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2019 Rad Power Bikes RadRover Review

2019 Rad Power Bikes Radrover Electric Bike Review

2019 Rad Power Bikes Radrover Bafang Rear Hub Drive

2019 Rad Power Bikes Radrover 48v 14ah Battery Pack

2019 Rad Power Bikes Radrover Display With Controls And Handlebar Rider View

2019 Rad Power Bikes Radrover Lcd Display

2019 Rad Power Bikes Radrover Front Suspension With Kenda Fat Tire

2019 Rad Power Bikes Radrover Kenda Juggernaut Tire With K Shield Puncture Protection

2019 Rad Power Bikes Radrover Crank With Intergraded Frame Wiring

2019 Rad Power Bikes Radrover Electric Drive System With Kenda Fat Tire

2019 Rad Power Bikes Radrover Velo Ploush Saddle And Rear Brake Light

2019 Rad Power Bikes Radrover 2 Amp Battery Charging Power Brick

2019 Rad Power Bikes Radrover Stock White

2019 Rad Power Bikes Radrover Stock Black

An affordable, powerful, electric fat bike with responsive 12-magnet pedal assist and twist-throttle on demand, available in two colors with lots of accessory options including fenders and racks
Only one frame size but the top tube is sloped and the shorter stem pairs nicely with the mid-rise handlebar for upright or forward body position and taller or shorter riders, sturdy oversized pedals
Spring suspension fork with compression clicker, lockout, and preload adjust, custom Kenda tires with K-Shield puncture protection, the fat tires offer a good PSI range for improved comfort and managing soft terrain like sand and snow, optional suspension seat post
Integrated headlight and back light but could get blocked by your coat or a rear rack bag, nice adjustable kickstand, great price with optional Velofix assembly and delivery pack with locked-off mode, great price with optional Velofix assembly and delivery

Make:

Rad Power Bikes

Model:

RadRover

Price:

$1,499

Body Position:

Forward, Upright

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Sand and Snow, Trail

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

1 Year Comprehensive

Availability:

United States, Canada

Model Year:

2019

Total Weight:

68 lbs (30.84 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, 30.5" Stand Over Height, 22.5" Reach, 30.5" Standover Height, 33" Minimum Saddle Height, 28.5" Width, 75" Length

Frame Types:

High-Step

Frame Colors:

Satin Black with Gray and Orange Accents, Gloss White with 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:

170mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Threaded Axle with 10mm Flats, 18mm Nuts

Attachment Points:

Fender Bosses, Front Rack Bosses, Rear Rack Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

7 Speed 1x7 Shimano Acera Derailleur, DNP Nickel Plated 11-34 Tooth Freewheel

Shifter 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, Promax, 50mm Length, 30º Angle, 15mm Rise, Two 10mm Spacers, One 20mm Spacer, 31.8mm Clamp

Handlebar:

Aluminum Alloy, Mid-Rise, Aluminum Alloy, 720mm Length, 80mm 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

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 Protection

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Rear-Mount Adjustable Kickstand, Steel Derailleur Guard, Integrated Spanninga Axendo 60 LED Headlight, Integrated Spanninga Solo LED Backlight (Solid, Flashing, Braking), Neoprene Slap Guard, Optional Bolt-On Rear Rack with Yepp! Window ($80), Optional Plastic Fenders (105mm Width, $89), Optional Front Rack ($69), Optional Small Basket ($59), Optional Large Basket ($79), Optional Platform ($39), Optional Small Pannier (Fremont Bag $89), Optional RAD Backlight ($25), Optional SR Suntour NCX Seat Post Suspension ($109), Optional RAM Torque Handlebar Phone Mount X ($59), Optional Small Basket Bag ($44), Optional Large Basket Bag ($59), Optional Small Insulated Delivery Bag ($59), Optional Large Insulated Delivery Bag ($69), Optional Yepp! Maxi Child Seat ($199)

Other:

Locking Removable Downtube-Mounted Battery Pack, 1.1lb 2 Amp Charger, Fully Potted Motor Controller, Stainless Steel Torque Arm, 275lb Maximum Weight Rating

Motor Brand:

Bafang, RadRover Specific

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

750 watts

Motor Torque:

80 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung 18650 35E 3500mAH 13S4P Configuration

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

14 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

672 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium NCA (LiNiCoAlO2)

Charge Time:

6 hours

Estimated Min Range:

25 miles (40 km)

Estimated Max Range:

45 miles (72 km)

Display Type:

Rad Power Bikes Branded King Meter SWLCD, Fixed, Adjustable-Angle, Backlit, Grayscale LCD, Integrated 5 Volt 1 Amp USB Type-A Port Below Display

Readouts:

Battery Indicator (5 Bars), Trip Meter, Odometer, Current Speed, Average Speed, Max Speed, Pedal Assist Level (0-5 as Eco, Std, Power, Speed), Light Icon, Motor Power Watts

Display Accessories:

Independent Control Pad on Left, Buttons: Up, Mode, Down, (Lights: Hold Up and Mode, Cycle Readouts: Press Mode or Hold Up, Settings: Hold Up and Down, Walk Mode: Hold Down), Throttle On/Off Button on Right

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Twist Throttle (12-Magnet Cadence Sensor)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

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Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

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To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This in-depth review was sponsored by Rad Power Bikes. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased, this video and written review are not meant to be an endorsement of RAD products.

