Total Weight:
69.6 lbs (31.57 kg)
Battery Weight:
7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)
Motor Weight:
8.7 lbs (3.94 kg)
Frame Material:
6061 Aluminum Alloy
Frame Sizes:
18 in (45.72 cm)Geometry Measurements:
18" Seat Tube, 22.75" Reach, 28.25" Stand Over Height, 33.25" Minimum Saddle Height, 28.5" Width, 75.25" Length
Frame Types:
High-Step
Frame Colors:
Satin Black with Gray and Orange Accents
Frame Fork Details:
RST Spring Suspension, 100mm Travel, Compression Adjust with Lockout, Preload Adjust, 32mm Stanchions, 135mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer
Frame Rear Details:
175mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Threaded Slotted Axle, 18mm Nuts
Attachment Points:
Fender Mounts, Front Rack Mounts, Rear Rack Mounts, Bottle Cage Mount
Gearing Details:
7
Speed 1x7 Shimano Acera Derailleur, DNP Nickel Plated 11-34 Tooth FreewheelShifter Details:
Shimano SIS Index Thumb Shifter on Right
Cranks:
Aluminum Alloy, 170mm Length, 42 Tooth Chainring with Prowheel Ounce Alloy Guide
Pedals:
Wellgo Aluminum Alloy Platform with Reflectors, CrMo Axle, Black
Headset:
Semi-Integrated, Sealed Cartridge, 1-1/8" Straight
Stem:
Aluminum Alloy, 50mm Length, 30º Angle, 15mm Rise, Two 2mm Spacers, 31.8mm Clamp
Handlebar:
Aluminum Alloy, Mid-Rise, 700mm Width, 4" Rise
Brake Details:
Tektro Aries Mechanical Disc with 180mm Rotors, Four-Finger Tektro Levers with Rubberized Edges and Bell on Left and Motor Inhibitors and Brake Light Activation
Grips:
Ergonomic, Stitched Imitation Leather
Saddle:
Velo Plush with Lifting Handle
Seat Post:
Promax, Aluminum Alloy, Single Bolt Clamp
Seat Post Length:
350 mm
Seat Post Diameter:
27.2 mm
Rims:
Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 80mm Width, 36 Hole
Spokes:
Stainless Steel, 12 Gauge, Black with Nipples
Tire Brand:
Kenda x Rad Power Bikes Juggernaut, 26" x 4" (98-559)
Wheel Sizes:
26 in (66.04cm)Tire Details:
5 to 30 PSI, 0.4 to 2.1 BAR, 30 TPI, Reflective Sidewall Stripe, K-Shield Puncture Resistant Casing
Tube Details:
Schrader Valve
Accessories:
Rear-Mount Adjustable Kickstand, Steel Derailleur Guard, Rad Power Bikes Integrated LED Front Light (Outer Light Ring, Focused Beam, Aluminum Alloy Heat Sink, 80 Lumens), Integrated Spanninga Solo LED Rear Light (Solid, Flashing, Brake Activation, 1 LED), Neoprene Slap Guard, Plastic Fenders (110mm Width), Optional Bolt-On Rear Rack with Yepp! Window, Optional Front Rack, Optional Small Basket, Optional Large Basket, Optional Platform, Optional Small Pannier, Optional SR Suntour NCX Seat Post Suspension, Optional RAM Torque Handlebar Phone Mount X, Optional Small Basket Bag, Optional Large Basket Bag, Optional Small Insulated Delivery Bag, Optional Large Insulated Delivery Bag, Optional Yepp! Maxi Child Seat, Optional ABUS Bordo 6100/90 Folding Lock
Other:
Locking Removable Downtube-Mounted Battery Pack, 1.1lb 2 Amp Charger, Fully Potted Motor Controller, Stainless Steel Torque Arm, 275lb Maximum Weight Rating, Adjustable Top Speed (12km/h - 32km/h), Adjustable LCD Brightness, Adjustable Wheel Size
Dirt McGirt
5 years agoThese things are such trash. I can’t believe that money can buy a review like that, Court.
And with a 300% markup from what you can get direct from China, they should keep the price that stable.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Dirt! I feel that these guys have a good product, and am thankful to review it each year around the time of launch. Yes, there are slightly more affordable products if you are willing to forego a warranty, the nicer looks, and some of the delivery services and dealers that Rad Power Bikes has created. I do charge a service fee for my reviews these days, because the demand is super high and I have rising costs of travel… but what I wrote is my honest opinion. One of the big motivators for all of the stats and photos here (and open comments and forums) is that it empowers people to express their objective feedback about bikes and to measure and assess for themselves. I hope it helps you, and I appreciate your feedback :)
ReplyDirt McGirt
5 years agoTheir warranty is terrible too. I’ve read through the small print and it gives them the authority to deny pretty much every warranty issue due to the fact that they ship direct and there’s almost no safeguard in place to make sure the bikes are assembled properly by the end user.
They also had to start using their own support vans because no one wants to touch these things. And rightfully so. They have kmart kids’ bike components and they weigh about a metric ton. I don’t care how much whip cream you put on that dog poop, it’s not gonna taste like chocolate cake.
There are better bikes out there with actual warranties and shop support for around the same money, give or take a couple hundred. These bikes are trash sold by a marketing company run by trust fund kids that saw a niche. Plain and simple.
Support your local bike shop and steer clear.
Mustang56
5 years agoIt would be helpful for readers if you would clarify the issues of “trash” and what comparable bikes cost t $300.00 less. I have not purchased an Ebike yet but do have confidence in the EBR website reviews. I can gain no information or value from your review without some information to substantiate you claims. Hope you will respond with valuable information.
