Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus Review

This review was provided for free using a demo bike. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Rad Power Bikes products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the Rad Power Bikes electric bike forums.

Observations:

• Having reviewed the original RadRunner 1 in 2019, It’s amazing to see how much has changed and been improved with the new versions and this Plus model. It has upgraded parts like the 7-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and adjustable suspension fork. The overall weight limit has been raised from 300lbs to 350lbs, the rear rack is longer and the foot peg mounting point is lower and more comfortable. The saddle and optional passenger pad are thicker, and the seat post interface for the saddle is much more adjustable, even allowing for a suspension post if you wish!
• The bike is only available in one frame size, but the adjustable saddle height and full length 170mm crank arms feel natural and comfortable. Since the high-rise handlebar can be tipped forward and back, you can change the reach and that makes it feel like the frame size is changing.
• This is a Class 2 electric bike with cadence sensing pedal assist and variable speed twist throttle. The motor power rating will vary depending on geography with 750 watts for the US, 500 watts for Canada, and 250 watts for Europe based on the corresponding legal limits. I love that the twist throttle overrides assist in North American markets, offering full power even with assist at zero. For Europe, they have a twist assist that adds power, but only works if you are pedaling along.
• Rad is introducing a ton of accessories right now including a durable locking trunk box, locking panniers, adjustable trailer, large pet carrier (that goes onto the trailer), a fat tire frame lock, and a dual battery option for the RadRunner 3 Plus that will double range!

Pros:

