Rad City 3 Step Thru Review
The Rad City 3 step through is Rad Power Bikes 3rd installment of their city electric bike model. The city 3 step through scored a 10 out of 10 on universality making it one of the most universal ebikes on the market. Paired with a high torque and battery capacity, the Rad City 3 scored a 64 on our Tower ebike score giving it a very good ebike rating. Read the full in depth review on how the Rad City scored in our other categories below.
DISCLAIMER. Rad Power Bikes and Rad City 3 are trademarks of Rad Power Bikes, and use of that trademark in this review does not indicate that the reviewer is claiming any interest in the mark or any affiliation with or sponsorship or endorsement by Rad Power Bikes.
Rad City Step Thru 3
We’re going to review and rate the RadCity Step-Thru 3 from Rad Power Bikes. Rad Power Bikes is one of the biggest names in the electric bike industry. They make a ton of different kinds of styled e-bikes. If you’ve been shopping for an electric bike or are familiar with the electric bike industry, you’ll definitely have heard the name Rad Power Bikes before.
The RadCity is what they consider to be a bit of a city bike or a commuter bike. It’s definitely geared towards those who are not looking to really off-road at all. This bike is for someone looking for a sound electric bike to get them from point A to B a little bit quicker. This definitely makes for a good commuting e-bike and I think that’s what they were really going for here with this RadCity model.
The RadCity Step-Thru 3 scored a 64 on our 100-point scale, which rates it as a very good e-bike.
But before we get into the score, I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Stephan Aarstol. I am the CEO of the Tower e-Bike Repair Shop here in San Diego. We see thousands of e-bikes a day come in here and we repair hundreds a month. Here, we’re getting all of our electric bike mechanics to quickly give a nice and detailed score on each e-bike that we see come through the shop. We detail why it came into the shop, what things we like, and then review each e-bike on different attributes.
We review each e-bike for our 100-point scale. We rate each e-bike on seven key attributes and each attribute can score between a one and a 10, one being bad and 10 being the best it can score. We then normalize that to get a nice 100-point scale. Thus, what we’re doing is we’re digesting all of these attributes into one single-point score to really help the end consumer.
These attributes that we’re looking at here are:
- Materials quality
- Mechanical quality
- Low maintenance
- Hill-climbing ability
- Range
- Comfort
- Universality
Those seven key attributes are what build up our Tower Score. It’s very similar to the wine spectator score if you’re familiar with it.
There are many different e-bike brands and models out there on the internet. Very similar to how there are just so many different wines out there. It can be overwhelming and hard to distinguish them from one another. Thus, we’re taking our trained professional e-bike mechanics, people who have lived and understood the bike realm and the electric bike industry for years, and have them get down to the nitty-gritty and score these e-bikes on all these attributes. We then provide a singular score making it easy to compare different bikes with one another.
That’s our end goal. We try to help the end consumer and make it easier to shop for e-bikes. Especially with a lot of these e-bike companies being direct-to-consumer companies, you really don’t have an opportunity to test ride or get your hands on the bike before you spend thousands of dollars to buy one. Thus, having a trusted name and a detailed review here is really important information that we’re happy we can provide.
So let’s get into it with the RadCity Step-Thru 3.
Rad City Materials Quality. 4/10
The first attribute that we looked at on this bike is the quality of the material. It’s an important attribute because if a company cheaps out on the material’s quality, it’s more than likely that they’re going to cheap out on other areas. It’s a good telltale sign. If the bike has good outer material quality, then most likely they’re going to be good on the inside; which means that the electrical components are also going to be high-end quality.
Whereas, if a bike has really low-end kinds of materials on the outside, such as low seat quality grips then it’s more likely than not that the actual interior electric components of the bike are going to be low-quality as well.
On Materials Quality, the RadCity three Step-Thru 3 scored a four out of 10. The bike does have Kenda tires, which we don’t really like seeing on an electric bike. Kenda tires are one of the cheapest bike brands or tire brands on the market. Rad Power Bikes is definitely cheaping out on the brand quality for the Kenda tires.
The bike has nice stainless steel spokes and has a relatively nice seat which is strange for Rad Power Bikes. Tire bikes tend to have low-quality seats. It was nice to see a comfortable seat here on the RadCity Step-Thru 3, along with a nice accented grip on it as well. But there were some low-quality components of the bike. The frame is a little bit delicate in certain areas and it has cheap pedals and a couple of other things that we didn’t really like too much. But overall, I give it a four out of 10.
Rad City Mechanical Quality. 3/10
The next attribute we look at is mechanical quality. This is an important attribute to research and get to know. What we’re looking at here is how sound of a bike this is. When it comes down to it, a lot of these companies are going to be boasting about the motor capabilities, the battery, and how long the battery can last, and whatnot. Electric bikes are still bikes. They still have gears and chains and the like. Here, we’re trying to verify if they’re neglecting the bike aspect of it while focusing too much on electrical components. We also check if these companies are still making a bike that you can still pedal and use.