For Rad Power Bikes, the RadRover is the bike that launched the company into the brand name it is today. I was fortunate enough to be invited to Seattle by RPB to get some hands on experience with this bike which they consider their flagship model. Right as the fat tire bike craze began, Rad Power was one the first to offer an electric version. As the years have gone by, many fat tire bikes have come and gone, but the RadRover has remained as a bike the company is very proud of. Each year the bike receives new upgrades and that brings us to the 2019 we have in front of us today. Just glancing at the bike and you can instantly assess there is an improved look and feel. As mentioned before, this is their flagship model, so we get some upgraded decals and graphics as well as two color options. Also new for 2019 is a set of custom set of Kenda tires. These thick knobby tires are 26″x4″ and feature not only K-Shield puncture protection, but also a reflective sidewall stripping which I really appreciate. Another good upgrade to the bike is the nickel plated DNP freewheel which not only shifts smoothly, but will hold up better over time. The lighting has been refined as the bike now features both a rear and front battery integrated lights. The front light is a Spanninga Axendo and features an active daylight sensor. On the rear light, you have a flashing mode and the ability to function as an active break light, getting brighter as you press on the brakes. Again we find a USB charging plug under the display, but this year it has been upgraded to put out 1 amp which should help maintain a charge on your device better than the previous 500 mA. The brake caliper has been moved and is no longer in the way. The 180mm mechanical disc brakes have received a newer style disc rotors which I am told improves braking power and reduces noise. The front fork is an RST spring suspension with 100mm Travel. It has compression adjust with lockout, preload adjust, 32mm stanchions, and an axle with a quick release skewer. The whole bike really provides a stable and comfortable ride. The sloped top tube, the relatively low standover height, the riser style handlebar, and the Velo Plush saddle just come together with the fat tire ride to give you a feeling that the bike is hugging you. If you drive it on the pavement, it’s a fun experience, but it really excels in sand, snow, or even loamy territory if you really drop the tire pressure.

Rad Power Bikes uses a higher resolution 12-magnet sensor that will start and stop faster. It’s just not as dynamic as a torque sensor and can produce an on/off experience along with delays that aren’t ideal for technical off-road riding. Starting might not be as fast, but you can always override and stop the motor by pulling either brake lever, because they both have motor inhibitor switches. Given that the motor used here is a fat-bike specific 750 watt part from Bafang, it’s great to have an override. The motor is compact and slightly lighter than the gearless direct drive hub motor used on the RadWagon and RadCity models, but it’s also louder because it uses three planetary reduction gears to generate power. I really like this motor because it’s extra wide, providing better spoke bracing support, and I like that Rad Power Bikes has opted for thicker 12 gauge spokes and even made them black to blend in with the motor casing and rims. The rims themselves seem alright, but don’t feature punched out holes to reduce weight and provide some liner flex like the fancier fat e-bikes I’ve seen lately. Also, the motor power cable is a bit exposed, protruding from the right axle. You really don’t want to bend or cut this cable because it could create inconsistent response or even stop working… so it’s nice to see that Rad Power Bikes has added a derailleur guard that also surrounds the power cable. On other bikes I have filmed, you can see where this guard had been scraped up when a bike tipped or got pushed against another bike or wall. The chain is also well-protected on this bike because there’s a pair of aluminum alloy plates on the chainring which reduce drops and keep your pant leg from getting greasy or snagged. I really like this sort of attention to detail and appreciate that even though you get a more limited number of gears, the lowest gear is extra low for easier climbing (which could come in handy if your battery runs out) and that the derailleur is two steps up from base level in the Shimano line, the Acera part should hold true longer between tuneups.

The battery pack is slim and mounts to the frame on a track that bolts down in three places for added strength, and can still be charged on or off the frame (making it convenient for commuting and easier to care for in extreme heat or cold weather). Considering just how large and heavy the RadRover is, I could see myself storing the bike outside or in a shed and then bringing the battery into a neutral, dry location for safe keeping. If you know it’s very cold out, keep the battery warm before taking a ride because otherwise the cells won’t last as long. If you plan to store the pack for more than a month without using it, I have heard that keeping it around 50% full can be easier on the Lithium-ion cells. The actual cells inside are Samsung 18650 size 35E high energy density. It impressed me to discover that this 48 volt 14 amp hour pack can be replaced for just $499, and I think that’s partially because the controller unit is made separate. This reduces complexity, heat exposure, and makes fixes easier… but it doesn’t look quite as good. Even though the RadRover is a purpose-built electric bicycle, the battery and controller box are still external… and it’s not as efficient or effective at climbing as some of the new mid-drives, or as balanced. All things considered, I feel that weight is still distributed well, and I love that little things like a neoprene slap guard, larger wider pedals, and bottle cage bosses have all been added to make the experience as good as it can be.

Using the RadRover electronically is simple. To activate the display, just hold the Mode button in the middle of the rubberized control pad (near the left grip) and it blinks to life. This display is not removable, but it does swivel forward and back just enough to reduce glare. It’s large, which makes it easy to read from a distance, and it shows your battery level, trip stats, speed, and assist level 0-5. If you press the mode button, it cycles from trip distance to total distance (odometer), and if you hold the up arrow it will cycle from current speed to average speed and max speed. For those who want to mess around with settings, hold the up and down arrow keys simultaneously, and for those dark riding moments (or to be extra safe during the daytime) just hold up and mode simultaneously to activate the headlight. The final tip I have is that you can hold the down arrow while the bike is in assist levels 1-5 to activate walk mode, which can be very handy if you have to walk a difficult section of trail, cross a non-bikeable area with a loaded rack, or get a flat tire. I love that in addition to the range of power levels that you can ride with, the throttle offers full power at all times. This is nice for saving energy but still having access to quick bursts of power for climbing or catching up to friends. And, the throttle can be completely shut off if you want, just press the black toggle button near the right grip. This is very useful when mounting the bike, walking it, or picking it up. Of course, I recommend always disabling the bike completely by turning it off to be extra safe when handling. I should also mention that the charger for all Rad Power Bikes is just 1.1 lbs and offers a standard 2 Amps output for ~6 hour charging from empty. It’s not the fanciest thing in the world but it gets the job done without being too bulky and I like that the charging port on the battery is positioned out of the way of the crank arms so it won’t get snagged or bent as easily.

