rad power bike lcd display manual manufacturer

But here’s the deal -- while your LCD display is technically a screen, it’s not going to remind you about any meetings. It’s just there to help you get the most out of your ride.

To celebrate the launch of the LCD upgrade that"s now available for the RadRunner, here"s a quick guide to help you better understand your display"s features.

The liquid crystal displays (cool, right?!) on our bikes showcase all the important information you need while riding, from the amount of charge left on your battery to the number of miles under your belt.

You interact with the display using the three buttons on the "display remote" on the left side of the handlebar, which includes a mode button along with Up and Down arrows.

The Radometer can also help you keep tabs on your ebike"s health. Compare your mileage total with our suggested maintenance schedule and see if it"s time to take your two-wheeled friend in for a check-up.

The wattmeter usually gets less attention than the rest of the display features, but it can be a handy way to get a sense of how much power is helping push you along.

It"s fun to see just how much power our bikes put out on any given ride. A cyclist pedaling at full capacity for 20 minuteson a conventional bike maintains a power output of about 164 watts. An average Tour De France cyclist (oxymoron?) generates about 429 watts. How does your ride compare?

Your LCD Get-Around System also makes it easy to answer that burning question about how fast you"re going. (To comply with speed regulations on any given trail, of course ...)

Our Class 2 ebikes can go up to 20 mph (U.S. spec, 32 km/h in Canada). How does that stack up against riders on conventional bikes? Well, most experienced riders hit their stride between 15-20 mph.

Is that relevant to your ride?No.Does it give us an excuse to share some of the cute Rad Pets pics that we have floating around Rad Power Bikes HQ?You better believe it.

The LCD Display Upgrade provides additional information while riding, including Speedometer, Odometer, Trip Odometer, Average Speed, Max Speed, and Pedal Assist (PAS) levels 1-4. This replaces the stock LED display on the RadRunner, RadMission, and RadExpand.

We take pride in bringing you a quality product that will offer years of enjoyment. Please read and understand this manual fully before assembling and riding your bike. If you have questions after reading this manual, please reference the Rad Power Bikes Help Center, contact us by email, and/or give us a call on the phone.

The electrical system on your RadRover offers various levels of power assistance and lighting for different operating conditions and user preferences. It is critical that you familiarize yourself with all aspects of your RadRover’s electrical system and check to see that it is working correctly before every ride. The front and rear brake levers contain safety power cutoff switches, which disable the hub motor’s assistance when applied, and both levers should be checked for correct operation.

Suspension, Handlebar, Grips, and Seat Adjustments The suspension fork on your RadRover will affect the handling of the bike so you MUST understand how it works before use. The suspension fork should be properly adjusted for your weight and terrain. Check to ensure the handlebar, handlebar stem, and seat post are properly fastened, aligned, and fitted to the user.

Step 4: Inflate tires to desired PSI. Recommended pressure is 20 PSI (1.38 Bar) for the front and rear tires of the RadRover. Recommended tire pressure is indicated on the tire sidewall. Do not overinflate or underinflate tires. Step 5: Install the pedals.

STEP 7: Install Headlight as shown in assembly video from www.radpowerbikes.com/help. Carefully align and connect the waterproof connector joining the headlight to the wiring harness. The headlight should be adjusted to illuminate the road ahead and not blind oncoming traffic. The headlight is equipped with a light sensor which will automatically dim the headlight when riding during day to save power.

(ready for removal from the frame). NOTICE: If you have any questions regarding the assembly of your bike, contact Rad Power Bikes. If you are not able to ensure all the assembly steps in the assembly video are performed properly, or you are unable to view the assembly video, please consult a certified, reputable local bike mechanic for assistance in addition to contacting Rad Power Bikes for help.

Adjusting the Suspension Fork The RadRover comes equipped with an adjustable front suspension fork. This suspension fork can move up and down up to 80 mm to cushion bumps in the riding surface, which can make riding on a rough road or trail smoother and more comfortable.

If the battery is physically damaged, non-functional, preforming abnormally, or was dropped or involved in a crash, with or without obvious signs of damage, please discontinue use and charging and contact Rad Power Bikes immediately.

Rad Power Bikes, designed for use with your specific bike serial number, as approved by Rad Power Bikes. o Do not charge the battery with any chargers other than the one originally supplied from Rad Power Bikes or a charger purchased directly from Rad Power Bikes, designed for use with your specific bike, as approved by Rad Power Bikes.

Long-Term Battery Storage If storing your bike from Rad Power Bikes for longer than two weeks at a time, follow the instructions below to maintain the health and longevity of your battery. o Charge (or discharge) the battery to approximately 75% charged.

Start-Up Procedure After the bike has been properly assembled following the assembly video, all components are secured correctly, and you have read this entire manual, you may turn the bike on and select a power level following the steps outlined below: 1.

Handlebar Features Location on Handlebar Component UP Arrow on LCD Display Remote MODE Button on LCD Display Remote DOWN Arrow on LCD Display Remote LCD Display Shifter Throttle Power Switch Throttle...

LCD Display Information The table and image below show the various features and information displayed on the LCD Display. Location Information on Display Battery Charge Indicator Distance (Odometer, Trip Odometer) Distance Unit (kilometers (km), miles (mi)) Speed Unit (kilometers per hour (Km/h), miles per hour (MPH)) Operation Mode Watt Meter, Error Code Indicator...

