I've been doing a lot of digging recently on the competitive landscape for ebikes, particularly the direct to consumer brands. I am finding very few options that are compelling compared to Rad Power Bikes. I'm curious what other brands folks considered buying before they landed on a Rad. For me I place a high value on customer support and having confidence that the company is going to be in business for the long haul.

Figured we needed a new thread for pictures this year. Here is a photo from my trip where I hoped the snow would be clear. Going to hit 50 tomorrow though!

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Just got an email from Rad. Looks like perhaps some updates to the RadRunner...a RadRunner Plus model perhaps? Front suspension and the rear seat looks different. Any others have thoughts?

Bolton Ebikes just posted this helpful video for folks looking to potentially upgrade. Answers a lot of things I was curious about myself even though I don't plan to make any modifications anytime soon. One thing though I found really interesting is he's apparently working on a 1500 watt direct drive motor upgrade for the RadCity and RadWagon. That would be super fun to try out 

Note if you are interested Rjbur007 from the forum has a great thread on the controller upgrade for the RadWagon: https://www.radowners.com/index.php/topic,138.0.html

Bolton Ebikes video on controller and motor upgrades:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lgsg5lQQts

I have yet to see anything apparent as far as inventory issues but I have to imagine some electric bike companies will be impacted. Just a public service announcement that if you want an ebike for spring you may want to consider ordering one now just in case.

Hi all, I am going to be doing a video in the coming weeks on the RadRover Step-Thru which is the brand new model for 2020. Curious if anyone had any specific questions about the bike that they would like addressed. So far I have only ridden my Wagon and I've never been on a fat tire bike so I can't wait to check it out. 

I'm curious what the most popular Rad Power Bikes model is. I've allowed a max of two votes per user so those with multiple can mark them. Once you vote you can see the results. I have my guess of which Rad is the most popular but we'll see if I'm right! Feel free to share why you chose the specific model below and if you'd change your mind after owning it.

Recently someone asked about the pros and cons of each model offered by Rad Power Bikes. For those completely new to electric bikes or maybe bikes generally it would be helpful to have some sense of the key benefits of each before they decide which model to buy. This is going to be the topic of my latest video but I wanted to see if others had any thoughts in addition to the ones I have below. I am trying to keep it objective and simple, avoiding things that might be pros for some types of riders and cons for others (i.e. the RadRunner is a smaller bike and is great for perhaps people who are shorter, but might not be suitable for someone very tall). Note that none of the cons should be seen as deal breakers, I think there is a use case for every model. I did endless research before I decided to buy our RadWagon. Appreciate any additional thoughts!

RadRunner (65 lbs)

Pros:
Cheaper price point
Built in rack (passenger and cargo)
Higher torque

Cons:
No LCD (Upgrade available)
No front suspension
Single speed
Not as common tire size
Fenders cost extra

RadWagon (73 lbs)

Pros:
Built in rack (passenger and cargo)
Lower step but not step-thru
Regenerative braking

Cons:
Long
Lower torque than all other models (same as RadCity)
No front suspension

RadRover (Step-thru 71 lbs, Standard 69 lbs)

Pros:
Step-thru option
Best for off-road
Best in snow
Stability of fat tires
Front suspension

Cons:
Rack adds additional cost
More rolling resistance with fat tires

RadMini (Step-thru 69 lbs, Standard 67 lbs)

Pros:
Step-Thru option
Foldable
Stable with fat tires/ability to go off road

Cons:
Rack adds additional cost
Not as common tire size

RadCity (Step-thru 65 lbs, Standard 64 lbs)

Pros:
Step-thru option
Integrated rack for cargo or child passenger only with Thule Yepp Maxi
Most approachable if already used to a standard bike
Regenerative braking
Front suspension

Cons:
Lower torque than all other models (same as RadWagon)

Thought I'd throw this out there. We're looking for a used Thule Yepp Maxi child seat for our RadWagon. We always prefer to buy used first so if anyone has one their child has outgrown let me know!

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I thought this was interesting. For $99 you can upgrade your RadRunner to have the same display as the other models:

https://bit.ly/3771IYC

I am guessing the new models will be announced early 2020. I was perusing the website today and saw that the 2019 RadRovers are sold out and have a "Stay Tuned" picture. On the RadMini it states "Inventory on this model is low. Once the 2019 RadMini is gone, it's gone for good! Buy now!".

If I see anything else I'll post it here! I'm excited to see what is in store.

Hi all, I decided to create an accompanying YouTube channel for the forum. I am hoping in time I can produce some interesting videos, product videos etc.

Here is my first video. If you like it please subscribe to the channel and I'll be sure to keep the videos coming. Let me know If you have any feedback or ideas for different videos you'd like to see!



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I am attempting to revive our monthly picture threads but also just wanted to share a cool picture of my RadWagon as I rode off to volleyball this evening. Around 30 degrees and yes the white stuff is snow [emoji1]

Anyone else still out riding?

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We live in Wisconsin and have in the past tucked the bike away for winter. With our Wagon now surpassing 3,000 miles I feel like it is officially broken in and well used. I no longer cringe if I scrape against a curb or worry about other wear and tear. So for this winter I decided to shop for some studded tires. They aren't cheap and I did a lot of price comparison shopping both to get the best deal and share with other Rad owners. I plan to post my thoughts when I get mine installed but for other RadWagon or RadCity owners here are some good options (Sorry Mini, Rover & Runner owners, perhaps someone who owns those will chime in too!)

