RadTrike review: Testing out Rad Power Bikes electric 3-wheeler 

Just took my new RadTrike bike for its maiden voyage on a 17 mile paved rail-to-trail bike path - it performed excellently even in the turns. One issue I've noticed (because I have mobility issues and can't pedal much - yet) is that the battery will drain quicker than if you only depend on the throttle alone instead of power assist. No big deal as I had plenty of power to get me back (thus the extra battery just in case). I bought the large cargo carrier (and bag) for the back and medium basket for the front and I loaded up on all sorts of gear such as large first aid kit, the extra battery, water, food items, repair tools, fix-a-flat tubes, variable weather gear (which came in VERY handy due to changing weather conditions on the ride including RAIN) - overall, my first trial run went quite well. (I also had able-bodied individuals help me load the TRIKE on/off my truck which is helpful because it is quite heavy.) As my fitness level is a long-term program in the making, I will use my trike every chance I get. Helps with depression too - turn off the TV, get off the couch and out of the house! I put on a helmet (of course), reflective vest and a flag pole with a bright orange warning flag at the top (using special attachments - you want to be SEEN). I bought a smart phone carrier (actually use the classic iPod), hooked it up to a small external speaker device and listened to music and podcasts as I rode. Highly recommended especially for those with mobility, mental health, weight and cardiac issues. This will change your world around at your own pace. The price and design of this trike is well every single dollar I spent on it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

This is by far one of the greatest reviews I've ever seen for anything on RU-vid. Thank you so much for doing this. I feel like I've already own one of these.

As someone who struggles with balance, the M340 has given me the freedom and independence to get around without worry.

Lectric won already and when they finally come out with a 750w version of their XP line it'd game over.

Lectric just released info on their trike and it's starting at $1499. I think Rad may be in trouble.

EXCELLENT review! thanks!

Def a sweet trike. However, my money went to the 'Lectric Trike' due to price/value, better quality components, excellent design & weight, and rear/mid-drive power with a differential like your car - while still maintaining a super-low center of gravity that literally turns on a dime. They both top out at about 14mph - but the Lectric rear-wheel drive does not spin out like front-wheel drive trikes.

I have my fingers crossed that lectric does a better job with their trike then rad did with this thing, get review as always love your content keep up the good work

Nice bike and great review. Looks like you’re allowed to ride on the sidewalks where your at, not something that we’re allowed to do where I am staying. This one looks like it has mounts for a front rack. I think I’ll wait until 1/13 before I make any decisions on whether and what to buy.

Waiting for your review on the Lectrik e-bike. Think they may be eating a rad’s lunch.

that rear right wheel was wobbling hard!

I'll wait for the Lectric trike

That rear right is wobbling all over the place! What did you do to it, Micah?

Rad seems to exist to make Lectric look good.

Ngl I love passing up non-electric bikes on my ebikes and scooters :)

Would like to know how this compares to a Worksman eTrike?

I bet the price will come down quickly. The excitement over this introduction might have been the shortest of any product I know. Rad needed some industrial espionage at Lectric.

Thanks for posting yes price too high for me

Lectric has already made this rad trike obsolete. D'Oh!

Mikee looks like the rear right wheel needs to be trued up!

Wait until you see the new Lectric trike for $1000 less.

Perfect

When you are not using the motor, do the pedals drive one rear wheel or both rear wheels?. Doesn't look like its a differential so perhaps a freewheel in each rear hub?.

Lectric trike at $1500 ? No way they can maintain that $2500 pricing

I was excited when I heard about this, but I was really hoping for 2 wheels in front like a Bunch Bike, or a 2-wheeled cargo box bike like an Urban Arrow. Cargo box bikes are pretty expensive and I'd like to see more competition and innovation there.

We purchased this Vivi 27.5” electric bike and a Tentaquil 26” electric bike for our 13 and 14 year olds. ru-vid.comUgkxUiL0GnyDjP32RJdd660sP8mZk4CRLTCJ The Vivi was much easier to put together. With the Vivi, there was a video link to assist with assembly which made the process easier to follow (we did put the handlebars on upside down, but it was a quick and easy fix). With the Tentaquil, the assembly was not as simple to follow, but after we messaged the company for an assembly video, it was easier and they did respond quickly. The other major differences were that the Vivi has a grip throttle on the right handle (like a motorcycle) and the Tentaquil has a push throttle that you use your thumb to activate. The monitors were also different, so if you’re looking for something specific in terms of changing the bikes functions, pay attention to what the monitor offers. We were really impressed with the overall quality and functionality of both bikes, but if you’re looking for more power and an easier assembly, definitely go with the Vivi!

Left axle nut LOLz . wonder if Rad will be dropping price since Lectric be like "IN Yo FACE !" 💥🏀

Lectric doesnt include reverse and they said they didnt see the need for it.?

nice idea but in Canada we are only allowed to have 500 what e bikes

Is there a differential on the rear axle?

I see most buying this putting in a suspension seat post.

You rear right rim appears to be bent or warped

I test rode a Rad Trike and was very disappointed on it. My main complaint was the seat. Very uncomfortable.

