Radwagon Electric Bike Review:Radwagon Ebikes - Anyone Have One? If So, How Do You Like It?

An Honest Review of the RadWagon E-Bike Experience

You’re inquiring about RadWagon electric bikes, and it’s a question that many would-be e-bike owners have. Rad Power Bikes has established a major presence in the e-bike industry, mostly by being one of its most visible and accessible brands to newcomers. They have earned a reputation for powerful, utilitarian and relatively affordable electric-assist bikes that promise to replace car trips and inject some fun and practicality into your daily transportation. But what you are curious about now is whether there is an actual ownership experience beyond the slick marketing and legions of online fans. Is the ride smooth? Is the bike reliable? Does it really solve the transportation issues you are trying to solve? You want a deep, honest review that isn’t just repeating what’s on the spec sheet. This complete guide is intended to answer those questions specifically, to provide you the clarity to know whether a RadWagon, or a different bike from the Rad lineup, is the right e-bike for you.

A Closer Look at the Rad Fleet

Rad Power Bikes specializes in a small, but well-executed line of electric bikes, with each designed to serve a separate kind of rider and use case. Knowing their product family helps you zero in on what to buy. This is all of the current products the brand offers:

RadWagon Series: RadWagon 5

RadRunner Series: RadRunner 3 Plus

RadRover Series: RadRover 6 Plus High-Step

RadRover Series: RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru

RadCity Series: RadCity 5 Plus High-Step

RadCity Series: RadCity 5 Plus Step-Thru

RadExpand Series: RadExpand 5 Plus

RadTrike Series: RadTrike Electric Tricycle

And at the core of the Rad Power Bikes experience is the ride, of course, with the brand-defining bestsellers that are a handful of models. The company’s namesake cargo bike, the RadWagon 5, is a bona fide workhorse. You feel it right when you first get on. The long, solid frame and low center of gravity provide an incredible feeling of control before you even start pedaling. When you do, the hub motor engages with a comforting flourish of speed. It is not a subtle, whisper-quiet assist; it is a thrust you can feel, and that is what you want when the rear rack is carrying bags of groceries or two children. It feels less like you're riding a bicycle and more like riding a small, nimble land vehicle. That sensation likely owes something to the smaller-diameter, wide tires, which also drop the rear deck for a more manageable load every time you roll up to the curb and allow for a softer ride over the cobbles and potholes of city streets. The sight lines over the handlebar are just fine, and the riding position is comfortable enough to last the day. It really does make you rethink what’s doable car-free.

There’s the RadRunner, the hothead perhaps in the fleet. Initial reaction: Goddamn, this looks like pure unfiltered fun. Its moped-esque frame just beckons you to hop on and take off. It’s nimble and zippy and an absolute blast to cut through the metro jungle on. The single-speed drivetrain may sound like a limitation, but it’s a piece of simplicity genius. Combined with the robust motor, you seldom actually need more gears on city streets; you simply twist the throttle or pedal and the bike surges forward with enthusiasm. The true magic of the RadRunner is that, somewhat incredibly, it’s a “blank canvas.” The brand experience is entirely a function of how you accessorize. Add a passenger seat, and it’s a hilarious tandem trip. And with front and rear racks, it’s a solid cargo carrier to boot. As a stripped-down bike, it’s a natty city cruiser. It doesn't feel so much like a bike, in the traditional way, and more like a personal utility tool that just so happens to be a really fun ride.

For riders who prefer the road less paved, the RadRover 6 Plus is a different kind of ride. First you notice the huge, 4-inch-wide fat tires. They look and feel indomitable. You feel like a boss riding the RadRover. Curbs, potholes, gravel paths, and grassy fields that would stop other bikes in their tracks are all just eaten up by the large tires and front suspension fork. It’s plush and it smooths over the road. The output from the geared hub motor is powerful and torquey, and it’s able to throw the heavy bike up hills and through loose and higgledy-piggledy terrain. It has an SUV feel on two wheels, inspiring you to take that road less traveled and hit the trails with the security and power that a traditional commuter bike can’t match. It’s an ideal option for riders who want a single electric bike that can seamlessly handle weekday commutes and weekend outings without compromise.

Beyond the Ride: The Ownership Experience

There’s more to owning a bike than the test ride, so don’t buy until you weigh the entire ownership experience. Rad Power Bikes is a direct-to-consumer bicycle brand, and direct-to-consumer purchasing means better pricing. This means a huge box containing your electric bike will be dropped off at your door. Assembly is required. While the company offers step-by-step instructions and videos, and the task is not overly challenging for anyone with a bit of mechanical inclination, it’s something to consider. If it’s not something you feel comfortable putting together yourself, you should account for either the cost of a local bike shop’s assembly, or Rad’s mobile service (if available). It also has a huge ecosystem of first-party accessories, but the major win is price. Rad has gone on to produce a full line of racks, baskets, bags, child seats, and weather protection accessories that are fully compatible with their bikes. This is a huge selling point. You’re not searching for third-party parts and hoping they fit; you’re purchasing a thoroughly tested integrated system. This turns a bike like the RadWagon from just an e-bike into a car-replacement package. Plus, the company has one of the largest and most active user communities on the web. New owners will surely find a treasure trove of wisdom among veteran riders in forums and social media groups that provide advice for everything from maintenance to customization. This supportive community is an amazing asset and adds massively to the ownership experience, providing support and ideas long after you have made your investment.

