Name: 2017 Rad Power Bikes RadCity Review
Item: 2017 Rad Power Bikes RadCity
Author: Court Rye

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2017 Rad Power Bikes RadCity Review

Rad Power Bikes Radcity Electric Bike Review

Rad Power Bikes Radcity 750 Watt Gearless Hub Shengyi

Rad Power Bikes Radcity 48 Volt 11 6 Amp Hour Battery

Rad Power Bikes Radcity Backlit Lcd Display Low Rise Bars

Rad Power Bikes Radcity Tektro Levers With Inhibitors Bell Ergonomic Grips

Rad Power Bikes Radcity 7 Speed Shimano Acera

Rad Power Bikes Radcity 180 Mm Tektro Mechanical Disc Brakes

Rad Power Bikes Radcity Adjustable Kickstand

Rad Power Bikes Radcity Integrated Alloy Rack 60 Lb Max

Rad Power Bikes Radcity Independent Controller Box 22 Amps

Rad Power Bikes Radcity Sr Suntour Suspension Fork Lockout Rebound Led Light

A value priced but featured packed urban commuter style electric bike with everything from fenders, to LED lights, rear carry rack and regenerative braking
Solid driving and braking performance with a 750 watt gearless hub motor and 180 mm mechanical disc brakes... you get five levels of assist plus twist throttle that overrides with full power
Comfortable 2.3" all-terrain tires, basic suspension fork with lockout, ergonomic grips and an adjustable angle stem, the bike comes in two frame sizes for improved fit!
Gearless motors are durable and quiet but less zippy (especially from start) and tend to weigh more, the RadCity weighs ~60 lbs which is on the heavier side, rear light is not wired in

Make:

Rad Power Bikes

Model:

2017 RadCity

Price:

$1,499 ($175 Flat Rate Shipping)

Body Position:

Upright, Upright Relaxed

Suggested Use:

Urban, Commuting

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

1 Year Comprehensive (Original Owner)

Availability:

United States, Canada

Model Year:

20162017

Total Weight:

60.5 lbs (27.44 kg)

Battery Weight:

7 lbs (3.17 kg)

Motor Weight:

9 lbs (4.08 kg)

Frame Material:

Aluminum

Frame Sizes:

16 in (40.64 cm)20 in (50.8 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

16" Frame: 16" Seat Tube, 30" Reach, 31.5" Stand Over Height, 70" Length, 20" Frame: 20" Seat Tube, 33.25" Reach, 32.5" Stand Over Height, 70" Length

Frame Types:

High-Step, Mid-Step

Frame Colors:

Gun Metal Gray

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour XCT Suspension with 100 mm Travel, Lockout, Rebound Adjust, 11 mm Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

10 mm Axle with Bolts

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

7 Speed 1x7 Shimano Acera, 11-28T

Shifter Details:

Shiman SIS Index Shifter on Right

Cranks:

48T Chainring with Aluminum Bash Guard, Prowheel Crankset

Pedals:

Wellgo M111 Forged Aluminum Platform

Headset:

Stem:

Zoom Adjustable Angle

Handlebar:

Zoom Low-Rise

Brake Details:

Tektro Aries Mechanical Disc with 180 mm Rotors, Tektro Levers with Motor Inhibitors, Rubberized Edge and Integrated Bell

Grips:

Velo Comfort, Ergonomic

Saddle:

Velo Comfort with Integrated Handle

Seat Post:

Promax, Aluminum Alloy

Seat Post Length:

330 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

27.2 mm

Rims:

Double Walled Alloy, 30 Hole

Spokes:

12 Gauge, Stainless Steel with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Kenda K-Rad, 26" x 2.3"

Wheel Sizes:

26 in (66.04cm)

Tire Details:

Folding, Wire Bead, 60 TPI, 50 to 60 PSI

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Plastic Fenders with Mud Flaps, 200 Lumen Integrated LED Headlight (Micro by Spanninga), Stand Alone LED Tail Light, Integrated Rack with Pannier Supports (60 lb Capacity), Side Mounted Adjustable Kickstand Spanninga Micro Integrated LED Headlight, Blaze-Lite RL1800 Independent LED Back Light, Neoprene Slap Guard, Side Mounted Adjustable Kickstand, Two USB Charging Ports for Portable Electronics (On Battery and Display)