LCD Display Operations Operation Directions Turn ON bike Press and hold MODE (2) until power engages Turn ON Headlight, Taillight, and Press and hold MODE (2) and UP (1) until light illuminates LCD Display Backlight Activate Brake Light When bike is ON, squeeze Brake Lever Activate Flash Mode on Taillight When Bike and Taillight are ON, Press Rubber Button on Bottom Left of Taillight Housing...

Brake Light Features and Operations Starting in 2019, all bikes from Rad Power Bikes come equipped with a taillight/brake light that is integrated into the electrical system. Anytime the bike is powered on, depressing one or both brake levers on the handlebar should cause the brake light to illuminate.

Battery Capacity Display The LCD Display on the handlebars of your bike from Rad Power Bikes features a battery capacity gauge (like a fuel gauge on a car). This gauge calculates battery life based on the battery power output (instantaneous voltage reading) and can fluctuate while riding if power demand and/or output changes.

Driving Range The range of your bike from Rad Power Bikes is the distance the bike will travel on a single full charge of the onboard battery. The range values in this manual are estimates based on expected usage characteristics of bikes by Rad Power Bikes. Some of the factors which effect range include changes in elevation, speed, payload, acceleration, number of starts and stops, and ambient air temperatures.

MAXIMUM PAYLOAD CAPACITY FOR RADROVER The total maximum weight limit, or payload capacity, of the RadRover (275 lb or 125 kg) includes the weight of the rider as well as clothing, riding gear, cargo, etc. The RadRover is compatible with optional Rear Rack and Front Rack accessories that are not included in the base price of the bike and are available for purchase from www.radpowerbikes.com.

Carrying Loads section, do not overload the RadRover. The RadRover should never be operated by persons under the age of 18 years old. Children should not ride as passengers on the back of the RadRover unless they are seated in a properly fitted and approved Child Safety Seat.

Notice: The following bulleted list provides important additional tips for the safe operation of the RadRover when used for carrying children. o Increased weight from passengers will increase the time it takes to slow the bike when braking, please plan your stops accordingly.

Become proficient at controlling the RadRover with the cargo load in a flat and open area before riding on roads or hills. Do not use the front brake by itself. Use both brakes for all braking operations. Braking with only the front brake can cause excessive stress on components, damage to the bike and parts, and/or loss of control.

It is recommended to park indoors. If you must park outdoors in rain or wet conditions, you should only leave your bike from Rad Power Bikes outside for a few hours and proceed to park the bike in a dry location afterwards to allow all the systems to dry out.

Basic Bike Care To ensure safe riding conditions you must properly maintain your bike from Rad Power Bikes. Follow these basic guidelines and see a certified, reputable bike mechanic at regular intervals to ensure your bike is safe for use and fun to ride. See the Pre-Ride Safety Checklist and Recommended Service Intervals sections in this manual for more detailed information.

Your cables, spokes, and chain will stretch after an initial break-in period of 50-100 mi (80-160 km), and bolted connections can loosen. Always have a certified, reputable bike mechanic perform a tune-up on your RadRover after your initial break-in period of 50-100 mi (80-160 km) (depending on riding conditions such as total weight, riding characteristics, and terrain).

Recommended Service Intervals Regular inspection and maintenance are key to ensure Rad Power Bikes function as intended, and to reduce wear and tear on their systems. Recommended service intervals are meant to be used as guidelines. Real world wear and tear, and the need for service, will vary with conditions of use.

Tire Inflation and Replacement The RadRover employs 26’’ x 4’’ rubber tires with inner tubes. The tires are designed for durability and safety for regular cycling activities and the tires need to be checked before each use for proper inflation and condition. Proper inflation, care, and timely replacement will help to ensure that your bike’s operational characteristics will be maintained, and unsafe conditions avoided.

Error Detection Your bike from Rad Power Bikes is equipped with an error detection system integrated into the display and controller. In the case of an electronic control system fault an error code should display. The following error codes are the most common and can aid in troubleshooting.

A Note for Parents and Guardians As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the activities and safety of your child. The RadRover is not designed for use by children. If you are carrying a passenger in a child safety seat, they must also be wearing a properly fitted and approved helmet.

Components of the RadRover are subject to higher wear when compared to bikes without power assistance. This is because the RadRover can travel at higher average speeds than regular cycles and has a greater weight. Higher wear is not a defect in the product and is not subject to warranty.

Your new ebike will be delivered directly to your door by the parcel service (FedEx, Purolator, etc.). While the bike is 85 percent assembled before it leaves the factory, additional assembly is required prior to your first ride. Rad Power Bikes provides helpful online resources to assist you in this process, including in-depth videos and an extensive digital Help Center.

A Rad Power Bikes Mobile Service Ambassador will build, tune, and accessorize your new ebike before delivering it directly to your door. Upon arrival, our RMS Ambassador will walk you through how to use your ebike and answer any questions you might have.

Your new ebike will be fully built, tuned, and delivered to your door by a velofix Mobile Mechanic. The velofix Mobile Mechanic will work with you directly to schedule a preferred date/time for your delivery and can install accessories for an additional fee.

Your new ebike will be delivered directly to your door by the parcel service (FedEx, Purolator, etc.). While the bike is 85 percent assembled before it leaves the factory, additional assembly is required prior to your first ride. Rad Power Bikes provides helpful online resources to assist you in this process, including in-depth videos and an extensive digital Help Center.