All in all the RadRover is a great way to get around varied terrain and delivers the fun on and off road. There are a ton of available accessories for all of RPB’s bikes. For the RadRover, I definitely recommend the fenders as they really help keep things clean when you are roving about. Rad Power is a featured online retailer so not only do you get top notch tech support and a 1 year warranty, but they also have also partnered with Velofix. Velofix is a mobile bike repair company with many service vans in towns and cities across the states. Velofix can even assemble your RPB eBike once you have purchased it for $100. As with their other offerings, the RadRover is a great value proposition eBike. Rad Power also prefers mechanical brakes for the low maintenance cost and ease of adjustment. But still, it would have been nice to see a flagship bike with a proper set of hydraulic brakes. So many of Rad’s bikes come with different accessories like a rear rack, or fenders. Unfortunately, the RadRover comes with none, so if you want some of those benefits, make sure to set aside some extra money. Tradeoffs aside, the RadRover is hard to beat. The words“comfort” and “fun” rarely go hand in hand, much like “inexpensive” and “quality”. The RadRover manages to check off all those boxes which is no small feat, a deserves its title as a flagship. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rad Power Bikes for welcoming me to their headquarters and letting me get to know these bikes. I really appreciate feedback and questions, make sure to make them known in the comments below or in the forums, I’ll do my best to answer.

Pros:

Fat 4″ tires, a 100 mm spring suspension fork, adjustable-angle stem, and a mid-rise handlebar with shorter stem work together to provide more comfort, you can achieve an upright body position and the Velo Plush saddle and ergonomic grips further this experience
Great aesthetics, the hydroformed aluminum alloy frame is smooth, thicker near the head tube for strength, and stepped in and flattened out where the battery mounts which provides a sturdier surface
Even though the battery and control box are mounted externally, this is a purpose-built electric bike with internally routed cables and wires, note the stainless steel torque arm on the rear left dropout for added frame strength
Available in two refined colors with nicer accents, some of the older RadRovers looked a lot simpler but it has always been nice to choose from a dark and light color because the white is going to be more visible at night and that could make it safer
Safety is a big consideration for me as a cyclist who rides in the city occasionally, so I love that Rad Power Bikes has been including new battery integrated lights and that the headlight is extra bright and aimable while the rear light can function as an active brake light
It’s cool that Rad Power Bikes has expanded to Europe and Canada, and specced their motor down from 750 watts to 500 watts in order to comply, they offer free shipping and in the US are partnering with Velofix for assembly and delivery for an additional $100
I like the sturdy Wellgo platform pedals, alloy chain guide, and steel derailleur guard on this bike because it means you won’t slip off as easily, won’t have the chain dropping, and can keep the sensitive shifter parts and motor power cable from getting bent or snagged if the bike tips or is parked in a crowded rack
The battery design is awesome, it’s slim, can be locked to the frame in an off position to prevent tampering with the display, can be charged on or off the bike, is using energy dense Samsung 35E cells that take up less space and weigh less, and it’s only $499 to replace because the controller unit is separate
In addition to the bottle cage bosses along the downtube, this bike has tons of optional accessories that look great and provide massive utility such as wide plastic fenders, a rear rack with reflective pannier bags, a front platform rack and basket, a phone mount, and a suspension seat post upgrade
The display is large and easy to read, it angles slightly to help you reduce glare, and I love that it has a standard sized USB port on the bottom so you can maintain a phone or other portable electronics as you ride, interacting with the display is easy and safe because the button pad is mounted within reach of the left grip
The RadRover has a high-resolution 12-magnet cadence sensors and this makes starting and stopping more predictable, I love that they also included motor inhibitors on both brake levers and that you can disable the throttle with the on/off toggle button near the right grip
The kickstand is adjustable, has a wide platform at the bottom to keep it from sinking in to soft terrain, and it works well if you’re loading the bike with gear, I love that the front rack is frame-mounted so it won’t interfere with steering or tip the bike sideways when parked like fork mounted racks
Both wheels are built with thicker 12 gauge spokes for increased durability and weight capacity on the bike, the official max weight rating is 275 pounds (~125 kilograms)
The geared hub motor is quite zippy and powerful, more so than the RadWagon and RadCity models which use a gearless hub motor… so the geared motor doesn’t offer regeneration and it does produce some more noise, but it’s torquey enough to power through snow and soft sand if you lower the tire PSI to the 5-10 range

Cons:

Only one frame size for the RadRover but that’s part of what keeps the price down, the top tube is sloped to lower stand-over height and the adjustable seat post and stem provide a range of fit options
I’m not a huge fan of the big thumb shifter design because it seems like I have to stretch my right hand to reach it and the gears don’t shift as quickly or crisply, but the team at RPB told me this part was chosen to make room for their throttle on/off switch which is a great safety feature… so I’m okay with it
The 180 mm mechanical disc brakes worked well during my ride test but I definitely prefer hydraulic because the levers are easier to pull and can be reach-adjusted for small and large hands, this is one part on the bike that seems to be a compromise in order to keep the price lower, it would be nice to se hydraulic brakes in a flagship model
One consideration with the spring fork is that it’s heavier than an air fork and uses a straight steering post vs. tapered along with a 9 mm skewer vs. 15 mm thru-axle which means it’s not as stiff and sturdy or upgradeable as many of the more expensive products out there, at least it has compression lockout and preload adjust though
The optional rear rack is great for hauling gear but if you add a trunk bag on top, it could block the seat post mounted light (so consider moving it or getting another light for the back of the rack) and it seems like this rack would limit how low you could position the saddle before it collides, this is not the case with the RadCity and RadWagon models which have integrated racks that are wider so the saddle can go low even with gear
The way that the rear light is setup, the large rear tire basically blocks it from view, it would be better if the light was somehow mounted higher or off to the side… but if you get the optional rack and move the light, this is solved
The display is large and easy to read but not removable, so it could take extra weather wear and possibly get scratched at a bike rack or if the bike gets crashed but it seems well protected in the lower section of the mid-rise handlebars
There are some advantages to the new rear brake caliper position (wires aren’t in the path of the optional rear rack) but the way it’s tipped back, it seems like water and dust could collect on the wire and get pulled down into the cable housing over time, creating some friction and drag in the brake system and more work for your right hand pulling the rear brake lever, this would not be an issue if it used a hydraulic brake line vs. mechanical

Resources:

Official Site: https://www.radpowerbikes.com/
More Pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/thUNipj5y8SmjyFm9

January 29, 2024 (10 months ago)

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An approachable step-thru version of the renowned RadRover full sized fat tire electric bike. Features comfortable 4" wide tires, an adjustable suspension fork, short sturdy stem, and mid-rise handlebar. Available in matte white or satin black with matching faux-leather grips and saddle. Excellent puncture resistant tires with reflective sidewall stripes for safety, great headlight with outer "be…...

Rad Power Bikes RadRhino Step-Thru 1 250W (EU Version) Review

An approachable step-thru version of the RadRhino full sized fat tire electric bike. Features comfortable 4" wide knobby tires with puncture protection and reflective sidewalls. Stable and capable in soft terrain like mulch or sand if the tire air pressure is lowered. Available in matte white or satin black with matching faux-leather grips and saddle. Excellent puncture resistant tires with reflective sidewall stripes for safety, great headlight with outer "be…...

Rad Power Bikes RadMini 4 Review

The high-step version of Rad's folding, fat tire, off-road capable, compact electric bike. Custom 3.3" wide tires have reflective sidewalls, puncture resistant lining, and all-terrain checkerboard tread. This is the fourth generation RadMini, and it comes standard with wide plastic fenders, integrated lights, and a spring suspension fork with preload adjust and lockout. Only available in one frame size and one color, but the handlebar and seat height…...

Rad Power Bikes RadMini 4 (EU Version) Review

The first folding fat tire model from Rad Power Bikes to become available in Europe! Custom 3.3" wide tires have reflective sidewalls, puncture resistant lining, and all-terrain checkerboard tread making them off-road capable. Fourth generation RadMini hardware has all of the kinks worked out, and it comes standard with wide plastic fenders, integrated lights, and an adjustable spring suspension fork with preload and lockout clickers. Only available in one frame size and one color, but the handlebar and seat height…...

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Review

MSRP: $1,299
MODEL YEAR: 2019

An extremely versatile and affordable mid-fat tire bike, unique 20" x 3.3" tires provide comfort and good traction on any terrain, optional passenger kit turns the rear rack into a seat with foot rest pegs and skirt guard. Integrated lights and reflective tires keep you visible, two frame color options keep it fun,…...

Rad Power Bikes RadBurro Review

MSRP: $5,799
MODEL YEAR: 2019

A commercial grade, heavy-duty, utility style electric trike with four bed options including flat, truck bed with sides, hot/cold insulated box, and covered pedicab passenger seat. Borrows components and hardware from mopeds and motorcycles for added strength and durability, 6-ply 17”…...

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner (EU Version) Review

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon (EU Version) Review

MSRP: $1,799
MODEL YEAR: 2019

A European-specific cargo electric bike with twist throttle mode and pedal assist, classified as L1e-A, available in 2 colors with lots of accessory options including bags and child seats. Maintains the powerful 750watt gearless direct-drive hub motor, it is heavier but super quiet, durable,…...

Rad Power Bikes RadRhino 750W (EU Version) Review

A European-specific fat tire electric bike with twist throttle mode and pedal assist, classified as L1e-A, modeled after the RadRover, available in two colors with lots of accessory options including bags and child seats. Sloped top tube makes it approachable, shorter stem and mid-rise handlebars create a comfortable upright…...

2019 Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru Review

MSRP: $1,499
MODEL YEAR: 2019

An approachable, folding, fat tire electric bike that's stable and off-road capable, complete with integrated lights, custom reflective tires, an adjustable suspension fork with lockout, and comfortable Velo saddle. Only available in one frame size and one color, but the handlebar and seat height…...

2019 Rad Power Bikes RadMini Review

The high-step version of a folding fat tire electric bike from Rad Power Bikes, reinforced frame with sturdy gussets, secure locking latches for both folding points, adjustable suspension fork with lockout. Powerful 750 watt Bafang rear hub motor with strong 48 volt battery allows for climbing…...