Other:

Locking Removable Battery Pack, KMC Z7 Rustbuster Chain, 275 lb Max Capacity, Hold Up and Down on Button Pad for Settings

Motor Brand:

Shengyi

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Gearless Direct Drive Hub

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

750 watts

Battery Brand:

Panasonic

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

11.6 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

556.8 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum

Charge Time:

5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

20 miles (32 km)

Estimated Max Range:

40 miles (64 km)

Display Type:

King Meter SW-LCD, Fixed Backlit LCD

Readouts:

Battery Gauge (5 Bars), Assist Level (0-5) Speed, Avg. Speed, Top Speed, Odometer, Trip Odometer, Watts, Lights Indicator

Display Accessories:

Independent 3 Button Pad

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Twist Throttle (6 Magnet Pedelec Disc)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

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Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

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Rad Power Bikes has become well known and appreciated over the past couple of years (since early 2015) when they first launched a fat tire bike followed by a cargo bike and then a miniature folding fat ebike. Having tested each of them, even in remote inhospitable environments, I’ve gotten to know the technology, the team and better understand the company as a whole. I’ve seen the bikes undergo incremental improvements, tested second generation models, and I’ve seen a bunch of testimonial videos online from actual customers who have ridden hundreds of miles. Recently I got to see and test out their latest model, the RadCity!

This bike is designed for comfort, utility and durability. Like the RadWagon, it uses a gearless direct drive motor that isn’t as immediately zippy or torquey feeling as the geared hub motors used on the fat tire bikes but runs smoother, quieter and offers regenerative braking. Now, regen braking is a mixed bag… it reduces wear on brake pads and helps to generate a touch of energy, perhaps offsetting the added weight of the motor design, but it’s not the sort of technology that you can use to charge the bike just by pedaling. At least, without exhausting yourself and spending significantly more energy pedaling than is recaptured by the system (it’s only about 10% efficient at recapture). Still, this motor performed well and was smoother than the original Shengyi hub I saw on the original RadWagon. There is some cogging drag as you coast because the motor does not freewheel and it plus the larger battery, integrated rear rack and basic suspension fork bump the weight of the bike up to ~60 lbs.

Rad Power Bikes is based in Seattle where it rains a lot and I asked the team how their RadCity has held up in the wet environment. I was told that they often leave the bikes outside, ride frequently in the rain and have experienced very few issues. Of course, if you can store your ebike out of the rain (especially heavy rain) that’s probably ideal. The RadCity comes with full length fenders that have mud flaps at the end and I did test them through a couple of puddles. The only downside of these and most fenders is that if you make a very sharp turn and continue pedaling the toe of your shoe may collide with the fender. The display panel, battery pack and controller box are sealed, like the hub motor, and were familiar to me. The display itself is backlit and when activated, switches on the headlight (I believe you hold the up arrow for a few seconds on the control pad). There’s a rear light as well but this one is independent, requiring separate batteries and separate activation. Turning the bike on is actually a two step process where you press a silver button on the battery and then hold the mode button on the independent button pad near the left grip. The battery is removable and can be charged on or off the frame but the display panel is not, you can however swivel it forward and back.

One thing I really love about Rad Power Bikes is that their frames are custom and they go the extra mile or two adding features and accessories. The RadCity has two USB charging ports with one at the base of the display panel where it’s easy to access when riding and another on the right side of the battery pack so you can use it like a portable energy bank. The other delighter for me was the bottle cage bosses added to the base of the downtube. Sure, it’s a bit of a reach to get a bottle or lock way down there but at least it’s an option! There are two sets of bosses near the head tube as well and those are meant for an add-on rack that Rad Power Bikes is still working on. In the mean time, I suppose you could adapt them to be used with bottle cages or use a cup holder clamp on the handlebars. The cockpit of the bike is a bit crowded because they went with a more basic SIS thumb shifter design vs. triggers but they keep the price down and actually work well with gloved hands. The brake levers are a big upgrade with rubberized edges and an integrated bell as well as the motor inhibitors that activate regen and kill the motor for safety. Rounding things out are a pair of ergonomic rubber grips that don’t lock but work fine for city riding. The whole handle bar is setup as a low-rise for improved comfort in terms of body position and is supported by an adjustable stem that can make the difference between a taller or shorter rider enjoying the fit. And also! This is the first Rad Power Bikes model to come in two frame styles and sizes. You’ve got the standard high-step diamond frame measuring ~20″ and the slightly lower step diamond measuring 16″ that my girlfriend was able to comfortably stand over (she’s ~5’2″). Both cost ~$1,500 and offer all of the same accessories, motor, battery etc.

