The RadRunner Max, Rad Power Bikes’ latest utility e-bike refresh in three new trim levels, rolls in at $2,299 with a goal of giving riders versatility, power, and some cutting-edge tech. Designed to replace car trips, this Deep Emerald Green machine boasts a 28 mph Class 3 top speed, a 420-lb payload, and features like rear radar and Apple Find My integration.
I’ve spent the last week with the RadRunner MAX and put it through its paces, testing its range, handling, and real-world utility to see if it lives up to the hype. From city commutes to weekend adventures, let’s take a closer look at the RadRunner MAX and see where it finds it’s place in the current e-bike landscape.
My Experience Riding The RadRunner MAX E-Bike
The RadRunner Max comes in a single color: Deep Emerald Green. It’s a metallic dark green with a subtle metallic flake that catches the light, giving the bike a polished, modern look without being too flashy. The open frame design is a practical win, making maintenance straightforward. Accessing cables or components is hassle-free since there’s no internal routing to complicate things, a win for DIY repairs or upgrades. It’s a clean, functional aesthetic that suits its workhorse vibe.
Rad offers one frame size, claiming it fits riders from 4’11” to 6’2”. At 5’11”, I found the fit mostly comfortable, with a saddle that’s surprisingly plush for long rides. The 20” x 3.5” tires, which I ran at ~20 PSI (max 30 PSI) for extra cushioning, soaked up bumps well, though this slightly reduced range and efficiency—a trade-off I’d make again for comfort. The 80mm suspension fork with 34mm stanchions and a thru-axle keeps the front end stiff and responsive, smoothing out rough pavement or light gravel. However, the fixed stem had my arms positioned lower than ideal, which was manageable but noticeable. For taller riders nearing 6’2”, this could be more pronounced, especially with a higher seatpost, potentially straining reach or posture. If you’re at the upper end of the height range, test the fit carefully.
The 750W rear hub motor, delivering 90 Nm of torque, is a highlight. Paired with a torque sensor, it provides smooth, quiet, and natural-feeling power that adapts to your pedaling effort. Whether climbing steep hills or hauling heavy loads, the motor and 8-speed gearing (11-34T cassette) handle the task with confidence, making it well-suited for the Max’s utility focus. The bike offers four modes: Class 1 (20 mph, pedal-assist only), Class 2 (20 mph, throttle or pedal), Class 3 (28 mph, pedal-assist), and a California-compliant Class 3 (25 mph). The throttle is handy for quick starts or heavy loads, though I found the torque sensor’s responsiveness made pedaling feel intuitive across the five assist levels. It’s a powerful, reliable setup for varied tasks, from urban commutes to cargo runs.
The RadRunner Max’s tech is where it stands out, particularly for safety-conscious riders. The lighting system is robust: a 450-lumen low-beam/750-lumen high-beam LED headlight with adjustable angle and auto-on ambient sensors, plus a rear LED taillight with turn signals activated via the control pad.
The star feature is the rear radar, integrated into the taillight, which scans traffic up to 100 meters behind. When a vehicle approaches, the color display shows an animation with the vehicle’s relative speed (e.g., a car at 35 mph approaching you at 15 mph displays as 20 mph) and a shrinking meter indicating proximity. This reduces the need for constant shoulder checks or mirrors, easing rider anxiety. The brake light also flashes to alert drivers, even if lights are off, adding visibility. It’s a smart, practical system for mixed-traffic environments.
For security, the bike includes a keyed battery lock and a key fob for proximity unlocking. Alternatively, a startup PIN code locks the controls, with a guest mode for sharing temporary access—a nice touch for lending to family or friends. The built-in Apple Find My integration lets you track the bike’s location via your iPhone, useful for monitoring during errands, keeping tabs on kids, or aiding recovery if stolen. While not foolproof, these layers add decent peace of mind for a utility e-bike.
The RadRunner Max feels like a solid, versatile workhorse, blending comfort, power, and innovative tech for urban riders or cargo haulers. The radar and security features are genuine standouts, addressing real-world needs, while the motor and suspension make it a capable all-rounder. However, the fixed stem could be a fit issue for taller riders, and the tire pressure trade-off for comfort slightly impacts efficiency.
The RadRunner Max performs like a dependable workhorse, feeling stable and planted on the road, with a 420-lb payload capacity that equips it to handle your daily tasks efficiently. It’s smooth, powerful, and quiet, and that’s a win in my book.
Range
Estimated Range (from Rad Power Bikes):
- 19 to 60 miles
Real World Range Test Results:
- My PAS 1 Range Test:
- My PAS 5 Range Test: 34 miles
Rad Power Bikes estimates it at 19 to 60+ miles per charge with its 672 Wh battery paired to its 750W motor. To test this claim, I put the bike through a demanding local ride, running it exclusively in PAS 5—the highest pedal-assist setting—for a true stress test of its limits. Over nearly two hours of riding, I covered 34 miles before the battery depleted.
