I bought the Radster (regular size) last month and have ridden about 500 miles. I live in a city with several hills and find the bike’s torque excellent. This is a perfect bike for me and am looking forward to a fun summer of cycling. I enjoy your videos, thanks for sharing.
You are very good at explaining how everything works. I injoy your videos and ride alongs it has made me want to get outside and ride myself. thank you.
Looks nice. On the NFC cards, they really should make it something you can add to your Apple Wallet or Android equivalent where you can tap your phone. I wouldn’t want to carry that card, but I always have my phone with me, and that’s a better option as far as I’m concerned. It is nice they made it IPX6 waterproof. That’s definitely something manufacturers should focus on. As far as locks go, especially on a commuter bike like this, I’d like to see more manufacturers do a Dutch style rear wheel lock built into the bike. Having it locked up electronically is one thing, but it would be nice if they had a really simple security solution in terms of an integrated physical lock as well. People could obviously pick the bike up if you didn’t also have it chained, but all security is mostly a matter of deference. If somebody can’t turn the bike on and can’t pedal it, that’s probably enough to deter 99% of quick pop into the store kinds of situations and you wouldn’t need to carry any additional locks besides what the bike has built in.
Russ, Thanks so much for this review! I had been begging for it. It's a shame about the lack of torque you noticed in your hill test. I'll keep an eye out to find any reason for it. Otherwise, seems like a real nice commuter Ebike.
my guess is the Radster only hits 9mph up the hill test because Rad still limits the maximum power output to 750W. It may be torquey, But 750W will only get you up the hill so fast. It does pretty good for only 750W. Some of those bikes you compare it against are probably using twice that much. I like the look of it!
Yup, torque affects how quickly you accelerate (to terminal or capped speed) and ability to overcome a slope (torque/radius of tire = force exerted against the ground, force needed to overcome a slope = total weight (mass * gravity) * sin(slope in degrees), force/mass = acceleration). Power, assuming you’ve enough torque to overcome a slope, informs you of your terminal speed (speed = power/total forces you’re working against).
RAD Power Bikes got $154 million in funding from Fidelity and another venture cap and they still can't make a battery design that doesn't STICK OUT? I think they spend more on marketing than design. My 2 cents... Xlnt review as always!
Russ, you are one lucky guy to have such a variety of ebikes to ride. Yes, I know you work for them but you are one lucky guy. I have a question about the reported torque. I believe torque is reported independent of the batteries' discharge rate. To put it more simply, the battery in your bike can't keep up with the demand for current placed on it by the motor. This is my guess. Have fun!
I like the 750 watt motor and 29" wheels - but If its not gunna get you up a steep hill faster, then what's the point? Also, I can only ride a cruiser, low step thru type so it having the Trip thru wud along with the slightly lean forward riding position wud discourage me from getting it. I wish you cud show getting on and off this bike and have someone show you riding it to see how you can sit. As always I can only depend on these 3rd party reviews and appreciate your non-bias, detailed reviews. TBH - I like Euphree Robin city but not the 500 watt motor
GPS isn't necessarily accurate either. I sometimes ride with 3 GPS units (phone, Apple Watch, GPS bike computer) and they always record different speeds and distances.
Rad-Mini just passed 1000 miles. Bike looks to ride nice, would look better with an integrated battery 29 inch tires?? What app is that speedometer on that you used for the hull test?
Russ you are one of the best influencers that I follow. Think about this. I have about three hours extra a day. A 45 minute video is almost 1/3 of my free time. I think you can give the same info in 10 to 12 minutes.
Still healing, still sore, and OMG, the brusie has grown. From my rigth knee to half way up my thigh is black and blue. I'm still determined to go to Pine Grove Cemetary, but by road, it is 30.6 miles each way. That means the only way to get their is by braving Holly Springs Road. The next time, I'll be aware of the hazards. I have a helmet, but never wear it, gloves are on the wish list, and I've just added knee pads to it. I'm going to make the knee pads my nuimber two priority. It is going to take a couple weeks for my knees to heal up enough to go on another adventurous ride, a ride with the thrill of danger. 60 years old, and I still haven't learned. I got scolded by my nurse yeaterday after she saw my knee. It is pretty ugly. She said, I should have gone to the ER right away. Yesterday I worked out some of the stiffness, and the pain has deminished a bit, but not enough to walk any distance. My next trip, I may wear knee pads, but probably nothing else. More likely, I'll remember this incident, and wear long pants, unless it is another hot day. Then less is best.
@@RussIsRight I'm laughing about it. What doesn't kill me, makes me stronger. I can't fly like Superman, not from lack of trying, and I'm not made of steel, but I am built tough, old school. I finished the last repair, repainting the brake levers, this morning. My bike is charged up and ready to go. It is waiting on me. My next ride probably won'g be on Holly Springs Road, but rest assured, it is on my short list. I'll beat it next time.
Beautiful designed QUALITY bike Russ. Rad upped its game with numerous improvements (display, design, hub motor) to compete with today's standards. They were unchanged for awhile. Surprised they only offered a 48V 15ah battery as most now have the 60V 20ah. I think Mrs.Right will keep her Pedego with the second battery and instruct you to sell the Rad. I'd keep the UPDATED Rad and sell something else tho😂
It is because of lawsuits that the little packets of dessicant, found in various packaging, have, "Do Not Eat" written on them. I had a Rad City Step-thru in Dallas and took it all over town; great bike lanes/paths. I retired to Bangkok and I don't think Rad ships to Thailand or I would get this model. The upgrades are everything i had wanted.
Nice review. I generally use PAS 2 sometimes 3 and id agree that you lose about 15% to 25% in PAS 2-3 depending upon your pedaling. My take away is that people will sue you at a drop of a hat and people in general are incapable of accepting any responsibility themselves. Interestingly my Mokwheel Obsidian allowed me to set a 40 mph throttle only setting. I've tested it to 30 mph I don't want to burn out my motor.
.. Torque versus Cadence sensor .. I'm all for Options and if they can integrate both sensors into one (or installing both) that's the best way and everyone wins!
Enjoyed the review. I like the overall design of this bike. Agree with you, it's an ideal commuter but surprised as well with hill speed in relation to torque ratings. Hill speeds would not be a deal breaker if I was considering a purchase. Was I hearing a tire rub squeak on fender in your video or just something as simple as a basket jiggle? I' m just curious. Cheers
The trip over bar is too high. It makes it not a step thru. Bad design. The display with only unit number, no decimal again bad design. Thanks for the review.
It is not so bad. We put the Pedego step thru next to the Rad and it actually is very similar in how high you need to lift your leg up to get over it. These are more considered a mid step deign which of course is much higher than a true mid step. Either way, it can be done but definitely not easy. The display screen… yeah, a decimal place for tenth of a mile is better.
You tuber Don claims that the govt will adopt European standards for e bikes, so only Class 1 will be allowed in the USA. No throttles. I hope it doesn't get to that extreme.
My class 1 ebike has a nasty habit of disabling peddle assist if I continue peddling pas 20mph. To continue, I must turn off the bike and restart it. It's a real nuisance.