2019 Rad Power Bikes RadCity Step-Thru Review

An approachable, comfortable, and relatively affordable, city style electric bicycle that comes in one frame size, two colors, has an adjustable stem, swept-back handlebar, and suspension fork with lockout adjust. Ready for all sorts of ride conditions and applications with full-coverage plastic fenders, integrated LED…...

2019 Rad Power Bikes RadCity Review

A sturdy, fairly comfortable, and relatively affordable, city style electric bicycle that comes in one color and two frame sizes, riser handlebars and adjustable stem improve fit range. Ready for all sorts of conditions and applications with full-coverage plastic fenders, LED lights, custom…...

2019 Rad Power Bikes RadWagon Review

An affordable, feature-rich, electric cargo bike with cadence sensing pedal assist and throttle on demand operation, available in one frame size with adjustable bars and two color options. Gearless direct-drive hub motor is heavier but super quiet, durable, and capable of regenerative braking…...

2018 Rad Power Bikes RadBurro Review

MSRP: $5,500
MODEL YEAR: 2018

An affordably priced, heavy-duty, utility style electric bike with four bed options including flat, truck bed with sides, hot/cold insulated box, and covered pedicab passenger seat. Borrows components and hardware from mopeds and motorcycles for added strength and durability, tough 17”…...

2018 Rad Power Bikes RadCity Step-Thru Review

MSRP: $1,499
MODEL YEAR: 2018

An approachable, comfortable, and relatively affordable, city style electric bicycle that comes in one color and one frame size, swept-back handlebars and adjustable stem improve fit range. Ready for all sorts of ride conditions and applications with full-coverage plastic fenders, LED lights,…...

2018 Rad Power Bikes RadMini Review

A compact, fat tire electric bike that folds to save space, the suspension fork and larger 4-inch wide tires add comfort and allow it to ride on soft sand and snow if you lower the tire pressure, or you can lockout the fork and raise pressure for efficiency on pavement. Only available in one frame size for now, but the handlebar height is adjustable along…...

2018 Rad Power Bikes RadCity Review

An affordable, feature-rich, city style electric bike that comes in two sizes, two colors, and offers great adjustment in the stem and handlebar position for comfortable upright body position. Responsive 12-magnet cadence sensor provides faster starts and stops, both brake levers have motor inhibitors,…...

2018 Rad Power Bikes RadRover Review

An affordable, powerful, electric fat bike with responsive 12-magnet pedal assist and twist-throttle on demand, available in two colors with lots of accessory options including fenders and racks. Only one frame size but the top tube is sloped and the shorter stem pairs…...

2018 Rad Power Bikes RadWagon Review

MSRP: $1,599
MODEL YEAR: 2018

2017 Rad Power Bikes RadMini Review

MSRP: $1,499
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A funky miniaturized folding fat tire bike with two cargo racks! Truly capable of sand and snow riding, LED lights guide and keep you safe, the bike offers assist and throttle drive modes. Basic seven speed drivetrain from Shimano, plastic chain guide keeps things on track, metal derailleur…...

2017 Rad Power Bikes RadCity Review

MSRP: $1,499
MODEL YEAR: 2016, 2017

A value priced but featured packed urban commuter style electric bike with everything from fenders, to LED lights, rear carry rack and regenerative braking. Solid driving and braking performance with a 750 watt gearless hub motor and 180 mm…...

2016 Rad Power Bikes RadRover Review

MSRP: $1,499
MODEL YEAR: 2016

Strikes an excellent balance delivering high power with mid-level components for a reasonable price, you get throttle and pedal assist with an on/off on the throttle! solid one year warranty for the original owner, flat rate $175 shipping in the US. Even though the battery and controller box are bolted on vs. integrated into the frame,…...

2016 Rad Power Bikes RadMini Review

A folding fat tire electric bike with front and rear cargo racks and double-tube frame for improved strength (good option for larger riders). Powerful 750 watt internally geared fat-bike specific motor paired with a large 48 volt 11.6…...

2015 Rad Power Bikes RadWagon Review

MSRP: $1,599
MODEL YEAR: 2015, 2016

Affordable, feature rich cargo style electric bike with a stiffer and lighter frame because it's not quite as long as some others. Offers five levels of pedal assist, throttle mode and throttle override as well as regenerative…...

2015 Rad Power Bikes RadRover Review

MSRP: $1,499
MODEL YEAR: 2015, 2016

An Indiegogo funded electric fatbike with a powerful 500 watt motor, ample 48 volt battery and seven speed drivetrain. Comfortable saddle, ergonomic grips and suspension fork with lockout, two color choices but only one…...

Renee stoppard

6 years ago

can you charge the battery while riding the bike?

Court

So glad that you asked! While technically possible, you would be burning much more energy (when accounting for the cost of food, transport, ingestion, conversion from chemical to mechanical while pedaling, transition back into chemical when storing in the battery, and losing heat along the way). It’s much more efficient to simply charge a battery pack, but regeneration does reduce brake wear and recapture a small amount, maybe 10% back when coasting down hills, which helps to offset the added weight of the heavier motor design. Here’s a video that Mike and I shot about this topic years ago :)

Stan J

I am a scientist and have been driving EV for several years. The 10% you are referring to is not actual regeneration efficiency. The regen in an EV gives you ~20% longer range because you recapture energy that would be otherwise lost when braking. I think that is what are you talking about. The actual conversion of the extra energy to electricity is ~90% in an EV powertrain and 90% in battery. The bulk of the energy used for propulsion is non-recoverable as it is lost as aero-drag, friction, conversion loss, and rolling resistance. It all ends up as heat. That is the whole reason to use powered bike so that we can go faster and further than just using our own energy.