Thus, for mechanical quality, it did score a three out of 10 and that’s due to RadCity Step-Thru 3 having mechanical brakes on it. Mechanical brakes are not recommended on electric bikes. It is a little bit silly to think that an electric bike company can put mechanical brakes on an e-bike. With mechanical brakes, you’re just going to wear down those breaks quickly. Working here at a bike repair shop, it’s evident that most of the bikes that come in with brake issues almost always have mechanical brakes. That’s because you’re going to be breaking at faster speeds. Those brake calipers are going to need to be adjusted often. Definitely something that got dinged here on mechanical quality.
We like to see electric bikes have hydraulic brakes. On another aspect, the bike has a relatively cheap derailleur. It does have gears on it, which is nice to see. But that derailleur in the shifter is of poor quality. It’s non-branded, and it’s not as smooth and as nice as a lot of the other derailleurs on the market.
Overall, it scored a three out of 10 here on mechanical quality.
Rad City 3 Maintenance Level. 4/10
The next attribute we look at is maintenance level. The RadCity Step-Thru 3 scored a four out of 10. It’s a relatively high-maintenance bike. Going back to the fact that by not having hydraulic brakes, the caliper is going to have to be continually adjusted. You’re going to wear down those brake pads a little bit more. You may find yourself in the shop more often than you would with a bike that has hydraulic brakes.
There were some nice things on this bike though; things that will keep it out of the shop. Even though it has a low-quality outer tire with it, with those Kenda tires, it does have a tire liner within it, which is nice to see. It has some flat resistance and it is nice to see that the company is paying attention to flat-resistant tires and having a tire liner in there. Fixing a flat on an electric bike can be really annoying.
There are some areas where it is going to rust. This is definitely something to consider if you live in a coastal environment by the beach or an area that’s going to be wet a lot. This bike will potentially deteriorate over time. That’s another maintenance issue that we saw.
And the last thing we want to touch on here for maintenance is the fact that the bike does have multiple gears. From a maintenance standpoint, this is a little bit of a negative. You’re going to want to be able to stay on top of the cable stretch and make sure that all the shifting and the gears are working properly. It’s an area that might add some complications in the future.
Again, on the low maintenance score, the RadCity three through scored a four out of 10.
Rad City Hill-climbing Ability. 7/10
The next thing we’re going to look at is hill-climbing ability on the RadCity 3 where it scored a seven out of 10. The bike does have nice grainy gears. It’s relatively easy to switch into those gears especially when going uphill, meaning you’ll have a little bit of a boost here. And you got the pedal assist and the throttle, and you’re able to pair that with your own pedal exertion, which is nice to see. The battery capacity is 48-volts and it has a 500-watt hub motor. It performed relatively well on the hill that we tested here in San Diego.
Rad City Step Thru Range. 9/10
Now, let’s look at the range attribute. The RadCity 3 performed pretty well here. Online, it says it gets 45-plus miles for range. We found that it is a little bit higher than that. It has a nice combination with the 500-watts, 14-amp hour, and a 48-volt battery. It has a lot of sustained energy units, which is super nice to see. Sometimes e-bike companies will put a 750-watt motor with a 14-amp hour battery and it’s exerting too much power, while the 500-watts, 14-amp hour battery is a sweet spot and makes the battery sustain longer life. Pair that with the fact that it also has Samsung cells, which really gives it that nice nine out of 10 score.
We love seeing Samsung cells and batteries. We recommend it when purchasing an electric bike to make sure that the batteries inside have a brand. That means that the cells within the batteries are either Samsung, LG, or Panasonic. If a company doesn’t state the brand name, more often than not, this means they cheaped out there. The cells may not last as long. They may start to deteriorate over time. The BMS system may not last as long as one from a reputable brand like Samsung, LG, or Panasonic.
So for range, the RadCity Step-Thru 3 scores a nine out of 10.
Rad City Comfortability Score. 8/10
Let’s see how this bike scores on comfortability. The RadCity Step-Thru 3 scored an eight out of 10. There are a lot of good aspects to this bike in terms of comfort. It has a nice, upright position when you’re riding it. It has a nice suspension to it even though it’s a commuter bike. Even though you won’t be off-roading, the fact that the bike does have suspension adds to the comfort and ease of the ride.
The pedal has a nice forward length to it. And it has a nice sweep back handlebar set to it. We found this bike really comfortable. We really liked spending time on this bike. Comfort is definitely something you want to consider when buying a bike. A lot of people FOCUS on the looks of a bike when comfort is way more important. A bike may look cool, but if it’s not comfortable, you’re not going to spend time on it at all.
So the RadCity Step-Thru 3 scored a nice eight out of 10 on comfort.
eBike’s Universality Score. 10/10
The last thing we looked at here is universality. How likely is this bike able to fit any size rider, any weight rider. On universal, it scored a 10. This is the highest score it can get. This bike is built for pretty much any rider with its low-sweep Step–Thru 3 frame. Anyone from low height to old age can easily get their legs over and saddle onto this bike.
