Let’s face it: very few of us have the money to afford an e-bike that costs thousands of dollars, and Rad Power Bikes knows it. With that in mind, let’s explore the newest machines to join their ever-growing lineup.
Ladies and gentlemen and lovers of all things wheeled, lend me your eyes for just a moment to see the kind of magic that Rad Power Bikes has in store for North Americans. It’s called the RadKick, and these two new additions to the brand’s lineup are designed to be the perfect solution for riders looking for speed, capability, and most importantly, an affordable machine.
As mentioned, two e-bikes are joining the Rad Power ranks, and both are built around the same frame style but with one big difference: the drivetrain. For example, the less expensive of the two is a standard drivetrain option, built around a Shimano 7-speed setup and selling for $1,200, while the second is designed with a belt drive that runs a single-speed setup. This version sells for $1,400 because of this big change. After all, belt drives have the longest lifespan and require no maintenance over thousands of miles.
Photo: Rad Power Bikes
Now, whenever I take a closer look at an e-bike, I like to start with the backbone of what we see. In the case of the Radkick, that frame is nothing but good old aluminum. With this one, Rad has committed to a step-through frame, and judging by the looks of it, cargo is definitely part of the equation here. Not only does the rear support a rack, but the front does too; you’ll bolt it directly to the head tube.
Cargo carrying might also be the main reason Rad chose a step-through design. If you’ve ever hauled cargo on a bike with a top tube, you know what I’m talking about; stepping on and off will definitely knock over the cookies. This frame style is also all about comfort, but if we’re talking about frames anymore, we’ll be here until the cows come home.
With that said, let’s pick one of the two available versions and dig a little deeper. Since the belt drive is the one that really gets the money’s worth, I chose that for our exploration. For the extra $200, you’re not only buying a different drivetrain, one that doesn’t even need lube to work, but with the belt version, Rad also adds a torque sensor to ensure you get the power you need when you need it, even if you’re going up a hill.
Photo: Rad Power Bikes
Speaking of power, tied to the rear hub, we find a 500W motor that produces a reasonable 40Nm (29.5lb-ft) of torque, the same as the Shimano-driven version. As for how fast you’ll be able to go with the assist, Rad mentions that the RadKick is a Class 2 e-bike, which means a top speed of up to 20mph (32km/h) and a twist throttle. Maybe, just maybe, you know someone with the skills to tamper with your top speed; just remember that you’re probably breaking some law by doing so.
In addition to power, we need to look at range. While this figure is somewhat difficult to pin down, Rad gives us an approximate range of 15 miles to over 35 miles (56 km) on a full charge of the 360Wh battery. While this may not be as high as other brands on the market, it is within the range that the average American drives in a car on a daily basis. Both versions show the same range.
Another aspect of the RadKick’s design is comfort. In addition to the step-through frame, which we already know is one of the most comfortable for this type of riding, Rad also adds a suspension fork up front. In total, there’s 80mm of travel, more than enough to handle whatever your city throws at you.
Photo: Rad Power Bikes
It is also for this component that Rad has chosen a frame with the front rack mounted on the head tube. The tires with a cross section of 2.25 inches will also certainly be a factor in reducing vibrations. Safety is taken care of with front and rear lights and a pair of hydraulic brakes with 180 mm rotors.
The last two things I want to shed some light on are the weight of this e-bike and what else you can do with it besides riding around town every day. In terms of weight, 55 pounds (25 kg) is what it puts on your shoulder that could carry it up a flight of stairs and, in total, 300 pounds is the payload limit of the RadKick.
As for taking the RadKick out of town, the components are sure to handle light dirt roads and/or a kiddie trail in a park, but the range of the RadKick will determine where you start. Another battery pack is probably a good idea; yes, it’s removable and you can double the range with another. Looking for an e-bike that won’t break the bank? This might be it.