A Rad Power Bikes Mobile Service Ambassador will build, tune, and accessorize your new ebike before delivering it directly to your door. Upon arrival, our RMS Ambassador will walk you through how to use your ebike and answer any questions you might have.

Your new ebike will be fully built, tuned, and delivered to your door by a velofix Mobile Mechanic. The velofix Mobile Mechanic will work with you directly to schedule a preferred date/time for your delivery and can install accessories for an additional fee.

*Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.

The team at Electric Bike Report put our heads together and chose 16 e-bikes we’ve deemed the Best Electric Bikes of 2023. Some of these e-bikes are new for this year, but some are ol’ reliables that are tried, tested and still hold true as the best in their class.

As with every list of best e-bikes, ours has some nuance as to why a specific bike was picked — ranging from value and componentry to overall ride feel. We’ve also leaned heavily on e-bikes we’ve tested in-house, though there are a few e-bikes here that were picked based on merit and reputation alone.

Whether you’re looking for the best e-bike for older riders, the best electric commuter bike or the best electric beach cruiser, this list will point you towards what we think are the best in each category.

In a fast-growing sea of products, how did we make our picks for the best e-bikes? The answer to this question varies depending on the bike and category. But in every case, these e-bikes were picked through consensus among our team of expert e-bike testers.

Some bikes, such as the Aventon Aventure electric fat bike, leapt out as obvious frontrunners during testing. While others, like the Blix Aveny Skyline and Ride1UP 700 Series, were sleeper contenders chosen for very specific reasons. But in all cases, we evaluated the bikes based on a few key criteria, mainly:

Value: How much e-bike are you getting for your dollar? The e-bike market has grown flush with overpriced and under-spec’d electric bikes that don’t offer much value. Every bike on this list we’d call fairly priced.

Components and extras: What else comes with the e-bike? Does it come with racks, bags, lights and fenders, and do those accessories make sense? Is there anything else that should be included but isn’t?

Does it offer something unique?: In a market chock-full of options, what’s unique about this bike that sets it apart from the competition? There are many categories of e-bike — particularly at the more affordable end of the spectrum — that are flush with copycat brands and e-bikes that just aren’t that special. We’re looking for the ones that are.

What does the manufacturer say it was built for?: What was this bike designed to do, and how well does it execute that purpose? Of course you can choose to use your bike however you’d like, but we want to make sure the e-bikes on this list function as advertised.

How does it actually ride?: Last but not least, the most important question: Does the e-bike ride well? Most of these e-bikes we know intimately through rigorous testing.

It has all the typical accouterments you’d expect from a sub-$2,000 electric fat bike: A 750W motor, a suspension fork and a solid component package — but where the Aventure sets itself apart are in its little details. Details like its full-color LCD display, metal fenders, hydraulic disk brakes and a slightly larger than average battery. Or the fact that this is one of the few e-bikes in this category and at this price point with a fully integrated battery that blends seamlessly into the frame.

All these small things add up into an e-bike that feels much more expensive than it is. It rides stable and inspires confidence in rougher terrain, and did we mention it’s really quick? Electric Bike Report has reviewed both the standard Aventure and the Aventure Step-Through and both put up some of the quickest times we’ve recorded on our test hill and our test circuit.

The Aventure has retained the top billing on our list of the best electric bikes for over a year, and it’s continued to be one of our go-to e-bikes on filming days for hauling all gear and camera equipment. Its overall performance and utility has so far stood the test of time.

One of the most confidence inspiring affordable e-bikes on the market, with good power, good componentry and the backing of one of the most reputable e-bike brands.

Its moped-style seat, small wheels, built-in rear rack and semi-ridiculous BMX handlebars give the Runner Plus a quirky style that takes a little getting used to. But when you’re on the bike, it all just makes sense. It handles quick despite its 74.3 lb heft, and its funky frame design is actually functional: Rad’s built booko accessory options that either attach to the rear pannier-style rack and they make a big tank-style box that fits between your legs.

It’s powered by a 750W rear hub motor and a 672Wh battery that’s situated below the seat, which offer plenty of oomph for carrying people, cargo or just quickly getting around town. There’s also a twist throttle and the Runner Plus comes with a bench seat mounted to the rear rack and foldable foot pegs that make it pretty comfortable to take a friend.

It’s not just one of our favorite e-bikes, but it feels hands down like one of the year’s best electric bikes. We think the RadRunner Plus is a spectacular option for anyone looking for one bike that can do a little of everything.

Because this e-bike has 20-in. wheels, the mechanical disc brakes provide adequate stopping power, but hydraulic discs modulate better and would be more befitting of a “plus” model.

With the ability to carry up to 200 lbs. And a longer-than-usual rack, the Blix Dubbel is a utility bike that can double as a child carrier. Riders with long commutes will love that it can be ordered with two batteries.

Ride1UP’s 700 series found its way to our best electric bikes list because we’re still scratching our heads how they packed this much value into an electric commuter bike.

A long-reigning favorite among our staff, the Level looks nice, is appropriately outfitted and is just plain fast. Featuring an Enviolo continuously variable gearing drivetrain, a Gates belt drive and a powerful MPF mid-drive motor, this is a very versatile e-bike.

It may not be the fanciest or highest-spec’d folding electric bike on the market, but by golly it’s hard to deny the popularity and value of the Lectric XP 3.0.

The Electric Bike Report staff is always watching for e-bike sightings out in the wild. We like to know what people are riding and why, and Lectric XP series is arguably our most frequent sighting. It’s popular for very good reasons: Not only is it remarkably cheap (in terms of price, not feel) at just about $1,000, it’s actually a terrifically fun e-bike.

