This review was provided for free, but Rad Power Bikes and I split the cost of flights, food, and hotel so I could visit their headquarters in Ballard, Washington to spend some time with the new models. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Rad products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the Rad Power Bikes electric bike forums.
Observations:
- Starting in 2020, Rad Power Bikes began offering Rad Mobile Service (delivery, assembly, and maintenance) using a fleet of vans in some major cities across North America and Europe. They charge $150+ for this premium service and still offer free shipping in the continuous 48 states, Canada and Europe/UK if you are willing to handle unboxing and some minor assemble yourself. Additionally, the company now has traditional retail stores in Vancouver Canada, Seattle Washington, San Diego California, and Utrecht Netherlands.
- This is the 6th generation RadRover product, featuring a complete frame redesign with semi-integrated downtube battery pack, hydraulic disc brakes, and cable routing improvements. Some of the hardware components are decidedly mid-tier to keep the price down, including 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 comes in a step-thru version as well, which weighs slightly less and comes in black or white, but introduces more frame flex. The “Plus” added to the name here denotes a more feature rich product from Rad vs. the affordable RadRunner and RadMission. It’s the same naming convention used for the RadRunner Plus, which has fenders, lights, and a suspension fork :)
- This is a Class 2 electric bike with cadence sensing pedal assist and variable speed twist throttle. The motor power rating will vary depending on geography with 750 watts for the US, 500 watts for Canada, and 250 watts for Europe based on the corresponding legal limits.
Pros:
- Rad Power Bikes really pioneered fat tire ebikes and was one of the first to custom engineers their frames and introduce proprietary components. For the 6th generation RadRover Step-Thru this includes a proprietary display, motor, motor controller, headlight, and co-branded puncture resistant reflective tires. Little things like the enlarged seat tube clamp lever that’s easier to use, having a derailleur guard, removable downtube wiring cover, and a saddle with integrated handle makes the bike more durable and user friendly.
- By reducing the suspension fork travel to 60mm vs. 100mm, Rad was able to improve the frame geometry in a couple of ways. The bike is more stable at speed and has a 1.5″ lower standover height, making it more approachable. The head tube is a bit more slack, so the frame is 3″ longer… I believe the seat tube is also a bit more slack, and they provide a longer 390mm vs. 350mm seat post so the reach changes faster as the saddle is raised, fitting larger riders better. They better accommodate riders at the bottom end of the height recommendation range (Step-Thru: 5’2″-6’2″, High-Step: 5’4″-6’2″)
- I really like the look of the high-step RadRover because the paint job and branding is understated… it’s sophisticated, and the top tube lines flow through to the seat stays. I also think it’s fun and neat that the display says “R A D” when booting up! The boxier tubing compliments the four-inch fat tires nicely, and compared to the step-thru, this frame has less frame flex and may be easier to hang from some types of car racks or lift and carry over obstacles.
- Older generations of the bike had a black controller box bolted to the seat tube. This didn’t look great, but I was told that it made servicing easier, and I suspect it allowed them to use a simpler frame. The new frame allows the controller to be hidden in the downtube (below the battery bay, I believe). It’s probably less vulnerable there, is still very accessible with the integrated wiring, and it definitely looks nicer. Note the tiny black electronic splitter joint that is positioned behind the seat tube where the controller box used to be. This sends electricity to the rear light and has an open connector wire for adding the optional USB dongles.
- While the last generation of Rad Power Bikes used the King Meter display, which had one integrated USB charging port, the new system has two open connector wires to add optional USB charging dongles… and two can be daisy-chained together to support up to four 5 volt 1 amp USB type A charging ports! That’s an awesome upgrade for riders who like to use portable speakers, smartphones, lights, and other electronics on the go. One plug is near the mounting point for a rear rack and the other is near the handlebar or mounting point for a front rack.
- I was told that all of the electronics (displays, battery, controller, motor, optional USB dongles) are IP65 rated against water and dust ingress, that’s pretty great for people who ride year-round in the dust, rain, and snow. Also, the headset and bottom bracket use sealed cartridge bearings that resist rust and won’t creak as much as cheaper parts.