ReplyDirt McGirt
5 years agoThey have the lowest of lowest end parts on them. The same stuff you see on kid’s bikes at Walmart. Huffy style.
The batteries are a fire hazard and only perform okay for about 6-8 months.
The motors have about the same life span and generate the same amount of torque as half of a mid drive system. So, worthless for hills.
The company leaves you high and dry when something happens. There’s a mile and half of small print to the warranty that gives them license to do so legally. I’ve read it. It’s terrible what they do.
No bike shops will work on these in good conscience.
They’re stupidly heavy.
Low end tires with no puncture resistance and a hub motor that’s super difficult to pull off, hence why no shops will work on them. And you usually get rear flats first on any bike.
You can buy one with just as much support for a quarter of the price in whatever color you want on AliBaBa.com
shall I go on? Because I can. Don’t buy one and don’t all the way trust EBR on this. Rad is famous for paying for favorable reviews and testimonials.
Mustang56
5 years agoWell Dirt, thank you for the advice. My local bike shop, like a lot of local bike shops around the country, closed because they could not sell enough bikes to stay in business. There are still some around but the bike stores selling Trek, Specialized, Pedego, Electra E-bikes, Quiet Cat, etc., are priced in the $2500-$6500 range and the low end of those are not a lot better than Rad, Bam or others, so choices do have to be made by consumers. My very nice Trek Mountain Bike I used to ride a lot is out of my price range in an E-bike. This web site does charge for reviews of bikes but the thousands of Rad customers who post positive reviews do not. That’s an important point. I just want to ride a bike that I can afford that meets my needs. So I hope you will be happy with your purchase on Alibaba, Walmart or a high priced bike store. I will leave this helpful link.
ahicks
4 years agoEverybody is entitled to an opinion, so as a counterpoint to anyone saying that the Rad batteries are not up to par, I’d like to point out that I have one purchased in 2017 with hundreds of charges on it, that is as strong today as the day it was purchased.
It would seem to me that somebody posting here is not doing anything but trolling…
Jay
3 years agoThe review from DM is just that… Dirt. Any support of ALIBABA.COM, would reflect support of generic, inferior products with little to zero service capabilities. I’ve researched many Electric Bikes and there are dozens of options, (like anything else) depending on what you are looking for… Price, Rear or Mid Motor Hubs, Motor Strength, Battery strength, components, add-ons, etc… The RadBikes are a great product, with strong service and affordable rides… too bad worthless reviews such as DM’s, are bringing them down…
Niuton
5 years agoMuch like Dirt, I share the same frustrating experience with my Rad Rover bike. Mine would shut down completely as I started pedaling. I contacted customer service, which is bogus. There is actually no real help. They’ll turf you, send you troubleshooting instructions. You, the owner have to figure it out, there is no service. Nobody will service it.
I called Velofix, a number I was given by Rad Rover customer service. I spoke with them, and they simply wouldn’t agree to come look at my bike. That’s despite my willingness to pay for the visit. With that, I highly discourage anyone from buying a Rad Rover bike. If one can’t get real customer service, it’s better to look elsewhere.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoBummer, thanks for the feedback here Niuton. I was under the impression that Velofix would come to service any bike as long as you paid… they have a whole fleet of drivers, all of the necessary tools, and even some basic hardware like shifter cables, some cassettes, derailleur parts, and tires. I think Velofix and shops are being extra careful right now due to the social distancing, but perhaps your example dates back before this. In any case, YES! There are lots of other electric bicycles being sold through shops that might cost a bit more but should have dedicated customer service. I hope your RadRover doesn’t go to waste, and that someone eventually helps you, or that you can find another model to use instead… and maybe sell your Rad used. Good luck, and thanks again for sharing your situation to help others :)
James W Hamilton
3 years agoThe Better Business Bureau gives them an F rating. If you check them out on Yelp you will find scores of complaint. The BBB has also created an alert about their business: Consumers further report they are unable to speak with a customer service representative and emails to the company only generate an automated response acknowledging receipt of the customers email. I have also had some experience with this and have to agree that Rad Power Bikes has the worst customer service in the business.
S.R.
5 years agoWhat DIRT MCGIRT failed to mention about getting a cheaper Chinese bike is that you’ll spend $583 dollars on shipping the cheaper Chinese bike! Long ways to get parts or support too.
ReplyJosh Diets
3 years agoThese bikes are trash. This is why in the new bike description RAD stouts that this is an Off road and on road bike. Well I should hope so because its a MOUNTAIN bike. Ive never seen a MOUNTAIN bike that was only for the street. Except this one should ONLY be for on asphalt. The tires are super paper thin literally. The instant these tires touch dirt you get a flat. If you happen to get a tire loosing air while riding and take a turn the tire will come off the rim and wrecking is unavoidable. The sidewalls crease and tear very quickly.