So what about the ride itself? Well, I found it to be smooth, quiet and powerful enough to ascend moderate hills (though I only weigh ~135 lbs). You can pedal along with one of seven gears and five levels of assist and override full-power twist throttle! Not only that, you can activate or de-activate the throttle independently so you don’t accidentally bump it when loading or unloading. It’s the best combination of drive modes I can think of and the way I would design a bike of my own to be honest. So many times, assist limits the throttle power or the throttle is always active or you don’t get throttle-only mode… the RadCity offers all of this. Note that the six magnet assist sensor isn’t the worlds fastest but surprised and impressed me with its performance because the software is dialed in. Back to some of the details, I love the derailleur guard and upgraded Wellgo pedals, the standard-gauge rack rails for adding panniers and Yepp! child seat compatibility. It’s a well thought-out design that reflects all of the learning Rad Power Bikes has experienced over the past two years (and all of their custom work since 2007). I love that the rear axle is upgraded in terms of thickness, has a torque arm and has a new tucked-cable design to reduce bends and snagging. I love that they still ship nationally but also have a storefront in Seattle where you can go and see the bikes or take a test ride. This bike is exactly what I’d expect from the company plus a couple of nice surprises and I feel that it would be a great choice for individuals planning to ride around urban environments. Yes, it’s a little heavy and has a less refined look than some of the more expensive models but the price is right and the quality is there where it counts most… specifically with the Panasonic battery cells and that one year comprehensive warranty. Big thanks to Rad Power Bikes for partnering with me for this review.

Pros:

They managed to include a pair of bottle cage bosses! albeit along the bottom of the downtube which can be a bit tricky to reach… could work well for a folding lock or mini-pump if you aren’t using a trunk bag, the other bosses near the head tube are meant for an add-on rack but could still be adapted for a bottle cage or other accessories with some creative tinkering and a metal strip
Because Rad Power Bikes opted to use a gearless direct drive motor hear you get the benefit of regenerative braking, there is a bit of cogging drag and the motor weighs slightly more but these tend to be very durable and quiet compared to geared designs
The rear axle is thicker than normal for improved strength and handling (nice given the heavier motor design), there’s also a torque arm to distribute force and I love how the power cable is tucked down and kept out of the way vs. protruding directly from the end of the axle
Full length plastic fenders with mud flaps keep you dry and clean, I tested them through puddles in Seattle and was impressed, I also like that they blend in with the frame color (but be careful when turning or you can clip your toes on the fender since it sticks out a bit from the tire)
Good color choice, the dark grey is professional, hides dirt, blends in well with the black accessories, battery, motor and cables and works for guys or girls… I also like that they integrated most of the cables through the downtube to reduce snags
The battery capacity is quite large and they’ve used high quality Panasonic cells which are known to be reliable, safe and long lasting
Comfortable ride quality thanks to the larger tires, suspension fork, adjustable angle stem and ergonomic grips, they also used a low-rise bar to further dial in fit and comfort (forward for taller riders or up and back for shorter riders)
Two USB ports let you charge portable electronics while riding or at home using the battery pack as a power bank, I like that the first port (on the base of the display) stays out of the way when pedaling
Sturdy kickstand that’s mounted far back so it stays out of the way, I believe it also offers adjustable length so you can dial it in
The saddle felt a little firm to me but I like the integrated handle at the rear (for lifting and maneuvering the bike), the seat post is a standard sized 27.2 mm and could be swapped for a suspension post to improve comfort but usually ads at least a few inches of vertical height so keep that in mind depending on how tall you are
Seven speeds is enough for getting around town, I like that they went with a higher grade derailleur here (Acera vs. Altus or Tourney) that should last longer and keep the chain tighter, there’s also an extra-large first gear for climbing and starting
The parts are fairly modular meaning that replacing the battery pack, display or controller isn’t as expensive or difficult as on the super fancy ebikes and Rad Power Bikes has been around since ~2007 (re-branding in 2015), they offer a one year comprehensive warranty and seem to have an active support team