• Redesigned frame is longer, offers a higher weight capacity of 350lbs, and works with the new semi-integrated battery pack design. This battery is much easier to mount and take off of the frame. If you purchase the locking center console accessory, the battery can be removed without having to take the console off!
• The bike is very easy to approach, mount, and stabilize because of the wave step-thru frame and smaller 20″ wheel size. It’s a great platform for petite riders, but the lower racks are also easier to reach and load for anyone. Since the seat and handlebar are adjustable, it can actually accommodate a wide range of riders (4’11” to 6’2″ is what they say). I’m 5’9″ tall 140lbs for reference.
• One of the trade-offs with smaller wheels is a lower attack angle and less comfort. Rad has addressed this by using high volume custom 3.3″ tires. These tires are co-branded with Kenda and feature puncture protection lining and reflective sidewall stripes for safety! The useable pressure range of 20-30 PSI means you can run lower to absorb vibration and bumps. Since the RadRuner 3 Plus comes with a suspension fork too, the ride feels surprisingly good.
• The suspension fork is highly adjustable, offering preload and progressive lockout. It’s rated at 60mm travel, and is extra sturdy to handle a heavier load. I love that it has threaded eyelets at the base for mounting the front fender in a sturdy way. Also, since the saddle has been changed to use standard rails, you can swap the rigid seat post for a suspension post and really get comfortable! Just note that it will raise the minimum saddle height by about 3-inches.
• The RadRunner is a utility electric bike platform, like a compact cargo bike! The elongated rack can support baskets, bags, panniers, a passenger seat, or a child seat… and Rad sells some amazing accessories that are guaranteed to work and look good. The new locking cargo boxes are my favorite. The rear rack is rated to 120lbs, and you can add 20-30lbs more with a front rack or basket. There’s even a new RadTrailer that can handle 100lbs.
• To address security, Rad Power Bikes is introducing a fat tire wheel lock that is compatible with the RadRunner 3 Plus. This connects on the seat stays and secures the rear wheel. It also works with a chain lock that can wrap around a bike rack or pole. This is the first fat tire capable cafe frame lock in the industry, and it works with most of their fat tire models like the RadExpand and RadRover 6 Plus.
• The RadRunner 3 Plus will have a range extender second battery pack option in the near future. This will double the range, they say up to 100 miles. It’s basically the same battery pack that can mount below the rear rack, and will lock securely! I’m told that the controller will discharge both packs evenly, in parallel, so one does not get overused. I’m a fan of how they positioned both packs, keeping weight low and center as much as possible, and not getting in the way of the bags and accessories.
• The cells inside the battery are either Samsung or LG, which are high quality and warrantied for a year. Since the packs don’t contain the controller, they tend to be less expensive to replace. You can charge this pack on or off the frame, and I love that the locking core and charging port are high up on the left side of the frame vs. low down by the cranks and pedals. Even the range extender battery has an easy to reach lock and you can see the 10-bar charge level readout! For best results, I have read that you should store the lithium-ion battery packs in a cool, dry location. Extreme heat can damage the cells and extreme cold will stunt them and temporarily limit your range.
• The bike includes a battery terminal cover option that protects the electronic interface if you decide to store the bike outside or transport it on a car rack (without the battery mounted). I have family members who RV and always take the battery packs off to reduce weight during transport, and this accessory would be great for people like them because the bikes can get pretty dusty. It’s a unique feature that I haven’t seen from any other companies before, though it does cost extra.
• You get strong hydraulic disc brakes with this Plus model! The levers are easier to squeeze, offer adjustable reach for different hand sizes, and have a cutoff switch that stops the motor and activates the rear light to go bright. the disc brake rotors are large 180mm, which gets a mechanical advantage over the smaller 20″ wheels and provides more surface area for cooling.
• Older generations of the bike had a black controller box mounted below the bottom bracket. This didn’t look great, but I was told that it made servicing easier, and I suspect it allowed them to use a simpler frame. The new frame allows the controller to be hidden inside the downtube (behind the chainring if you look at the picture). It’s probably less vulnerable here, still seems accessible with the integrated wiring, and it definitely looks nicer. Note the tiny black electronic splitter joint that is positioned behind the seat tube where the controller box used to be. This sends electricity to the rear light and has an open connector wire for adding the optional USB dongles.
• I was told that all of the electronics (displays, battery, controller, motor, optional USB dongles) are IP65 rated against water and dust ingress, that’s pretty great for people who ride year-round in the dust, rain, and snow. Also, the headset and bottom bracket use sealed cartridge bearings that resist rust and won’t creak as much as cheaper parts. Rad is also selling a plastic terminal cover to protect the lower portion of the battery bay if you’re storing the battery and bike separately (or transporting the bike on a car rack).