The handle bar grips are loose and spin around loosely. Must be replaced or glued and thats ghetto. The disc brakes are designed for a standard bicycle not a bike that goes faster than you peddle. The discs will warp only after a few rides and they will bind and screech under the stopping force. They flex extremely easy. The balance board in the battery is junk and I got a full 10 rides before mine stopped working. The display says full charge at 27volts but battery voltage with a multimeter says 48v. RAD rapes you with a hefty $600 battery when there is nothing really special about it. Its just like every other battery, just a bunch of 18650 lithium batteries soldered together and a balance board. The twist throttle is compared to my 8 year old sons Razor scooter I got at walmart for $90. Junk. For $1,700 we should at least get a full twist throttle handle like a motorcycle so you don’t have to lift half your hand off the handle grip to twist the throttle. This is Very dangerous going faster than 20 miles per hour. The metal frame seems to like its made out of porcelain because the kickstand snapped off of the bike where it joins the frame. The seat is super fat and ugly and looks like a huffy bike seat from the 90s. I could go on and on but I think I’ve made my point. I have never been so dissatisfied with such an expensive purchase. I give this anvil of a bike ZERO STARS because it’s TRASH.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi Josh, thanks for sharing your opinion about the RadRover… and sorry to hear that so many things went wrong for you. My own experience has been much different, but perhaps we ride in different areas or have different uses. Here’s a video of my Dad and I riding around the desert, where there is dirt, sand, rocks, and some sticker plants, for many miles without any issues. He used it for a few months before adding some additional tire liners before his big desert RV trip earlier this year to help prevent flats. So far, no problems or replacements. One time, he rode down an old railroad track, and another time he took it on a beach with some soft sand. He does clean it off every few rides, so the sand and dust won’t mess up the chain or sprockets, but he also covers it to prevent dirt from accumulating while he tows it on his RV rack. The Rad Power Bikes do use some cheaper parts (like the grips, derailleur, and shifter) but in my experience, they can hold up if cared for and used with care. I’m 5’9″ and weigh 135lbs while my dad is 6’2″ and weighs closer to 200lbs for reference. I hope you find another ebike that you like more!
Denny
5 years agoDirt, you’ve offered no actual evidence of anything. Really, just misinformation and uninformed opinion. I’ll file this as angry troll behavior.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoYeah, I guess we all have rough days here and there. Hopefully he or she is doing better now ;)
ReplyJay Young
5 years agoDirt most likely works for the competition. Thats what I smell here. I just purchased two of these bike based upon other reviews. $3000 for bikes is nothing to sneeze at. I hope I am right.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoPerhaps, I’ve seen some very aggressive posts out there and even links to a hate websites for Rad. When you’re in a leadership position and lots of people are buying your product, there may be some frustration from the competition as well as a higher absolute number of issues (all ebikes have issues, every product has some sort of issue). Is we were able to look at the percentage of negative feedback, that might be a better measure… and keep in mind, these are affordably priced ebikes with some “value” components that are “good enough” which could lead to some people who don’t have the appropriate expectations just feeling frustrated.
ReplyRoby
5 years agoHey Jay,
Can you please post about your experience with the bikes? Not sure if you have received them yet. I really like the RAD power and I’m considering buying one for the summer.
I live in NY and I don’t think they have a store location around so I’m concerned about service/repairs down the road.
ReplyMichael Jacob
5 years agoI work at a bike shop and I had to assemble a rad power bike the other day . I found the bike to be very high quality. I also took it for a ride and liked how it rode. The only thing I found a bit concerning was the charger got very hot after 2 hours of charging. The charger should have a fan inside. With that said I still think the bike is worth buying.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoWow, thanks for the input Michael! That means a lot coming from a professional who works at a bike shop. It’s very generous of you to speak highly of a competitor, and I would have to agree that Rad has done a great job with their value-priced ebikes. I think that perhaps one reason they only offer a 2 amp charger is so that it can be more reliable, lighter, and affordable because it doesn’t need a fan. I’m not an electrical engineer, so I cannot comment on how hot is too hot, or if your charger was faulty, but many of the chargers I’ve used for ebikes do tend to heat up a bit. I know that Rad targets reliability and that’s why they share so many of the same reliable parts across all of their electric bicycles… reliable, not necessarily the most performant, but good value. Thanks again! I welcome any other feedback in the future if you see these coming into the shop for repairs etc. or if you purchase one for yourself. And, feel free to share your shop if you’d like :)
ReplyJerry
4 years agoI own a RadCity bike and love it! It came in a box, I watch their videos on assembly (online) took my time and everything works just fine. I bought the shock post, and a gel seat but every thing else is stock. I’ve had the bike for about a year 1,000 miles without any problems. Just wish I’d had bought a step-thru but since reading about it it is heavier. I due for a check up so I’ll check local shops.
levis piquette
3 years agoj.ai commander un radrover5 et un st pour ma blonde je ne connais rien au ebike j,ai regarder les forum et constater que de bon commentaire, je n,ai rien a reprocher sauf le poids ,ils depasse mes attentes ont les adores,,,,,
ReplyCourt
3 years agoC’est génial! Je suis si heureux que vous appréciez les vélos. Oui, ils peuvent être un peu lourds, surtout avec les gros pneus.
John
5 years agoNow I am totally confused. Rad bike fits my budget very well. I hate to buy something and find out that I only buy it to meet my budget and with that said. I just end up with junk. I have to say buying something doesn’t have local shop or dealer is a bit risky. the one year warranty won’t offer any protection for me because I live in Canada and I will be very lucky if I can ride this bike for 2 month a year. It may run after I buy it this year but next year will be a different story. I think I will go with local bike shop. At lease I will have access to parts , support and any question I may have.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi John! Rad Power Bikes has opened a storefront in Vancouver, so you could go test ride one there and get in-person support, even in Canada! Regardless, I hear you about spending more for a product that could have nicer parts. It’s a trade-off, but all ebike batteries will be sensitive to extreme heat, cold, and being left uncharged. Just check your battery every couple of months to make sure it’s at least 50% full. Don’t store the battery anywhere extremely hot, and note that your range will be lowered on very cold days… otherwise, you should be good and the pack should last many years (from Rad or other decent companies). Good luck!
