To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This in-depth review was sponsored by Rad Power Bikes. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of RPB products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below and the Rad Power Bikes electric bike forums.
Observations:
- Starting in 2020, customers in some major cities including Austin, Seattle, Sacramento, and Vancouver Canada can pay $149 to have the Rad Mobile Service van deliver, assemble, and provide maintenance support for their ebike. The company is also offering demo rides and post-purchase service, including warranty work. I got to see the van and interact with some of the Austin team members, and was impressed with this unique service that blends the predominantly online presence of Rad with a local shop feel
- This is the 2nd generation RadMini Step-Thru product, but the 4th generation RadMini! All of the kinks have been worked out, but some of the hardware components are decidedly mid-tier to keep the price down… those include the non-locking grips, square tapered spindle, spring suspension fork with 9mm quick release vs. thru-axle, Shimano Altus derailleur, and freewheel vs. cassette. This bike also comes in a high-step version, which only comes in black and does not offer bottle cage bosses like the step-thru
- Rad Power Bikes introduced a new metallic head tube badge, updated headlight with LED light ring and focused beam, and smoother twist throttle that foregoes an on/off toggle switch for this generation of bikes. The RadMini models moved from 20″ x 4.5″ smooth tires to slightly narrower 20″ x 3.3″ studded tires for all-terrain use. The reps I spoke with explained that the new tires are more versatile and nimble, and that the new throttle is more reliable and tends to be less confusing for riders who would occasionally turn off the original throttle by accident, and then become concerned
Pros:
- Rad Power Bikes custom engineers their frames and puts a lot of attention into the details of which components are used… even going so far as to co-brand them with parter companies like King-Meter for the LCD display, Bafang for the hub motor, and Kenda for the tires. Note the longer seat post binder lever that Rad uses, it’s much easier to unlock and then tighten without straining fingers vs. a traditional shorter binder… though it does add a little extra weight, and also note the gray decal on top of the main tube which helps to hide shoe marks when you step over the bike
- Rad Power Bikes really nails it with the integrated lights because they run off of the main battery, have quick disconnect points for easy replacement if damaged, and the rear light has a blinking mode as well as a bright braking mode! They’re far ahead of other similar priced products… even some higher priced ebikes!
- Excellent headlight upgrade here, you get a bright 80 lumen beam that is focused for spotting the path, and a secondary LED ring that keeps you visible from the sides. There’s even an aluminum alloy heat sink built into the top of the headlight housing to dissipate heat! At first, I thought that it was just for show, but it’s actually metal and actually connects to the internal LED housing
- By default, the new RadMini models come with durable plastic fenders. They’re wide enough to keep you dry (as I tested in the video review above), and they are lightweight and durable… without producing a lot of noise. I really appreciate that the company designed a rear light riser, to help boost it up above the rear fender! Furthermore, if you purchase the optional rear rack, there’s an extender cable so the light fits further back. It’s protected by the rack tubing but isn’t blocked from the sides… excellent placement
- Overall, this ebike is very comfortable and capable. The 3.3″ wide fat tires offer a 5 to 30 PSI range and have puncture resistant casing. I’ve tested them in soft sand and mud during a trip to Mexico, after lowering the pressure to ~5 PSI, and they worked pretty well, though not as well as the full sized fat tires which are 4″ and have a larger contact patch due to the wider diameter of the wheel! The adjustable length stem and low-rise handlebar on this bike are sturdy and capable, they don’t require riders to reach or lean so far forward, which I find to be more comfortable. The spring suspension fork offers enough travel and adjustment to reduce wrist, arm, shoulder, and back pain, and the bike gets even more comfortable if you purchase the optional suspension seat post
- Matching faux-leather ergonomic grips and saddle look great and provide good comfort. I’ve tested a bunch of seats, and this one is soft enough, but not so wide that it will chaff your inner thighs when pedaling. It also has a handle built into the back for easier folding and lifting of the bike
- I really like the bell that’s built into the left brake lever, it’s compact and stays more protected when folding while keeping the handlebars clean, but works reliably and produces a friendly chime. I also like the rubberized brake levers, which don’t get as cold or feel as sharp as all-metal
- Some folding bikes skip the bungee cord, magnet, or a Velcro strap to keep them from coming unfolded but the RadMini does not, it comes with a Velcro strap! You could still use your own bungee cords or get an adjustable one like this to keep the frame extra secure when transporting in a car, boat, plane, RV, etc. I often place a towel or t-shirt between the frame components when folding and transporting, to reduce scratches and chips. Some owners have purchased large plastic tubs and posted about it in the forums here
- I like that Rad Power Bikes is using the same battery pack for all of their models now. This means you can purchase a few bikes and easily swap the packs around if you forget to charge, or decide to take two packs along for an extended adventure! The battery itself uses high-quality Samsung lithium-ion cells, is warrantied for a year, and is cheaper to replace because it doesn’t contain the bike controller. You can charge this pack on or off the bike frame, and it has three key positions for unlocked, locked to frame but powered off, and locked to frame powered-on. This helps you to deter tampering without having to take the battery pack off. For best results, store the battery in a cool, dry location. Extreme heat can damage the cells and extreme cold will stunt them and limit your range temporarily