Cons:

The RadCity is heavier than some competing models because it has an oversized built-on rack, a spring and oil based suspension vs. air and the motor is gearless vs. geared, if you remove the battery pack (which weighs ~7 lbs) it’s easier to lift but the bike is still on the heavier side
I like that the front wheel offers quick release but the rear does not… that means changing flats and doing maintenance requires more time and tools
The controller box is not integrated with the battery pack or motor as with some other models and the battery is bolted onto the frame vs. being semi or fully inset so the aesthetic is a bit less polished but that’s part of what keeps the price down I suppose, may also improve maintenance ease
This isn’t a huge con but just be careful with the adjustable angle stem, make sure it’s tight and don’t go off large curbs without checking it occasionally or it could get loose
I love that the bike has LED lights for safety and appreciate that the front one is integrated (running off the main battery pack) but wish the rear was too, instead you have to open it occasionally to swap out the AA batteries and it may be easier to forget and leave on vs. the front one that shuts off when the bike is powered down
There’s a large Aluminum alloy bash guard on the chainring providing some protection and stability but it might be worth adding a second guard on the inside to create a proper guide given that this bike can be ridden with throttle only and the chain can bounce off a bit more easily at high speed with this sort of setup (at least in my experience, I did not lose the chain while testing the RadCity)
I want to complain that the cadence sensor only uses six magnets vs. 12 and that it’s not as responsive as it could be but my actual ride experience was good, I feel like they have optimized the response well enough and in the lower gears especially it works fine

Resources:

Official Site: http://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radcity-electric-commuter-bike?variant=27902381057
More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/7vkfwd7RKVx9YV9J8

January 29, 2024 (10 months ago)

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A sturdy, fairly comfortable, and relatively affordable, city style electric bicycle that comes in one color and two frame sizes, riser handlebars and adjustable stem improve fit range. Ready for all sorts of conditions and applications with full-coverage plastic fenders, LED lights, custom…...

2019 Rad Power Bikes RadWagon Review

An affordable, feature-rich, electric cargo bike with cadence sensing pedal assist and throttle on demand operation, available in one frame size with adjustable bars and two color options. Gearless direct-drive hub motor is heavier but super quiet, durable, and capable of regenerative braking…...

2018 Rad Power Bikes RadBurro Review

MSRP: $5,500
MODEL YEAR: 2018

An affordably priced, heavy-duty, utility style electric bike with four bed options including flat, truck bed with sides, hot/cold insulated box, and covered pedicab passenger seat. Borrows components and hardware from mopeds and motorcycles for added strength and durability, tough 17”…...

2018 Rad Power Bikes RadCity Step-Thru Review

MSRP: $1,499
MODEL YEAR: 2018

An approachable, comfortable, and relatively affordable, city style electric bicycle that comes in one color and one frame size, swept-back handlebars and adjustable stem improve fit range. Ready for all sorts of ride conditions and applications with full-coverage plastic fenders, LED lights,…...

2018 Rad Power Bikes RadMini Review

A compact, fat tire electric bike that folds to save space, the suspension fork and larger 4-inch wide tires add comfort and allow it to ride on soft sand and snow if you lower the tire pressure, or you can lockout the fork and raise pressure for efficiency on pavement. Only available in one frame size for now, but the handlebar height is adjustable along…...

2018 Rad Power Bikes RadCity Review

An affordable, feature-rich, city style electric bike that comes in two sizes, two colors, and offers great adjustment in the stem and handlebar position for comfortable upright body position. Responsive 12-magnet cadence sensor provides faster starts and stops, both brake levers have motor inhibitors,…...