ReplyPhil
5 years agoI recently purchased a Rad Rover and I’m very satisfied with its performance. It remains to be seen how reliable it will be but for the price, it is a great value. This comes from a retired guy that drove VW bugs, not BMWs. I’ll let you know about reliability as the miles build up.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoAwesome! I’d love to get your unbiased feedback over time, Phil. Thanks for posting this comment! Rad does offer good value, and from what I’ve seen the support is great as well. Hope you have a wonderful time out there :)
ReplyRoger
5 years agoI have been looking at Rad Power bikes for a while now. Yesterday I spoke with a guy riding a Rad Rover on our local bike trail. He has been riding it for about one and a half years and has about 1000 miles on it. He said he has had absolutely no problems with this bike and he loves it. Yes, it is a value priced bike that has lower priced components, but 1000 miles with no problems is very good reliability. I have shopped around alot, and have not seen hardly any bikes lower than this price point. Most that I have seen are 2-3 times the cost of these bikes. I also think having a physical presence near me in Seattle is a selling point. I agree that Dirt McGirt’s comments don’t seem too genuine taken in context with all the satisfied riders of Rad Power bikes. I haven’t decided to buy an electric bike yet, but I keep coming back to Rad Power Bikes. Thanks for your complete, informative reviews, Court.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHey Roger! Sure thing… I try to leave up dissenting viewpoints here, as long as they are fairly respectful and objective. In any case, I’ve been reviewing Rad Power Bikes for about five years at this point, and all of my experiences have been great. They’re clearly a leader in the space, and I think some of it is the hardware, but a lot of it is how they treat customers. Their newest showroom in Seattle is beautiful, and it’s definitely worthwhile if you can visit for test rides and purchase an assembled model! Thanks again for sharing your comment, and good luck with your choice. Researching is fun, and whatever you choose… riding should also be a lot of fun :)
ReplyJim
5 years agoHello, does Rad Power Bikes have any dealers in the Houston, Texas area?
ReplyThanks,
Court
5 years agoHi Jim! We have a dealer map/directory tool that you can use to search shops by location and brand. I used it for Houston, and only saw one shop listed (a Pedego dealer). Rad Power Bikes sells online predominantly, but does have showrooms in Seattle Washington, Vancouver Canada, and the Netherlands in Europe. I’ve seen that they are also launching delivery service vans that assemble and support, which are rolling out to larger cities in the USA. Just not sure if they have one in Houston yet. I suggest calling them to ask, they have a great team of support staff that’s usually available during normal business hours. It looks like the phone number is 1-800-939-0310 good luck!!
ReplyStraight Outta Auction
5 years agoI purchased the Rad Runner, just over a week ago. I think the bike is solid and great value in many ways. Im 52 years old and I find myself standing on the pedals, throttle wide open, looking for any bump, small hill, curb, trail etc I can jump or explore. I become 20 all over again, it’s a blast to ride and a head turner for sure. That’s the good. The bad – I really don’t think they give a crap about their customers, they don’t deliver their products on time and don’t care. My bike was 4 days late, no apologies, I’m now waiting on an accessory. The website says 5-7 business days. We are now on Day 11 (8th business day) and not a peep from Rad, nothing. Hasn’t even shipped. I also ordered it before my bike was shipped and they wouldn’t even attempt to put the accessory in with the bike shipment. I like the bike but I think their service sucks big time.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoAww, that’s a bummer! I’m so sorry to hear about the delay and lack of communication. Perhaps with the COVID situation (high demand with possibly limited employee support) they are scrambling to operate and deliver on time while also communicating. I’m only guessing here, I feel bad that you’re in this situation, but I’m glad the bike has been fun for you! Feel free to chime in anytime with updates about the parts and the bike. I appreciate your feedback :)
ReplyRonald Yacketta
5 years agoI live on the west coast of Florid in a small town called Dunedin, I bought my Rad City bike and cannot be happier! Comfortable ride. I use it every day and average about 10-12 miles using 1-2 on pedal assist my battery shows 4-5 bars when I get home. Such an amazing bike!
ReplyCourt
5 years agoSweet! Thanks for the testimonial, Ronald. Glad to hear that you’re enjoying your RadRover :D
ReplyScott
5 years agoI think your review is spot on. We bought two Radrovers last July and have really enjoyed them. Mine has about 900 miles on it and I haven’t had any problems with it other than some loose cables and getting the error code 30. When I was fixing my wife’s loose cable that connects to the display I think I ended up breaking the connector. Rad support was great and sent me a whole new display with cable for no charge under warranty (2 day Fedex). An air fork and hydraulic brakes would be nice upgrades. The tires are really not that puncture resistant but have worked ok with some Slime. We have ridden them in the Northwest (gravel and logging roads , some singletracks), California desert in the Alabama Hills, and down on the beaches and backroads of Baja, Mexico so I think we have put them to the test.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoWonderful! I enjoyed your comment, Scott. Thanks for sharing a bit about your experience using the RadRover 5, and that tip about Slime to help keep the tires rolling even if there’s a small thorn puncture. If you and your wife both have one, did you get this huge gallon jug of Slime or buy individual bottles? How much did you put in, and did it affect weight very much?
ReplyScott
5 years agoThanks, Court. The tires ended up needing 8oz each of Slime according to what I found online. We were in Los Barriles, Baja California Sur when I decicded we really needed the Slime and the selection was pretty limited so I ended up getting two 16oz bottles at probably a lot more than you would pay in the States but it worked out. There is a little difference in the feel of the tires with the added rolling weight but better than having to worry about flats.
James Carruthers
5 years agoI live in the coastal mountains of B.C. and our house is on a hilly road. I want this bike for riding up and down LOTS of hills. Some long, steep dirt roads and trails too.
However, I haven’t really seen anyone review this bike’s climbing ability, nor its braking ability (on long descents). When you’re descending on trails or unfinished roads/tracks you have to ride the brakes constantly. It’s not a brakeless coasting like you can often do when going down paved hills.
Can anyone here comment on this?