- Note the stainless steel torque arm on the rear left dropout that reinforces frame strength! This will keep the motor axle from chewing into the softer aluminum alloy dropout over time, which is important for such a high-powered hub motor
- Even though the battery and controller box are mounted externally, this is a purpose-built electric bike with internally routed cables and wires (impressive for a folding model!) The black wires and controller box are more prominent on the white frame here, but still well protected based on their position and surrounding tubing
- Many step-thru models, especially folding ones, can feel flexy if you’ve got a heavier load… but this frame uses thicker tubing and reinforcement gussets to offer 275lbs of max load capacity, and it doesn’t flex very much or suffer from speed wobble. Notice the additional tubing around the battery pack that connects the seat tube to the main tube, that really adds strength
- Excellent weight distribution here, notice how low and centered the battery is on the bike frame, this improves stability and frees up the rear for adding a rack and cargo, I’m very impressed that they also included bottle cage bosses on the downtube
- Both of the frame folding points (at the center of the frame and on the stem) have a locking mechanism for safety when riding, the main joint uses an extra large stainless steel clasp for durability
- The planetary geared hub motor offers great power for starting, navigating soft terrain, and climbing. Although it ramps up steady and smooth vs. zippy, it’s still very capable and pushing the 750 watt max limit for US ebikes. You get 80 newton meters of torque, which is also at the higher end of what’s available in the legal Class 1 and Class 2 system (meaning you can ride without a license and enjoy on more trails and parks)
- The geared hub motor is zippy and powerful, more so than the RadWagon and RadCity models, which use a gearless hub motor. The geared motor doesn’t offer regeneration and it does produce some more noise, but it’s torquey enough to power through snow and soft sand if you lower the tire PSI to the 5-10 range. The geared motors also freewheel without introducing magnetic drag, so they can pedal more easily if the motor is turned off or if you try to exceed 20mph by pedaling extra hard
- I love the sturdy aluminum alloy folding Wellgo platform pedals (most folding ebikes use plastic that flexes), the durable alloy chain guide, and the steel derailleur guard because it means you won’t slip off as easily, won’t have the chain bouncing off, and can protect the sensitive shifter parts and motor power cable from getting bent or snagged if the bike tips, is parked at a crowded rack, or gets tossed around in shipping or when folded during transport and storage
- In addition to the standard fenders, bottle cage mounts, and rear rack bosses, this e-bike offers sturdy front rack mounts! Rad sells a bunch of accessories that all work well together on this and other models, they’re interchangeable with some baskets working on the front and I especially like the insulated bags, waterproof panniers, and child seat option
- I love that the LCD display panel is fairly large, has adjustable backlight brightness, and offers a full size USB charging port built into the bottom. This is very convenient if you are using the optional phone mount for GPS and need a bit of extra juice for your phone on long rides
- For me, the three-button control pad that’s mounted near the left grip is easy to reach and simple to use. You press up or down to raise and lower assist, you press mode to cycle odometer and trip meter, you hold up to cycle current speed, average speed, and max speed, and you can hold up and mode simultaneously to activate the lights or hold down to activate walk mode. Walk mode is especially useful if you’ve got the bike loaded up with gear or a child seat and just want to play it safe without over-exerting yourself up a hill or through a technical section of terrain. Hold up and down simultaneously to get into the settings menu and adjust wheel size, top speed, and backlight brightness
- The RadMini models use a high-resolution 12-magnet cadence sensors, which makes starting and stopping more predictable. I love that they also included motor inhibitors on both brake levers (which also activates bright mode on the rear light!) It seems like they really dialed in the controller settings too, because the motor is smooth and predictable when starting vs. delayed or jerky
- The throttle setup on all of the Rad Power Bikes is perfect, in my opinion. It provides you with full power, anytime the bike is turned on. This means that you can zip around without pedaling in assist level zero, without worrying that you might accidentally activate assist by moving the cranks as you get on and off. It also means that you can override assist levels 1-4 with full power to climb a hill or catch up with friends… all without clicking buttons or looking down, just twist and it goes! For people who don’t want a throttle, there’s a quick disconnect cable right near the handlebar that’s easy to access, and doing this will convert the bike to Class 1, which is legal on more mountain bike trails
- The kickstand is adjustable, has a wide platform at the bottom to keep it from sinking in to soft terrain, and it works well if you’re loading the bike with gear. Note that the kickstand is positioned far enough back that it won’t cause pedal lock when backing the bike out, or cause heel strikes when pedaling
- I love that the optional front rack is frame-mounted so it won’t interfere with steering or tip the bike sideways when parked like fork mounted racks… but it does change how the headlight is mounted, and fixes it straight vs. turning as the bike turns
- Both wheels are built with thicker 12 gauge spokes for increased durability and weight capacity support. I like that Rad chose to paint the spokes black on the Mini models to blend in with the rims and hubs. Note that the official max weight rating on both RadMini and RadMini step-thru is 275 pounds (~125 kilograms)