- A channel below the downtube allows the brake lines, shifter cable, and electrical wires to be hidden but still very accessible for repairs and replacement. They developed a plastic channel cover that bolts onto the downtube, to cover the channel and protect the wires. In my opinion, it’s a good compromise of appearance, durability, and utility because the wires are easy to reach and the plastic seemed much more sturdy than some press-fit covers I’ve seen from some other companies using a similar strategy. Furthermore, I love that they moved the motor power cable to the non-drivetrain (left) side of the bike and tucked it between the disc brake rotor and frame tubing, they reduced clutter near the derailleur and added protection for the motor cable!
- Excellent drivetrain configuration. The chainring has a sturdy aluminum alloy guide that reduces chain drops, keeps clothing clean, and provides “bash guard” protection for the bottom bracket where some wires are exposed. A neoprene slap guard protects the paint on the chain stay while reducing noise, and a steel derailleur guard adds protection if the bike tips over.
- The integrated lights are great because they run off of the main battery, are visible from multiple angles, and have quick disconnect points for easy replacement or relocation if you buy a front rack. The rear light has a bright braking mode that works even if the lights are turned off and it has been relocated to the end of the fender where it can be seen from more angles. I love their custom headlight with focused 80 lumen beam, secondary light ring, and aluminum alloy heat sink on top.
- By default, the RadRover models come with durable plastic fenders. They’re wide enough to keep you dry (as I tested during part of our ride), and they’re fairly lightweight and quiet. These new fenders support the rear light whereas the last generation sort of blocked it (when the light was mounted on the seat stays).
- Even though I consider this ebike to be more of an SUV than mountain bike due to the relaxed stem, mid-rise handlebars, and shorter spring suspension fork… it’s still very capable. The 4″ wide fat tires offer a 5 to 30 PSI range and have a puncture resistant casing. I’ve actually tested them in soft dry sand during a trip to Mexico, after lowering the pressure to ~5 PSI, and they worked great! Consider tightening or loosening the suspension preload based on your weight and cargo load to “pre-load” the spring properly. You can also lock it out completely to reduce bobbing if you’re mostly riding on paved surfaces.
- 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 lifting of the bike. Rad is still using 27.2mm seat posts that are cross compatible for all of their ebikes, and they sell the SR Suntour NCX suspension post for people who want to reduce back, shoulder, and neck strain.
- The new battery pack design positions weight lower on the frame (actually sunk down into it), adds protection with a metal housing, weighs 0.4lbs less, and is easier to take off! The cells inside are either Samsung or LG, which are high quality and warrantied for a year. Since the packs don’t contain the controller, they tend to be less expensive to replace. You can charge this pack on or off the frame, and I love that the locking core and charging port are high up on the left side of the frame vs. low down by the cranks and pedals. For best results, store the battery in a cool, dry location. Extreme heat can damage the cells and extreme cold will stunt them and temporarily limit your range.
- Rad has a new battery terminal cover option that protects the electronic interface if you decide to store the bike outside or transport it on a car rack. I have family members who RV and always take the battery packs off to reduce weight, and this accessory would be great for people like them, because the bikes can get pretty dusty. It’s a unique feature I haven’t seen from any other companies before, though it does cost extra.
- Rad Power Bikes is still using a stainless steel torque arm on the left rear dropout for the motor axle that adds strength and protects the frame! This part will keep the motor axle from chewing into the softer aluminum alloy over time, and it’s super relevant with the new custom motor that has 15% more torque than before.
- Considering the high 750 watt 68 newton meter power rating of the planetary geared hub motor that Rad is using here, the casing is very compact and it doesn’t produce excess noise. I appreciate that it’s painted black, along with the spokes and rims. The spokes are thick 12 gauge front and rear, to handle extra weight and force. Note that the motor rating changed from last generation based on what was reported to Rad by the manufacturer (Bafang) vs. what they measured with their own dyno equipment for the new in-house motor. Geared hub motors like this freewheels efficiently, so there’s no extra drag if you’re pedaling unassisted or coasting.
- I think the standard free shipping is a great option, and Rad Power Bikes has updated their box to include some fun artistic graphics and produce less waste. 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, Europe, and the UK in recent years. They have to spec the motors differently, down from 750 watts to 500 watts or 250 watts, in order to comply with local regulations… but they still offer a lot of torque. Many geographies offer free shipping and Rad has the mobile service vans and several physical offices (two in the US, one in Canada, and one in Utrecht Netherlands) where you can test ride and get ongoing support. It really sets them apart from other value priced online products.
