Has anyone seen this?  This is not the layoffs in April where they cut 14% of their staff and closed their mobile bike service...  This is new layoffs!  The beginning of the end for Rad?

https://www.geekwire.com/2022/rad-power-bikes-cuts-about-10-of-staff-citing-economic-uncertainty-and-rising-operating-costs/

I bought it from Electro Bike World.  It's the 48 - 60v 750w Bafang geared rear hub motor listed on their site for $262.99.  I bought it for my RadCity 5 but I wasn't paying attention and the City has a totally different motor and housing than the RadRover.  I didn't even cut the zip ties off the wire because it was obvious that it wouldn't fit.  I'll sell it for $200 cash if anyone near Killeen, TX wants to buy it.

Well the warranty on my RadCity 5 is going to run out in a few months so I figure it's time to prepare for upgrades.  The first part actually came in sooner than I expected.  I was expecting a two month wait.

It's the "true 750 watt" Befang motor.  I've seen quite a few videos showing this going on a RadRover 6 but I don't think I've seen one for the RadCity 5.  Of course I know I have to take it out of the casing but has anyone here upgraded the motor on their RadCity 5?  The hub looks a little different but I hope there are no issues with it fitting.

Will there be any difference in power or noise with everything else stock?

I couldn't figure out how to insert a photo so I attached it

If you want to know what the non bike riding general public (The vast majority of people) thinks of e-bikes you should read some of the responses to the Pinellas County Trail survey.  I feel as a group we really need get it together and do our very best when it comes to representing e-bikes to the public.  This is a relatively new technology and peoples first instinct is fear. 

https://www.opentownhall.com/portals/255/Issue_11723

I love my RadCity 5 but it has this minor problem where while I'm pedaling or giving it throttle the speedometer works but when I stop pedaling or using throttle the speedometer will go down to 0. It's like there has to be power going to the motor for the speedometer to work

I messaged Rad about it and they replied quickly saying it likely was either a loose connection or the speed sensor in the motor was bad.  They said check the connections and if it's still bad let them know and they will send me a new motor.  Well the next day I went for a ride and it acted normal again with the speedometer working so I thought it fixed itself.

Me being busy working and cold weather (Yeah I know lame excuses LOL) meant I didn't ride it for a month or so.  I get back to riding and it's doing the same thing.  I unplug and replug the connectors and they seem tight but it's still doing it so I replied to the same email that the problem is back and I checked the connectors.  A different guy replies and says it's the display.  I replied that just to be clear it's showing a speed but just a 0 instead of the speed I was going but he understood that.  It seemed weird to me because I would think a bad display wouldn't display anything but they know more than me about their bikes.  He said they're sending out a new display for me.

Well fast forward about a week and there's a package on my door from Rad!  I was excited and opened it up getting ready to replace the display but it looks different than the current one on my bike.  It has a toggle switch and a screw in connector but none of my connectors look like that.  I attached a photo.

So I'm guessing they sent me a display for a different model Rad or perhaps the RadCity 5 comes with different displays depending on when it was made? I'm sure they'll exchange it though.

Do y'all think a new display is going to fix it or was the first guy right?  Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated!

I just upgraded from the Rad Premium headlight to this Lezyne headlight.  I’ve seen some people post that they’ve upgraded their headlight and due to the high current draw it burned out the headlight circuit on the controller.  I suspect this is because they were using one that put out 1000 lm or maybe one for the incorrect voltage. You must get the high voltage model.  This one is rated at 500 lm.

So far no problems with it drawing too much current.  It’s listed as 7.5 watts.  I’m not sure how this compares with Rad headlights since I’ve been unable to find specs.  I charged the battery fully just to make sure that when it’s at maximum voltage everything is still good.


I took some pictures of the Lezyne headlight, the Rad Premium headlight and my Niterider 300 lm rechargeable for comparison.  There are two pictures of the Rad Premium where I aimed it further out in one.  I attached the pictures but it's not showing in preview so they might not show up in the post.  Perhaps since I'm a new member photo attachments aren't allowed?  I will say the Lezyne headlight is a significant upgrade over either Rad headlight

My issue with the Rad Premium headlight is you get this dead zone then the super bright spotlight. It would be a bit harsh of me to call it unusable because I could use it if I’m careful, but the beam pattern is nowhere near as good as most bicycle lights. That’s unfortunate because I think it’s the best looking bicycle headlight I’ve seen.

This modification requires removing the plug off the Rad headlight and soldering it to the wires coming from the Lezyne.  With some heat shrink tubing and dielectric grease to keep water out it will look nice and you won’t have to worry about shorts.  This was my first attempt at soldering anything but if you’re a bit worried buy some cheap wire and practice first.  It just takes two alligator clips and a vise or someway to hold the wires while you solder.

I posted this on Facebook but I figured it might be more useful to people here.  If I missed anything or you have questions please ask.  I wish I had this information before I just did it thinking “what’s the worst that can happen”

Edit so it only posted one picture‍♂️.  I'll try to reply with the others.

This is my first ebike and I'm super excited!  I got my RadCity 5 Plus in today, assembled it, and went for a short ride.  I wanted to share my thoughts as a new person to ebikes and maybe get some input from the knowledgeable people here.  Sorry if this is becomes too wordy!

The box was freaking huge!  That poor FedEx lady looked like she was going to die carrying it.  When I got it in I took pictures of all four sides as suggested by Rad bikes.  Then I cut the tape on the top and thought how am I going to get this out.  I didn't want to cut up the box in case it was damaged and I needed it for return so I carefully leaned it on something and pulled it out at an angle.  Nothing was damaged at least nothing I found yet

Assembly was easy but not as easy as in the video.  That trick where he kicks away the stand and easily drops the fork on the wheel... Yeah I couldn't do that especially since it has you doing it before tightening the handlebars.  I ended up turning it upside down (on carpet) then putting the wheel on that way.  The only other thing I thought was weird was they said insert the quick release on the brake rotor side.  I've seen videos saying you should do the opposite but since Rad made a point to say do it that specific way that's what I did.  Other than setting the kickstand down on my foot it went off without a problem. 


I took it for a ride but it was dark so I had to cut it short due to the headlight being pretty much a daytime running light.  I couldn't see it illuminating anything in front of me.  It's not an issue though because I ordered the premium headlight and just waiting on the post office to deliver it.  I suspect most people don't ride at night so I can't fault Rad for not putting a more expensive headlight on because it would be a waste.  At least they give the option to buy it. 

I tried power level 0-2 and it was not bad.  Even on power level 0 without the assist I had no problems pedaling it.  I could ride it to the store like that.  On 1 I definitely could feel the help and 2 seemed a bit more peppy and maybe it went a little faster.  I'll have a better feel of it tomorrow because I plan to take it out after the battery does it 12 hour charge thing.  I think I'll love the upright riding position once I get used to it.  It feels like you're riding one of those old school bicycles and I really like the look and feel!

I forgot about the bell.  I noticed it would ring a little when I hit a bump.  Is this normal or does it need adjusting or something?

The charger gets very hot like holding a hot cup of coffee hot.  I put a fan on it so now it's cool.  I read somewhere that it's only the first few times it does this.

Sorry for the rambling and please delete if not allowed.  I just wanted to share my thoughts as someone who never had an ebike or even that style of bike before.  Any advice or suggestions are more than welcome!