2018 Rad Power Bikes RadRover Review

2018 Rad Power Bikes RadWagon Review

MSRP: $1,599
MODEL YEAR: 2018

2017 Rad Power Bikes RadMini Review

MSRP: $1,499
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A funky miniaturized folding fat tire bike with two cargo racks! Truly capable of sand and snow riding, LED lights guide and keep you safe, the bike offers assist and throttle drive modes. Basic seven speed drivetrain from Shimano, plastic chain guide keeps things on track, metal derailleur…...

2016 Rad Power Bikes RadRover Review

MSRP: $1,499
MODEL YEAR: 2016

Strikes an excellent balance delivering high power with mid-level components for a reasonable price, you get throttle and pedal assist with an on/off on the throttle! solid one year warranty for the original owner, flat rate $175 shipping in the US. Even though the battery and controller box are bolted on vs. integrated into the frame,…...

2016 Rad Power Bikes RadMini Review

A folding fat tire electric bike with front and rear cargo racks and double-tube frame for improved strength (good option for larger riders). Powerful 750 watt internally geared fat-bike specific motor paired with a large 48 volt 11.6…...

2015 Rad Power Bikes RadWagon Review

MSRP: $1,599
MODEL YEAR: 2015, 2016

Affordable, feature rich cargo style electric bike with a stiffer and lighter frame because it's not quite as long as some others. Offers five levels of pedal assist, throttle mode and throttle override as well as regenerative…...

2015 Rad Power Bikes RadRover Review

MSRP: $1,499
MODEL YEAR: 2015, 2016

An Indiegogo funded electric fatbike with a powerful 500 watt motor, ample 48 volt battery and seven speed drivetrain. Comfortable saddle, ergonomic grips and suspension fork with lockout, two color choices but only one…...

Jordan Chandler

8 years ago

I find my chain comes off a lot on the Rad Rover…I’m not sure why their final production version went with no inner chair guard. I’ve also upgraded the front sprocket to a larger one so the existing guard doesn’t help.I’m going to sandwich the sprocket between two guards.

Otherwise I love the Rover and would love to ride this one.

Court Rye

Hey Jordan! Sounds like a good solution, I’ve dropped the chain on ebikes much more frequently than on traditional pedal powered bikes because I’ll be using the throttle and possibly in a high rear gear and that leaves the chain really slack and liable to bounce around (and off) more. Maybe with the RadCity mostly be used on roads that won’t happen as much? Hope you get the chance to try it someday, the bike is great, especially for the price :)

JP

Nice review of an exciting product. Which frame size did you ride? I’m 5′-9.5″ and their website recommends the 16″ frame for 5′-10″ and shorter. Did that match your experience?

Hey JP, I actually rode the 20″ large model and had a great time. The stand-over heights are very similar, just like ~1″ difference, and the weight is similar so the biggest thing seems to be reach. If you get the smaller frame it might position you upright vs. a bit forward… but if you want that aerodynamic aggressive ride position then the 20″ should work :D

George J

Great bike. I’ll definitely purchase one when you come out with the step thru version.

Good thoughts George… The stand over heights aren’t that much different on the two models they launched and I think it’s just part of their formula, using the same battery pack that attaches to the downtube vs. going with an integrated design, it keeps their products affordable and works well enough BUT yeah, a true step-thru would be nice, especially given the permanent rack :/

Ken Cooper

Caution re. stand-over height: It’s not about how tall you are, it’s about leg length (inseam). I’m over 6’2″ but the RadCity I bought is too tall (ouch). The pants I buy have an inseam length of 31″. I’d say if your inseam is less than 33″ you ought to opt for a shorter bike than the 20″ RadCity.

John Goodman

I have the power wagon for me and my little daughter and the EM 29er snow pro for myself. The wife and big daughter like to drive the power wagon around more than the 29er. I could buy two radcity bikes and they like how the rad bikes function more than the more expensive bike! Christmass will be a slam dunk this year!!