There are more nice components on this bike, such as it being easily adjustable. The handlebars can easily move up and down and move back and forth which gives it a ton of customization. We found this bike to be one of the most basic, all-around best electric bikes people-wise. It has a lot of customizability. So much so that it’s able to fit pretty much any size rider.
So on universality, the bike scored a 10.
Rad City 3 Step Thru Overall Tower Score (64) and Specialty Score (54)
Those seven key attributes together give the RadCity Step–Thru 3 a 64 out of a hundred, which is a very good e-bike score. Circling back to touch on our Specialty Score, omitting the last two attributes, the RadCity Step-Thru 3 scored a 54, giving it a mediocre e-bike rating. This not being a specialty bike, you’re going to want to look more towards the Tower Score here on this one.
Something that we’d like to touch on is the weight of the bike. The RadCity Step-Thru 3 is 65 pounds, which is relatively on the heavier side of an electric bike. We like to see electric bikes in the 50-pound range. 65 pounds is a little bit heavy, so if you are going to be putting this bike on a rack or in the back of a car or in a truck, it’s something to consider. 65 pounds is quite heavy to lift.
Another thing we like to touch on is looks. We like to look at the spike. It comes in those two different colors, black and white, and it has a nice accented grip and seat to it. It looks like a regular bike, which is super nice. There is a strange look to it because of the battery placement. The battery is exactly where you would put a water bottle per se and so we did find that a little bit strange. Other than that, the look of the bike is quite nice. You’re going to easily be able to ride this bike on a bike path without attracting too much attention.
Rad City Low Proprietary Risk. 5/10
And the final thing that we like to touch on, and probably the most important thing, is something we call the low proprietary risk score. That means, how many parts of this bike are proprietary and how many are not. Will customers be able to source old parts for their bike if it needs repairs? Is it going to be tough to find parts in the future? Is the customer service from the brand there? Are they willing to help you if you do need help? Things like that.
The unfortunate truth is that there are so many electric bike brands out there on the market and 95% of them are going out of business. There simply can’t be this many electric bike companies out in the market occupying the same niche.
What’s going to happen is all these companies spend so much on ads and customer acquisition costs are eventually going to burn them out. Most likely, they’re really not going to be able to sustain their growth. It’s surely something to consider for the low proprietary risk score.
We gave the RadCity Step–Thru 3 a five out of 10, which is a relatively ok score here compared to some other ebike models.
It has a standard tire size, referencing those Kenda tires. You do not need to go directly to Rad to get a replacement tire. Kenda tires are quite popular and you can find them in any bike store; meaning you won’t be forced to rely on Rad.
With that being said, there are some non-standard things on this bike such as the controller and the branded motor. If you have an issue with the controller in the future, you’re not going to be able to purchase it from eBay or anything like that. And a controller that fits this RadCity 3 is a very proprietary part. We see it all the time here at our Tower e-Bike Repair Shop. If a customer comes in with a bike but the company is no longer in business and they need a new battery or a new electrical component, unfortunately, we can’t help that customer.
They bought a bike from a company that may no longer be in business and they may not be manufacturing that part anymore. It’s really unfortunate. We hate to see it when a customer spends thousands of dollars on an e-Bike and further down the line, they can’t even service it because they can’t find the part or the part’s out of stock or the company may no longer be in business. Thus, this is something that we like to consider and would like to bring to the attention to e-Bike shoppers out there. Finding a reputable company and one that has great customer service is super fundamental and is often overlooked.
Conclusion
So that’s our RadCity Step-Thru 3 review. Again, the RadCity scored 64 out of a hundred, giving it a very good e-bike rating. Check out our site for Tower Scores and a growing list of other e-bikes that we see coming through our repair shop.
Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus Review – 2023
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Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus Review: Overview
The Rad Power BikesRadRunner Plus is a modern and intuitive Class 2 electric utility bike from Rad Power Bikes that combines a well thought out frame design with a powerful 750W motor and 48V, 14Ah battery.
If you’re looking for a clean and efficient alternative to your car, a good small cargo bike or you’re simply looking for an electric bike that will seat another person on the rear, the RadRunner Plus is a great choice.
During our RadRunner Plus review we put the bike through our hill climb test, brake test, circuit test and range test to give us a good idea of what the RadRunner Plus is made of. The Runner is a great bang for your buck e-bike with a lot of included quality parts and features, all while keeping the Runner around the 1,700 price point.
By the end of this review you should have a good idea of if the RadRunner Plus is the right Class 2 utility e-bike for you.
Bike Category: Cargo Utility The RadRunner Plus has several optional accessories to customize the bike to the rider.
Pro’s
- The RadRunner Plus is a well rounded e-bike. It has a very well thought out frame design that works great for hauling cargo and commuting to work.
- There are lots of modular parts and accessories that allow you to customize the RadRunner Plus relative to your lifestyle.
- The RadRunner Plus is plenty strong to take over for the rider. The 750W motor is great for scaling hills and riding at a high average speeds while keeping the rider fresh.
- The low center of gravity gives the RadRunner good traction.