- I like the sturdy Wellgo platform pedals they chose… but I did see some off brand alternatives as well. I was told that this is another supply chain choice and that they have approximated the hardware to offer good stability, stiffness, and easy rotation. I’m just glad they didn’t go with smaller cage style pedals or plastic.
- For me, the four-button control pad that’s mounted near the left grip is easy to reach and simple to use. The up and down buttons have plastic ridges that almost feel like braille so you can operate based on feel without looking down as you ride. The dedicated light button is very nice, and I love the 10 bar battery indicator vs. 5 bars before! It’s much more precise, helping you to manage your range. I’m told that it uses a new algorithm that’s more accurate too, so riders can plan trips better and feel more confident on long rides. Hold the down arrow to activate walk mode, hold the lights button to clear trip distance and trip time readouts, hold up and down to switch between clock + odometer and trip time + trip distance, and hold the down and light button to enter the settings menu.
- The RadRover models still use a high-resolution sealed 12-magnet cadence sensor that is durable and predictable. I love that they also included motor inhibitors on both brake levers (which also activate bright mode on the rear light!), Pedal assist operation 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 variable speed output based on how far you twist, and it overrides pedal assist with full power at any level… even zero. You can ride the bike like a scooter and not even pedal, or get a quick boost when riding in lower levels of assist.
- The kickstand has an adjustable lower portion that can be extended or retracted for maximum stability. The foot of the stand is wide enough to keep from sinking into soft terrain. On a related note, the front rack accessories all mount to the steer tube vs. the handlebar and fork, which them more stable when you steer and park, so the bike won’t tip over or dump your cargo as easily as alternative solutions.
- 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. I was also told that it’s more environmentally friendly. The Shimano Altus derailleur is pretty basic, but worked well during my rides.
Cons:
- The new display system provides larger readouts and the grayscale LCDs are easy to read in light and dark conditions, but you can only adjust the backlight brightness for the main center screen… not the left button pad screen. That display has a smoked plastic cover that somewhat reduces brightness, so this is only a minor complaint for people who ride at night and might find it distracting. Furthermore, you can no longer reduce the top speed of the bike in the display panel settings.
- I was really surprised to find that the 6th generation RadRover High-Step model weighs 4.8lbs more than the 5th generation. I guess the new integrated battery design and wire routing updates required more frame material? I believe that the shorter travel suspension fork is lighter, and the battery pack is definitely lighter, despite being made with an aluminum alloy shell vs. all plastic like before. Perhaps the hydraulic disc brake system adds some weight? I think they could used punched out rims in the future to help reduce weight, as some competing products have done.
- There are no longer bottle cage bosses on the frame due to the wire routing redesign. The 5th generation had them mounted below the downtube, which was not ideal for bottle placement but did add an attachment point for folding locks and skid plat accessories. As a solution, Rad Power Bikes sells two optional handlebar mounted drink holders that seem to work well. I’m a big fan of the insulated fabric holster, which has three velcro straps so it doesn’t tip forward.
- The old LCD display had a USB charging port built into the bottom, so you could maintain a phone, charge a wireless speaker, or run additional lights. The new system has two open connectors for adding USB charging dongles (up to 2 inline, 4 total for the bike), but they cost $29 each. That seems like a high price for what used to be free, especially since the bike price also increased.
- The bike has gone from affordable to value-priced in just a year and a half. I was told that Rad had to raise their prices due to supply chain issues and tariffs (most ebike companies have had to raise prices, and I suspect inflation plays a role here as well). The new RadRover is $2k USD, which reflects the motor, brake, display, and service network upgrades.
- Unlike the step-thru model, the standard RadRover only comes in black… but you’ve still got big reflective stripes on the tires and integrated lights, so the bike is very visible and safe in that regard.