- Great drivetrain on this ebike, Rad has chosen an 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. The Shimano Altus derailleur is lighter and more reliable than Tourney, but not quite as good as the Acera used on full sized Rad models like RadRover and RadCity
- The battery slide rack uses three bolts to attach to the frame. Some of the really cheap ebikes use a mount that only has two bolts. I have found that the batteries don’t rattle much and I haven’t ever seen one come loose
- I think the standard free shipping is a great option, and Rad Power Bikes has updated their box to include some fun artistic graphics. Note the plastic handles built into the sides of the cardboard box for easy lifting and dragging (I suggest asking a friend to help you move the box safely, because these are heavy machines)
- It’s cool that Rad Power Bikes has expanded to Canada in recent years. They specced their motor down from 750 watts to 500 watts in order to comply with local rules. Both countries offer free shipping and Rad has offices in both locations, including shops and mobile delivery service vehicles that provide assembly and test ride options
Cons:
- The RadMini Step-Thru only comes in one frame size, but the steering tube and seat post can telescope up for taller riders, the frame only comes in one white for the step-thru model but black is available if you opt for the high-step. Note that the high-step version of the RadMini is about the same size but has a higher stand-over height and does not have bottle cage bosses
- The internally routed cables look nice, but they can be pinched more easily when unfolding… so be careful. Also keep an eye on the front cables when the stem is fully extended or folding and twisting the handlebar because this could pull on the some of the cables
- The display is large and easy to read but not removable, so it could take extra weather wear and possibly get scratched at a bike rack. I appreciate that it’s well protected by the mid-rise handlebar, and that the electronics on the bike can be completely disabled by turning the key to the locked-off position (between locked-on and unlocked).
- I love that you can enter into the display settings area and adjust units by holding the up and down buttons, but I wish there was more feedback about range and remaining battery capacity, it only shows five bars which relay 20% steps vs. 10 bars or a full 100% readout
- Because the battery pack slides down and mounts in front of the seat tube, you may have to loosen and raise the seat post and saddle anytime you want to take it off of the bike (depending on how low you mount your saddle), this is not always the case for the full sized RadRover and RadCity models
- The battery charger is fairly compact and lightweight, RAD says it’s reliable and works between all models, but it would be nice to have a faster charger given the higher capacity 672 watt hour battery pack… it’s another part that will be less expensive to replace, because it’s more basic, but they say it’s very reliable
- Despite its compact size, the RadMini Step-Thru is a fairly heavy folding electric bike… most fat-tire models are! It’s slightly heavier than the high-step version (69lbs vs. 68lbs) because that one doesn’t require as many reinforcement plates and welds, it uses two smaller tubes vs. one really fat one. Anyway, I feel that they could reduce some of the weight on both models, without compromising frame integrity, by using punched-out rims vs. the solid ones we see here
- 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 and even looking down for a moment. I much prefer smaller 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… so I see why they stick with them, and they do work fairly well if you’ve got gloves on
- The 180 mm mechanical disc brakes worked well during my ride test, especially with the smaller 20″ wheels, but I definitely prefer hydraulic because the levers are easier to pull and can be reach-adjusted for small or large hands, this is one part on the bike that seems to be a compromise in order to keep the price lower and the folks at Rad told me that mechanical brakes are easier for people to work on themselves vs. needing help from a shop
- It’s great to have suspension, and I feel that Rad Power Bikes chose the best option they could for the price here, offering lockout and preload adjust. Ultimately, it’s still a pretty basic spring fork that adds a lot of weight to the frame vs. an air fork. In short, I’m glad that these mini folding fat bikes include a suspension fork, compared to the 2016 and 2017 first-generation RadMinis which used a rigid steel fork
- Earlier RadMini products shipped with the rear rack included and it was paint matched (black or white) but starting in 2019 you had to pay $80 extra for it and it… at least they now include fenders stock, and the racks come in black or bright orange (as shown in the photographs above). Note that the same racks work for both high-step and step-thru models)
- Minor considerations here, the headlight is mounted to the lower portion of the suspension fork and will bounce up and as a result, will bounce up and down when riding over bumpy terrain vs. if it was up on the stem, also, 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 collide. The thing is, the light isn’t as adjustable in this position and it no longer points where you steer because the front rack is frame mounted
- Rad Power Bikes sells mostly online, which means that there’s some extra hassle unboxing and preparing the bike for riding, however they have partnered with some mobile bike repair services offering a $149 setup, keep in mind that the folding models are the easiest ones to get going if you do it yourself
DrJay says
Another great review, Court. I really appreciate when you have the opportunity to give a “real world” test ride vs. the ride around the parking lot tests. It’s interesting to hear your comments on the performance of the ride qualities and motor performance. What I admire about Rad is that they do not just make electric bikes but e-bike systems with their wide range of accessories that increases the utility of their bikes. I think it was smart to make fenders standard (except rad runner) as having to attach the rear fender has been a deal breaker for me. Now I am seriously considering a Rad Mini if my LBS will fine tune it for me.