• A channel below the downtube allows the brake lines, shifter cable, and electrical wires to be hidden but still very accessible for repairs and replacement. They developed a plastic cover that bolts onto the downtube, to cover the channel and protect the wires. In my opinion, it’s a good compromise of appearance, durability, and utility because the wires are easy to reach and the plastic seemed much more sturdy than some press-fit covers I’ve seen from some other companies using a similar strategy. Furthermore, I love that they moved the motor power cable to the non-drivetrain (left) side of the bike and tucked it between the disc brake rotor and frame tubing, they reduced clutter near the derailleur and added protection for the motor cable!
• Excellent drivetrain configuration. The chainring has a sturdy aluminum alloy guide that reduces chain drops, keeps clothing clean, and provides “bash guard” protection for the bottom bracket where some wires are exposed. A neoprene slap guard protects the paint on the chain stay while reducing noise, and a steel derailleur guard adds protection during shipping and if the bike tips over.
• The integrated lights are excellent because they run off of the main battery, are visible from multiple angles, and have quick disconnect points for easy replacement or relocation if you buy a front rack. The rear light has a bright braking mode that works even if the lights are turned off. I love their custom headlight with focused 100 lumen beam, secondary light ring, and aluminum alloy heat sink on top.
• By default, the bike comes with durable plastic fenders that are 90mm wide. I tested them a bit, and they help keep water from getting on me and the frame. In general, they seemed light and quiet, but I think you could easily remove them if you wish.
• Matching faux-leather ergonomic grips and saddle look great and provide good comfort. I was mixed on the older saddle design because it couldn’t slide forward and back or tilt at all. This one is thicker and much more adjustable. Many other utility ebikes and minibikes have a long banana seat that does not go up and down, so you end up sliding back or forward to get the proper leg extension… or just skip pedaling entirely. this setup is much more usable and comfortable in my opinion.
• Rad Power Bikes is still using a stainless steel torque arm on the left rear dropout for the motor axle that adds strength and protects the frame! This part will keep the motor axle from chewing into the softer aluminum alloy over time, and it’s super relevant with the high powered planetary geared hub motors that theyuse.
• The motor casing is painted black, along with the spokes and rims, which looks great… in fact, most of the hardware parts are black so they match. The rims are double wall, the spokes are thicker 12 gauge to handle extra weight and force from the motor.
• I think the standard free shipping is a great option, and Rad Power Bikes has updated their box to include some fun artistic graphics and produce less waste. I suggest asking a friend to help you move the box safely, because these are heavy machines (75.5 pounds for the bike with battery attached once unboxed).
• It’s cool that Rad Power Bikes has expanded to Canada, Europe, and the UK in recent years. They have to spec the motors differently, down from 750 watts to 500 watts or 250 watts, in order to comply with local regulations, but they still offer a lot of torque. Many geographies offer free shipping and Rad has several physical offices (in the US, Canada, and Utrecht Netherlands) where you can test ride and get ongoing support. It really sets them apart from other value priced online electric bicycles.
• I like the sturdy aluminum alloy platform pedals that were chosen for this bike. They could have gone with a narrower, flexier, cheaper, plastic version since it’s primarily built for the city. The pedals they chose will perform better for people with large feet and in wet conditions, they are higher performance and won’t break as easily if you have pedal strikes or the bike tips over.
• For me, the four-button control pad that’s mounted near the left grip is easy to reach and simple to use. The up and down buttons have plastic ridges that almost feel like braille so you can operate based on feel without looking down as you ride. The dedicated light button is very nice, and I love the 10 bar battery indicator vs. 5 bars before! It’s much more precise, helping you to manage your range. I’m told that it uses a new algorithm that’s more accurate too, so riders can plan trips better and feel more confident. Hold the down arrow to activate walk mode, hold the lights button to clear trip distance and trip time readouts, hold up and down to switch between clock + odometer and trip time + trip distance, and hold the down and light button to enter the settings menu.
• The throttle setup on all of the Rad Power Bikes is perfect, in my opinion. It provides variable speed output based on how far you twist, and it overrides pedal assist with full power at any level… even zero. You can ride the bike like a scooter and not even pedal, or get a quick boost when riding in lower levels of assist.
• The kickstand has an adjustable lower portion that can be extended or retracted for maximum stability. The foot of the stand is wide enough to keep from sinking into soft terrain like wet grass. On a related note, the front rack accessories all mount to the steer tube vs. the handlebar and fork, which makes them more stable when you steer and park, so the bike won’t tip over or dump your cargo as easily.
• Great drivetrain on this ebike, Rad has chosen a wide 11 to 34 tooth freewheel over the conventional 14 to 28 tooth design. This provides a wider range of pedal options for easier climbing and more comfortable high-speed riding. The cogs are nickel coated, which makes them rust resistant and a lot smoother to shift. I was also told that it’s more environmentally friendly. The Shimano Altus derailleur is pretty basic, but worked well during my rides.
• I noticed that the optional passenger pegs didn’t rattle or twist during use, they mount to a welded plate section with ridges that prevent spinning during use. The pegs fold up nicely, which reduces the possibility of scratching objects or people as you move the bike around. Note that the passenger kit comes with a clear plastic skirt guard for safety, and Rad now has a new passenger handhold bar kit.