- The RadRunner Plus has a solid battery life regardless of the assist level you decide to ride in.
Con’s
- The shape of the seat fits the aesthetic, but feels a bit odd to sit on, especially when pedaling. A little more conventional or ergonomic saddle design would help the pedaling experience.
- The RadRunner Plus comes with the same brakes as the RadRunner 1, we would like to see some higher end brakes for the premium version of the RadRunner.
- Battery: 48V, 14Ah (672Wh)
- Display: Standard LCD display
- Motor: 750W brushless geared hub motor, 80 Nm of torque
- Headlight: Large LED headlight
- Taillights: Integrated taillight
- Peal Assist: Levels 1-5
- Range: 25-45 miles
- Throttle: Twist throttle
- Battery weight: 10 lbs
- Claimed weight: 74.3 lbs
- Real weight: 74.3 lbs
- Maximum rider weight: 300lbs
- Dimensions: 71.5” x 47.25” x 26” (length x handlebar height x seat height)
- Brakes: Tektro Aries, 180mm rotors
- Fenderss: Plastic fenders, full coverage front and rear
- Fork: RST spring fork, 80mm, lockout and preload adjustment
- Frame: 6061 aluminium
- Gearing: 7-speed Shimano Altus, 11-34T
- Grips: imitation leather grips, ergonomic
- Saddle: Rad Power Bikes moped-style seat
- Handlebar: Aluminum high rise handlebars, 10” rise, 660mm wide
- Kickstand: Side-mounted, adjustable lean angle
- Pedals: Wellgo alloy platform, 9/16”
- Tires: 20” x 3.3” Rad Power Bike by Kenda “K-Rad”
Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus Performance Review
Acceleration / Speed
The RadRunner Plus has enough power in its 750W motor that it only takes a couple of seconds to reach the bike’s top motor-assisted speed of 20 mph when engaging the throttle or pedaling in the highest assistance level.
The acceleration characteristics seem to be good for riding around downtown where I was constantly stopping at intersections and weaving through alleyways. With a touch of the throttle I was able to get back up to a high speed from a standstill.
You aren’t going to break any land speed records when riding around on the RadRunner Plus, but you are going to be able to hover around 20 mph most anywhere that isn’t a steep hill.
The RadRunner Plus did a good job of moderating power usage during our battery range tests. We conducted two separate tests, one on the lowest pedal assist level and the other on the highest. This gives our team a good idea of the true real world range the bike is capable of.
When I conducted the range test in the highest pedal assist level (PAS 5) it took 26.22 miles for the 48V, 14Ah battery to die. I rode at an average speed of 17.2 mph which is pretty quick considering the RadRunner Plus is limited to the maximum Class 2 speed of 20 mph.
The 750W motor had no issue hanging onto the speed I acquired during the ride, and my average speed is proof. Twenty miles-per-hour feels like a good limiter to keep the bike moving quickly without losing charge too fast.
When our team member Bryce Smith tested the RadRunner Plus in the lowest pedal assist level (PAS 1) we were shocked at how long the battery lasted. In fact, it lasted so long that we decided to stop trying to kill the battery because it simply would not die.
The RadRunner’s PAS 1 setting didn’t seem to be helping much at all, the wattmeter showed us the bike was only producing 30-70 watts in the lowest pedal assist level.
At 70 miles, Bryce had only dropped two of the five bars on the battery charge indicator. Not only was the PAS 1 setting not draining much power, 70 miles far exceeds the claimed maximum range of the RadRunner Plus. We reached out to Rad and confirmed this is an anomolously far range test result, one that probably was caused by human error or Bryce’s ability to pedal ridiculously hard for long periods of time. The RadRunner Plus comes with a similar battery to the RadRover 5 we tested earlier this year so we were expecting around 50-60 miles out of the battery.
We’re redoing this range test, so stay tuned for those updated results.
But while the test was flawed, it did illustrate the Runner’s extremely conservative low pedal assist setting. It’s not a setting I’d recommend using it if you need any sort of assistance at all, but it will really extend the bike’s battery life. If you’re looking to conserve the battery while still receiving some assistance I would recommend PAS 2, which Rad calls their “eco” setting.
Circuit test
Here at Electric Bike Report we conduct what we call the Circuit Test. We ride around a one mile loop or “circuit” in each assistance level to get a good idea of how each pedal assist level performs. After the test is complete we have a good idea of how fast each level is and how big of a gap there is between each level.
The RadRunner Plus had pretty conservative jumps from level to level, with the exception of the jump from PAS 2 up to 3, which was 3.1 mph. Each pedal assist level has its own benefits, PAS 1 is going to conserve the battery for a very long period of time while PAS 5 is going to try its hardest to keep you riding around the Class 2 top speed of 20 mph.
The 5 assist levels give the RadRunner Plus the ability to be the conservative e-bike that’s in it for the long haul, or the speedy e-bike that helps you get to work on time. The Runner also can be somewhere between these two examples, just as we would hope for in a utility-oriented electric bike.