Ha! That’s wonderful, I have to admit… using the throttle, having assist, being able to choose from a few different styles of bikes but deal with one company and get the support at the prices they set is pretty great. I’m glad you’re all having a great time with ebikes and wish you a Merry Christmas John :D

Juan A Noval

Hello Court, I have a few quick question when comparing the RadCity vs. the Surface 604 Colt. The Colt is priced at $400 more than the RadCity but I wonder if the Colt, in your opinion is worth the extra money? When you look at both bikes, aesthetics and my personal views on design aside i.e. better integration of battery on Colt, more of a higher end look, etc. they seem to be pretty close. Does the Colt have better components to help justify the higher price? The RadCity comes very well equipped and as you state in your video review, the attention to detail is very good. I guess I’m trying to justify the extra cost of the Colt in my mind. I’d like to say that I like both bikes a lot, and would have no problem purchasing either one as they both fit the type of riding that I do. Thx again for the great videos. JN

Hey Juan! Great question here… yeah both bikes are well done. Surface 604 has two models, the Colt being their mid-step which definitely has a lower stand-over height than the RadCity (by about four inches according to my measurements). It’s also three pounds lighter because it uses a more compact geared hub motor vs. gearless and has a slightly smaller battery pack by about 60 watt hours. I was impressed with both bikes and remember the RadCity being super quiet. The regeneration capability of the RadCity is also cool but in my opinion only sort of balances out the power lost through cogging and added weight (while slowing break wear). Maybe it comes down to style or the price difference but I think both are solid options. I must say, the reflective chain guard, fully integrated light set and hydraulic disc brakes on the Colt are features that I value.

I checked out the surface 604, great looking bikes and decent specs. But, I emailed the company three times to inquire about the motor–DD or geared? They never replied. Poor customer service in my eyes.

John Williams

I emailed them with some questions today and got a reply back in a couple of hours.

Michael Solana

Thanks Court! Once again, your review has informed me on a purchase. Seems like there is limited bloggining/vlogging on ebikes. Awesome job on covering all the specs and pros/cons. Best!

Happy to help Michael, it’s nice to know that my work makes a difference and I always get excited to hear when people decide on one bike vs. another, there are so many cool types available now and the RadCity is definitely a leader. Have fun out there!

Chuck Avery

Looks like a great bike, but for me, one change would seal the deal. I would love to see a 8-speed IGH instead of the derailleur. Any chance of that being a option in the future?

Hi Chuck! Maybe someone from the Rad Power Bikes team will chime in. I’m not sure if we’ll see internally geared hubs for a while given the extra weight and price increase. It seems like they are striving for that $1,500 mark… but maybe this is something you or a local shop could try to install yourself :)

I finally received my Radcity ebike. It’s beautiful .. but .. It’s too tall for me. I’m over 6’2″ and never imagined I’d run into a bike that’s too tall for me. But when I straddle the bar, I have to stand on my tippy toes in order to keep from damaging myself (I have a 31″ inseam). As long as I’m riding the bike it’s great, but whenever I have to stop I have to come down on my tiptoes. For me, it’s dangerous. Now I have no idea what the heck to do. I’ve had it for about 20 days and have ridden it .. not much .. but I’ve ridden it. Thus It appears I don’t qualify for a return. I live in an area where ebikes are a rarity so selling it would, at best, be difficult. I suppose I could find a welder who could maybe move that bar down for me – or maybe some low profile tires is the answer. Suggestions anyone?

Hey Ken THANK YOU so much for sharing your height, inseam and the situation with your RadCity. Did you get the 16″ or 20″ frame size? I do my best to share specs like standover height and yeah… it’s right at 31.5″ for the smaller of the two models. Bummer man, you can post it as a used bike on the forums here in the Rad Power Bikes section or reach out to the company for a possible exchange. I would not recommend welding it or doing anything that could impact the structural integrity. Best to sell at a deeper loss locally and maybe buy a different model with a discount from Rad? I hope these ideas help…

I’m seriously thinking of purchasing the Radcity but not sure which size. I’m 5’10”. 16 inch or 20 inch? Any suggestions? Thanks.

