When Rad Power Bikes launched the RadRunner 2, it didn’t showcase a laundry record of latest updates. Instead, there have been just a few key modifications. And that’s as a result of the affordably priced RadRunner was already such a preferred e-bike that it solely required a number of small updates to make it higher than ever earlier than.
As the outdated adage goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t repair it.
If you’re new to the electric bike trade (welcome!) or should you simply haven’t heard of the RadRunner platform (bizarre, however okay!), then let me offer you a quick rundown.
The RadRunner 2 right here is mainly a moped and a cargo bike all rolled into one bicycle-size bundle.
It affords excessive utility for hauling cargo or companions, and but nonetheless works nice as a bicycle for both enjoyable leisure driving or fitness-inspired assisted pedaling rides.
To get a way of all that the RadRunner 2 has to supply, take a look at my video evaluation beneath. Then hold going for my full written evaluation beneath the video.
RadRunner 2 video evaluation
RadRunner 2 tech specs
- Motor: 750W rear geared hub motor
- Top velocity: 32 km/h (20 mph)
- Range: 45-72 km (25-45 mi) relying on consumer enter
- Battery: 48V 14Ah (672 Wh)
- Charge time: 6 hours
- Weight: 29.5 kg (65 lb)
- Max load: 140 kg (300 lb)
- Rear rack max load: 55 kg (120 lb)
- Brakes: Tektro mechanical disc brakes
- Extras: Sturdy heart kickstand, LED show, built-in head/tail/brake LED lights, bell, 4 pedal help settings, half-twist throttle, mounting for entrance and rear racks/equipment
Rather a lot to like in a little bundle
The RadRunner 2 shouldn’t be a big electric bike by any stretch of the creativeness. Walk as much as a full-sized RadRover and also you’ll be greatly surprised by how a lot bike stands earlier than you. But a RadRunner, then again, is a way more approachable measurement for nearly all people.
The 20″ wheels offer you a decrease bike than typical 26″ x 4″ fats tires would, and the three.3″ width of the tires strikes a pleasant stability between fats and slender tire choices. The modest width retains the tires extra nimble with out stepping into ultra-fat tire territory.
Even although the bike is small and approachable, it could possibly nonetheless deal with large jobs. It’s obtained the widest sizing vary of all of Rad Power Bikes’ lineup, that means it could possibly match each brief and tall riders from 4’11” to six’2″ (150-188 cm). It helps masses as much as 300 lb (136 kg), regardless of itself solely weighing 65 lb (29). That’s not a light-weight e-bike by any means, however it’s nonetheless so much lighter than many cargo e-bikes.
And that’s the fantastic thing about the RadRunner 2, it’s half cargo bike, half pleasure bike. The tall rear rack is nice for loading up with gear, and I positively suggest grabbing the passenger bundle in case you have youngsters/mates/companions in your life that you just wish to take for a journey. The passenger bundle provides a snug bench seat, foot pegs, and clear protecting wheel skirt. That lets you carry each youngsters and adults again there, turning the RadRunner 2 right into a useful little electric moped for 2 riders. I additionally added the passenger seize bars to present an much more handy technique to carry one other individual on again.
Speaking of seats, the unique RadRunner seat obtained an improve on the RadRunner 2, making it extra plush and comfy than ever. It’s a little bit of an odd form, however that’s as a result of it meshes completely with the passenger equipment bench once you drop the seat down, turning it into one lengthy saddle the size of the bike’s rear.
The RadRunner 2 is just one of many coolest all-around do-anything varieties of e-bikes. It’s small and nimble sufficient for metropolis driving, has large enough tires for path driving, and has the utility and cargo capability to function a piece bike to haul absolutely anything you want.
It even comes with fairly respectable components on the bike element facet. None of that is top-shelf stuff, however the Tektro brakes include high-grip pads for highly effective stopping on the 180 mm rotors. The single-speed drivetrain with a 16-52t setup provides a snug pedaling ratio at decrease and better speeds, and the twin kickstand makes for a secure, easy-to-use technique to park the bike on any floor.
I’m not an enormous fan of the pedals being composite as a substitute of aluminum, however at the least it does save weight. And I’d like to see equipment like fenders included on the bottom mannequin, however at the least we do get lights included commonplace. Many firms up-charge for lights to be put in, so I’m glad to see Rad nonetheless ensures you get all the right security tools as commonplace parts on the bike.
The solely factor I usually hear individuals complain in regards to the RadRunner platform, and one thing I empathize with, is the will for extra velocity. Topping out at 20 mph (32 km/h) is ok in some areas, however I’d love to have the ability to eek out a bit extra. Even simply 25 mph (40 km/h) can be superior, although I assume you might at all times improve to the RadRunner Plus and unlock it should you really wanted the upper velocity.
I don’t thoughts the easy LED show or the single-speed setup on the RadRunner 2, however the RadRunner Plus can be the choice for anybody who desires this identical bike, however with a number of gears and an unlockable LCD show – to not point out entrance suspension.
As it’s, the RadRunner 2 is a extra stripped-down model with simply what you want in an e-bike designed for getting issues executed. No speedometer, no further gears. Just a responsive throttle and good cadence-sensor pedal help on an superior utility bike body.
Not to say the truth that you get the bike delivered to you absolutely assembled utilizing Rad Mobile, the supply service and cell bike-shop-in-a-van supplied by Rad. For anybody that doesn’t wish to assemble their very own e-bike out of the field, Rad Mobile is an superior choice to have accessible. And it means the corporate will have the ability to handle you sooner or later should you ever wanted service or assist to swap out an element.
Before Rad was pressured to boost costs by $200 on the finish of final 12 months, the RadRunner was a fair sweeter deal. But that is the brand new actuality we stay in, and I nonetheless name the RadRunner 2 a purchase at its present value of $1,499.
It’s a bit steeper, however the bike is totally price it. It’s a novel design that Rad created from the bottom up, and also you’re paying for that innovation, in addition to for the service and assist that comes with buying from the most important electric bike firm in North America.
There are actually cheaper choices for e-bikes on the market, however the RadRunner 2 is so properly designed that it holds its personal when in comparison with price range e-bikes.
What do you consider the RadRunner? Let’s hear your ideas within the feedback part beneath!
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