Testing out all the different pedal assist settings on the RadRunner Plus
The RadRunners 10-inch high rise handlebar
Twist grip throttle, shifter, and ergonomic grip
Because the RadRunner Plus is limited to 20 mph we seldom saw the motor’s true speed capabilities on flat ground. The hill test is where we really saw the 750W motor come alive. Our test hill is a quarter-mile long and has an average grade of over 12 percent. We scale our test hill twice — once using only the throttle and once on the highest pedal assist setting. This tells us how strong the bike is on its own, and with rider assistance.
When I climbed our test hill using throttle only I clocked a time of 1:53.00, with an average speed of 9.6 mph. When I climbed our test hill in the highest pedal assist setting it took me 1:27.00, with an average speed of 12.5 mph to reach the top.
While the RadRunner Plus definitely didn’t clock the fastest times up our test hill it never seemed to be phased by it either; the motor was quiet, and its power output was consistently around 600-700 watts.
Between the two results I think the RadRunner Plus is a solid hill climber. It’s never going to “boost” you uphill, but it can definitely take over when things get tough. If you have cargo or are on your way to work the motor can definitely ensure you’ll get to your destination without having to over exert yourself.
The RadRunner Plus’s 20” wheels paired with the 3.3” wide tires and 80mm suspension fork made for a plush and agile ride experience. The Runner also has an upright riding position that makes it easy to stay comfortable.
The sharp turn radius of the Runner reminded me a lot of the RadMini 4 that I reviewed earlier this year. Both bikes have the ability to turn on a dime and accelerate back up to speed within a matter of seconds. While I would definitely say the RadMini 4 has an advantage in maneuverability, the RadRunner Plus’s low center of gravity makes it easier to balance and its knobbier tires help keep the tires stuck to the ground, even on short off-road sections.
Ride Comfort/Geometry
The RadRunner puts the rider in a very upright position, mainly because of the 10-inch high rise handlebar setup. The positioning allowed me to stay comfortable during the range test, which had me pedaling the Runner for over an hour and a half. The Runner also has a low step frame that makes it easy to hop on and off the bike without the worry of getting hung up on the top tube.
The wedge shaped moped-style RadRunner saddle could use some improvement. While the design of this saddle makes sense for the moped oriented design of this bike, the shape of it doesn’t really work well for pedaling. When pedaling the back of my legs would rub the saddle and a more conventional saddle shape would definitely improve the pedaling experience. If you don’t plan on pedaling much then this seat will be just fine.
The RadRunner Plus fits a wide range of rider heights, riders with a leg length of 23” to 34” should be able to stand over and ride the bike comfortably. As a whole this bike is definitely comfortable.
Feeling out the contact points and geometry of the RadRunner Plus
Adjustable moped-style seat
The padded bench and moped-style seat
Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus Specs/Features Review: Electric Components
The RadRunner Plus comes with a 750W rear hub motor that’s capable of producing 80 Nm of torque. This motor is strong enough to manage the weight of the bike and whoever’s riding it without much issue at all.
When I conducted our hill climb test I was impressed with how the bike managed our steep test hill. While it didn’t clock the fastest time up the hill, the motor was always quiet and it never seemed to be phased or challenged.
The motor also allowed me to stay around the Class 2 top speed of 20 mph most of the time. While the speed definitely dipped on hills it was never as much as I was anticipating. It feels like the RadRunner always keeps a little power in the reserve for those “just in case” moments.
The RadRunners 48V, 14Ah battery performed right on target with what we expected, if not a little more.
When I rode in the highest pedal assist level I reached just under 30 miles on a single charge, which was about what I was expecting based on the size of the battery. The battery is tucked away nicely behind the seat post and is removable with the key that is included with the bike.
Pedal Assist / Throttle
The 5 pedal assist levels span from the extremely conservative PAS 1 up to the quick and powerful PAS 5. Levels 2,3, and 4 fall somewhere between these two extremes and all provide their own benefits. We discovered PAS 1 is about as conservative as it gets when it comes to pedal assist. Our test rider only received 30-70 watts when riding in it.
The highest pedal assist setting kept me riding around the maximum Class 2 speed of 20 mph. Because the RadRunner Plus has a 750W motor it had no issues maintaining a high average speed. I still received a good amount of charge life from the battery in the highest pedal assist setting.
The throttle has very similar characteristics to PAS 4, where the bike is able to reach 20 mph but at a slightly slower rate than in PAS 5. There is a wide range of acceleration when engaging the throttle and it all comes down to how much you twist it.
The RadRunner Plus has a solid LCD display; it doesn’t have any special features or gadgets but it does its job very well. This display shows me all the information that I want to see when riding around including speed, average speed, mileage, trip mileage, battery life, pedal assist level, and watt usage. The display also comes with a USB charging port to charge your devices on the go.
My favorite aspect of the display is the watt meter, it’s extremely useful in the sense that it allows me to moderate battery usage in a way where I can maximize the battery life. Being able to see the watts produced is an easy way to know if you need to back off your pedal assist level to maximize the battery life.
