Rad Power Bikes is hard at work revamping its existing lineup of top-selling e-bikes and pushing out new models with never-before-seen features.
Their latest release includes two (albeit similar) models named the Radster Road and Radster Trail.
These e-bikes bring new and exciting features to the brand’s portfolio, such as torque sensors, higher-torque motors, and better LCD displays with smart functionalities.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is Rad Power Bikes’ Safe Shield technology designed to make their batteries fire resistant.
We talk about that and more in detail below.
Contents
Rad Power Bikes Radster Spec Overview
Rad Power Bikes has created the Radster as an addition to their already popular RadCity Plus and RadRover Plus commuter and fat-tire e-bikes.
The Radster Road and Radster Trail e-bikes are similar to these existing models in function, but very different in the features and technology they offer.
First of all, the two Radster models are designed for urban and light off-road riding (respectively) and come with some clever smart features that haven’t been seen on other Rad Power Bikes’ models so far.
The two Radster versions (Road and Trail) are pretty much identical in all areas except for the wheels, tires, handlebars, and a few accessories.
For the first time, we can see hub motors combined with smooth torque sensors and higher-capacity fire-proof batteries. The Radster e-bikes are also the first ones to get handy turn signals and an additional layer of security with a keycard fob or password lock.
These are also Rad Power Bikes’ first models capable of class 3 speeds, though the actual class setting is adjustable through the menu, so you can change it based on your needs and preferences.
Finally, though the looks may not be as important, we feel that the Radster e-bikes are some of the best Rad Power Bikes has made looks-wise so far. All of that for just $2,199.
Key Specifications:
- Motor: Rear hub 750W, 100 Nm torque
- Battery: 48V 15Ah, 720 Wh Safe Shield
- Range: 25-65 miles
- Charge time: 7.5 hours
- Top speed: 28 MPH (Class 1, 2, or 3)
- Weight capacity: 320 lb (Road), 370 lb (Trail)
- Weight: 74.5 lb (Road), 77.5 lb (Trail)
- Drivetrain: Shimano 8-Speed
- Brakes: Tektro dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes
- Tires: 29″ x 2.2″ (Road), 27.5″ x 3.0″ (Trail)
- Accessories: Fenders, rear rack, lights, turn signals, kickstand, chainguard (Road)…
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Detailed Rad Power Bikes Radster Review
Unique Radster Road and Trail Builds
First of all, let’s zoom in on the two individual Radster models to see what their intended uses and main differences are.
The two builds are made on the same platform with very small differences in terms of geometry and overall setup.
The main differences can be seen in terms of wheels, tires, and handlebars, with a few additional differences regarding the choice of accessories. Each is available in two frame sizes—Regular and Large.
The Radster Road and Trail models share a core design but feature wheel, tire, handlebar, and accessory differences tailored for their intended uses.
The Road version comes with large and pavement-friendly 29″ x 2.2″ sleek tires that feel fast and smooth on city streets and roads.
On the other hand, the Trail model comes with beefier 27.5″ x 3.0″ tires that offer more stability and better handling on gravel roads and off-road trails.
When it comes to the handlebars, the Radster Road has slightly sweptback handlebars for a comfortable upright riding position, whereas the Radster Trail features straighter and wider BMX-style bars for better maneuverability off-road.
Finally, the Road model has a chainguard to keep your pants from getting stained when commuting and the fenders are slightly different. Other than that, everything else is pretty much the same.
100 Nm Torque-Sensing Motor
One of the game-changing features that the Radster e-bikes boast is the new and improved 750W rear hub motor.
Almost all Rad Power Bikes come with a 750W rear hub motor, but this time, instead of 60 Nm, the Radster e-bikes offer 100 Nm of power.
This means that the Radster is more powerful, which is especially noticeable when climbing or riding fully loaded.
Another noticeable distinction is the torque sensor, which makes the ride smooth and natural and helps extend the battery range.
These are the main reasons why the Radster is now capable of achieving Class 3 28 mph speeds, though you can set it up to comply with the other e-bike classes as well.
Fire-Resistant 720 Wh Batteries
One of the features that is perhaps most impressive on the new Radster electric bikes is the 720 Wh batteries with the ‘Safe Shield Advanced’ technology, as Rad Power Bikes has named it.
This is a big step forward toward preventing battery-related e-bike fires and improving fire safety.
In short, each individual cell within the battery pack is encased in a fire-resistant thermal barrier that prevents thermal runaway. If one cell overheats and catches fire, the likelihood of neighboring cells also catching fire is much lower compared to conventional batteries.
In addition to that, the new batteries now have more capacity (720 Wh) and offer a longer 65-mile maximum range thanks to torque sensors and better motor efficiency.
The only disadvantage is the 7.5-hour charging time, which can be improved if Rad Power Bikes upgrades its slower 2 Amp charger to a faster 3 Amp one.
Good-Value Componentry
The Rad Power Bikes Radster electric bikes have a decent set of components, but nothing stands out in particular.
The bike is powered by an 8-speed Shimano Altus rear derailleur which comes paired with reliable Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.
While these components won’t blow anyone away, they are the most common choice on similar bikes in this price category. Therefore, you get good value for your money.
The freewheel has an 11-34T range and comes paired with a 50T crankset. This means that there’s a decent choice of gears, though the easiest 34T x 50T gear is not that low. However, as you’ll only be using it when climbing steep hills, you’ll probably have the pedal assistance cranked up to the max, so that doesn’t matter too much.
Both the Road and the Trail models also feature an SR Suntour 80mm travel suspension fork, which is sufficient for light graveling and off-roading.
Features and Accessories
What we like the most about the Radster is all the tech features and accessories that Rad Power Bikes chose to include.
First of all, you get a large centrally mounted LCD screen that is easy to read in bright sunlight and lets you keep track of important ride info. You also get a keycard fob that you can use to unlock the bike by pressing it against the screen, or you can simply use a pin code. This adds an important additional layer of safety when you leave the bike unattended.
In addition, Rad Power Bikes also equipped the Radster with bright headlights and rear lights that have stoplight and turn signal functionalities. If you ride around the city frequently, these features will come in very handy.
Finally, you also get a rear rack to carry panniers or a child seat, fenders to keep water and dirt away on wet days, and a kickstand for quick stops. Of course, you can also retrofit additional accessories to personalize your Radster and make it more suitable for your needs.
Final Thoughts About the Radster
To sum up, Rad Power Bikes is taking some risks and freshening things up with the new Radster models.
The main highlights about these bikes include powerful 100 Nm torque-sensing rear hub motors that run smoothly, quietly, and climb easily even on steep hills.
These e-bikes are also faster compared to all previous models from the brand, capable of 28 mph Class 3 speeds.
The Radster shows Rad Power Bikes’ bold new direction, offering powerful motors, enhanced safety, and smart features.
However, the real game-changer is Rad’s Safe Shield battery technology that significantly lowers the risk of e-bike fires.
We also like the addition of turn signals, the keycard lock feature, and a better range. Though we think the bikes could be lighter and the suspension on the Radster Trail could be a bit better.
All in all, if you love Rad Power Bikes’ approach to building e-bikes or you’re simply looking for an affordable choice with a great value for the money, the Radster is the way to go.
Rad Power Bikes Radster
$2,199
Pros
- Powerful 100 Nm motor with torque sensing
- Safe Shield fire-resistant batteries
- Longer range than on other Rad Power Bikes models
- Excellent accessories
- Phenomenal overall value
Cons
- Slow charging times
- Same 80mm fork on both models
