec’d with SR Suntour front suspension and Shimano drivetrains, which are reliable, widely available, and easy to service. Rize City gets points for including a torque sensor as standard, which gives a more natural pedaling feel than cadence sensors alone.

On the flip side, while the ENVO ST50’s torque sensor is an optional upgrade, the drivetrain and shifter performance feel just a bit more refined out of the box. Still, this one comes down to priorities.

Verdict: Tie

BRAKING PERFORMANCE: No Corners Cut

Stopping power is critical, especially on step-thru bikes that may carry gear, kids, or heavier riders. Both the ENVO ST50 and Rize City use Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, providing reliable, smooth braking in all conditions.

They perform nearly identically in real-world use.

Verdict: Tie

WEIGHT: Moving It Around

Weight plays a bigger role than you might think—especially with step-thru frames, which are often used by riders looking for convenience. The ENVO ST50 weighs in at 62 lbs, while the Rize City tips the scale at 65 lbs. A 3-lb difference may not sound like much, but it matters when lifting onto a car rack or carrying it upstairs.

Slight Edge: ENVO ST50

SERVICEABILITY & PARTS: Easy to Maintain

Both bikes use widely available, off-the-shelf parts from brands like Shimano and SR Suntour. This is good news for long-term ownership—you won’t need to special-order proprietary components to keep your bike on the road.

Verdict: Tie

SERVICE NETWORK: Where Will You Get Help?

This one’s big. ENVO has a network of over 100 dealers and service centers across Canada, offering in-person support, test rides, and warranty servicing. That means a lot if you’re not mechanically inclined or simply want professional backup.

Rize City is a direct-to-consumer brand, meaning you buy online and are largely responsible for setup, maintenance, and repairs. That model works for some, but not for everyone.

Winner: ENVO ST50

ACCESSORIES & CUSTOMIZATION: Built for Versatility

The ENVO ST50 is designed as a platform bike, offering options to convert to a dual-passenger setup, swap tire sizes, or even turn it into a semi-off-road commuter. Rize City, while functional, lacks this level of modularity.

Whether you’re planning to evolve your riding style or just like to tinker, ENVO gives you more room to grow.

Clear Winner: ENVO ST50

SAFETY CERTIFICATIONS: The Hidden Differentiator

E-bike battery safety is no joke. The ENVO ST50 is UL2849 certified, and its battery meets the UL2271 safety standard. These are industry-recognized certifications that validate the bike's electrical system and battery safety.

Rize City does not currently advertise any safety certifications. That may not be a deal-breaker for everyone, but in an industry where fire safety and thermal events are gaining attention, it’s a noteworthy omission.

Winner: ENVO ST50

PRICE: The Bottom Line

The Rize City is priced at $2,399 CAD, while the ENVO ST50 comes in at $2,679 CAD. That’s a $280 price difference. But when you factor in the stronger motor, double the range, certified safety, in-person service access, and upgrade options, the ST50 offers significantly more value for the money.

Verdict: You get more—and better—for the price.

Final Verdict

Both the Rize City and the ENVO ST50 bring value to the table, especially for riders looking for accessible, step-thru electric bikes with solid components. Rize City makes a strong case for budget-conscious buyers who want a plug-and-play e-bike with minimal fuss.

But the ENVO ST50 steps up as the more complete package—offering a better fit, more power, greater range, smarter features, and safety certification backed by a real dealer network.

For riders who value long-term serviceability, real-world versatility, and the option to grow with their bike, ENVO ST50 isn’t just the better bike—it’s the better investment.