This is Lectric’s third iteration of their XP folding fat tire e-bike. This new version, released in 2022, comes with a 500W motor, a suspension fork, mechanical disk brakes on 180mm rotors and a 48V, 10.4Ah battery that has a pretty decent range (for its size). Toss in recent editions like a rack that can support 150lbs (and a buddy with the right accessory package), revamped contact point’s that are softer and more.

That spec sheet on its own is quite value packed at this price, but we’re not recognizing this bike for its components — we like it for its ride. The XP 3.0 is a meaty little folding bike that reminds me of those old Honda three-wheelers popular back in the late 80’s. It’s not super fast or overly nimble, but it romps around like no other and feels like it won’t let you down.

The Lectric XP 3.0 stole our hearts for its sheer affordability and fun factor. To be clear: There are more premium folding bikes that cater to different needs, but this one seems like the people’s champion for affordable folding e-bikes. Of all the e-bikes listed on this best electric bikes list, there may not be a more affordable and versatile one of the bunch.

With its low step-thru frame, big tires and suspension fork, this is a comfortable and easy to ride e-bike perfect for commuters or anyone short on storage space

Rad Power Bikes really overhauled the latest iteration of their uber-popular commuter. The RadCity 5 Plus came equipped with a host of new parts on top of a freshly redesigned look. We were such fans of how the new RadCity came together that it easily sprang to our minds to be included on our list of best electric bikes.

The aesthetics upgrade is apparent: Rad swapped an exterior battery pack for a semi-integrated, frame-mounted battery. The modern paint job on a classic dutch-styled bike is a marriage that works quite well too. Rad also employed the use of a dual display set-up we rarely see which breaks up the information in a good way.

Powering the bike is a 672Wh battery and a 750W geared rear hub motor. Rad has dialed in the electronics to smoothly engage while riding and keep the rider comfortable and in control.

Not only does it roll well, but it stops well too. We tested both the step-through and high-step versions of the RadCity Plus’ frame and in both brake tests the RadCity was among the top performers in bikes we’ve ever tested. The NUTT hydraulic disk brakes with 180mm rotors perform very well and seem like the right spec choice.

Add in the 59.5 lbs capacity rear rack, 50 mm suspension fork, fenders and front and rear integrated lights and this e-bike will check nearly all the boxes on your commuter wishlist.

This is a very full-featured commuter with great lines, a powerful motor, front suspension and includes a commute-ready package with fenders, lights and rear rack.

Most e-bike companies produce a wide array of models. They may have a cruiser, a commuter, an all-terrain model and may even have a cargo e-bike. Himiway has gone a little different direction. Every one of their e-bikes sports fat tires at least 4 in. wide, making the cushy ride of a fat bike a signature part of their appeal.

Himiway delivers in four key areas on nearly all of the bike in their lineup: the bikes are big, fast, provide all-day battery life, and they don’t break the bank. So what makes them so good for big and tall riders? Well, the heavier a bike’s payload (rider + load) the more power is required to move the rider. Having an exceptionally sizable battery offers a rider some reassurance that they can do a full commute and not worry about running out of battery. And an 840Wh battery is uncommon on bikes going for less than $2000.

The hallmark of a Himiway bike is the motor hits the pavement fast and hard. The larger batteries enable the programming to hold little back as there is plenty of battery to draw from, so when the bike promises class three speeds it will get there regardless of how heavy a rider or payload on the bike is. It’s quicker than most on hills too.

We like that they include lights and a rear rack to make the Himiway Cruiser as versatile as possible. It makes for a pretty killer value on the bike all around.

You don’t have to be a bigger or taller rider to appreciate what the Himway Cruiser can do, but it definitely checks that particular box on our list of the best electric bikes.

400 lbs of payload capacity alone make it a compelling option, but the bike offers much, much more. The motor and battery life are inviting for all day fun on the Mokwheel Basalt.

Shopping for an e-bike that retails for less than $1000 can be a mixed bag. We understand people wanting to stretch a dollar as far as possible, especially with inflation being what it is. However, there’s a point of diminishing returns where the sacrifices made to reach the low price have eroded the e-bike’s quality to a point we don’t feel good recommending. The Lectric XP Lite bucks that trend by offering one of the most affordable e-bikes we’ve ever given a thumbs up.

Rather than design an e-bike from the ground up to be affordable, Lectric took the approach of putting their very successful XP 2.0 on a diet. Lectric eliminated the suspension fork, rack, fenders and multi-gear drivetrain to achieve a price anyone in the market for an e-bike can afford.

In removing those elements, the XP Lite lost weight and Lectric was able to capitalize on that by spec’ing a 300W motor and 374Wh battery, which gives it nearly the same range as the XP 2.0. Its 46-lb. weight makes it one of the easiest-to-fold e-bikes we’ve encountered.

When looking for the best blend of light weight and affordability, the XP Lite is tough to beat. A 70-lb. e-bike can be difficult for smaller riders to manage as well as elderly riders who may have lost strength; we appreciate an e-bike with such a broad appeal.

There really isn’t much you could do differently with this bike without increasing cost. It fits the bill for being a fun, practical folder for riders on a budget

The single-speed drivetrain was a key part of hitting this price, but it will make hills a bigger challenge and practically necessitates PAS 5 usage on steeper grades

We don’t often see Class 3 e-bikes that are unquestionably affordable, and even with the powerful Shengyi motor, the bike is spec’d with quality parts.