That’s a respectable result for such aggressive use, suggesting the bike can handle sustained high-output scenarios, like heavy cargo or hilly commutes, without cutting out early. Also, based on this test, I’m confident that more conservative settings, like PAS 1 or 2, could push the range close to Rad’s 60-mile claim, especially for lighter riders or flatter terrain.
For those needing more, Rad offers a Range Extender accessory, a second battery that mounts discreetly under the rear rack, claiming to boost total range to 120+ miles. I haven’t tested this add-on, but it’s a practical option for long-distance riders or delivery workers, though it adds cost and slight weight.
The battery itself is user-friendly, with a keyed lock for security (note the universal key’s limitations) and easy removal for charging. Charging takes about 6–7 hours with the included 2A charger, which is standard for e-bikes in this class. Overall, the Max’s range is a strong point, offering flexibility for most daily needs—whether you’re running errands or tackling extended rides—with the extender as a bonus for heavy users. Keep in mind that real-world range depends on how you ride, so adjust expectations based on your habits.
Power (Motor & Battery)
A 750W rear hub motor with 90 Nm of torque powers the Max, easily handling acceleration and steep climbs. The torque sensor ensures smooth, quiet, and natural pedal assistance, a Rad strength. Five modes—Class 1 (20 mph, pedal-assist), Class 2 (20 mph, throttle/pedal), Class 3 (throttle limited to 20 MPH and pedal assist to 28 mph), Class 3 Limited (25 mph), and California Compliant Class 3. In terms of PAS levels, you can opt between PAS levels 0 to 5 or 1 to 5 if you always want at least level 1 on giving assistance. Throttle on the MAX is a right-side mounted twist throttle alongside the grip.
The 48V, 14 Ah (672 Wh) UL 2271-certified battery claims a 19–60+ mile range. It’s semi-integrated, removable, and has a physical key for security. Rad’s Safe Shield technology pots each cell in a thermal barrier, adding fire safety by preventing thermal runaway if a cell overheats—a feature I appreciate and wish more brands used. Charging takes 6–7 hours. A Range Extender (sold separately) claims 120+ miles.
The motor’s power and smooth torque sensor make the Max capable for varied tasks, while the Safe Shield battery adds valuable safety. The range of modes suits different riders based on local laws, feels like a win/win.
Components
The Components on the RadRunner MAX keep with the straight forward design theme of the overall bike.
Starting with the drivetrain, the RadRunner MAX has a 8-Speed Shimano Altus derailleur and 11-34t cassette mated to a 50T chain ring with 170mm cranks and falt pedals. This combo is a good ‘do-it-all’ gear setup with enough range to tackle it all from flat cruises to steeper hill climbs.
Braking is covered by the Gemma Hydraulic Disc Brakes. Both front and rear wheels are kitted with 2-Piston calip[ers and 180mm rotors with a thickness of 1.8mm. While the braking with this setup is sufficient and I never had any issues braking the MAX, I would prefer to see a 4-Piston caliper setup for beefier braking on a bike that weighs 80 lbs and has a 420 lb payload. But, again, that’s a want more of a need in this case as the braking is fine as it ships.
The Rad-branded saddle is padded and looks narrow, but its padding is top-shelf and I was surprised by how cozy it was. It’s these little things you learn about bikes when you sit on them for hours at a time with range testing. In the case of the RadRunner MAX, the saddle was a really good pick for this bike.
Speaking of comfort, the rest of the comfort package on the MAX is the 3.5” wide tires and suspension fork which team up for a smooth ride. The higher volume that 3.5” wide tires provide helps with cushioning while the 80mm of travel from the coil fork handles the big impacts. I like that Rad used a thru-axle on the front fork, giving a solid, yet, easy to remove method to securing the front wheel.
Up in the cockpit, the 28-inch wide alloy handlebar has all the controls for your ride on the MAX. On both ends are the lock-on rubber grips and alloy Gemma brake levers. On the left is the PAS and display control pad along with a bell, and on the right is the Shimano trigger shifters and twist throttle.
Screen / User Interface / App
The full-color display has clear menus and a sharp interface, so checking speed, battery, or trip stats is a breeze, even in sunlight. There’s a USB-C port for juicing up your phone or GPS, which is clutch for long rides or navigating city streets. The display and PAS buttons also control the rear turn signals, which light up from the taillight. A screen icon shows they’re on, but you’ve gotta turn them off manually—unlike a car, they won’t stop blinking on their own, which might confuse drivers or sip a bit of battery if you forget.