One can go political as for where the energy for powering e-bike should come from. Hint: Average population is overweight. Actually, in case of power outage, it would be interesting to see how to use energy in the e-bike’s battery to run basic household appliances. Then, extra pedaling would help.

John R.

The reviewer above expressed some curiosity as to RADROVER’s performance in snow. I just attempted to ride my 2018 RADROVER in about 8 inches of snow without success. At a little under 15psi, the rear wheel simply didn’t have enough traction; it drifted right out from under me and I took a (harmless) little spill. Also, the snow provided enough resistance as to overburden the electric motor – or so I certainly felt. I took this to mean that even with metal-studded snow tires, the ROVER would still be out of its element in any appreciable amount of snow. That being said, I do love the hell outta my bike and I don’t think you can do any better for the money, unless you purchase the 2019 ROVER, which is now back down to its pre-tarrif price! GREAT BIKE.

Hi John! I’ve had good experiences with RAD and other fat tire ebikes in soft sand and snow that isn’t too deep. If the snow is somewhat packed down, you may float above it with low PSI (I’m talking 5-7 PSI) but keep in mind that I weigh 135lbs. I did a shoot in the soft sands of Cabo San Lucas Mexico with many other riders who weigh more, and we all had success. Perhaps you could try lower pressure, here’s the video we shot!

Thanks for your reply! One question: At such low tire pressure as 5-7psi, do you worry about pinch flats?

Eyad Sherif

Hello, i wanna know how heavy is the Radrover, not in terms of actual weight only which is around (33 kg), but in terms of lifting practicality as i live in the second floor, and i have to take the stairs, also if the walk mode or the throttle are helpful in such cases? I am a bit concerned from this issue actually, as i am going to use it on a daily basis from and to work, i just wanna know if it’s doable or i am going to punish my self doing that every day! and of course such bike i can’t leave outside. thanks in advance.

Hi Eyad, yeah! I weighed the bike at 30.84kg but the battery could be removed to make it 3.49kg lighter. It’s a big bike, but walk mode (or the throttle) could make it easier to push up stairs. I totally understand that you’d want to keep it protected. Hope this helps you with the decision :)

Amine Chaoui

I have question plz.. is the fork in radrover can be upgraded to an air fork????

Hi Amine, the steering tube on this ebike is straight 1-1/8″ vs. tapered 1-1/8″ to 1-1/2″ and in my experience, it’s easier to find air forks with tapered design… so you could probably upgrade, but might not have as many choices. I hope this tip helps you out! Please post again if you find a great air fork that has the 135mm hub spacing for fat wheels and tires :)

BT

5 years ago

Hi, the air fork from Bolton bikes fits the rover with no mods, it is 3.5 pounds lighter then stock fork. Makes the rover feel more lively.

Michael Cecere

I bought the 2019 rover and I was a bit disappointed with the range. My work is 18 miles away and I purchased it for my commute. Im 6ft3 200 lbs. On the way to work my ride is about 900 feet of ascension and on pedal assist level 5 the battery began to basically provide 25% of the original power at around 16 miles of distance. I’m sure the listed range provided of 25+ was measured at pedal assist level 3 or less which in my opinion on a 68 lb bike is worthless. I was assuming it would go at least 20 on pedal assist 5. Going to sell it and try to get a 700c road bike electric option with a 250-350 watt motor and see if thats better. This bike needs to shave 15 lbs of weight somehow for the range I necessitate.

Brent

In my opinion a gearless motor would give you more range, all else equal. The geared motors focus more on torque, eating up more battery every time you stop/start than a gearless. I have the even heavier (and gearless) RadWagon, and I’m heavier than you are, and I can get more range at pedal assist 5 than you. I think its the bias of the motor shortening your range. Would be interested to hear comments from others about this as well.

Roderick Batalon

Have you developed a newer battery for the 2017 rad rover power bikes

Brandon

I just purchased a 2019 RadRover, but my speed tops out at 15mph and there doesn’t seem to be a max speed setting on the display anymore. I can’t find this addressed anywhere. Did RAD change the top speed for 2019 or is something going on with my bike?

Hi Brandon, what country do you live in? Perhaps their top speed is different based on location. If you’re in the US or Canada, it should be able to reach 20mph (32km/h) and their customer support team should be able to help answer questions via phone :)

Karol

Hi Brandon. Here in the USA I adjusted the max speed on my friend’s new Radrover to 25MPH. The bike got up to that speed just fine.

Jay

Your website is helping me navigate my first purchase. Thank you. Is a fat ebike like the RadRover appropriate for mostly pavement use? (I prefer its black frame color to the gray frame of the RadCity.)

Awesome! I’m so glad to hear that, Jay. Yeah, I think the RadRover can be a great “all around” electric bike, even if most of your riding is done on pavement. That’s because the fat tires offer stability and comfort while the e-drive systems offset additional weight and drag. I’ve seen lots of RadRovers being used by students, husband and wife, and commuters even though in some ways it’s overkill. If you like the style and color more than the RadCity, I’d say go for it :)

Earle

I’m getting really sick of your ads popping up all over my computer, especially on Facebook. Never responded to a electric tricycle for my handicap. So why even look at your ads

Hi Earle! I don’t place any ads on Faceboo, Google, or other platforms. Perhaps the folks at Rad Power Bikes are advertising to you, but I am not affiliated with them outside of some promoted bikes on this website (and the service fee they pay for me to review their product). Perhaps there is a link on Facebook to say “I’m not interested in this product”. Good luck! I hope this helps you :)

Nick

Many many thanks on your thorough reviews. I’m starting to narrow ebikes down to either the Rad Power, or, through a local bike company, the Trek Verve +. Several questions still arise and was wondering if you could comment. If it comes down to price ($1500 for the Rad vs $2400 for the Trek), then the Rad wins. If it comes to local bike shop help with repair and a longer warranty, then the Trek wins. My questions are, As for the parts, who ‘wins’ in overall quality and durability? And, who might ‘win’ in overall rider satisfaction, which might include seating comfort, ease of use, around town riding, and the occasional sight-seeing with some elevation and some unpaved roads riding?