The Blix Aveny Skyline isn’t the lowest step-over height of any bike we’ve tested. So why is it taking the crown on the step-through category of our best e-bikes list? Because it balances frame rigidity with ease of access. The top tube is low enough for most but the fact that it’s still there is important for the bike’s ride quality. You won’t notice the wallowy or flexy ride that so often plagues step-through e-bikes, which is confidence-inspiring in corners and when you’re looking to ride it for years to come.

Aside from being easily accessible, this e-bike it’s beautifully simplistic to ride too. It resides within the small category of e-bikes that feel remarkable to ride without any motor assistance.

Thanks to it’s comfortable orientation, the Blix Aveny Skyline is inviting and approachable for those who may be concerned with throwing a leg over a traditional diamond frame.You’ll also turn a few heads with its classic car-esque paint job.

With its combination of affordability and super-low standover height, this is one e-bike that is always easy to recommend. It ships as a Class 2 e-bike, but can be unlocked to achieve a Class 3 max speed of 28 mph.

Seniors often have someone different priorities than younger folks when shopping for an e-bike. The concerns we hear repeatedly are: something that has a step-thru frame with low standover to make getting on and off the e-bike easy; an upright seated position that is easy on an old neck; and calm handling for reflexes that aren’t quite so quick as they used to be. Of course, it never hurts to find all this in an affordable package, which is why we named the Aventon Pace 500 in its step-thru design as our favorite e-bike for seniors.

Among the many things we appreciate about the Aventon Pace 500 is the fact that this e-bike weighs less than many comparable models. Suspension forks, big tires, racks, baskets and fenders all add weight to a bike and at 52 lbs., the Aventon Pace 500 is an e-bike that’s easy to manage.

Its 500W brushless hub motor is surprisingly powerful and does a great job of delivering a rider up to 20 mph either with pedal assist or throttle. It can also be “unlocked” in the smartphone app to achieve Class 3 performance, something its 8-speed Shimano drivetrain can handle.

The Aventon Pace 500 comes in two different frame designs, both a traditional frame and a step-thru and both versions are available in two sizes. For seniors who have lost flexibility, finding a bike that is comfortable is important and with four choices, they are more likely to find a size that is comfortable. The adjustable stem is a great touch for dialing in the reach.

Few bikes we have reviewed has exceeded their range estimates as impressively as the Aventon Pace 500. They claim a range of roughly 40 mi., but in our test we achieved 58 mi. in PAS 1 and 28 mi. in PAS 5.

This very practical bike comes in two frame designs and is outfitted to allow a rider to leave their car in the garage. Its upright position is very comfortable and it includes a throttle to save tired legs.

The cruiser vibe has always been about a bike that is easy to ride, comfortable to sit on and relaxed enough in its handling that the rider can look around and see the sights. The Blix Sol Eclipse is a cruiser that respects all that and then adds some oomph. We hadn’t really ever asked the question, “How do you make a cruiser even easier to ride?” but that’s exactly what the Blix Sol Eclipse does for riders.

With a 750W hub motor, a 614Wh battery and a 7-speed drivetrain, the Blix Sol Eclipse makes the riding just as easy on hills as it does on a flat bike path. And while most people don’t go for long rides on a cruiser, with the speed it propels riders to, making use of its 45-mi. range doesn’t seem like too much fun in the sun.

The LCD display is large and easy to read at a glance. And the scale for the battery charge looked like a ruler and offers a finer sense than something with four or five bars. Having the display mounted at the stem also helps its readability. The backswept cruiser bar is very comfortable and we love the twist shifter; we prefer it to many other shifters we encounter.

We often criticize e-bikes that fit tall riders, but not smaller riders. The Blix Sol Eclipse has a low (17-in.) standover height and an even shorter reach to the bar (15.5 in.), making this e-bike ideal for riders who might not fit on most other bikes.

This is a Class 2 e-bike with a throttle and a maximum assist speed of 20 mph. While we like hydraulic disc brakes for their feel and power, the Tektro mechanical discs with 160mm rotors do a great job of keeping the Blix Sol Eclipse under control. It’s easy to see why this is our favorite electric cruiser bike of 2023.

Few things get our attention as quickly as an e-bike loaded with features that doesn’t break the bank and the Sol Eclipse has everything needed for a fun day out

This fat bike takes the idea of a an all-terrain e-bike and bolts on a turbo unit. The QuietKat Apex is the company’s top-shelf all-terrain e-bike, featuring a Bafang mid-drive motor for a more responsive ride and better performance on hills. This e-bike has the power necessary to take riders into the backcountry and the range to bring them back out.

Getting the most out of an e-bike offroad will be most likely if the e-bike fits the rider. To their credit, QuietKat offers the Apex in three sizes to fit a broad range of rider heights. QuietKat offers buyers a number of choices, including a motor upgrade and extended warranties, not to mention a vast selection of different accessories.

This full-suspension all-terrain e-bike offers riders terrific control, a smooth ride and the ability to go a very long way, thanks to its 960Wh battery, which powers a very torquey 750W brushless hub motor.

Cargo e-bike manufacturers need to think outside the box to adapt to various cargo needs. Maybe a parent is wanting something to bring two youngsters on a ride-along, or maybe a courier is looking to get quickly and safely from point A to point B; a great cargo bike needs to be versatile enough to perform various tasks. Blix seems to have thought this through by making a highly modular cargo bike with a great starting price.