Court says
Hi DrJay! I realize that many of the Rad Power Bike reviews have had shorter ride segments… and I actually recorded more off-road and some water fender tests, but the camera malfunctioned! Super disappointed about that. We were in a rush in terms of filming all bikes, because there was a lot of rain on the trip. I try to speak to the performance and write it here, I appreciate your encouragement!! Yeah, the RadMini models are a great combination of comfort, portability, and utility. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you decide to buy one!
DrJay says
EBR is a tremendous reservoir of information on E-bikes and the industry. I can imagine the logistical difficulties for you, Tyson and Mikey in scheduling trips and evaluating multiple bikes in a limited time frame. Without EBR and the Forums it is impossible to get a sense of the breadth of this industry. In my area there are no large e-bike retailers like Electric Bike Center or Crazy Lenny’s or Pedego to sample different drives and styles. Most dealers have one or two e-bikes on the floor amid their better selling acoustic bikes. So for me, EBR is essential to learning what the advantages are for different drives and bike styles. It is a way to “cut through” the slick marketing hype. In a direct to consumer marketplace, self-education is the only way to minimize the opportunities for disappointment.
Court says
Thanks for expressing this, as awesome as my job is… I’ve been pushing hard for nearly eight years, and the travel, site upkeep, and replying individually can become a big challenge. I’m doing my best to stay balanced, positive, and continue forward with integrity ;)
wde says
Court says
Howdy! To answer your questions: I haven’t actually seen or tested their Velcro strap system, I just heard about it from the reps. The magnetic clasps are great because they keep frame tubes from colliding… but I’ve mostly seen those on lightweight non-ebikes. With such heavy tires on the RadMini models, I feel like you’d need very strong magnets, which would add a lot of weight to the bike, so I see why maybe they skipped it. As for rolling in the folded position, yeah, I think it’s possible! I’m sorry I didn’t test and show that. You’d have to roll forward so the cranks don’t turn, and probably fold with the handlebar on the outside of the fold vs. inside, so the tires are parallel. Finally, yes, I do think that it would be relatively easy to replace the mechanical brake system with hydraulic and even keep the existing rotors. Now I say “easy” here with a grain of salt, because it’s not something I’ve done or have experience with. Keep an eye out for Tektro Auriga levers, because they can be ordered with motor inhibitors just like the mechanical Aries levers used here. However, you will lose the integrated bell… I’d love to hear how that project goes for you, and you could post about it in the Rad Power Bikes forums and even search if others have already done this sort of thing ;)
wde says
Thanks. Will keep in mind.
Skylar says
I’m looking at getting this or the M2S All Terrain Scout. Any reason I should get one over the other? Or anything else I should consider at this price point?
Court says
Hi Skylar, cool name! I think M2S has more variety with their products but are a smaller company than Rad and may not be able to offer the same high level of customer support. The name probably isn’t as widely recognized, so that could also impact resale value. Otherwise, I feel that they both offer a good product :)
Fernandito says
Hello. I’m considering this ebike, but my question is if the throttle is a variable speed throttle. Id ratter use it on mode 0 and regulate the speed according to how much I pull the throttle or mode 3 and add a boost. Thank you
Court says
Hi Fernandito! Great question. Yes, Rad does use the same variable speed twist throttle on all of their 2020 ebikes (and a slightly different version with an on/off toggle button on all of their older 2018, 2019 models. You can indeed regulate your speed solely by twisting the throttle, and note that the brake levers always override the motor for safety… even in throttle mode ;)
Kevin says
Am I able to put a rear passenger rack for a full sized adult weighing 120 lbs in the RadMini ST?
Court says
Hi Kevin, I have no idea on this… probably not. Most of these ebikes are rated at 250lbs or 300lbs (rider and all cargo combined) so adding a second 120lb adult passenger onto a rack that might only be rated 55lbs is really pushing it. People do all kinds of things, so whatever you choose… good luck! However, no smart company or individual will feel comfortable assuring you of something that clearly violates the recommended hardware spec because that would make them liable in the event that you or a passenger got injured due to mechanical failure :)
V Forbes says
Hi, I am contemplating buying an e bike and thinking the Rad mini step thru might be good. I am a short female, 5’1″ do you think this would be a good match? It will be mostly used for commuting. Are there any other bikes you might recommend? Thanks for your reviews. They have really helped me to understand the bikes more.