The RadRunner Plus has a center mounted LCD display
The RadRunner Plus’s full cockpit
Back side of the handlebars on the RadRunner Plus
Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus logo
Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus Review: Components and Accessories
Rad Power Bikes makes the most out of the components on their bikes. While they may use the same components as other competing brands, the way they are able to add them up into one bike makes a big difference. The Rad Power Bike fleet feels like a family of well put together, refined electric bikes that continue to get better year after year.
The Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes are paired up with 180mm rotors front and rear. These brakes do their job, but hydraulic disc brakes make a lot of sense for this bike. Reason being is this is the “upgraded” version of the RadRunner, so components like the brakes should be a no brainer to upgrade.
The RadRunner Plus comes with metallic brake pads, which tend to have a little more stopping power and “bite” than the organic brake pads which come on the RadRunner 1. I still think hydraulic brakes are the way to go on future “Plus” models.
When we conducted our brake test it took me an average of 17-feet 2-inches to stop from the top speed of 20 mph. The distance was a little farther than I was hoping for, however I would still deem these brakes as safe. As I mentioned before, I think hydraulic brakes are the way to go on the RadRunner Plus for future models.
The 6061 alloy frame comes with mounting points for a lot of modular parts like the RadRunner Center Console and front mounted basket. The frame also has more conventional features like its water bottle cage mount.
I am a big fan of how Rad Power Bikes designed this frame to work very well with its available accessories. While there are plenty of bikes that have available accessories, not many are as easy to use and install as the ones available for the Runner.
The silver metallic paint job of the RadRunner Plus is also well, a plus. It gives the bike the gleam and shine of a fancy clean car. The paint job is definitely appropriate for the upgraded version of the RadRunner that this bike is.
The frame comes with a 1 year warranty that covers manufacturing defects.
The RadRunner Plus comes with an RST 80mm spring suspension fork which has a lockout and and preload adjustment. The suspension fork is one of the main upgrades you receive on the RadRunner Plus over the standard RadRunner, and it does a great job absorbing chatter and vibrations from the trail or path.
The fork adds additional off-road capability and performance over the fully rigid fork that comes on the RadRunner 1. The fork also improves traction, especially off-road.
Regardless of if you’re riding on-road or off-road the suspension fork is going to add comfort and control to the bike. For those who will be doing some offroad miles on the RadRunner Plus keep in mind that this is no mountain bike, just a bike that’s capable on unpaved roads.
Drivetrain / Shifting
The 7-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain gives riders a wide range of gearing that makes the RadRunner Plus that much more capable than its standard counterpart, which uses a single speed drivetrain. I really appreciated having multiple gears to choose from during hill climbs.
During our hillclimb test I was able to maintain the same amount of effort despite the hill getting steeper, and that’s mainly due to the 7 gear range this bike has. The 7-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain paired with the 750W motor makes maintaining speed on flat ground and climbing hills a breeze.
The 7-speed Shimano shifter is an over-the-bar thumb shifter which does its job well. I would prefer an underbar shifter because it’s easier to shift on the fly without moving your thumb over the bar to shift. This is a pretty minor thing, but I see the shifter as one of the things that could definitely be upgraded on the RadRunner Plus.
Testing out the brakes on the RadRunner Plus
Tektro Aries caliper with 180mm rotor
Shimano Altus 7 speed drivetrain.
Contact Points / Comfortability
Overall I would consider the RadRunner Plus to be a comfortable bike. Its upright positioning and comfortable contact points are great for the most part. I think the moped-style seat needs some work. If this bike didn’t have pedals it would be just fine, however it does cause some discomfort when pedaling.
The backside of my legs began to get sore because of the saddle shape. With that being said I understand that this is a moped style e-bike, so it isn’t going to be designed around optimum pedaling positioning and performance.
The high rise handlebars and ergonomic grips proved to be a good combination for keeping my neck and lower back fresh. The grips aren’t the grippiest, but they are soft and a good shape for holding onto for long periods of time.
Other components such as the high-volume tires, and suspension fork add additional comfort and as a whole I was satisfied with the contact points and overall comfort of the RadRunner Plus.
The RadRunner Plus comes with exclusive “K-Rad” Kenda tires that are made specifically for Rad Power Bikes. The 3.3” wide tires are puncture resistant thanks to Kenda’s K-Shield technology and so far the tires have lived up to their claims. We’ve put 100-plus miles on the RadRunner Plus and not once have we had to deal with a flat.
The checkerboard tread pattern is eye-catching and surprisingly effective. The tread pattern felt like a good median of rolling speed and traction. While the RadRunner Plus is definitely more of an on-pavement bike these tires also seemed to perform decently during the occasional off-road stretches.
The high volume of the K-Rad tires makes for a wide range of performance. Lower pressures will yield more grip, while higher pressures will yield faster rolling speeds.
Extras / Accessories
The RadRunner Plus has a lot of modular accessories and extras that are available for purchase on their website. Between the amount of accessories and the versatility of the RadRunner Plus you should be able to set it up just the way you want.