The Blix Packa Genie comes well-stocked with a 750W hub motor, powerful hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, and a 614Wh battery. From there, you can easily customize this bike to fit your needs.

Blix says there are up to 200 different accessory configurations to choose from so no matter what you’re in the cargo e-bike market for, the Blix Packa Genie is a great option to tailor to your needs.

This nimble e-bike is ideal for people who want to transport a kid or have a small load they want to carry. Its high-rise handlebar can be adjusted easily for a comfortable reach.

The Cero One is a mid-drive cargo bike that echoes those used in Europe by everyone from parents to postal carriers. The 250W mid-drive motor may seem small on paper, but mid-drive motors don’t need to be nearly as powerful as hub drive motors. It’s a well-balanced e-bike that has the ability to carry loads both front and rear. This has all the power necessary to climb hills, even when loaded. Let’s dig into why this is our favorite performance cargo electric bike.

So why does it have two different size wheels? The 26-in. rear wheel adds stability in the handling and makes it easier to get up to speed and stay at speed. The 20-in. front wheel allows for a front load to be carried low, which also helps the e-bike’s handling. Most cargo e-bikes aren’t this nimble once loaded.

A cargo e-bike is really only as useful as its accessories allow it to do all the things we might do by car. The Cero One comes equipped with lights, fenders and—most important—a rear rack and a front platform. From there, riders can upgrade to baskets large and small, and then add child seats, panniers, locks and more.

This compact cargo e-bike provides a very maneuverable and stable ride thanks to its 20-in. wheels, which allow loads to be carried closer to the ground, making the e-bike more stable and with its long-tail design, it can carry both a kid and groceries.

When we consider the needs of smaller riders, we look at three factors, all of which the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 addresses nicely. We want to see a step-thru frame for a low standover height, a short seat tube so that the saddle can be adjusted to the rider’s height and a reasonable reach to the handlebar with some amount of adjustability for the handlebar or stem in order to shorten that reach some.

Smaller riders, particularly those riders less than 5 feet 5 inches tall face a real challenge when shopping for an e-bike. Most e-bikes are built in a size well-suited to someone 5 feet 10 inches, but the quality of that fit drops the more someone deviates from that height. The high-rise handlebar of the RadExpand can be turned back toward the rider more than most, making the reach easier and its step-thru design not only makes it easy to fold, it’s easy to mount and get rolling.

The RadExpand 5’s versatility is part of what makes it so great. It’s a capable commuter, thanks to lights, fenders and a rear rack, and with its wide tires, it gives a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 750W brushless hub motor is more powerful than we see on some folding e-bikes. For riders who have to deal with hills or consistently rough roads, having this much power will be welcome, especially for smaller riders who might not be as strong, which is why this is our favorite choice for small riders.

At over 62 lbs it’s still hefty, but the bike folds down to a convenient size for storing in an RV, a corner of the garage or in the trunk of most sedans.

Rad’s bikes have a distinct power profile that starts gentle and grows stronger as you pick up speed. Never once does it feel like it’ll jump out from under you.

A low standover height, adjustable stem and powerful 500W brushless motor make this a terrific option for smaller riders. It can be unlocked to reach a Class 3 top speed of 28 mph, which makes it a fun way to commute or just get around.

Doubters of smaller wattage bikes should make no mistake here, this bike can absolutely move if it wants to. The Turbo Vado has three different assist levels in ECO, SPORT, and TURBO mode. Each one provides a distinctly different feel from the others and the bike handles well in all three.

The motor alone is something we could wax poetic on for pages, but the bike doesn’t stop there. High-level componentry is found throughout the bike from the SRAM hydraulic brakes, SRAM NX 11-speed drivetrain, and the generous 710Wh battery powering the bike (on the 4.0 model we tested)..

Typically when a bike is in the “high-performance” category that might mean it runs a little pricier than it needs to. We don’t actually feel that’s the case here. Considering the componentry package, engineering investment, performance, and top tier customer support you’re getting in this bike it feels like you get every penny of what you pay for.

E-bikes with mid-drive motors like the Brose in the Prodigy are rare in this price range. Its combination of Class 3 speed, step-thru and traditional frame designs as well as an off-road configuration makes it ideal for high performance on a budget.

Half the fun of camping is exploring the area visited. E-bikes offer campers the opportunity to go farther, see more and not be wiped out at the end of the day. The Mokwheel Basalt is unusual among e-bikes in that it is well-suited to not just to off-road exploring, but it can serve as a valuable resource thanks to some of its unusual accessories. As a Class 3 e-bike with a maximum speed of 28 mph, it is terrific for getting around most anywhere.

The Mokwheel Basalt may not look all that unusual at first glance. It features a 750W brushless hub motor that can turn 90Nm of torque, making it suitable to riding steep hills, whether paved or not. The 110mm-travel suspension fork improves control on bumpy terrain and the 7-speed Shimano drivetrain helps both uphill and down. Hydraulic disc brakes offer terrific power even on steep downhills and Chaoyang 26 x 4-in. tires provide the necessary cushion and traction for exploring the backcountry.

What really sets the Mokwheel Basalt apart is its massive 940Wh battery that can power a 100W power inverter that has the ability to run such essentials as phone chargers, coffee makers, electric grills and laptops. Planning to be gone more than a day or two? Mokwheel also offers a solar charger to keep the juice running to those essentials.