Roger

Nick which bike did you go with? I have ridden the verve and loved it but can’t find a rad close to Iowa to try out?? Still looking…

Hi Roger, thanks for asking. I ended up answering all my questions about which bike to buy by doing more research. For the RAD, I was lucky enough to test ride the Rad Rover, because someone was selling his here locally (he was moving). My first impression was that it was a beast (as in weight). I’m not used to a 65+lbs. bike! It rode well enough; had good power, etc. It just felt clunky. But after carefully comparing the components of the Verve+ and the RAD (brakes, motors, gears, etc.), coupled with the fact the Verve is “only” 45lbs., I’m going with the Verve+. It’s just sleeker, quieter, and a smoother ride than the RAD, IMO. Plus, I don’t care about having a throttle. And I have the support of well trained people at my local bike dealer in case anything happens to it. I’m waiting until Aug. to buy though, because Trek has a new step-through frame shipping (which Trek does not show on their website yet) which I want because of my hip situation (another thing I did not like about the RAD). Hope this helps.

Tim

I’ve put about 1,000 miles on my Trek Verve+ and have no regrets. I did change the saddle and handlebars but thats personal preference. 2 year warranty and local service mean a lot to me. I’m over 200 lbs and can get 40+ mile range on mostly tour mode. I live in a hilly area and the assist is nice.

Awesome, thanks for the great feedback, Tim! Hope the bike continues on well for you as the season continues :D

Dan

I love your reviews. They have become my latest YouTube addiction.

This bike seems pretty awesome, especially for that price, but wow is it heavy! It’s approx 10 lbs heavier than its competitors and 50 lbs heavier than my current conventional mountain bike. How much of the motor’s effort and battery life is simply going to move the extra bike weight (rhetorical question mostly / observation). I have yet to come across a negative comment about this bike anywhere on line, seems to me everyone just loves it, so I suppose weight is not an issue.

Brian Hamilton

I am considering purchasing a Radrover, but am hoping you can help me with a couple more questions. I will be using this bike to get in and out of the woods for hunting purposes, and the slope of the terrain is pretty flat. Is the bike quiet, and is it waterproof? Also, with myself and my gear, total weight will be approximately 240 – 250 lbs. Is that too much weight for this bike? Thanks

Hi Brian! Great questions. The planetary geared hub motors on these electric bikes do produce some electronic whirring… and that’s almost universal for electric bikes. It’s way, way quieter than anything gas powered, but there is some noise, as demonstrated in the video review above. As for waterproof… no, but highly water resistant to splashing and rain. Do not submerge and do not flip when wet. You can usually hose these ebikes down, but it’s not recommended to spray them hard with air or water. The standard maximum weight capacity is in the 250lb range, but most ebikes can take more, and RAD makes pretty solid products with lots of units in the field over many years now. I trust them, they are powerful, and they are pretty solid in terms of reliability and GREAT in terms of support. Another consideration would be Rambo Ebikes, which makes some camouflage models and uses powerful mid-drive motors on some models. They also have great hunting racks and accessories.

Ssekandi daniel

I need to buy the rad power bike what is the procedure?

Howdy! I think you just visit their official website here, and either call or place an order online. They will ship it out, and can even coordinate with local mobile bike shops to deliver and build for you at a small additional charge. I hope this helps and I welcome your feedback as you navigate the process and have anything to share about RAD and ebikes in general :)

HS

Be aware, RAD bikes customer service has a long way to go to meet any level. I used my Amazon account to pay for the bike, but somehow their site decided to ignore my discount code I had. So if you are going to buying RAD… be super careful. Alternatively… look for a alternative.

Hmm, that’s a bummer! My experience with RAD has been very good. They do have customer support people standing by, like real people! Maybe you can call and get some help resolving the issue? I usually buy in shop (which RAD has in Europe, US, and Canada now) because they can build for you and there’s less confusion… even being able to test ride is awesome. Good luck and thanks for sharing your feedback :)

MB

Hi, I’m 6 foot 4 and weigh 200 pounds. I live in Seattle where we have many steep hills and wondering if the Rad Rover hub motor will get me up the hills with little to no effort? I’m considering the mid drives for this reason but don’t know if it’s overkill. Any recommendations?

Hi MB, I think the RadRover is a solid option… but you will need to pedal and have some speed going in to the medium and steep hills. If I were you, I’d take some time this weekend, or whenever you’re off work, and visit the Rad Power Bikes factory store in Ballard. They have demo bikes you can try and some hills nearby. Also consider EVELO, which have a bunch of powerful models, including this one with a mid-motor and throttle option. They also have a store in Seattle where you can do test rides :)

Muhororo

Hi, Does the radrover have a manual mode in case it runs out of charge while am on a trail? what would you recommend for a 6ft3′ rider in kansas (relatively flat with occasional hills)? am looking at low cost but with durability. Thanks

Hi Muhororo! All of the electric bikes I’ve reviewed here have a “manual pedal mode” meaning that you can still get around if the battery runs out… In many cases, you can even remove the battery pack from the bike to reduce weight and ride it around like a traditional bicycle :) as far as quality ebikes at a good price that are shipped nation wide, I think Rad Power Bikes is a leader, but EVELO, M2S Bikes, and Electric Bike Company are also great. Most electric bikes can be adjusted with a longer seat post and longer stem or adjusted handlebar so they will feel fairly comfortable for different sized riders. It’s a bit easier to go big vs. smaller, so you should be able to make most bikes that are medium or large size work… and most of these online direct ebikes only come in one frame size which is about medium.