How Rad Compares: A Sophisticated Alternative

While Rad Power Bikes provides an attractive mix of utility and toughness, others, including some commuters focused on city riding, may be looking for another combination of technology and sophistication. Into this environment, a brand like ENGWE is taking the big step and focusing on a refined ride feeling plus smart connectivity across all their products. The ENGWE P275 SE is a good case in point. The thing is thoroughly designed for city living – it comes with a sophisticated torque sensor. Unlike the cadence sensors on most utility e-bikes, which determine how much power to give you based on whether you are pedaling, a torque sensor calculates how hard you are pedaling and gives a commensurate and immediate response. The result is an extremely intuitive and enjoyable ride that feels like a natural extension of your own efforts, very much like a high-end traditional bicycle backed by a powerful, silent motor. The P275 SE has been crafted with a 6061 aluminum alloy frame and high torque 250W brushless motor to create an e-bike that rides like a regular bike but has the staying power of a machine many times its price. It's designed for a more upright, Dutch-style position that will keep you riding in comfort. With the high capacity 36V 13Ah removable battery, the Storm can travel distances of up to 100km with no worries of running out of power and having to pedal yourself home. This bike focuses on safety and comfort, with its powerful 160mm hydraulic disc brakes for stopping power, smooth Shimano 7-speed transmission, and integration with the Falco app that gives you all your ride data in one crisp and clear glance. To the discriminating urban cyclist who appreciates a great ride, extended range smart connected technology in a sophisticated package, the ENGWE P275 SE offers a highly advanced and competitive alternative.

Key Considerations: Comparison and FAQs

To assist you further as you narrow down which of Rad's own hot models appeal to you more, we've got a full-on comparison chart.

5 FAQs About RadWagon E-Bikes, Explained

How easy is it to assemble RadWagon electric bikes at home?

Assembly is a concern for many new users. In general, this includes installing the handlebars, front wheel, pedals, and fenders. Rad Power Bikes includes a kit of tools, though, and their website has super easy-to-follow video instructions. It normally takes 1-2 hours for a person who has basic tools and can follow instructions. Bikes are heavy after all, and can be awkward to work with singlehandedly. If you’re not mechanically savvy, having a friend or two help or just budgeting for pro assembly, which I would advise anyhow for safety’s sake and peace of mind.

What will the real-world battery range be?

The range displayed is based on ideal conditions (flat terrain, low assistance level, good weather, lighter rider). Real-world range is influenced by many factors: your weight, elevation (hills drain the battery faster), wind, tire pressure and how much you use the throttle versus pedal assist. On a full charge with pedal assist and throttle at, ahem, mixed use, most Rad models are claimed to reach a realistic range of 40-70 km. If you use a lot of throttle or you’re always riding in the highest level of assist, your range will fall on the lower end of that range. That’s more than sufficient for the majority of daily commutes as well as errand runs.

Are RadWagon bikes considered heavy?

Yes, unequivocally. Rad Power Bikes are made to last and to work, not to be lightweight. Their models all weigh an average 30 to 35 kg (65 to 75 lbs). This weight imparts a sense of stability and robustness when the rubber meets the road, but it’s something to keep in mind if you need to hoist the bike up stairs or onto a car rack. You feel it less when you’re riding, since the motor is so impressive, but moving it around while parked, or walking along with it, does take some oomph.

Can I take my RadWagon to a traditional bike shop for repairs?

This can be a mixed bag. Some of the parts (brakes, gears, chains) are standard bicycle parts that can be serviced by any good bike mechanic, but electrical parts (motor, controller, battery) can be an issue — proprietary, sealed, and requires its own special knowledge. Many bike shops are reluctant to touch direct-to-consumer e-bike brands out of concerns that it’s not a recognizable brand, or because of liability fears. But as the brand has become more popular shops are increasingly willing to do mechanical work. As with so many things, you’d be best off calling your local shops in advance to ask about the availability of tuning up Rad Power Bikes.

Are the official Rad Power Bikes accessories worth the spend?

The answer is, for most people, an unequivocal yes. The best thing about the Rad accessory ecosystem is the way it all comes together. You’re guaranteed that the rack, the basket, or the child seat you buy will fit exactly and safely without hacking it to get it on. This takes away the need to guess and introduces any safety issues that can come from third-party accessories not meant for your bike’s frame geometry and/or weight limits. Yes, they are generally going to be more expensive than a generic but the construction quality, fit and peace of mind that come with a good quality product are worth the extra expense to really get the maximum out of your electric bike.

And in the end, the RadWagon ecosystem is a solid, powerful, and ludicrously utilitarian initiation into the wild world of the electric bike, and it should be a great choice for a wide range of cyclists.