Cons:

• I read that the RadRunner 3 Plus offers 10% faster hill climbing, and the motor certainly feels powerful with assist level 5 or full throttle, but it also produces a noticeable zipping sound. It’s louder than some of the other hub motors I’ve ridden as illustrated in the video review. Lower power and speeds do decrease the noise.
• The bike is only available in one frame size, and the reach is fairly short. This creates an upright body position that could feel tight for larger riders. You can raise the seat post and tilt the front handlebar to create more space and improve fit, but I would still consider this to be a compact ebike vs. the RadCity and RadRover models.
• Only available in one color scheme, which is fairly dark. I care a lot about safety, so having a bright color such as white, orange, or silver could make the bike more visible, especially since it sits lower to the ground due to the smaller wheel size… but I’m glad that this charcoal color is metallic, because that helps it stand out more. It looks professional, and does include lots of reflectors and lights.
• The bike is quite heavy at 75.5lbs stock, and it will get heavier if you add baskets, trays, bags, child seat, passenger seat, and cargo. The weight is due in large part to the extended rear rack, spring suspension fork, reinforced frame that offers the higher 350lb weight capacity, the fenders, lights, large saddle, and large 20″ x 3.3″ custom tires. That said, the smaller wheels keep the bike closer to the ground, the frame is easy to mount, and it feels very stable with the wider tires. There’s also a walk mode to help move the bike up ramps or anytime you need help, just hold the – button.
• Rad Power Bikes has flagship stores where you can test ride and buy a fully assembled product, but many people will probably buy online and receive a big box. This requires some strength, time, and recycling ability as you unbox and partially assemble the handlebar, front wheel, and pedals… but it includes all of the tools you need, and the instructions are some of the best in the industry. Rad also has great customer support in my experience, one of the best.
• The new display system provides larger readouts and the grayscale LCDs are easy to read in light and dark conditions, but you can only adjust the backlight brightness for the main center screen… not the left button pad screen. That display has a smoked plastic cover that somewhat reduces brightness, so this is only a minor complaint for people who ride at night and might find it distracting. Furthermore, you can no longer reduce the top speed of the bike in the display panel settings.
• The displays are large and easy to read but not removable, so they could take extra weather wear and possibly get scratched at a bike rack (especially the left display). The battery no longer offers a locked-off setting, so if you leave it connected to the bike at a rack, people could activate and mess with the twist throttle.
• The old LCD display had a USB charging port built into the bottom, so you could maintain a phone, charge a wireless speaker, or run additional lights. The new system has two open connectors for adding USB charging dongles (up to 2 inline, 4 total for the bike), but they cost extra.
• Rad Power Bikes has been using the large Shimano SIS index shifters since the beginning, and they aren’t my favorite. You have to reach up with your thumb to press the main paddle to get to lower gears, and that can require a bit of hand flexibility or even glancing down for a moment. I much prefer trigger shifters, but I don’t think those will fit with the twist throttle housing, and they might not be as simple and intuitive for some riders. I see why Rad has stuck with the thumb shifter, and one positive is that it’s easy to use if you’re wearing gloves since the paddles are so large and independent.
• If you opt for a front tray rack, the headlight will have to be moved onto the base of the tray because otherwise it would get squished between the suspension fork arch and the bottom of the rack tray. The thing is, the light would no longer aim where you steer because the front rack is frame mounted; fixed inline with the frame itself.
• All of the Rad Power Bikes use the same charger, and it’s fairly lightweight and compact. However, it only puts out 2 amps, so charging can take up to six hours if the battery is completely drained. This would be faster if they used a 3 or 4 amp charger like some other companies have started doing, but that might cause the price to increase further. The new charger is actually 0.2lbs heavier than the older one, though it is said to have better shielding. Both chargers still work on all Rad batteries from what I understand.
• The hardshell locking box, panniers, and center console have individual locking cores by default, which ends up being a lot of keys that all look the same to deal with! However, Rad Power Bikes is going to offer a four core set that have a matching key, so you could swap the cores to have all of the cores match match. Unfortunately, it sounds like if you purchase the optional range extender battery that mounts under the rear rack, this lock will not match the main battery lock… so you could end up with three keys (main battery, second battery, one key for all hardshell accessories.
• It sounds like the range extender battery will discharge in parallel with the main battery, so they both drain evenly over time and one doesn’t get all of the use and wear out faster… however, I believe that you need two chargers and they must be filled independently vs. using just one port.
• This is a minor consideration, but Rad has switched to a new battery standard here that is not backwards compatible with many of the other models, including the RadRunner 1, 2 and original RadRunner Plus. I was told they will be supporting the other standards for many years to come, and I have seen this with their prior generation of batteries too.
• The bottom bracket is low because of the smaller wheels, which means there’s higher potential for log and curb strikes as you ride over obstacles. This is further increased because of the full length 170mm crank arms which could have pedal strikes. Thankfully, they used a metal chainring guide for protection, and the pedals are also aluminum alloy and very tough.
The optional console box looks really cool to me, but it does make the area where you pedal more cramped because it’s wider than the bike tubing. It is also going to raise the standover height, which could make it less approachable for some riders. I love that Rad has designed some locking panniers and trunk box now too, so you can use those instead of the console if you wish.
• Many car and bus racks utilize a hanging style rack for mounting bicycles. In order to mount wave style step-thru frames like the RadRunner, you will need to buy a crossbar adapter like this. If you use a platform rack, the wider tires might require longer ratchet straps or even wider trays to hold the bike securely.
• I really like the single side adjustable kickstand, but some users may prefer a wide double leg stand like we’ve seen on some of the other RadRunner models. It could help for heavier cargo or child seats and the passenger package.

Resources:

• Rad Power Bikes dealers.
• Official Rad Power Bikes website.