Regards,
V Forbes
Court says
Hi! Thanks for explaining your situation and height. Yeah, Rad Power Bikes makes one of the better products for the money… and include a lot of safety and utility features. The RadMini Step-Thru would be a good fit, the stand over and minimum saddle height are fairly low, but keep in mind that it weighs 69lbs (31.29kg). The fat tires are fairly comfortable and offer stability, and I like that they have reflective stripes and puncture protection. All things considered, it’s a good brand, and approachable bike… I think I’d just remove the battery when lifting and make sure the tires are taken care of because changing a flat is no fun ;)
bob french says
I plan to order a mini step-thru soon, but would like to have a rear rack installed. In that the rack is currently sold-out when will it be available so I can have one installed on my bike? Any projected delivery date?
Court says
Yeah, I saw that Rad had many sold out parts. Hopefully they will get some in stock again soon. I have no info on when, I’m sure they are doing their best because the rack in particular seems like an important and popular accessory :)
Robert Johnson says
Rad does a good job of publishing an expected month of shipment for their bikes. It would be really helpful if they could do the same for the accessories. I have a RAD mini step thru that is to be delivered in September 2020. I really need the rear rack and have no problem to install it but without any idea of when they will be available am left with the decision of if some workaround needs to be purchased.
Court says
Yeah, I hear ya on this one Robert. I just ordered a RadRover for my Father in Arizona. It has taken some time for the bike to arrive and I got Fedex alerts and stuff… but no estimates on the rear rack. It’s a pretty important accessory and it just seems like Rad didn’t order enough. I wish I had more to offer you here, but I’m in the dar as well :/
g bierman says
Do you know what the shipping price would be to Montenegro?
Kathy Sherwood says
A few years since riding a bike. I am a 68 yrs old women, 5’6″. My husband and I travel in our RV. Looking for a folding electric bike to ride in parks and various trails when traveling, and in and around our neighborhood on a lake in a hilly area with one rather steep mountain (our driveway is also steep!) I have been considering the Rad Mini Step thru or the Blix Vika. My only concern for the Rad Mini is the weight. Watched your video about the Vika and not sure the tires are good for all terrain and the folding locks do not seem as secure as the Rad. I will not be riding in real rough terrain, however, parks and trails are not always paved or concrete. Some dirt and others just grass. Your suggestions would be appreciated!!! Since I am in Central Arkansas I cannot readily test ride either model. I have been considering the Rad Mini for a couple of years… and weight is the the only thing holding me back.
Court says
Hi Kathy, I apologize for the very delayed reply here. You’ve identified three major hurdles here… comfort, off road capability, and bike weight. Your assessment is spot on, and I’m not sure there is a single silver bullet (so to speak) that solves all of these needs. I personally value comfort and off-road capability, so I’d lean towards Rad. You can always take the battery pack off and get help moving it. The thing about the Blix Vika is that it’s still fairly heavy at 54lbs. Yes, it’s much less than the RadMini, but you would probably still be wise to get help. With this in mind, if you’re still dealing with a heavier product, then comfort and off-road seems like a great focus considering the terrain you’re looking at. I hope this helps, it seems like you’re doing a great job figuring things out already ;)
Kathy Sherwood says
Thank you for your response. My rad mini is scheduled for delivery Oct 1st!!
Jared Tremblay says
Kathy, I do a lot of gravel riding in the Flint Hills of Kansas. My wife is basically excluded from the joys of gravel b/c distances are too far, therefore we’re looking at ebikes. The Rad Mini Step Thru’s folding ability means we can fit it in our car while I use the roof rack. How has the bike held up on off road and rough trails? Thanks
Afshin says
First of all, thanks for the detailed review of these bikes. I’m trying to decide between this model and the RadCity ST and comfort is the most important criteria for me. I don’t care much about this one being foldable but it looks cooler than RadCity and I like the fat tires :-), but if I’m being honest I won’t be doing a lot of off road biking so for a normal city commute situation, which one is more comfortable the RadCity or the RadMini?
