There are a gillion YouTube vids with reviews on a variety of bikes, but the RAD folks seem to be taking the “simple menu” approach. Their bikes could be considered on the upper-end of an entry level bike based on componentry and the basically have one price of $1500 for most of their bikes. They ship direct to your home and pretty easy to assemble yourself with just basic tools and wrenching skills.
Their RadRover model is probably their best seller and I was mostly interested in that model. I am pretty clear on what my usage would be and I was concerned that the “fat-boy” tires might be overkill for most of the urban riding I would probably do.
The RadRunner is their other super popular model because it easily folds up and you can put in the trunk of your car. In fact, as I was researching Rad bikes, a neighbor I do not know rode by me and I chased him down to ask him about the bike. He was a younger, athletic guy and he uses this as a regular work commuter and for trips to the market. The ONLY thing he was not excited about was the special size of tires.
The more practical RadCity shown below certainly does not look as macho at the RadRover, but I was curious to it’s ability to ride moderate off-road and dirt. For the Demo Day, they only had the RadCity-Step-Thru which I rode. This bike model seemed the most practical for my needs and it would be a toss-up if I did the step-through version or the regular RadCity. The Step-Through looks a little girly to me but it is certainly easier to get rolling.
Lastly, I drove the RadWagon and it was a RAD WAGON. Really pretty darn cool. If I had kids or I lived in a dense city like Portland, this would be my #1 choice. The center-stand was a bonus feature and the power was plentiful to get up and rolling at 20mph in under a minute.
With the lower price point, your probably get what you pay for. From my neighbor, he has expressed the customer service folks are responsive and no problems standing by their warranty. Spending $3500 for my first electric bike vs. $1500 becomes a no-brainer. I think 2020 will usher in me owning and riding a RadCity – I will come up with my own handlebars and other farkles, but, for 15 benji’s, it seems way better than going to the gym.
If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good. – Dr. Seuss
Such great info and pics, @vegasphotog! I have had my eye on the Rad bikes, too! And the RadRover has a twist grip throttle.
Y'all have really stirred my curiosity with all these e-bikes!! I was considering and looking for a Zero or similar electrical motorcycle, but I do want the exercise benefits too. So an e-bike seems more logical since I could just take it on a car rack and ride on one of the many forest trails around here. One thing that surprises me is how come there isn't any regenerative recharging as far I can tell...
Thanks for posting and sharing.
isn't any regenerative recharging as far I can tell...
All their bikes BESIDES the RadRover (the fatboy) do have regenerative recharging. All my searches on the internet everyone promotes over 30mph....dude...20mph is plenty fast for me and I still need to pedal somewhat unless I am going downhill. There are very few flat areas around vegas perse, which now that I am out of shape I am not motivated to get my ass kicked just for a simple ride.
That sort of trail would be perfect!
that serious looks like it was designed to carry a surfboard
That one looks like the bike for me. I have been casually shopping for an ebike which can carry groceries but does not cost too much. Do you think 20 mph is fast enough for roads with a 35 mph speed limit and a bike lane, or would it be better to buy one that can go 28?
20mph is really fast on a bicycle. I mean, it is really fast. The brakes are good but like when you buy a Porsche or Ferrari, probably 20% of your purchase goes into the engineering of braking. The cargo bike since it is heavier, if you get going too fast, you might get jacked up trying to stop on a dime. 20mph seems plenty fast for me and I foresee myself averaging 15mph in a peddle-assist mode.