Riders can also choose between a traditional frame and a step-thru design. Because it has a 450-lb. payload capacity, campers who want to go bag dinner can carry it back to camp as well. This is ideal for anyone planning to go camping but still wants electricity.

750W brushless hub motor has the power and torque necessary to climb hills and deliver riders to a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph for spirited riding

One of the biggest challenges of e-bike design is that the bigger the motor, the more it weighs. The same goes for batteries. That creates a challenge for a bike designer; a more powerful motor gives up some of the value of its wattage by virtue of the fact that the increased weight negates it. Similarly, a more powerful battery weighs more and therefore cuts an e-bike’s range. Rather than beefing up both motor and battery, for the Aventon Soltera, the e-bike’s designer went in the other direction: Spec’d with a 350W brushless motor and a 360Wh battery, the Soltera tips the scales at just 41 lbs.

The Aventon Soltera is modeled on single-speed, flat-bar road bikes known as fixies. It features skinnier tires than we often see, which give the bike a more agile feeling, increases its efficiency, which makes it easier to accelerate and uses less energy at speed, and the 700C wheels roll over bumps more easily, not to mention offering a stable ride at speed.

Because seven speeds is often preferable to one, Aventon sells the Soltera in a 7-speed version for anyone who wants to make hills a bit easier. Single-speed e-bikes face a challenge in that if the gear is good at low speeds, like when starting, it won’t be great at 20 mph. And if it’s great at 20 mph, getting started won’t be easy. We suggest spending the extra dough to get six more speeds.

This is one of a vanishingly small number of e-bikes we’ve reviewed that feature traditional rim brakes. These brakes are plenty powerful for the kind of riding buyers will do on this bike; these rim brakes are nothing like the ones on the bikes we rode as kids. And while the tires on the Aventon Soltera are narrower than we often see on e-bikes, these aren’t as skinny as the tires we see on racing bikes; they will still offer a comfortable ride, even on rough roads.

The market for a single-speed e-bike is limited, but Aventon offers an optional 7-speed drivetrain that will increase its appeal to a much broader range of buyers

Even though this is a budget-oriented model, Aventon doesn’t go cheap; the Soltera is equipped with the full-color LCD display, companion app and inset taillight

Riders looking for an e-bike with a powerful motor might not appreciate this bike’s balance of power vs. weight; this bike is meant to make use of a smaller motor in a lighter bike

This budget-minded flat-bar road e-bike also uses a smaller motor and battery for Class 3 performance, making it one of the most affordable e-bikes we’ve encountered with a 28 mph top speed.

Nearly all of the bike is made of carbon fiber, including the super sexy one-piece spoked carbon wheels and the entirety of the sleek-looking folding frame. The bike almost has a minimalist design with smooth curves and few obvious frills, but beneath that carbon facade is one of the most feature-rich and smartly-integrated e-bikes we’ve ever tested.

The G4 family of GoCycles is the fourth iteration of the British fast folder. Not only does this bike have more carbon and a more integrated cockpit than its predecessor, GoCycle managed to double the torque produced by the front hub motor. Don’t let this bike’s small stature fool you; it’s remarkably quick and climbs hills with the best of them. The new G4i+ also has predictive electric shifting and a set of very nice hydraulic disk brakes that are unbranded but bear a striking resemblance to a high-end Magura design.

All in, the GoCycle G4 weighs in the ballpark of 36 lbs, making this one of the most lightweight folding e-bikes on the market today. Add in its quirky cool looks, beautiful folding mechanism and feature-rich build, and it’s undeniably one of the best lightweight folding e-bikes of 2023.

Part of the challenge of making a great folding e-bike is keeping it light enough to be stowed. At 55 lbs., this folder is easy to manage, while still offering enough power to get up hills and enough range to get across town and back.

Road bikes are known for racing, and for lycra-clad cycling enthusiasts who aren’t afraid to use plenty of leg power when attempting a casual 30-60 miles on a weekend ride. Surely it doesn’t sound like the crowd that would see the appeal of having a motor-equipped bike doing some of the work for you.

The BULLS Alpine Hawk really captured the feel of a true road bike – so much so that we often forgot it was an e-bike. The 33.5 lb weight is a tad high for a performance road bike, but it’s a featherweight compared to most e-bikes. So with a small amount of assist, delivered beautifully from the Fazua motor I might add, you actually see modest speed increases that offset the weight of the bike and then some.

At no point does the bike take over for you, instead, it makes it so you get home a little quicker, manage headwinds better, and feel a little less of a sting when taking on a hill. If all of that subtlety isn’t enough, BULLS even made it so you can entirely remove the motor and battery out of the Alpine Hawk.

This bike is incredibly compliant over rough roads; BULLS clearly had comfort in mind and built a bike that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for performance.

The full Ultegra 11-speed groupset (plus the matching hydraulic disc brakes) works spectacularly well and compliments the do-it-all, ride-it-anywhere spirit of this bike.

The Fazua drivepack (which includes the motor and battery) is removable and can be replaced with a blank cover, so you can ride this e-bike as a traditional road bike and shave over 10 lbs off the weight.

The Alpine Hawk is only available in two sizes — a 54 cm frame and 58 cm, which is pretty limited in the road bike world. It would be great to see more sizes so riders can more finely tune their fits.