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi James! I’ve done a fair bit of climbing and descending… but I’m a pretty active cyclist who weighs 135lbs (61kg). The key to climbing is to START the hill in a lower pedaling gear, so you can help the motor a bit. This is especially important if you have to stop for a traffic signal or other obstacle halfway up the incline. Starting from rest is the most difficult thing for the motor and for your legs, and this is not a mid-drive system that can leverage your gears, so the motor is at a bit of a disadvantage… even moreso with the wide wheel/tire diameter here. Yes, it’s a capable climber, but the power curve has been smoothed out a bit by Rad, so just make sure you help the bike get started and expect to see the range cut down to the lower estimate vs. the longer estimate in the review details I’ve posted above. Stopping should be fine, the 180mm rotors offer good surface area for cooling and a great mechanical advantage. You will, however, be wearing down the brake pads more quickly. Just get some extras and expect to replace them at some point… it should be fairly easy to do :)
ReplyErik Wiessmann
4 years agoI purchased a Rad Runner for $1199 and added the passenger seat and a front rack. I have owned the bike for two months and ride it once or twice per week. I have been on two trips that were 34 miles (with the ability to recharge the battery half way) and the other trips range 5-10 miles.
Going 34 miles using full throttle and 265lbs on the bike, I think I would probably run out of battery, but it would be close.
I weigh 145lbs and my wife weighs 120lbs. We ride the bike together more often than not. I have put on about 100 miles on the bike so far. I live in Philadelphia, I ride on mostly flat ground, but have taken on a few steep hills.
The steepest hills I have climbed I do need to pedal up, doesn’t matter how much weight is on the bike. Besides only the steepest hills I mostly ride using 100% throttle. The bike gets up to speed quickly and is nothing less than absolute fun! This is my first e-bike. I do not own a car, travel by foot and bike are my means of travel. I love this bike. I put it together quickly using the online videos for help. I put a nail in the tire and removing the back tire was easy enough (I am not someone who likes tinkering with this stuff and it is still easy).
Calling customer support twice (once when I bought the bike and once about my flat tire) they were friendly and helpful.
Having nothing to compare this to except my own expectations, I have to say I give this five out of five stars. It is so fun to ride.
I will come back if my opinion changes in time, as of right now I fully recommend this bike.
I am not into luxury items, I generally ride mid level non e-bikes ($400-$800 range). I like single speed bicycles. Not sure if this matters or not.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoWow, great comment here, Erik! I really appreciate you sharing your weights and what kind of range and climbing ability you’ve seen. This is awesome! So glad to hear that the bike has performed well and customer service has been good. Thanks again, and you’re welcome to comment anytime with more feedback as you take more rides and time passes by :D
ReplyRichard A Johnson
4 years agoWhat rider weight capacity do you think this bike is capable of? I am a bigger and tall male and to buy a custom bike that supposedly fits my size and weight would cost me up to $5000. Any thoughts would help. Thanks
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Richard! It helps to get your height, inseam, and weight, but I’ll generalize a bit here :)
I believe that Rad Power Bikes are officially rated up to 250lbs, but many owners weigh more or carry enough cargo to put them over that limit. I’m not recommending this, but my understanding is that spokes will loosen and break sooner/easier if weight is increased vs. the frame breaking in half right away. If you’re planning to ride on streets and very light dirt trails, the bike frame can probably take upwards of 350lbs based on what I’ve seen from competing companies that do list higher weight ratings but use similar frame materials. If you are concerned about frame strength, it’s best to get the high-step frame for added strength. You can also tip the handlebar forward to extend reach and even swap the stem for a longer/steeper one. This will create more room for your legs and create a bigger space for your body (if you’re tall and have long arms).
Please take this feedback as friendly thoughts, not professional or legal advice, it’s meant for entertainment purposes only as I am not a frame builder or expert engineer. I’m doing my best, but please do not hold me liable for the decisions you ultimately make. I wish you the best of luck, however, and hope it helps :D
Replynick
4 years agoIs there any other option for power other than the grip shift thing. I always am turned of by bikes with grip shifts.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Nick! Some ebikes use trigger throttles, and others use twist throttles (like Rad Power Bikes). You still use the thumb shifter here to actually change gears, but the half-grip twist portion (on the right grip) is what activates the motor… in addition to pedal assist. You could search for alternative ebikes with trigger throttles, or try this out and see how it works for you. I should say, it’s easy to twist and very intuitive after one or two rides. I hope this helps!
Replyjohn
4 years agoRadRover is my first E-Bike. I bought it in June of 2019. Easy to assemble and use. Have been on single track and logging roads in NH, steep hills and going 20+ miles and having two bars left on battery. Added a front carrier this year, ordered rear carrier last year in black and still haven’t seen it. They now ship with fenders which is needed in mud and sand. Wheels and frame have held up well bouncing off rocks on trails. I’m 220lb plus 10lb on front rack and no issues other than lack of rear rack. At 74 years old, it keeps me in the woods in places I can no longer walk in and out of, and carry snacks and water for grand kids on mountain bikes. They need to put more effort into supplying accessories and support. I would definitely buy again.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi John, thanks for the great testimonial here. Sorry to hear that your rear rack never showed up, but great to hear that overall it’s a good experience. I saw that rear racks are backordered on the site even now. Perhaps yours is on still in the mail somewhere… fingers crossed. Sounds like a wonderful time with your grandkids, I’m so glad you’re spending that special time and getting outside with them. My own grandfather turned 75 what seems like just a few years ago… he’s 82 now and starting to be limited in walking and stuff. I feel blessed, and am just so happy for you spending that time. It’s really special for us grandkids :)
ReplyJamie C
4 years agoI bought a Rad Runner and had an issue with a bent fork from shipping. Rad support was very good, especially during covid delays for everyone. This was my second e-bike and I think it’s a good value. Some folks on here are just talking out of turn with no facts – just hot air. It sounds like Dirt has no real world experience with a Rad bike, perhaps just a hostile bike dealer. Pretty lame.