- Both the high-step and step-thru RadRover electric bikes are only offered in one frame size… and they’re fairly similar. If you’re especially tall, consider using a longer stem and raising the seat post height, but if you’re especially short, consider one of the RadMini products, or the RadCity Step-Thru which is actually built around a smaller frame. Note that the mid-rise handlebar on the RadRovers can be swiveled forward or back to extend and shorten reach without changing any hardware on the bike and they advertise that the Step-Thru RadRover can accommodate riders starting at 5’2″ or 5’4″ for the High-Step which is pretty great ;)
- Rad Power Bikes has been using the large Shimano SIS index shifters since the beginning, and they aren’t my favorite. You have to reach up with your thumb to press the main paddle to get to lower gears, and that can require a bit of hand flexibility or even glancing down for a moment. I much prefer trigger shifters, but I don’t think those will fit with the twist throttle housing, and they might not be as simple and intuitive for some riders. I see why Rad has stuck with the thumb shifter, and one positive is that it’s easy to use if you’re wearing gloves since the paddles are so large and independent.
- 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. However, it’s still a fairly basic spring fork that adds a lot of weight to the frame and limited dampening vs. an air fork. The front axle is a standard 9mm vs. a heavy-duty 15mm thru-axle, so it’s not really designed for heavy off-road use and true mountain biking. Finally, it would be difficult to upgrade the fork aftermarket to something lighter or tougher because most upgrade alternatives use tapered steer tubes and thru-axles to support the weight of fat-tires.
- The displays are large and easy to read but not removable, so they could take extra weather wear and possibly get scratched at a bike rack (especially the left display). The battery no longer offers a locked-off setting, so if you leave it connected to the bike at a rack, people could activate and mess with the twist throttle.
- If you opt for a front tray rack, the headlight will have to be moved onto the base of the tray because otherwise it would get squished between the suspension fork arch and the bottom of the rack tray. The thing is, the light no longer aims where you steer because the front rack is frame mounted; fixed inline with the frame itself. Be sure to mount the headlight correctly, because if you don’t completely remove the bracket and flip it before re-mounting the light, it will hang down and rub against the tire when the suspension actuates.
- All of the Rad Power Bikes use the same charger, and it’s fairly lightweight and compact. However, it only puts out 2 amps, so charging can take up to six hours if the battery is completely drained. This would be faster if they used a 3 or 4 amp charger like some other companies have started doing, but that might cause the price to increase further. The new charger is actually 0.2lbs heavier than the older one, though it is said to have better shielding. Both chargers still work on all Rad batteries from what I understand.
- This is a fairly minor point, but the derailleur dropped one level according to Shimano’s groupset ranking. It used to be Shimano Acera and is now Shimano Altus. I asked the founder about this downgrade and he expressed that they had tested the parts and felt that the hardware was roughly equivalent. Supply chain constraints have limited access to some parts (including derailleurs, pedals, and saddles), so this could also be part of the decision.
- The RadRover used to have a Spanninga SOLO rear light with blinking option, but they changed the part and relocated it to the back of the fender (to improve visibility and reduce complexity when adding a rear rack). No more blinking, but I think the new light is probably still an improvement in terms of safety.
- This is a minor consideration, but Rad has switched to a new battery standard here that is not backwards compatible with all of the other models. This is a bummer if you own an older RadRover… but I was told they will be supporting the other standards for many years to come, and I have seen this with their prior generation of batteries too. Perhaps we will see other Rad models adopting the new battery pack in the coming years.
David Bainbridge says
I think you need to address the motor torque in better detail. You do say in your comments that Rad says the Bafang motors don’t meet the manufacturer’s rating. Both videos, the one linked in your email, and the one here, say the new motor produces more torque. However the comment in the first video, and the bullet, above, saying the new motor puts out 15% more torque, is (coincidentally?) about the amount its rating is LESS than the Bafang motor rating. It doesn’t seem likely that the Bafang motor would put out 30% less than its rating (about 85% of the 68 NM of the new motor). Maybe it’s time for EBR to get, or make, a device to measure wheel force. It could be based on platforms that turn your bike into a stationary exercise bike.
Court says
Hi David! I think the challenge is in how each company measures torque force. I haven’t dug deeply into the subject because it is not something I have been able to measure or verify myself sustainably. This is because I travel light, have a small team, and am working with limited time. Instead, I keep comments as open as possible, I ask deep questions to the manufacturers (and pass that info on), measure the things that I can… including weight, dimensions, and other components. I’ve got to pick where to spend my time to bring the most value on EBR, and that leaves some areas neglected.