When I test rode the Rad Rover, I tried riding in “manual pedal mode” on a flat paved road. It was generally fine (thought I didn’t go far). Remember, the bike is over 65 pounds, which means going on trails or hills without assistance would not be much fun even, as Court says, you take off the 8-10 pound battery.

Yeah, thanks Nick! In addition to the weight, with fat tire bikes like the RadRover you also have increased tire surface area which leads to increased drag as you coast… and the tires are studded, so that’s a bit more drag too. However! The tires are heavier because of the increased size and that leads to better rolling momentum. So, once you are up to speed, the bike coasts nicely :)

Kris

I will want to ride this bike in winter also, so I would most likely remove the battery overnight and attach and ride in below 32° temps. Would the battery decrease in power during the ride as cold will change the chemistry of a 68° battery to less? Use will of course, but will temps drain it too? If so… just thinking, would a thin, well thought out styrofoam encasement stop this from occurring?

Hi Kris! Great questions. My experience with battery packs is that cold weather doesn’t damage the cells but does reduce their effectiveness, so you get like half the range of a neutral temperature. My understanding is that extreme heat actually harms the chemistry and reduces lifespan (or could lead to failure or fire). Easy Motion used to have this neoprene wrap for their battery packs that zipped around the main section of bike tube to keep wind off and reduce cold. They sold this for their dual-motor EVO Snow and some other models. That said, if you leave your battery on the bike all night in a cold garage, the neoprene cover isn’t going to warm it up. The key seems to be storing and charging the battery in a neutral environment and then bringing it out and using it immediately, then storing again in a neutral environment. Perhaps a sleeve, some velcro-on neoprene, or your styrofoam idea could reduce the speed at which the battery cools down when operating in a cold environment. I like the creativity of your idea and would love to hear back or even see some pictures in the Rad Power Bikes forums someday! Here’s a post that Ravi made in the forums a while back with an aftermarket neoprene cover, and here’s one that a shop called Scooteretti sells which seems to work on a number of different battery pack designs! I made a little roundup post in the forums for you that covers this topic more in-depth with more pictures and stuff :D

Charlie

Like many others, I’m researching ebikes for the first time, and looking for advice. Thank you for a terrific website and thank you owners (reviewers!) in advance for your thoughts.

My question is about power on hills. I’m 65 years old, 6’2″ and 220 lbs, and considering the RadRover for making fairly short trips to run errands. We live at the top of a 3/4 mile paved road with an average grade of 6%. This will come, of course, at the end (and beginning!) of a 10-12 mile round trip. I’m in pretty good shape, but with some runners-knee issues in the past, I’ll need plenty of assist at the end of the ride. Most of the trip will be quite flat, and I’ll be comfortably pedaling most of the way, perhaps with a boost for comfort. Will the bike be able to haul me up the hill?! I’m in above average shape, but that’s a lot of weight, and I don’t like the idea of pushing the bike with a bag of groceries for the final few hundred yards.

I live in rural NY, so I’m sorry that a test ride is not an option.

Hi Charlie, I do think that the RadRover would greatly assist you with a 6-percent grade. The key is to have some momentum going in, to switch to a low gear if the motor starts to struggle (and then pedal at a rapid pace to reduce pressure on your knees). I have been able to gain momentum by going at an angle for the start of a hill if I had to stop. Given your height, the RadRover makes sense. Smaller wheels get a mechanical advantage for hub motors and mid-drives can be excellent climbers if you shift appropriately, but they often do not have throttles and tend to cost more. I think the RadRover can do well for you, and one more way to help it climb and ride efficiently is to keep the tire pressure towards the upper end of the recommended PSI range (also good since you weigh more, so the tire won’t squish in and cause a pinch flat).

lorenzo papi chulo

Can I use a more powerful battery on my RadRover, now I have 48v 11.6ah

Hi Lorenzo, that’s a great question! My understanding is that you’d need to use the packs that Rad sells, and could not easily update or modify their packs to be “more powerful” because it could damage the circuitry and controller. Perhaps you could add capacity, but not change the voltage (and voltage is usually what’s associated with power). This is a question best asked to Rad Power Bikes directly through their website or support number.

bmbktmracer

I can’t find anything either in the video or written text about the actual performance of the bike. How fast does it go on throttle alone? What is the maximum comfortable pedal-assist speed? I know it’s rated for 20 mph, but does that mean you can actually pedal that fast for an hour?

Hi! I list those specs near the top of each review. This is a Class 2 electric bike with top assisted and throttle speeds of 20mph (32km/h). That’s the legal limit in North America. In my experience, constant pedal time really depends on your level of fitness and which gear is used. The higher gears require a much slower cadence and since Rad Power Bikes uses cadence sensors, you don’t have to push very hard… just keep moving the cranks or rely on the throttle. The biggest factors for me are back, neck, and arm fatigue for sitting that long on a saddle during a semi-bumpy ride. The seatpost suspension is a great upgrade option to add comfort. I hope this helps to clarify things, and I appreciate your feedback :)