The killer feature, as I noted earlier, is the taillight’s hidden radar, spotting cars up to 100 meters back. The display pops up a meter that shrinks as the car closes in, plus the speed gap (like, a car at 35 mph to your 15 mph shows as 20 mph). The taillight flashes to flag the driver, even if your lights are off, boosting safety for you and them by cutting down on shoulder checks and making you more visible in traffic.
No Rad Power Bikes app here. Instead, the Max has a built-in AirTag that pairs with your iPhone through Apple’s Find My network. You can track the bike’s location—great for checking on it during a store stop, keeping an eye on kids riding, or finding it if it’s stolen. It syncs straight to your phone, no extra app needed.
Impressions
The display’s sharp look, USB-C port, and radar alerts are super practical, with the radar being a huge win for safer rides. Forgetting to kill the turn signals is a small hassle, and the AirTag’s tracking is handy, but it’s Apple-only.
RadRunner MAX Model Options
There’s one frame size, built to fit riders from 4’11” to 6’2”. At 5’11”, I found it comfy, but the fixed stem felt a bit low, as I noted earlier, and taller folks around 6’2” might need to double-check the fit since the seatpost goes up but the stem doesn’t. The step-through frame makes hopping on and off a breeze, especially when you’re hauling gear or a passenger, and it’s sturdy enough for the bike’s 420-lb payload.
In terms of frame colors, you get one choice: Deep Emerald Green. It’s a slick metallic dark green with a subtle flake that pops in the light, giving the bike a sharp, modern look without being too loud. Unfortunately, if you don’t like this color, it’s the only one offered for now.
The Max comes ready to roll with full-coverage front and rear fenders to keep mud and rain off you, a must for year-round commuting or wet-weather rides. A dual-leg center kickstand holds the bike steady, even when loaded with cargo, and a handlebar-mounted bell adds a quick way to alert pedestrians. The integrated rear rack, rated for 120 lbs, is built for hauling—think groceries, work gear, or a kid’s seat. LED lighting (450-lumen low/750-lumen high headlight, rear taillight with turn signals) and radar are standard, boosting safety for night or traffic-heavy rides, as I covered in the Display section.
Rad has several optional accessories to tweak the RadRunner Max for your needs, though I didn’t test these. You can add a Range Extender battery (which mounts under the rear rack) for a claimed 120+ mile range. Cargo options like baskets, panniers, or platforms expand hauling capacity for errands or work. Passenger seats or foot pegs make it family-friendly, while handlebar bags or phone mounts cater to the more daily practical side of things.
Is The RadRunner MAX Worth Buying?
So, is the $2,299 RadRunner Max worth your money? I’ve tested it hard, and here’s the deal. At 5’11”, the bike felt comfy with a sharp Deep Emerald Green finish, a plush saddle, and a step-through frame that makes hopping on easy, even with gear.
The 750W motor and torque sensor chew through hills and heavy loads, hitting 34 miles in my PAS 5 stress test—probably close to 60 miles on lower settings. The radar taillight, turn signals, and AirTag tracking keep you safer and your bike findable, while the 420-lb payload and 330+ accessory options make it a beast for commutes, errands, or hauling a kid.
It’s not flawless, though. The one frame sizing, coupled with the fixed stem was a bit low for me, and if you’re pushing 6’2” on the high-end of their fit range, you’ll likely want to test the fit. If you’re after a powerful, techy e-bike for city rides or cargo, the Max rocks, especially with that radar. Just check the fit if you’re tall and plan for extras like the Range Extender for big trips. Overall, the RadRunner MAX is a solid utility e-bike that has all the practicality for daily life and the muscle for even more, in a clean package that will serve many riders very well for years to come.
Pros
- The new traffic radar system increases safety and traffic awareness, keeping drivers and riders informed for a smoother daily commute.
- The powerful 750W motor with 90 Nm of torque handles flat terrains with speed and climbs steeper hills with ease.
- MAny security features like custom pin codes, a guest mode, proximity key fob, and a built-in AirTag for GPS tracking and theft protection.
- Impressive Range at a claimed 60+ miles, with an optional extender kit doubling it to 120+ miles.
- Beefed up 2.3mm thick brake rotors improve braking performance, pad life, and cooling, extending brake longevity.
- Five riding modes, including Class 1, 2, 3 (up to 28 MPH), a Class 3 (limited to 25 MPH) and a ‘California-compliant’ Class 3 mode.
- Rad’s choice to use 34mm stanchions on the suspension fork give a stiff, responsive front end for better control on the RadRunner MAX.
Cons
- At 5’ 11”, I found the reach to be a bit low and since there is no adjustable stem, something to keep in mind if you are nearing the 6’ 2” rider fit range max.
- Only one frame size and one color might leave some potential buyers out.
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