Claiming the batteries are a fire hazard is irresponsible. I also have a Juiced Cross Current which was a great bike and much faster than the Rad bikes. I’ve done many 40 miles rides on my Rad Runner and it’s a fun bike.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoThanks for sharing your perspective on all of this, and your experience with the RadRunner and CrossCurrent. I appreciate your input, Jamie :)
ReplyCharles
4 years agoMy only issue is with the delivery timing. I purchased the step through for my wife over a month ago first of August and at the time I purchased they said shipping would be in September. I emailed support to get an update and now they are telling me October shipping. I understand the Covid delays but this is getting a little ridiculous as I live in Colorado and will be more limited as the cold weather sets in. I emailed them back voicing my concerns and they have not responded. This makes me nervous If I possibly made a mistake in purchasing from RAD. I will update this post if I get any additional responses. I am considering just getting my money back and choosing a different bike company if they don’t respond.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Charles! I feel your pain on this… I bought my Father a RadRover recently and it seemed like it took forever! Looking back, I think I was just really excited and we were talking about it a lot. They also mailed some of the accessories early so there were a couple of excited/letdown moments when it turned out to just be a bag or rack ;)
Whatever your decision, I hope you enjoy ebiking someday. I grew up in Colorado and remember the cold and snowy days, but also how there were warm dry moments all throughout the winter. There’s a Trek store in town (near CSU) that might have some ebikes ready to sell ASAP but most of the online sellers I follow are sold out and posting the same wait times as Rad. It’s frustrating, but keeping your place in line might be the best option. I personally trust Rad, my Dad did get his bike recently, and although it sounds like they haven’t responded to you yet, they do tend to have very good customer service. Good luck!
ReplyJames Carruthers
4 years agoI love my Rad Rover. BUT!
I’ve been looking for a place to write this to the e-bike community: I had 5 flat tires in under 150 km! The fat Kendra tires say “puncture resistant” on the side, but the blackberry bushes around my rural property and the nearby trails just seem to shred my tires. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. Yes, the thorns around here are murderously sharp, but if blackberry bushes are enough to give me a flat tire every 30 km, then what does puncture resistant mean???
Don’t get me wrong. I do LOVE this bike in every other respect. But I had much higher expectations for the tires, and I felt that others should know this weakness in the bike.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi James! Thanks for sharing this feedback. I live in an area with lots of raspberry and blackberry bushes and those vines and thorns are gnarly! In any case, my Dad recently got a RadRover and was concerned about flats too. He found a couple of options and I asked for his input, which I’ll paste below. It may not be perfect, but I hope that it helps you and others with similar concerns and challenges!
Hi Court, I found a product called Tannus Armor that is designed to reduce flats. Here is a link to the product page. They have different sizes for Schrader, Presta and Tubeless tires and they also make completely airless tires. For anyone who is wondering, Schrader valves are the bigger ones like you’d find on a car tire and Presta is the skinny one that has an insert which has to be unscrewed before adding air.
I will use the version shown on the link that still has a (smaller) tube inside of the insert. Since it is smaller and farther away from the contact with the road, it is less likely to get punctured. In addition to the benefits of added puncture protection, they help absorb shocks and can be ridden at lower tire pressure. It seems like they were originally designed as a tubeless alternative that prevents “burping” on competitive mountain bike tires. Here is a good video explaining it.
I still plan to use a sealant inside of the tubes for my RadRover “just in case” something manages to get through and puncture the tube. I want a bullet proof solution for RV trips. Since it is very HOT in Arizona, I plan to use “Flat Attack” vs. Slime or another sealant. Flat Attack works the same but it is organic and is said to last the life of the tire (5 year guarantee) where other sealants tend to dry out in hot weather. Flat Attack is glycol based vs water based which is why it does not dry out but it can only be used in bikes with tubes. In AZ the bike shops say that the other sealants need to be replaced.
And that’s it! I hope this helps you out, James. I’d love to hear your thoughts and have posted a similar update about preventing flats the forums to guide people and get more feedback.
ReplyDon
4 years agoBeware of poor customer service. I was in Seattle and dropped by the Rad store to get dimensions of the folded up ebike to see if it would fit in my cover secured pick up truck bed. The employee did not have the information, and would not measure one inside the store for me and kept referring me to their web site, which did not have the information. Even though he was the only person in the store he wouldn’t let me in without an online appointment.
So, if you ever have problems with your Rad eBike what kind of customer service will you get? Online sales, unfortunately, breeds this type of attitude.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoBummer! Sorry to hear that they weren’t able to help you at the store, Don. That sounds frustrating, especially if the store was empty. I’m not sure if this will help, but I’ve reviewed some of the folding RadMini ebikes before, and I usually try to include folded dimensions. Here’s a link to some of the reviews, and heres the dimensions that I got on my last review of the high-step RadMini: 28″ x 22″ x 41″
ReplyThomas Mcdowell
4 years agoI would like to see the speed in MPH for each PAS level in future testing! The problem with these bikes is not that they are slow its that 4-8 MPH assist is not available when we have to carefully negotiating shared use trails (hikers n Dogs on leash) I can only get 4-8 MPH cruise by applying a device that holds my throttle like cruise control and running the PAS at Zero! My Bike seeks 12.4 MPH in PAS 1 at full charge state and 32 MPH in PAS 5! I have also developed a Dongle that allows the supplied charger to be used at EVSE’s designed to charge Electric cars.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoThanks for the feedback, Thomas! Perhaps someone who owns a RadRover 5 can test the speed at each assist level and share their results in the Rad Power Bikes forums here. You’ve definitely got me thinking and I’ll look a little closer on my next review ;)
ReplyKyle
4 years agoTrying to find an electric bike around this price for hunting and trail riding. Looking at the Igo extreme 3.0 and this one. What would be the better choice? Thanks!!