It's worth noting that the stock tires on the Wagon and City are 26x2.3 and Rad wouldn't give me a definite answer on how narrow you can go on the stock rims. They only stated, "Plus or minus a little could work, but we've only tested them at 2.3" and to contact your local professional bike mechanic. Obviously you'll start to have clearance issues if you go wider. Since I am my appointed professional bike mechanic I made the decision to try out some 2" tires. I was slightly concerned about clearance on the 2.35" wide Kendas below but I imagine they would have probably worked.

It seems that Schwalbe and Kenda have the most affordable studded tires as studded tires can easily reach into the $100's per tire.

I purchased the Schwalbe Marathon Winter Plus HS 396 Studded Mountain Bicycle Tire 26x2 - Wire Bead on a listing that had limited stock on Amazon.

Here is the link in case there are any left. I paid $62 per tire: https://amzn.to/2XnvNyi

You can also purchase them on the Amazon listing below though I would recommend going to 365 Cycles' website directly to get a little better pricing from buying direct. It appears that there is a slight variation between the two with one being the winter "plus". More info here:
https://www.bikeforums.net/winter-cycling/1157508-new-schwalbe-marathon-winter-plus-vs-marathon-winter.html

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Kyo8I1
365 Cycles: https://365cycles.com/products/schwalbe-marathon-winter-tire-26x2-0-wire-w-reflective-sidewall-and-raceguard?variant=19347679871043

Here are the Kenda Klondikes which are slightly wider than the stock tires at 2.35". REI had the best price and you may be able to save more if you are a REI member:

https://bit.ly/3yAXLrp

Stay tuned for my experience with the studded tires (maybe even a video!) once they arrive and if you've used these or other brands please share your knowledge!

I'm really curious what others are planning to do for Black Friday. Depending on the sale do you plan to buy a 2019 model or wait for 2020? I'm considering a Runner just depending on the price point but might hold off for now to see what 2020 brings. As soon as I know what the deals are I'll post them in this thread.

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Just a reminder for us folks in the colder regions who don't plan to ride their bike over the winter months - keep your battery at around 75% charged. More details here: https://radpowerbikes.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002717094-Long-Term-Battery-Storage

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I had these cool stickers made up and am reserving them for the largest contributors to the forum. In November I'll look at who has the most posts and get in touch to send you a free sticker. I realize this is a small thing and it's *only* a sticker but I truly appreciate those that have participated on the forum and I look forward to growing the community. Ride Rad!

-Ryan

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Yesterday someone asked me on Twitter (follow me here: https://twitter.com/radowners) recommendations for bringing children along on the RadWagon. Since my wife and I are expecting a child in the next month I thought I'd share my thoughts.

The obvious choice is the Thule Yepp Maxi Seat which works off the shelf with the RadWagon: https://amzn.to/358o76h

Thule advertises it will fit children from 9 months to 6 years old. Note that the Thule Yepp Maxi Seat will also fit other Rad bikes, but in some cases you need the rear rack. More details here: https://bit.ly/2XEYGrA

Since the Maxi Seat will actually fit in Rad's Caboose I'd probably purchase that at the same time as well since it can also be used once the kids are old enough to sit without the Maxi Seat. You'll also want to be sure to have rear deck pads and my recommendation would be to make some yourself. Having purchased the Rad Rear Deck Pad a year and a half ago we've found that over time it just doesn't provide enough cushion. The downside of course is this setup is quite expensive, $400 for the pair. Thus we've been keeping an eye out for the Thule Yepp Maxi Seat on the used market.

We've also considered using a child trailer which we've also used for hauling this around town. The benefit here is these can be found for very cheap used. Here is the thread which has some pictures of the one we used: https://www.radowners.com/index.php/topic,106.0.html

Note that some modifications may be needed to make the trailer attach and I've seen Rad comment that this isn't necessarily recommended though we personally haven't had issues.

The problem with the child trailer is they are really wide for riding in the city. While we try to avoid sidewalks there are some spots where they can't be avoided in our area which leads to the potential of clipping a curb. If you're driving to a trail this is less of an issue. We've also found that these trailers create quite a bit of drag and the other downside is your child is much further back.

I've also seen some seats which attach in front of the person pedaling though I haven't yet seen anyone attach one on a RadWagon. I'll have to do some more research on these options.

I'd be curious if anyone else has thoughts on transporting their kids on the RadWagon. Share them below!

I don't have this myself but it seems like a pretty interesting way to get your bike into tight spaces so I thought I would share. Basically allows you to turn your handlebars sideways without turning the tire and the pedals can be popped off easily as well. Since we have a smaller car I could see this being a much easier way to make it fit since the handlebars and pedals are sometimes an issue:

https://flatbike.com/product/flatten-your-bike-kit/

Ty, one of the co-founders of Rad Power Bikes posted the following comment on Facebook:

QuoteTy from RPB here...We typically refrain from posting in order to maintain the neutrality of the group, but every once in a while something SO RAD comes up that it warrants an appearance!
As a company, we owe so much to you, our amazing community. Whether it's being an active part of this group, sharing your Rad stories across social, or generally shouting "RIDE RAD!" from the rooftops, you help spread the good word about Rad and accelerate the ebike revolution.
Because of this, we wanted to give you, our biggest Radvocates, a special heads-up. Tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. PT, we'll be releasing the teaser for our newest creation! Mark your calendar, set an alarm, do what you have to do to tune in via email, social media, and at radpowerbikes.com at 9 a.m..
Thank you again for riding Rad and for helping us grow into the largest ebike brand in North America. We'll see you tomorrow morning!

I'm very curious what they will share today. Any guesses?