Hi George! I’d probably go with the smaller frame size if you’re considering the stand over height. This other person, Ken Cooper, has been talking about how his inseam is ~31″ and he’s a bit nervous riding the bike due to how high the top tube is. I hope this helps you… There are lots of other great ebikes out there now at a good price, explore your options and visit a shop for test rides too if you can!

Here’s what I wish I had seen posted before I bought my 20″ RadCity .. This bike is for people who have long legs (at least a 32 1/2 inch inseam).

Thanks for the feedback Ken, sorry the frame is a little large for you. I did post the stand over height in the specs section of this review (something I try to measure manually for every ebike I review). I realize it’s easy to miss and maybe a term that not all people are familiar with. Appreciate your update here and hope you find a solution :/

Ken. Radcity bikes are built for easy repair, ie electrical system can easily be removed and adapted to a non electric bike. Might make sense to find a frame that fits and move the motor, battery, controller etc to a frame that fits your build.

Andrew Mullen

Where are you located and how much do you want for it?

MarkP

Court, In talking with the Rad Power Bikes owners during the RADCIty review. Was there any discussion on he problem with bikes be damaged in shipment? Has RPB upgraded the container the RADCity is shipped in? Last summer I received two RadRovers and both were damaged. It seems like this would be a simple fix, just change the quality of the box and pack the bikes better. Something like the Sondors bikes are shipped in. I received two Sondors and neither had any damage at all. There is no comparison between RPB and Sondors shipping boxes. The RPB and Sondors shipments were both cross country to me.

I am considering on purchasing a RADCity, but do not want e hassle of having to repair a new bike due to shipment damage. Last summer when I was dealing with returning the first Rover (at my expense) and repairing the second replacement Rover with incorrect parts from RPB (a part from the 2015 Rover not the 2016 Rover which I had ordered) I am concerned I will go through the same hassle again with a RADCity.

When I questioned RPB on the quality of the shipping container they told me “we were working on it”. That was a year ago. Has the shipping damage problem been addressed? Has the quality of the shipping container improved?

Hi Mark! This isn’t an issue I have heard much about but I appreciate you bringing it to the forefront here. Sorry to hear about the money and time involved with damaged ebikes from Rad Power Bikes in the past… that’s no fun. What I can say is that the team at RPB seem to be stepping up their game in terms of products, opening an in-person shop and providing quick communication with customers. If you go for the RadCity and have a good or bad experience I welcome you to post about it here and in the forums. I HOPE they have improved things but I can’t do much beyond offer my own sympathy for the issues you’ve had :/

I am considering a Radcity v Addmotor Hithot H2. Almost identical price so which do you recommend? Michael

Howdy Michael, I haven’t tried the latest Addmotor Hithot H2 so it’s difficult to say. I feel that Rad Power Bikes does a good job with their support, they even have a shop now in Seattle. If I had to choose one I’d probably get the RadCity as long as the frame fits you. It’s a little taller and a couple of people recently commented that they didn’t feel super comfortable standing over it. Hope this helps! I put measurements in the stats above ;)

Rotom

The radcity (or possibly the wagon, but most likely the city) is highest on my list of potential bikes right now. I’m a bigger guy (250lbs) so I don’t want to go too low in price and have an underpowered bike, but I am also very limited in my budget. What other bikes would you recommend that I should look into? 1500-1600 is about as high as I’m willing to go, and would like to go less if I find something that fits my needs. Around 6 mile trips on flat land each way (12mi total). I want both throttle and pedal assist. The big negative for the radpower bikes for me is the twist throttle instead of a trigger, but this is by no means a deal breaker. Fenders are required so I dont get wet driving after it rains, but I don’t mind aftermarket ones if available.

Hi Rotom, how tall are you? I’ve read a few comments complaining that the RadCity is too high to stand over comfortably. It does come in multiple frame sizes which could help but this is worth considering in my opinion. I enjoy step-thru models more and more as I add racks and bags at the back and sometimes have to hop off suddenly. As a taller guy (or at least someone with longer legs) I didn’t have a problem here but I’m also nimble and lightweight at ~135 lbs. Check the Corratec LIFEBIKE out for an example of easier stand-over while still being sturdy for larger riders.