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Kyle! I think both bikes offer great value. The RadRover 5 is less expensive, has five generations of refinement, and has interchangeable batteries with all of the other Rad bikes. On the other hand, the iGO has slightly wider tires for improved float in snow and marshy terrain, it uses an efficient (and powerful) mid-drive vs. hub motor, and iGO as a company has been around since 2012 and has a good reputation. I like that the iGO comes with the fenders and racks vs. having to pay extra to fully equip the RadRover. Ultimately, the costs could end up being similar and it might just come down to motor setup and the aesthetic… I’d love to know what you choose and wish you luck in either case, I think both are great ebikes :)
Replyjohn brons
4 years agore: 750 watt nominal bafang motor. it’s, i think, understood in the radrover community, that the rad bafang 750 is more like a 500 watt nominal and 750 watt peak motor. i have seen, side by side, a rad 750 vs a direct purchase bafang 750 hub drive, taken apart, and the innards on the factory direct 750 are much beefier than on the rad 750 motor. to be fair, i’m a radrover owner, and a very happy one! love the bike, support from rad, et al. having said that, i think calling the radrover 750 wattage rating “nominal” is disingenuous.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoThanks for the feedback, John! I’ve noticed some articles about this and heard people ask. I’ve asked the folks at the company and they said that their motor is custom tuned for them. I’ve never looked directly at the hardware side by side, and I just take them at their word. They told me 750 watt, so that’s what I put here… but I do leave the comments open and have the forums where people can post pictures and discuss. I don’t mean to be disingenuous and I’m trying to be transparent with how I get my information :)
Replyjohn brons
4 years agoHere’s a thread on Reddit that appears to compare the two motors.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoThanks for the link, John! Interesting photo there, I’ve noticed that there are some websites and comments from people who are really against Rad (possibly competitors or disgruntled customers?) and it’s hard to verify stuff posted online. The axles on those two motors look different, one design is taller vs. the other being wider. It definitely looks like two physically different designs, and that makes it difficult to compare and judge (at least for me). I’ve been happy with the performance from Rad (all around value) but appreciate these comments and extra resources so people can feel things out and dig in deeper than I am able. I’m trying to be fair on both sides because we live in a time with lots of misinformation and even intentional photoshop manipulation, deep fakes etc. but there’s also just different designs that can accomplish similar results like a tall hub motor vs. a wider one with different gearing designs inside. What do you think?
ReplyLiam
4 years agoFew questions as I’m thinking of buying this as my first ebike. First, how much power does the charger pull? We travel in a van, and our electrical system is solar, so I can’t draw too much power. Second, we’d like to do some moderate touring on this bike. Would a slick tire reduce battery draw? Can the wheels take a narrower tire? Like a 2.5? In any case, there doesn’t seem to be lot of tires to choose from in the size. I’m assuming the wheel set can’t be swapped out very easily. Lastly, I’m also assuming the 45 mile range listed is for flat. I’d really like to ride the bike on some fairly epic climbs. Would the battery last over, say, a 10 mile 6000’ climb like silver canyon from bishop to the crest of the white mountains? 6’0 175lb guy. Thanks!
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Liam, both of my parents have RadRovers and really enjoy them… but they are heavy, the tires are kind of unique, the tread makes noise and causes some drag, and they do run out faster when climbing vs. paved flats with no wind ;)
The good news is, Rad sells extra battery packs fairly affordably, the charger is light and compact (so you can bring it on rides), and the motor is efficient and smooth. The big question for you might be RadCity or RadMission (both have smooth narrow tires) or the “go anywhere” knobby fat tires on the RadRover. My folks like the bigger tires because they are stable, comfortable, and won’t get hung up in railroad crossing areas or other unstable terrain.
I took a closeup picture of the battery charger details that you can see here, and it appears to list out INPUT: 100-240VAC 50/60Hz 120W, DC OUTPUT: +48V 2A
Sounds like a really cool adventure setup you’ve got with the solar and all. Have a blast out there :D
ReplyPhil Bjorkman
4 years agoVery satisfied with my 2020 RR5 with 2,600 miles. No problems so far. Free wheel and tires and a stretched chain now need replacement. I added mechanically activated hydraulic brakes. they really don’t stop any quicker but I avoid the frequent adjustments I encountered with the Rad brakes. The Rad rear rack works well and is built strong. I’ve had good luck with tuneups by Rad and Velofix both friendly and professional. Performance is good on my rides with fairly hilly terrain. It is by no means a mountain bike but handles smoother trails well. Heavy but built very strong in my opinion. Rad Power Bike Co. is ok in my book. Excellent price point.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoGreat input, very fair, thanks for the feedback about replacing some standard parts like the freewheel, tires, and chain. Are you getting all of those parts from Rad or from a local bike shop… or Amazon?
ReplyEd Willis
3 years agoside cutters/knife
wrenches and vice grips
bike pump
sockets and screw driver tips
bike grease
grease
35587449 / 24 hours – 735246
Make sure you understand the battery charging requirements before you make a purchase!
I’ve had two other ebikes and put about 23000 km on them between them. They were the Voltbike Yukon 750 and the Juiced Bikes Cross Current S2. The Rad Rover 5 is similar to the Yukon but less powerful (the Yukon has a 750 watt motor) and does not have hydraulic brakes. Build quality for the Rad Rover seems fine to me but the assembly process is a lot longer than with either of the other two. I was about an hour and a half doing this but I maintain my own bikes so perhaps this would be longer for others. Also I purchased accessories at the same time as I bought the bike itself – I did this with the Yukon also and Voltbike installed them all before sending the bike out – not true for the Rad Rover 5, unfortunately.