Thanks for your time,
Afshin
Court says
Hi Afshin! Great question, I feel where you’re coming from. For me, the RadMini is very comfortable and stable because of the fat tires. They add to the comfort that Rad provides with their hybrid saddle, ergonomic grips, and suspension forks… but they also add weight to the bike, noise and friction (because more rubber hits the concrete), and they change handling a bit. They might also make it trickier to lock up at bike racks, requiring more space, and they definitely make it harder to put on transport racks (on cars, busses, trains etc.). Knowing these things, perhaps you can decide what’s most important to you. The final consideration is adjustability of the stem and handlebars. Thankfully, both RadMini and RadCity have lots of handlebar adjustment options for how high up it can go, but RadCity has more in terms of how far out they can be. This last consideration is about reach, and I think the RadCity can provide a bit more comfort this way if you’re taller. I hope this helps, and consider the suspension seat post option for RadCity if you’re worried that the tires aren’t quite as forgiving as the RadMini. To be honest, given my apartment and bike rack situation – living in a bigger city, I’d probably go with RadCity myself :)
Afshin says
Hi Court,
Thank you so much for your response. I really appreciate the time you put to answer our questions. I’m actually pretty short 5’5″ :-) I also live in an apartment (with garage) in CA suburbs so not a lot of great transportation options!
Based on what you’ve said, I might go with RadMini because it seems to be pretty comfortable while it looks much cooler, IMO. Btw, the reason I asked about the comfort is that unfortunately, I can’t try it before ordering it online which makes it tricky :-)
Regards,
Afshin
Court says
Hi Afshin! I think that you’ll be happy with the comfort on the RadMini. I think the RadRover is their most comfortable model, because of the 26″ wheels, but the RadMini models still have the fat tires and suspension fork. They are a step up from the RadRunner (unless you get the RadRunner Plus) and the RadMission which don’t have any suspension. Good luck! Have fun :D
Bob trotter says
I have very limited space in my SUV so the folded dimensions. are VERY important. Can someone give the exact L x W x H dims on the Mini step thru when folded (I have seen different specs.) Can the height be reduced if I take off the seat (possibility based on the pic.) What size tub would you need? (mentioned in review) Thank YOU
Court says
Hi Bob, I believe that these dimensions are very accurate because I measure them myself and double check with Rad. I’ve covered other RadMini products in the past here, so you could scroll through the Rad Power Bikes reviews and see what the older dimensions said just to double check. The tub I mention was talked about in the Rad Power Bikes forums here, here, and here, but is not something I’ve done myself :)
Forest Luc says
Do you know what the shipping price would be to Quebec, Can.
Court says
Hi Forest! I do not… this is something you could ask Rad Power Bikes directly. I just perform reviews and provide specs here. You can visit their Canadian website here and there’s a contact chat thing and phone number. Hope this helps! I’d love to hear back if you decide to go with this, what you think and how much the shipping ends up being ;)
Cecilia (Cely) Holcombe says
Hi Court! I’ve watched soooo many reviews by you and then backed up your reviews with other owner reviews. Thank you for all your unbiased guidance. You mentioned on several reviews with Rad Power Bikes about customer service, people ready to help and answer questions, ability to have someone on other line if there is a maintenance problem and the fact that they have been in business for a number of years, etc. I have left 2 messages (emails) on 2 different matters. I put Rad Mini Step-thru 2 in my cart along with some accessories, but I won’t pay until I can actually TALK to someone. I’ve waited for OVER a week now and no response other than an electronic email saying they will get back to me within 3 days. ( I keep getting reminders that I left things in my cart and I should hurry and buy, yet they can’t return an email with my question.) If I was to received my bike and something was wrong (maybe bad shipping), it seems they aren’t responding to customers just by me not having any communication from them “right now”. Maybe not for some people, but for me, investing $1,800 for bike and accessories is a big deal and investment and not having them respond thru email, or telephone is very disappointing and alarming. Can I have your take on this? You have complimented the Rad Power family and you may have a different answer to this problem. (PS, I emailed Lectric and 2 other companies and they answered within hours.) Thank you for any help in my concern. Sincerely, Cely in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
Court says
Hi Cecilia! That’s so frustrating… I really do think that Rad is one of the best companies in the space right now, and I know that they have hundreds of customer service agents because I’ve visited their headquarters and met many of them. I’m not sure what happened in this case, but perhaps one or two more days and you’ll hear back! If you’d like, I can forward your info on to a contact I have there to try and escalate your ticket. I know that things have been busy there recently and perhaps the Easter weekend holiday caused a backup in their system temporarily?
Cecilia C Holcombe (Cely) says
Hi Court! I’m not sure if you contacted your person at Rad Power Bikes regarding my concerns, but within hours of your response, I heard from Corbyn Porter (Customer Specialist) at Rad and Jeff Morrison in Customer Service (Concerns and Complaints). Very positive correspondence with both! After some IT issues with phone contact, I was also able to talk to an “amazing” young man, “Korey with a K” which is how I addressed him. He didn’t just “hear” me, he “listened” to me.