This trike is now on sale for $1899 does that make a difference?

Check ot 3score they are comming out with reverse

i want one

Wow

Got mine under 1700

It is an interesting setup, and though some may question the rear brakes, it does eliminate a cable or hydraulic line from front to back. A hydraulic brake would have been nice, and a torque sensor even nicer, and the battery size has me scratching my head. However, I suspect the primary use of a trike would be for short errands and trips to the store, not group rides or excursions though the countryside. The Lectric XP Trike comes out at a much lower price point, AND with hydraulic brakes, but it's possible that Lectric is intentionally undercutting others at the loss of their own profits. One thing I can say is the Lectric save money on research and development. The Rad was designed from the ground up as a trike, while I have to say as an engineer that the Lectric was adapted to a trike version. Notice that most of the photos have the rider's foot hiding the drivetrain? That's because they pulled a hub motor out of the parts bin and used it, and you can even see the holes where the spokes are supposed to be. A rear differential is nice, but not complicated. I designed one in grade school. I can pretty much guarantee that the Lectric will have better traction in snow, but the Rad will be more maneuverable. Easy way to find out is to turn the front wheel completely sideways on both trikes, and hit the throttle. Thanks for the review, and it would be interesting to compare them side by side, especially with a hill climb. A long hill climb 😉

needs to be geared. at least 7 gears. being a single gear and 16 inch tires you have to peddle like crazy all the time

Good video my dude. This is good if you live in a retirement community in FL. Owning a trike in the past... the main problem is where are you going to store it? You really can not store it in the back of your garage because then you have to back your car up to get it out. Same thing if you store it in the front. You either need a dedicated spot for it or its own garage spot. Still they are lots of fun and maybe it is time to let go of that car.

you would get a better E-trike ,with more power and a stronger body if you get an American Made Worksman E-trike ....i own a P.A.V. 3 model and it can carry 600 lbs....and it was cheaper then this one

Hill performance?

2500 is out of date, they will not sell many. There focus group are retired Floridians.

Of the 4 ebikes I have owned, the RadTrike is by far the most disappointing. I discovered a design flaw during my first ride. The clearance between the pedals and the frame is insuffient. In order to pedal without having the heal of my shoe contnually catching on the back frame, it is necessary that I peddle using my instep opposed to the ball of my foot. A significanf flaw in a bike lauded for being designed from the "ground up". I discovered the second flaw after a week of riding. The back chain sprocket assembly has a sprocket that, instead of being part of the bar attaching it to the bike, is a seperate, moveable part using a simple hex bolt to keep it in place using friction between the bolt and the bar. An absurd design given the bar is subject to continual vibration that loosens the bolt making it necessary to tighten it repeatedly to prevent the chain from coming off. A purchase I deeply regret.

For one extra tire and single speed, are charging 1,300 more than a two wheeled e bike. Sometimes stuff don't add up right. Too much money sorry Rad . I like the company they need too rethink the suggested retail price.

Great video, I'll soon be in the e trike market, but definitely not this one, it's not very pretty, lacks many features and the color options are very limited. Fortunately, price isn't an issue for me, so I'm looking at other options.

Two wheels should be in the front, not the back. It’s safer and less likely to flip.

Kind of barebones design. I didn’t like the small 18” wheels. Short crank arms is a huge disadvantage. That trike might suite an elderly woman that wants to get out and about in the fresh air…

Rad shipping these huge bikes with crappy breaks is a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Rad is nuts with that $2500 price. They must need it more than customers do, right?

Black Friday 1299.00.😊

Bmx bars shit ya finally

1st. Trikes are more fun when you can ride sitting in a very low position

Sorry, but again like you I am Disappointed. When I first heard that Rad was Designing a Trike I got very excited! Again I am a 72 Yr old man with diabetes and extreme problems standing up without assistance. This bike was such a letdown. Thank for your honesty…

Lectric Trike is the better option and only $1500. Bigger tires, bigger motor, bigger battery and best of all both front and REAR hydraulic brakes. The rad power rear coaster brake is a joke.

I hate trikes with two wheels in the rear. They are too unstable on a turn to be fun. It is a recipe for disaster.

all your Links are broken damnit

junk

We purchased this Vivi 27.5” electric bike and a Tentaquil 26” electric bike for our 13 and 14 year olds. ru-vid.comUgkxUiL0GnyDjP32RJdd660sP8mZk4CRLTCJ The Vivi was much easier to put together. With the Vivi, there was a video link to assist with assembly which made the process easier to follow (we did put the handlebars on upside down, but it was a quick and easy fix). With the Tentaquil, the assembly was not as simple to follow, but after we messaged the company for an assembly video, it was easier and they did respond quickly. The other major differences were that the Vivi has a grip throttle on the right handle (like a motorcycle) and the Tentaquil has a push throttle that you use your thumb to activate. The monitors were also different, so if you’re looking for something specific in terms of changing the bikes functions, pay attention to what the monitor offers. We were really impressed with the overall quality and functionality of both bikes, but if you’re looking for more power and an easier assembly, definitely go with the Vivi!