Oh I can’t believe i forgot to put my height. I’m somewhere between 5’10 and 5’11 with an inseam of about 32. So unfortunately it looks like I’m right in between the sizes of the two, but this is something I already took into consideration. If I finalize my choice on the radcity i would be sure to confirm all of my measurements before picking a size. I’m young (22) so I dont have a problem with issues getting on/off a high step despite my weight, and I usually prefer high/mid steps. $1650 is a pretty hard budget cap as I am a student and only working part time. So, while I appreciate it, the bike you linked is definitely too far out for me at this stage of my life.

I’m also looking to keep it around 750w (probably 500w min) due to my current weight.

Cool, sounds like the RadCity will be a great fit! Keep in mind that even though these other mid-drive bikes are rated at 250 watts nominal, they peak above 500 and offer much more torque than hub motors. They are actually more powerful than a big heavy hub motor in practice even though they might not appear that way on paper. The downside for some people is that they don’t usually offer throttle mode. With your budget, I think the RadCity will be an excellent choice, glad you’re thinking about the stand over height and I’m excited for you. Hope it works out great and I welcome your feedback here or in the forums once you get it :D

Chris

Hi, First thanks for all the amazing reviews! I’m torn between the RadCity and E-Glide ST. I’m looking for a good value city commuter bike (18 miles round trip). I’m 5’10 and 220lbs. Which bike would you recommend? Is the E-glide worth the extra cash?

Hi Chris, the only complaint I’ve heard about the RadCity is that the standover height is high (even on the smaller frames). If you like the style and lighter weight of the E-Glide ST then go for it. I believe that Rad Power Bikes is larger than E-Glide but both companies seem to offer good customer service :)

Jon Knudson

7 years ago

Wonder when they plan on making a female version (step through)?? I would buy 2 if they did.

Hi Jon! I have no idea… but am sure we will see some updates with the 2018 line of Rad Power Bikes. It does make sense to have a low-step or even more of a mid-step for their city bike. They did have two versions but I felt that both were a bit on the tall side this year :)

Have you done a review on “Wave” e-bikes”? If so where can I find it? Thanks . . . Jon

Hi Jon, I almost had a chance when visiting Los Angeles a while back but missed out. I will keep an eye out for it and appreciate you asking here. Perhaps there are people in the EBR Forums who have tried it or can comment?

Hi Court, I see you did some reviews on the iGO Canadian Metro back a few years. Now they have the iGO “Explore’ which is a step through. The motor is now different and a few other things have been upgraded since you did review and price is lower. Have you kept track of the changes and have any comments ?

Hi Jon! Unfortunately, I have not been able to visit iGO since that last trip and have not seen any of their new products in person as I traveled to California, Washington, Vancouver, and Utah recently. I will keep an eye out for you, but so far it is not on my list. Maybe someone in the EBR Forums can comment or provide some conversation about the new Explore model :)

(S450)

Just one quick question: just how bad is the drag of the gearless motor? (like, how hard is it to pedal with NO motor assistance?) I am seriously considering this bike. It seems Rad… Couldn’t help it.

It’s not a deal killer, I think sometimes with so many choices out there, it’s easy to look at each and every detail and judge… but it works well enough and is going to be more durable than a geared design. So, there are trade-offs. It is not so noticeable when riding with the bike powered on, and especially when using assist, but if you turn the bike off it may feel just a bit like the tires are slightly low on air, just a bit of slowdown and drag there.

Sohail Malik

The “elephant in the room” is not just how long the battery lasts per charge, but how long does the battery last when frequently charged – and what do you do when it starts to retain less & less charge. That’s the achilles heal of battery operated machines, given that battery technology is still the weakest link. Another issue: why not allow the user to simply unclip the battery from the frame and bring it into the office to plug-in just the battery, rather than move the bike itself to recharge?

Hi Sohail, the battery on this bike can be easily removed and charged inside. It locks to the frame for security but was designed with portability in mind because damaging weather, extreme temperatures, and theft could happen at an outdoor rack. Lithium-ion cells are pretty durable, lasting over 1,000 full charge cycles and still retaining a good capacity, and Rad Power Bikes does sell replacement packs. I hope this helps address some of the questions you raised :)