On the “first” conversation with Korey with a K, the phone conversation ended with a smile on my face but a tear in my eye but not before I ordered a bike rack, and not being able to order a bike due to now being “out of stock”. Talking about the “cart before the horse” …haha Between you, Korey, Corbyn and Mr. Morrison it was an outstanding experience! This is what I need to validate my wanting to move forward and order a bike from Rad. (My husband ordered also.) With so much faith in your reviews and others, and even after sitting on two broken rad runners down the street from me at a surf shop (just to get the feel of the height), I still felt positive moving forward with a Rad bike and willing to wait for it. Yes, COVID has played havoc with not only their company but all industries, down to simple supplies at your local hardware store. Unless you are in that type of occupation, a person is not going to understand the havoc COVID has played on industry. Kudos to Rad for being a company that met needs of many during COVID, and for being able to keep their doors open even with some limited supplies. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for stepping up in your busy schedule and responding to me and to many many others as well. Smiles, Cely in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
Court says
Aww, that’s wonderful Cely! I have met Korey in real life during some of my visits, and he is just awesome. Here I am replying a couple days after your comment… sometimes we just get backed up, I suspect it’s the same for everyone lately but I’m so glad you found bikes and a rack that seem like a good fit. Also, Cocoa Beach Florida is where Kelly Slater is from, right? He’s one of my favorite pro surfers! Seems like a wonderful place in general, and you seem so sweet. Enjoy the ride, and thanks for the update about customer service with Rad! Glad it all worked out ;)
Tsippi says
I rented one of these near Bryce Canyon recently and came away with one question and a few impressions. First of all, the ride on the bike path, which admittedly had a lot of divots and badly repaired cracks, was so rough and painful that I worried I was getting a concussion. My headache lasted a full day after I was done. It was really unbearable. Was this a factor of the tire size? Will all folding bikes be this rough? I checked the tires and they were at 24 psi. I weigh 115 pounds or less. I’ve been riding bikes a lot my whole life and have never experienced anything like this. Any input would be appreciated.
And here are my two impressions, as a petite woman: The right hand grip is much too fat. I had to leave my thumb on top of the grip, which did not feel safe. The left hand grip is broader and thus more tapered toward the center, so I could at least wrap my hand around it at the narrowest point. I suppose I could have left my right hand encircling the throttle full time, but that did not feel safe to me, either. Secondly, as you note, the brake position is a big issue. Only my middle fingers could reach the brake handles. That did not feel safe, let alone comfortable. BTW, I am 5’4″, so not particularly small, though I do have quite small hands and wrists. I am quickly learning that the ebike industry as a whole is not really interested in smaller women as customers, just like the high end bike industry historically was not interested in petite women. Thank you for all of your reviews. I am learning a lot.
PS: For those of us who don’t need bikes that can handle 275 pounds, do you have any suggestions? Even with a full load of fire wood, I doubt I would ever surpass 140 pounds in weight. Thank you.
Court says
Hi Tsippi, I’m so sorry to hear that you got a headache! That has happened to me before when riding bikes… especially on hot days, or when the trail is very rough. I’m surprised that the RadMini was uncomfortable because it has a suspension fork (I wonder if yours was unlocked? There’s a lever on top of the right side of the crown for locked or unlocked and it can also adjusted with the dial on the top left to lower preload by unscrewing towards the left). Tire pressure also makes a big difference, you can lower these tires all the way down to 5 PSI, so your 24 PSI was very very full and efficient, but way less forgiving and less capable in soft sand types of terrain. In my experience, the fat tires provide cushion and stability, while the suspension fork takes the edge off of really big bumps… but these only work when dialed in properly for your weight and ride conditions.
Grips are an easy and affordable component to swap out. There are many flat grips that are skinnier than the ergonomic ones that Rad specs on their ebikes. You would still need a half grip for the right side, and the twist throttle may still feel large… perhaps you could change it out for a trigger throttle instead? This is something I have not done before, but I believe that it is possible, and you could ask for help in the Rad Ebike Forums here.
As for recommendations on ebikes for petite people (like my own Mom, who is 5’2″ tall), I recommend folding models or compact models. The thing is, most of these ebikes are going to have skinny tires that won’t offer as much comfort as the RadMini that you were riding at Bryce. The key is going to be air pressure… keep it lower but within the recommended range, which I list on each review here ;) also note that smaller diameter wheels and tires raises your attack angle, meaning that the tire doesn’t run over obstacles as smoothly. The fat tires increase the attack angle, but taller wheels like 26″ vs. 20″ is going to add to the comfort.
Tsippi says
Thank you so much, Court. Yes, I realized too late that the rental shop had locked out the suspension. The other issue with rentals is that they generally come with the misnamed “uni-sex” saddles, which are really horrible for most women, even smaller women like me. (I thought everyone agreed way back in the 1980s that women need ergonomically correct saddles?) Anyway, I would love for the Rad Mini to work for me, as the folding handlebars mean I could carry one in the garage of my RV. I’m going to try to find some place to rent one again, but I’ll pay attention to tire pressure this time. I’m also going to look at the Rad City and a couple of the Aventon models, since the geometry seems decent for me, although I’d need a bike rack with either. I’ll head over to the forum now and see if anyone has found a solution for throttle size and brake handle placement. Thanks again.