David says
OK, how about this? Get a $10 luggage scale, tie it to the back of the rear tire, with 1/8 inch nylon line, so the line comes off the outside of the tire. bring the handle loop to the ground and put your foot through it. Now tip the bike onto the kickstand to lift the rear wheel, give it full throttle, and check the max force.
After all, assistance is what ebikes are all about.
Court says
Hmm, that’s a clever proposal. Do you know how the “official” torque ratings are done? I’ve heard that maybe dynos are used, but I’ve never seen one of those and thought they were mostly for automobiles.
Johhny J says
In 2 years, Rad won’t have one single model priced below $2k. They are way behind every other on-line player, with woefully outdated models, and attributes that were the ‘thing’ about 5 years ago. And now they have lost their ‘low prices.’
The Semi-integrated downtube battery is what many players have used on $1,399 ebikes. While Rad is just now moving to that realm, REAL e-bike firms that own their factories and do all their own REAL design and engineering, such as Aventon, have moved on to concealed batteries within the frames. (i.e. Aventon’s Level, and Aventure Fat tire models).
They’ve gone backwards on the derailleur grade, yet selling an ebike priced at $2k. Their battery is smaller than the $1,599 Himiway’s 17.5 AH Samsung battery. And you know the Rad battery WONT be Samsung, but LG all the way, all the time, bc LG is less expensive and isn’t nearly the quality of Samsung. People will be buying a new battery if it’s LG in under 4 years. Maybe even 3 years.
Those NUTT brakes are a horridly designed brand. I’ve seen them before on some subpar brands, and buyers are not going to like them at all. 7 gears on a Class 3 ebike? Who are they kidding? And a 42 tooth chain ring. OMG, you’d be pedaling like a gerbil on a treadmill even at 20 mph. Any higher speed, and you’ll get a hernia at an uncontrollably high rpm cadence.
Everyone should check out the new ETCycle T1000 from NCM, and the 1008 Watthour battery, on a fat tire ebike priced at only $1899, with the Acera derailleur, among so many other better quality components than the Rad’s mediocre design.
The mind blowing part is that this Rad weighs even more at 74 lbs., when the weight should have gone down with that semi integrated frame battery. And the one size frame? It’s a non starter. Aventon has 5 frame sizes with their Aventure. 2 in step through, and 3 in step over. Rad will make you Sad.
Court says
Hey Johhny, I appreciate your insights! Sounds like you know this category pretty well. Please keep in mind that the RadRover is Class 2 vs. Class 3 as you mentioned. The 7-speed drivetrain held up well during my ride tests, but that’s just a qualitative perspective. I actually like to spin vs. slow and lumbering, due to a knee injury I suffered years ago. I was surprised to see the weight go up, and the price, but I respect the company for offering good service and having a professional line of accessories that are mostly cross compatible. It’s good that there is competition out there. Thanks again!
Johhny J says
Oops. Its only Class 2. My bad. Well that’s even worse for the price point, and a waste of a 750 watt motor with such low torque. They should have just stuck with a 500 watt motor like NCM does on their Aspen Plus model. The DasKit motor on the 500 watt has the same torque rating as Rad’s. And then added a larger battery like NCM does for the trade off, of such a low speed. Not that everyone needs to have a 28 mph ebike, but the ability to exceed 20 mph to get to 25 or 22 can make a world of difference when you are wanting momentum to get up some steep but short hills.
It’s really hard to fathom that after 5 generations of the same model, now at generation 6, they would go so far backward on frame design, grade of components, 5/6 year old battery downtube mount design, with such a short travel fork, and the still SIS shifter. Most brands now at least have the dual lever trigger shifter, which is a more positive and secure shifting mechanism.
There is a brand now offering nearly this same fat tire frame design called HJM. Basically same, or better components throughout, and white label company just like Rad is, and the price is $1,599.
HJM has a 750 Watt motor, 14 AH, 48 V Samsung Battery (no or LG) semi-integrated in downtube just like Rads, 7 speed shifter, full color LCD, Tektro brakes, RST suspension fork, brake light, turn signal, rear rack, plastic fenders (like Rads), and a 2 year warranty, that would make anyone hard pressed to fork over another $400 more just for a gen 6 Rover.
Remember back when Rad had its early Rover, under pricing everyone, with no name? Well it seems now others like HJM, are doing the same to Rad, and Rad is becoming the ‘higher priced’ fellow on the block.