But that’s not the biggest issue I have with the RR5 – like given I maintain my own bikes, spending a bit of quality time getting to know them at the front end isn’t the end of the world to me. But that may not be the case for others. In any event, my biggest issue with this bike concerns charging the battery. Here is the process for doing so on the RR5:
https://radpowerbikes.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360044484033-Battery-Charging-Guide-External-Batteries
Calling out a few specific from that:
You must never leave the battery on the charger longer than 12 hours (for me, going for a ride, then showering and heading to work and then doing something after work would make it extremely likely that I would exceed that).
You must do a finicky manual battery cell balancing process for the first three rides you take and every month after that – this involves charging the battery for as close to 12 hours as possible without exceeding 12 hours.
Then there’s this disclaimer: ” Failure to follow battery charging best practices could result in unnecessary wear to the charging components, battery, and or charger, and could lead to an under-performing or non-functional battery and replacement will not be covered under warranty. ”
If I’m being honest, this feels like a way to dramatically weaken the battery warranty. I’d be super curious to know what fraction of customers who end up with battery issues are actually able to exercise their warranty successfully. Either way you are absolutely signing up for baby sitting the charging process every time you charge the battery.
For reference, here is a relevant note from Voltbike concerning leaving their batteries on the charger:
https://voltbike.com/us/help-center/article/can-you-over-charge-the-battery-or-leave-it-charge-to-long
And a quote from that link:
“Can you overcharge the battery by leaving it charging too long?
All of our bike model chargers are smart chargers meaning they will auto-shut off once the charge cycle has completed.”
And here is the charging process from the Cross Current S2:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1009/9108/files/Juiced_Bikes_CrossCurrent_S2_Manual.pdf?v=1617037199
See pages 29-30 – it’s too long to quote here, but basically there is nothing about avoiding leaving the battery on the charger, nothing about balancing requirements and certainly nothing about failing to do so voiding the battery warranty.
I have a $300 Grin Satiator charger from my earlier ebikes which does the whole job (not damaging itself or the battery if you leave it attached after charging is complete and balancing the cells) but Rad forbids their (and any other third party charger) use on their bikes. FWIW Juiced Bikes suggested this charger as an upgrade over the stock one, which is why I have one.
In sum, I think the bike is ok compared to my other two but the charging requirements are onerous and the restrictions on what chargers you can use really limit your options.
Also I’d not depend on the 14 day return policy – there are a lot of steps and restrictions on that. Ideally you make up your mind for sure before you place an order.
Here is the return policy: https://radpowerbikes.ca/pages/terms-of-purchase#returns
But by email I was told the following as well:
“If you were in fact requesting an ebike return I’d be giving you the following information:
I will need the following information to submit a bike return request:
– Order #:
– Bike Model:
– Reason:
– Packaging: Is the packaging original or will you source packaging from a shop?
– Are there any other accessories or items from the order being returned?
We will need a few photos for the approval process. If you could, please reply to this email with some photos of:
The bike as a whole (If assembled/out of the box) – be sure to document any damage that already exists
The mileage on a digital display (even if 0), if applicable – please make sure the display is turned on (if assembled/out of the box)
The box condition – even if unopened – be sure to document any box damage that already exists
If any accessories or items from the order have been used and need to be returned, please include photos as well
(please do not use Google Drive, we cannot access it).
We will need all of these for the return request but the photos will also allow us to document the condition of the item as it leaves your hands in case it is damaged in transit.
Additionally, In order for your bike to be eligible for a return under the conditions of the 14-day free trial:
The request for the return needs to be initiated within 14 days of when you received the bike.
The bike’s odometer must have 10 miles or less logged
The bike must be in “like-new” condition.
The bike must be packaged in the original shipping box using the original packaging materials. Please make sure you have them! (If you don’t, a new box/packaging must be obtained locally)
The battery must be locked onto the frame as it was received in order to guarantee a full refund.
Please DO NOT proceed with repackaging the bike until the return request has been approved by the Returns team.
If you decided you wanted to proceed with the return I would then~ forward this email to the Returns team for review, they will be the team receiving and reviewing the photos and giving you the next steps forward. With our current volume and working through tickets in the order they are received, please give the Returns team up to 5 business days to connect with you, they are a very small team but will definitely be in touch. ”
Doesn’t give you much of a warm and fuzzy …. So just make sure you know what you’re getting into before you buy.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoThanks for sharing all of these details Ed! Yeah, there are some aspects of electric bikes that can feel overwhelming, complex, or just vulnerable because of the complexity and conditions they are used in. It’s always a good idea to be careful with the battery and charging. Some companies, such as Bosch, have UL certification and are going the extra mile for safety and durability… but they also cost more. I’d love to see more companies following this, and I expect it will happen with time :)
ReplyEd Willis
3 years agoNot so much overwhelming really.
I’ve bought three new cars in my life and, after the first one, I started looking at the maintenance schedules for them before I bought. Some are mileage or four months and some are mileage or six months. After that first car I never bought one with a four month max between service appointments. My time is valuable to me and so I have favored products that treat my time as the scarce resource it is.
Voltbike and juiced bikes, as compared to rad power seem to respect my time more. In the end thats mainly what I’m getting at.
I put more than 4k on my bikes per year, so imposing these kinds of draconian maintenance requirements on me, with the threat of voiding the warranty pm the battery should they not be adhered to will affect me nearly every day – this is not the user experience I was hoping for.
I did none of these things on my other two ebikes because they did not require them of me nor did they suggest them – and I topped 10k km on both of them.