Michaela E Noble says
Thank you very much for your thorough reviews. I have been toying with the idea of getting a folding e-bike for years, but have been on the fence as to the right one for me. Your reviews were key to helping me decide and choosing the Rad Mini Step Thru. Can’t wait for it to arrive in August!
Court says
Awesome! I hope you enjoy it Michaela :D
Rose says
Hello Court, thank you for great reviews and your effort to reply every comments. I couldn’t decide which Rad I am going to get: Radmini 2 vs Radrunner Plus. I am too short to have more options by the way, so these are my only option other than Radrunner. Anyway, to me, it seems like they have almost same specs, and I do not get why there is CA $380 between two. I know it is because I do not know much about e-bike. So I want you to recommend me which to buy? My environment; 1. not so much cold winter but rain a lot, 2. I will ride it about 8-10km per day for commute or go to beach during summer woop woop! 3. there are hills around (not too crazy but not so cute either, I barely made with reg bicycle.) Please Court, and thank you in advance!
Court says
Hi Rose! If you’re comparing the RadMini vs. the RadRunner base model, then the big difference is no suspension and no fenders on the RadRunner and it also does not fold. I really like the RadMini for value! If you like the RadRunner and are willing to pay more for it, you can get the RadRunner Plus which has a brighter headlight, fenders, and suspension fork, but it does not fold. The bikes are pretty similar in appearance. If you’d like to talk more about this, you can text me and we can have a chat sometime, my number is (650) 930-0342
Michael Gomel says
After folding the bike, if I need to move it onto a public bus or an apartment building, does it roll or does one just have to carry it?
Court says
Hi Michael! Yes, the bike does roll and is fairly stable in the folded position (though not perfectly secure and stable without using a velcro strap or other mechanism to really secure it). Keep in mind that it can only roll in the forward direction vs. backwards. This is because the crank arms are connected to the chainring, chain, and rear hub which does not freewheel in reverse. So when you fold the bike in half, you might want to leave the saddle up a bit so you can use that as a handhold to push the bike forward as you tilt it up into a wheelie position. I hope this helps give you an idea, and I’m sorry I did not show it in the video review for this bike. I have done it for other folding ebikes, and most allow for this type of folding and moving action :)
Michael says
Do you have to pedal all the time, or can you ride with just power and can you just peddle and not use throttle just in case the battery dies?
Court says
Hi Michael! Yes, you can use the throttle only to ride this ebike if the battery is charged (only for the North America version, in Europe they require pedaling even to get extra power with the throttle based on some laws). And yes! You can pedal the bike without any assist or throttle and it will work like a normal bicycle! You can even remove the battery completely if you wish, to reduce weight and make pedaling easier :)
Katherine says
Hi! I love your Rad Mini Step Thru review! I won one recently and absolutely LOVE it! I was wondering what kind of sunglasses you’re wearing in the review (the white ones). I have found that the wind goes under my sunglasses and hits my eyes. Very irritating! Thanks so much!
Court says
Hi Katherine! The white glasses I wear are called Oakley Jawbones… I custom ordered the color years ago, and they no longer offer them the same way. I think they changed the name to Oakley Racing Jacket. I hope this helps, and thanks for your compliment about the review. Congrats on winning an ebike, that’s awesome!
GT says
I have a weak left that I hope to remedy with PT. In the meantime I am contemplating getting a used (off warrantied) Rad Mini in my area. I am wondering if I could attach some commercially available 12 inch, adult stabilizer training wheels to this bike. I should say that the sturdy wheel braces attach to the chain stay and seat stays via u-bolts. I should add that I am an experienced bike rider as well as metal fabricator and I would make sure the wheels are secure and set at the right height without compromising the frame. I think the metal in the wheel frames is sturdy enough to reasonably support the added side forces of the 69lb plus bike though I prob need to add some front to back stays to control directional forces. Do you know of anyone who has put such wheels on ebikes? I really like this particular well priced local Rad Mini and do anticipate taking off the wheels at a future date. Yes I do know I would have to be extremely careful with riding and very conservative with any risk taking. thx, GT, Boise
Court says
Hi GT! I do not know anyone who has done this, but I have seen the adult training wheels being sold online, they are an interesting concept! Ebikes tend to be heavier, but at least the weight is lower than a rider who weighs an additional 30lbs or so. This makes me think that the training wheels could work as well on the RadMini Step-Thru 2 as they do on any other fat tire folding bicycle. You sound pretty talented, wanting to make them yourself. I wish you luck, and suggest researching adult training wheels in general to get as much insight as possible as you design your own. I’d love to see updates and pictures once you get it done, you could post in the EBR forums here if you’d like :)