Court says
I saw an article on another site the other day talking about top speed adjustment (how you can hold the up and down arrows for the first five seconds after powering on the bike to get this menu) so maybe the higher speeds are still available. It’s nice to have more options these days, everyone is subject to competition (I know there are other reviewers online too). I value the customer support Rad can offer, and their mobile service unit, nice matching accessories, and the resale value since they have built a reputable brand… but price tag matters for sure. I actually really like buying from local shops so I can test ride and feel comfortable getting ongoing tune-ups and service, even though this costs more money. Thanks for sharing about those other brands Johnny! I’ve been unable to cover every bike from every brand in recent years and tend to lean more towards dealer bikes because of my map advertising tool here. I’ve become a bit more focused on high-end because I enjoy the complexity and see others covering the cheaper ones. It’s a journey ;)
robert j mccorkle says
Does it go any faster on pedal assist??
Court says
Hi Robert! You can definitely pedal faster than 20mph, but the motor will stop assisting once you pass that limit. This is a Class 2 electric bike, and the US federal law says that pedal assist and throttle must stop at 20mph (32km/h). Some ebikes allow you to make adjustments for “off road” use, but that no longer seems to be an option from Rad Power Bikes for this new display.
Bobby says
Hey Court, nice review! I saw you mentioning in the video review that Rad has a new plastic locking trunk box. This doesn’t appear to be on their website. Any idea when it will be available? Sounds like a great accessory! Thanks in advance.
Court says
Hey Bobby! Good ear ;) I got to see these new accessories during the visit, but wasn’t told a specific release date. I asked permission to mention them, and was told it would be okay because they should come out “soon”. They reminded me of big touring boxes that you’d see on a motorcycle. They looked very sturdy, had holes below to drain water, and had lock mounts for security. The funny thing is that someone could just steal the whole bike rack by unscrewing the bolts… Since there are no windows into the box, perhaps the “out of sight, out of mind” philosophy kicks in and there would be less reason for someone to tamper with the rack or boxes. Anyway, if you got the top box and two side boxes, they appeared to cover the rack completely, making it harder to unscrew. I’m very excited for this accessory… it seemed super tough and looked good with the fat tire RadRover. I was not allowed to take pictures or anything. The other thing they showed me was the roll up front bag that fits perfectly into the rectangular basket.
luc says
Did you try to adjust the top speed from the controller? I know they are being very tight-lipped about this capability being on there or not, but did you happen to see if it was possible while playing with the settings?
Court says
Hi Luc! The only settings I was able to access on the display unit were clock, units, and brightness. How would you suggest trying to make adjustments from the controller? I believe that the controller is now housed below the battery bay vs. before when it was externally mounted behind the seat tube.
John says
Did you get a sense of whether a (non-standard) passenger seat (for 7 year old kid) is doable either through Rad Power’s accessories or a third party? Thanks!
Court says
Hi John! It seems like ebike companies are reluctant to recommend or promise anything that’s not very standard (or that they sell). Perhaps you could share a link or the name of the non-standard child seats that you are thinking, and I can give you an unofficial opinion based on what I’ve observed during my visits to bike shops ;)
John says
Hi Court, I was thinking something like this that attaches to the rad power back rack, also minding the ~60lb weight limit on that. Appreciate any unofficial opinion!
Court says
Hey John! For $30, I feel like it would be worth experimenting with! The pictures don’t show exactly how the seat attaches to the rack. What I’m seeing is a beam rack that’s clamped onto the seat post (the weakest type of rack), and they clamped or bolted their pad seat thing on top of that. Their rack appears to be standard gauge vs. the Rad Power Bikes racks that use thicker tubing but have some threaded eyelets. With a bit of creativity and some adapting, I suspect you could get the seat and handlebar working with a RadRover, as long as you have a bit of space on your seat tube (like the saddle isn’t all the way down). The foot rests might be trickier to mount. The photos on the accessory website don’t really show how they bolted the silver foot rests into place, but it does appear that they have multiple holes that could be used. I believe that the RadRover has some threaded eyelets near the rear dropout (on the seat stays) but they are already being used for fender supports and the rack… so you might just need a longer screw to add another item (the foot rests) and this could compromise your max weight rating on the rack. Long story short, I do think it would be fun to tinker with, but it might be difficult to get every part working perfectly AND maintain the max weight rating. Still, the stock photos for the child seat show it mounted in a very weak way, with the beam rack, so you’d be doing better than that in my opinion!