The RadRunner Center Console is one of the best accessories you can buy for the RadRunner. It has 12 liters of capacity, and fits like a glove in the low step part of the frame. Regardless of how you intend to use your RadRunner, I think the console is a good thing to pick up at checkout.
Mounting point for cargo carrier and water bottle cage
Flipping down the pegs for the passenger
Downtown cruise on the RadRunner Plus
Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus Review: Summary / Where to Buy
The RadRunner Plus review process really allowed our team to see what the Runner brings to the table in the way of utility, ride experience, and overall quality. The 750W motor paired nicely with the rest of the bike and allowed me to scale steep hills without breaking a sweat and ride at high average speeds throughout town.
Throughout all of the tests we conducted we really learned the ins and outs of how the RadRunner Plus performs in the real world.
I was very satisfied with the 26.22 miles I was able to get out of the battery on maximum assistance, and I was also happy with our hill climb test results. While the RadRunner Plus may have not been the fastest bike we’ve had scale our test hill, it did feel like one of the smoother ones. I came to like the smooth engagement of the motor, and its consistent power output it provided me with.
There are some components that I would like to see upgraded or modified on future models. I firmly believe that the RadRunner Plus should come with higher end brakes than the standard RadRunner 1. The shape of the seat works well for the moped style riding this bike is intended for, but when I decided to pedal it was very hard for me to get along with the seat. I had to readjust quite a bit, and the back of my legs were always rubbing against the seat.
Aside from that I think Rad Power Bikes has done a really good job with this bike. The upright geometry kept me comfortable and looking ahead, and the 80mm suspension fork kept me from getting bucked around on rougher surfaces.
The RadRunner Plus can be used for a lot of different things, its design, features, and available accessories makes it a great option for those looking for an affordable cargo utility e-bike. The RadRunner was one of our choices for the Best Electric Cargo Bikes for 2022 because of its compact design and ability to hold a lot of cargo. This bike is ready for most cargo and commuting related tasks, and if you’re looking for a bike that can do both then I would recommend looking into the RadRunner Plus.
‘Happy Riding, make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our Комментарии и мнения владельцев section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus.
Rad Power Expand 5 Review – An In-Depth Look
Rad Power is currently the largest e-bike manufacturer in North America.They’ve climbed to the top of the e-biking world thanks to their affordable yet quality e-bikes. They’re so successful in fact that they’ve recently expanded their operations to Europe.
The RadMini was already a pretty decent electric bike offering a fantastic mix of mobility for daily commuting and offroad fun. Now, the Expand 5 improves on all these characteristics. while also delivering better ergonomics and frame stability.
Some of the key upgrades include a step-through frame, which makes it suitable for riders of all heights and adjustable handlebars.
That’s merely the tip of the iceberg upgrades-wise, though. The frame features a ton of small details that make it one of the most ergonomic and easy-to-store e-bikes you can find on the current market.
But, before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let’s take a look at the specs:
Frame
The frame is the single most vital component of any bike. That’s why most improvements from the RadMini have been made on the bike’s frame.
Unlike the previous version, Expand 5 now boasts a step-through frame design. That allows for easy mounting. no matter your height. However, this does lower the max height of the rider to just 5’ 10’’. but you can opt for a more extensive seat post.
Speaking of rider height, Expand 5 comes with another upgrade that ensures superb comfort. adjustable handlebars. Previous versions of Rad Power’s foldable e-bikes didn’t come with this critical feature. Now you can rotate the handlebars to hit that comfort sweet spot. Still, this doesn’t make the ride more comfortable if you’re taller than six feet.
That is why some people had trouble adjusting the bike to be more comfortable. Now you can rotate the handlebar in or out for the ultimate riding experience.
The Expand 5 is pretty light for a fat-tire foldable e-bike, too. That is because the frame is built out of lightweight. but durable. 6061 aluminum. The frame is extremely sturdy and even comes with reinforcements for the headset joint and the joint between the downtube and the chainstay.
That ensures the e-bike can handle all types of terrain with minimal risk of breaking. which is always good to hear.
Another improvement upon the RadMini is the addition of a rear cargo rack. The rack is built out of steel, which adds weight but makes it extremely sturdy. The maximum carrying capacity for it is around 60 pounds.
Additionally, the rack comes with all kinds of small details that make it extremely useful, such as child seat mounting points. and even bungee cord slips. The cord slips are a bit rough and will cut into the cord so I recommend you file the slips down and apply a fresh coat of paint.
If one rack is not enough for you, you can also purchase an additional front rack. The Expand 5 comes with mounting holes and screws, so all you have to do to install the front rack is screw it in. Unfortunately, since there is no front suspension you can expect the cargo to rattle quite a bit during the ride.
Rad Power offset this by including larger tires, but that doesn’t make up for the comfort that a good front suspension would provide.
Another detail I love about this Rad Power bike is the cable routing. Although this is a foldable bike, all the routing is done through the downtube. That makes the e-bikes frame lines sleeker and prevents the cables from getting cut or damaged by accident.
Since this is is a folding e-bike, let’s talk about the folding mechanism a bit.
