Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 1 Review (2023 Update)

RadRunner 1 is an affordable, simply-designed, and fun-to-ride electric utility fat-tire bike. It’s equipped with a strong 750W motor.

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Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 1 overview

Hello E-Bikes Rating: 9/10

The RadRunner is an excellent and well-rounded utility electric bike from Rad Power Bikes. It’s extremely versatile, customizable, and offers ample cargo space to load it up.

With a payload capacity of 300 pounds, a 750W motor, and Kenda fat tires, the RadRunner allows you to confidently carry everything you need and easily get to your destination. It’s a Class 2 e-bike with a throttle and pedal-assist.

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Pros and cons

Pricing and where to buy

The RadRunner 1 costs $1,299, and you can choose between black or forest green. It comes with an integrated rear rack and a dual-leg steel kickstand.

Other accessories and customizations, such as a front rack, basket, passenger package, child seat, and fenders are available as add-ons.

It’s no longer available.

Battery, motor, range, and charging

The RadRunner 1 is equipped with a 48V, 14 Ah (672 Wh) lithium-ion battery. It has Lithium NMC Samsung 35E cells that are rated for 800 charge cycles.

It’s used to power a 750W brushless geared hub motor with 80 Nm of torque. Most e-bikes have a 500W or less motor. The high wattage allows the RadRunner 1 to carry more weight and accelerate quickly.

For range, it offers an estimated 25 to 45 miles. The actual range depends on several factors, including the total weight on the e-bike, level of assistance, terrain, how often you use the throttle, and how you’re riding it.

The RadRunner 1 has four levels of pedal assistance. Using little to no assistance will provide a longer range while using the throttle, and a high level of assistance reduces the range.

It has an LED display on the left handle, which is used to turn the bike on and off. Also, it’s where you control the pedal assistance level and monitor the battery life.

When it comes to charging, you’ll use the 48V, 2 Amp Rad Power Bikes smart charger that works with 100V to 240V AC power outlets.

You can charge the battery while it’s on the bike or by removing it. Depending on how much of the battery you used, it can take between 3 to 7 hours for a full charge.

How it rides

The fat tires, strong aluminum frame, solid amount of range, high payload capacity, and powerful motor makes the RadRunner 1 an excellent e-bike to ride daily. Its high and upright handlebars allow you to ride in a comfortable position.

It offers a stable and comfortable ride on various terrain. Plus, the thick Kenda tires are puncture-resistant and provide great traction.

The RadRunner 1 has a single-speed drivetrain. It’s easy to use and low maintenance. If you’re new to biking or don’t want to worry about shifting gears, it’s an ideal option.

With the step-through design, you don’t have to swing your leg around or struggle to get on the bike. Instead, it’s a light step above the low frame. You can get on and off without any issues.

It’s a Class 2 e-bike, which means it offers pedal assist and a throttle. It has a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.

While the throttle can drain the battery, it’s a fun and easy way to get the RadRunner moving from a stop. As long as you don’t use it too much, your range will be fine.

One of the best parts of riding it is using assistance when you’re going up a hill. Instead of pedaling extremely hard and being worn out, turn up the assistance to Level 3 or 4, and you’ll be able to glide up most hills.

Safety is an important aspect of the RadRunner. It’s equipped with a headlight, tail light, and brake light. This ensures that you’re visible to vehicles, pedestrians, and other cyclists.

Two aspects of it aren’t as comfortable. First, it has a rigid steel front fork, which means there’s no suspension. This causes the bike to feel stiffer, and bumps can be rougher.

Second, the saddle that comes standard is flat and can be uncomfortable.

Overall, it rides nicely. The battery is placed behind the seat tube. It’s at a low and central position, making the center of gravity and weight distribution well-balanced.

Chances are, you’ll find that the RadRunner is a great replacement for a car. If you’re traveling 40 miles or less round-trip, consider riding it instead.

Size and weight

The RadRunner 1 is designed to fit riders between 4’11” and 6’2″. It has a total length of 67 inches, handlebar height of 45 inches, and weighs 65 pounds.

The seat height ranges between 25.25 to 36.5 inches. It’s measured from the bottom of the pedal stroke. Its standover height is 16.5 inches, which makes it easy to step over.

Overall, the RadRunner 1 is a heavy e-bike. It has 20-inch tires, which are on the smaller end. You’ll feel closer to the ground when riding it.

Due to its weight, dropping the bike can injure you and damage the bike. The lower ride also means you need to be careful with long clothing because it can get caught on the ground.

The length is sufficient for loading up your belongings on the built-in rear rack or bringing a passenger. Its low center of gravity and excellent weight distribution ensures a smooth and comfortable ride.

Specs and features

The following are the specs and features for the RadRunner 1:

• Brand: Rad Power Bikes
• Model: RadRunner 1
• Price: $1,299
• Electric Bike Class: 2
• Weight: 65 pounds.
• Battery: Samsung 35E 18650 Li-ion battery pack.
• Battery Voltage: 48V.
• Battery Amp Hour: 14 Ah.
• Battery Watt Hours: 672 Wh.
• Motor: 750W brushless rear-mounted geared hub motor with 80 Nm of torque, 5:1 planetary gear reduction.
• Frame: 6061 aluminum.
• Kickstand: Dual leg steel, spring loaded.
• Brake Calipers: Tektro Aries (MD-M300).
• Brake Levers: Aluminum alloy comfort grip levers with a motor cutoff switch and integrated bell.
• Brake Rotors: Tektro 180mm.
• Chain: Z7.
• Chainstay: 20.2 inches.
• Crank Set: 53T, 170 mm forged alloy, dual-sided aluminum bash guard.
• Derailleur: Single speed chain tensioner.
• Gearing: Single speed, 16-53.
• Fork: Rigid steel.
• Tires: Kenda K-Rad 20″ x 3.3″ with K-Shield puncture-resistant liner (Rad Power Bikes exclusive).
• Wheelbase: 44 inches.
• Handlebar: Aluminum with 10-inch rise.
• Handlebar Reach: 15 inches.
• Handlebar Height: 45 inches.
• Handlebar Width: 27 inches.
• Seat Tube Length: 18 inches.
• Seatpost Diameter: 27.2 mm.
• Valve Type: Schrader.

Warranty

Rad Power Bikes offers a Limited Warranty for RadRunner 1 purchases in the United States. If you purchased it in Canada or the European Union, there are different warranty terms.

To be covered by the Limited Warranty, you must be the original owner. You’re protected from manufacturing defects in material or workmanship for one year after receiving the RadRunner 1.

It covers the e-bike and covered components, which are the following:

• Bottom bracket.
• Brakes.
• Cassette.
• Controller.
• Crankset.
• Derailleur.
• Forks.
• Frame.
• Freewheel.
• Handlebar.
• Hardware.
• Headset.
• Kickstand.
• LCD display.
• Lights.
• Lithium-ion battery.
• Motor.
• Pedals.
• Reflectors.
• Rims.
• Saddle.
• Seat post.
• Shifter.
• Stem.
• Throttle.
• Wheel hub.
• Wiring harness.

To file a claim for the warranty, contact Rad Power Bikes by filling out a form, and pay for shipping costs to return the item.

Frequently asked questions

Bottom line

If you’re looking for an affordable e-bike that’s customizable, dependable, has a high weight capacity, step-through frame, and offers a generous amount of range, the RadRunner 1 is an excellent choice. As a utility electric bike, it gives you enough space to carry your essentials or another person.

Related articles:

• The Best Electric Bike Conversion Kits
• The Best Electric Mountain Bikes (eMTB)
• The Best Folding Electric Bikes

Featured image courtesy of Rad Power Bikes.