Harold Moore says
I just read two reviews that said the bike was lacking power on hills. Less than the 5. How can this be if the motor is supposed to be upgrade? Really thinking of cancelling my order. Did you notice less power than the Rover 5?
Court says
Hi Harold! I didn’t ride the bikes back to back during this visit, but the RadRover 6 Plus felt fine. I was able to climb several hills (in a very hilly area of Seattle). They did introduce a new motor, and some of the stats changed, so this could be a reason that other reviewers are focusing on power. From a numbers point of view, it seems like the new motor offers less torque… but I was told that they actually measured the torque themselves this time vs. trusting the manufacturer in previous generations. My impression is that the older motors were exaggerating their power and the new numbers are more accurate but come off as less. There are several versions of the RadRover now, but my opinion is that the 6 Plus is the best in many ways. Certainly, from a reliability, ease of battery access, controllability with the updated geometry, massively improved braking system etc. it’s very good.
Daryl Dammel says
My Radrover climbs hills like a mountain goat. 1,300 miles in 5 months and I love this bike.
Wes says
Biggest issues I’ve had so far w/ this model:
Nit-picks perhaps but important ones. Weight especially; watch your hands and back while loading.
Court says
Hi Wes, thanks for sharing your perspective, especially since you’ve owned a couple generations now. I did notice that the new bell is a little quieter. It would be great if Tektro or other brake lever companies offered a hydraulic lever with that same integrated bell, it was awesome! Yeah, most ebikes are heavy and that’s especially true as you go towards value pricing, I’m glad the new batteries are easier to take off to help reduce weight. The old ones would slide on and just felt more difficult to manage. Consider a seatpost suspension if you haven’t already, they changed my world! Having a sensitive neck and back, the suspension options really made riding fun again and allowed me to go further :)
Bob says
I am new to ebikes and just rented a RadRover 5. I liked it and the improvements made to the 6 Plus sound good. What bike rack would carry two of these heavy weights?
Court says
Hi Bob! Good question. Since ebikes tend to weigh more, it’s important to get a good rack when moving them by car. I prefer the heavy duty 2″ hitch platform racks that Kuat, Thule, and Yakima sell… but my car is a Prius and only has an 1-1/4″ hitch option, so I always remove the battery pack and only carry one ebike at a time. If you have a 2″ hitch, check with your local shop and make sure to get fat tire specific trays and longer straps if they sell them, otherwise you might have to improvise with bungee cords. Here’s a video with my Dad where he shows his bike rack and two RadRovers on his RV. He mentions a specific rack and shows the longer straps. I hope this helps! Others in the EBR forums can chime in with the best racks on the market right now :)
Bob says
Court, thanks for your quick response, recommendations and the video. I really enjoyed the video with your dad. I am tall and it gave me some good ideas for additional accessories that should make for better rides.
Court says
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it, have fun out there and feel free to share your discoveries and experiences here or in the forums. It’s fun to hear how people customize the bikes ;)
Mike says
Hi Court, it’s been years since I routinely rode a bike and I’m thinking that I’m about ready to take the ebike plunge, probably this Spring (Mar2022). I really appreciate your reviews on EBR! I live in Michigan and plan to use my ebike for errands within 15 miles of my home (40%) as well as longer road and trail rides for fun and fitness (60%). I like the RadRover 6+, but I’m also considering the SNAPCYCLE R1. There’s about a $400 difference in price (gotta have fenders and a rear racket / removable basket) and I noticed that the RadRover 6+ has hydraulic brakes vs. SNAPCYCLE’s mechanical brakes. The SNAPCYCLE R1 is really probably more comparable to the RadRover 5, but I would go for the RR6+ over the RR5 b/c of the upgrades mentioned in your review, including the more tightly integrated battery. And of course, RadRover seems to be the leader in entry level ebikes, whereas SNAPCYCLE is a relative newcomer. Any chance you might do a review on the SNAPCYCLE R1? Please keep the great reviews coming, thanks again!