The bike is held together in the middle by a bulky steel buckle. This buckle is pretty robust. and won’t budge no matter what you do to the bike. The story is the same for the handlebar.
There’s a standoff welded to the bottom of the bottom bracket shell to ensure the bike doesn’t scratch while it’s folded. This standoff essentially acts as a kickstand when your electric bike is completely folded.
On that note, the Expand 5 measures only 29 x 25 x 41 inches when folded. That means that even if you have little to no place for storage, you won’t have much trouble storing this e-bike.
The only thing I don’t like about the frame design is the lack of front suspension.
Rad Power offset this by including larger tires, but that doesn’t make up for the comfort that a good front suspension would provide.
Motor
The Expand 5 comes with a 750-watt rear hub motor, which provides more than enough power to go over just about any type of terrain.
On top of all that, the motor is also pretty torquey. The moment you push on the thumb throttle, you’ll feel the motor’s power. In just a matter of seconds, you’ll be cruising at a top speed of 20 miles per hour.
You get to control the motor’s functions via the control hub located on the lefthand side of the handlebar. The control hub is pretty basic, though. It comes with a small LCD screen showing the current battery charge and your speed.
There are dedicated buttons to switch between five levels of pedal assist and buttons for the light. There are no advanced features, such as milage meters or a range indicator.
I would say that Rad Power could’ve added a bit more features to the controller, but that would probably increase the e-bike’s price. For 1299, this bike has more than enough motor control features.
Battery
Rad Power Expand 5 comes with a 672 Wh battery that provides you with around 45 miles of range. And sure, the charging time of 6.5 hours isn’t ideal, but it makes sense when you factor in the price.
Although the battery isn’t something to write home about, the way Rad Power built it is rather innovative.
You see, most e-bike batteries come with an integrated motor controller. Unlike other e-bikes, the Expand 5 comes with a separate motor controller. This feature reduces the cost of the battery significantly. which means replacing the battery isn’t such a big deal.
During my tests, the bike’s range was around 30 miles, which is impressive for a budget-friendly e-bike. Just keep in mind that the range drops off significantly when driving over dirt roads.
You can expect around 20 or so miles if you take this bike on an off-road adventure.
Brake Type
Rad Power Expand 5 comes with 180-millimeter disc brakes. They’re your standard mechanical brakes. and seem pretty responsive no matter how dry or wet the conditions are.
I love how easy they are to adjust, too. Instead of using tools, you can easily tension the cable by rotating the bolt where the line goes into the brake.
Rims
The rims fitted on the Expand 5 are nothing less than heavy-duty. They’re made of double-wall aluminum that measures 60 millimeters in width.
The spokes are just as heavy-duty as the rims. In fact, this e-bike comes with 36 spokes built of 12-gauge stainless steel.
Needless to say, the rims can take everything you throw at them. and more.
Tires
The Expand 5 doesn’t come with front suspension, so Rad Power offset this by including bigger tires than on the previous models.
This e-bike comes with 20 x 4-inch puncture-resistant tires you can inflate or deflate. depending on the kind of terrain. But again, note that the range of the e-bike drops the more you deflate the tires.
Post Test Summary: Rad Power Expand 5 Pros And Cons
Based on everything said above, what impressions does the Expand 5 leave on you?
In my honest option, the Expand 5 is one of the best budget-friendly bikes you can find on the current market.
Not many e-bikes in this price range offer this much versatility and comfort. You can use it for both daily commuting and weekend adventures. And since it’s foldable, you’ll have no trouble fitting it into your car trunk or in your home.
Additionally, the 750W motor provides more than enough torque to make the riding experience incredibly fun.
Plus, not many bikes in this price range come with heavy-duty cargo racks.
The only thing I don’t like about this e-bike is the lack of front suspension. Sure, you can deflate the tires. but that comes at the cost of decreased range.
What I Liked About Rad Power Expand 5
Based on my time with this bike, there’s very little not to like about it. The riding experience is super smooth. Although there’s no front suspension, the tires absorbed most of the road bumps. The offroad ride was a bit rougher but not uncomfortable.
I especially love Expand 5’s folding feature. When folded, this e-bike barely takes any place. Even if you live in a tiny apartment you won’t have any trouble storing it. The same goes for anyone with limited trunk space.
What I Didn’t Like About Rad Power Expand 5
The only thing I didn’t like about this bike is that it doesn’t come with a large LCD display. I don’t like it when I have to guess how much battery charge I have left.
Sure, you can buy an LCD display upgrade, but it would’ve been nice if it came with the stock model.
Another thing I don’t like about this bike is the rider height limitation. If you’re anywhere from 5’ 10’’ you will start to cramp after a couple of miles.
If you decide to assemble this bike yourself you will have a hard time installing the fenders. The fit is so tight that it’ll be nearly impossible to not scratch the paint.
Lastly, I don’t like the lack of front suspension. The fat tires are pretty good at absorbing road shock, but the second you hit an offroad trail the bumps will make the ride almost intolerable.