Court says
Hi Mike! Sounds like a good plan, ebikes are a great way to stay active and bring some peaceful moments into the day. I always feel present when riding, and find that I meet new people or see things differently than when I’m in a car. The SNAPCYCLE R1 is pretty cool! I can see why you like the design, I think I recognize that downtube battery from some other bikes I’ve covered in the past year or so. It can be a little tricky to remove from below when fenders are present, but if you just leave it in for charging it probably works fine. You’re correct about it using mechanical disc brakes vs. hydraulic. I don’t recognize the display panel, but it seems okay at first sight. One trade-off is the 6-speed drivetrain with a limited 14-28 tooth freewheel vs. Rad’s 7-speed 11-34 tooth. Basically, there are more choices and a wider range of cadence options for starting and maintaining speed. It looks like they use a similar shifter mechanism, Rad wins with the reflective puncture resistant tires, and also branding (resale value) and probably support. I prefer the fully integrated battery look of the SNAPCYCLE R1, but knowing that you’re buying from a big company with a good track record of selling replacement parts like batteries is worth so much, and the new Rad battery is very easy to remove and interact with. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve tended to spend more on stuff that I use a lot (or am worried could break), so I lean Rad and have actually slowed down on reviewing all of the cheaper bikes. If you go for the SNAPCYCLE, please share your thoughts in the comment section! I’m sure you’ll have a blast with whatever bike you choose and I appreciate your comment :)
Tom says
I think you need to update the review after a doing a new ride. I bought 2 of these bikes. Since bikes arrived and first ride. Since day 1 I have been going back and forth with service and getting new parts for 1.5 months. Not fun since everything has to be shipped and then wait for a certified mechanic.
Bike 1 – power assist fails after riding a few miles. RAD sent person with parts to fix. Worked fine that day after repair. Ever since, after a few miles – power assist fails. No response from RAD as of yet.
Bike 2 – on my first ride which was only 7 miles. The bike completely died. Full battery. No power. No response from RAD as of yet.
Brand new bikes that don’t live up to the marketing or “toughness” advertised. Although their support prior to me being upset was helpful, they are now not responding.
The frame, tires, gears, and non-electronic parts seem good. However, I didn’t buy these bikes to be non-powered. This is two separate bikes, both having issues with the power. There is obviously something wrong with the electronics.
I don’t recommend purchasing until RAD figures out these power issues.
As an FYI. I am still waiting for RAD to resolve all power issues for both bikes. Basically I have $3,800 paperweights in my garage after receiving them in July. Yes, 1.5 months of going back and forth with no resolution as of today. Seems like they dragged out the help to go beyond the 14-day return policy.
Court says
Hi Tom, that really sucks. I’m sorry to hear that the bikes have broken down (or just not worked properly). I regularly cover Rad products because I believe they offer higher than average builds for the price and have good customer service. Hearing that you got left without support, after having some issues, makes me reconsider. It’s true that my own reviews are done with limited time and on demo bikes that are usually scrutinized by the company. It’s not the same as being an anonymous customer… that said, my Father purchased two RadRover 6 Plus models (for him and his Wife) that continue to work great. I wonder if they had a batch with issues or what the problem is. Thanks for sharing your voice, I do hope that you get to enjoy the bikes eventually. Sorry man.
Tom says
After giving up on support, I found the nearest RAD store and made a visit. At first, I was told there was nothing they could do for me. I would have to wait another 2 weeks for support to get back to me. Thus, another month to wait for parts, and certified repair person to come install the new parts. However, another sales rep advised the manger that they could “intake” the bikes for service. At that point, they actually displayed concern I received a bad product. In addition, after looking over the bikes they indeed found the bikes inoperable. The bikes are with them now, and service will be getting back to me.
Problem not solved yet, but at least finally someone was actually willing to help. And yes… I to believe it was a bad batch. However, not responding and not helping just because you’re “overwhelmed” with business is not the answer.
I will keep you posted on update on the outcome.
Court says
Hmm, sounds like good progress! You express yourself very well Tom. Thanks for keeping us updated, and your patience in resolving the issue. It seems more than fair to have your product work as advertised and get good support. I’m not sure why they were difficult. Maybe the growth and new people, or just stress in general. There has been a lot going on in our world recently and perhaps one or two people on a team were distracted or new or just not performing well. Hang in there!