While we’re sure there’s going to be lots of opinions and questions about why this or that bike didn’t land on our list, these are the 14 e-bikes we’re most excited about right now. This is not a comprehensive list, nor were we able to consider each and every e-bike use case, but we do think all the bikes on this list are a good representation of what’s out there right now.

Have a bike that you think would be a good contender for our best electric bikes of 2023 page? Let us know in the comment section below. At the very least, we always want to know what our readers are riding.

Rad Power Bikes announced a pair of new RadRovers a few weeks ago, and after getting through the chaos of the official launch, the company sent us a RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru to review.

Right out of the box, the sleek new lines of the RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru were striking. Its glossy charcoal and black livery is refined and sophisticated, raising expectations before the bike was even fully assembled. We pulled it out of the box and excitedly attached the front wheel with its massive 26″ x 4″ Rad Power Bikes by Kenda Juggernaut fat tires.

We bolted on the pedals, headlight, front fender, etc., and had the bike up and running in just over 30 minutes. Assembly is straightforward and Rad Power Bikes provides great instructions on the included Owner’s Manual to support the process. The company also sent us a rear rack and a set of Tannus Armour tire liners for the bike that we installed after the bike was put together.

The rear rack only requires a few extra bolts, while the Tannus Armour requires the removal of the rear wheel. That’s quite an involved process as the motor for the bike resides in the rear wheel, but the bike was designed for this and we tackled it in around 15 minutes for the rear wheel.

We installed the Tannus Armour on our personal RadRover Step-Thru and the RadRunner we reviewed and have found them to provide great protection against just about everything except full blown nail punctures. Those are rare in this area which makes Tannus Armour a great option to protect the unnaturally bulbous 26″ x 4″ fat tires on the RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru.

After assembly, we dropped the bike on the charger for the night to let it get nice and charged up. Rad Power Bikes has upped its charger game with the newly redesigned RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru with a new wall mount for the charger that makes it easy to store the charger on the wall near an outlet when not in use. It’s a small tweak but makes for a nicer overall charging experience. Your garage will thank you.

With the bike charged up and ready to go, we powered up the new dual display system on the bike and started playing. The dual display configuration allowed Rad Power Bikes to optimize where each piece of information is displayed based on years of working with electric bikes and thousands of owners.

The system puts the pedal assist level and battery state of charge on the new left-mounted control pad. This lets riders see both at a quick glance down at the bike and adjust the assist level as needed. The new control pad has larger buttons than previous RadRovers that make it easy to increase or decrease the pedal assist level, power the bike on and off, and turn the integrated LED front and rear lights on or off.

The new square shaped center display is one of our favorite features of the redesigned RadRover as its beautiful and crisp screen makes it easy to see everything you would typically want from a traditional cycling computer. Speed, odometer, time, and motor power are there and you can customize what it displays based on personal preference. It’s a nice improvement over the standard setup that makes it easier to see what you need, where it’s most convenient.

As nice as the new dual display system is, the lefthand display is not the easiest thing to read in direct sunlight. It’s not a critical flaw, but it would be nice if the pedal assist level were easier to see at a quick glance. It’s still legible, but it does require a bit more focus to see what pedal assist level the bike is at than I’d prefer.

The new RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru looks amazing, but the upgrades in this new version are anything but skin deep. Rad Power Bikes put a ton of effort into the motor for this latest iteration, applying its internal team of electrical engineers to develop a brand new 750-watt geared hub motor. The new motor boasts better low end torque for better acceleration off the line, better hill climbing capability and, surprisingly, greater efficiency at the same time.

Riding the new RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru reveals a more refined experience that much more seamlessly integrates the electric powertrain into the bike. The step-ups between the 5 pedal assist levels are smooth, as if you were adjusting the amount of tailwind desired.

It is truly a bit of a head-scratcher how they were able to increase the torque at the same time as improving efficiency, but it just goes to show you how much innovation is still possible in the world of e-bikes. All this work translates to a bike with more pep off the line paired with a smoother power curve while underway for a ride that feels very natural. It brings together the benefits of a rear hub motor — namely the ability to add a throttle — with the seamless integration of a mid drive motor in a single, beautiful package.

On the mechanical side of things, the RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru features the stalwart 7-speed Shimano Altus derailleur and a freewheel that features Rad Power Bikes’ special extra low climbing gear. In the photo above, you can see how much larger the 34-tooth low gear is and that translates to solid capability when it comes time to head uphill. This particular gear is one of my favorites as our test route involves a few oversized hills to pound on the brakes on the way down and put the electric powertrain to the test on the way back up.

Speaking of brakes, the new adjustable hydraulic brakes and ceramic pads on the bike are one of the more impactful upgrades in this latest iteration. The combination makes for a much more firm braking experience and that’s super important on e-bikes across the board as riders tend to get moving at higher speeds than traditional bikes.

The plush 26″ x 4″ Kenda by Rad Power Bikes tires aren’t new to RadRover bikes, but they make for a comfortable ride that all but eliminate the need for additional suspension. The RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru does come with a passable RST spring suspension fork with 60mm of travel, but the tires are the real star of the show when it comes to a comfortable ride. We had a blast on this bike just tearing around town, blasting down hills and boosting back up again on the way back home.

Another improvement over the previous RadRover is the lower headtube. This is a subtle change in the geometry of the bike that translates to a much more approachable bike. The low stepover height of the bike is even lower than before, making the new RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru suitable for riders from 5’2″ – 6’2″. At 6’2″ myself, I’m at the upper end of that range and feel extremely comfortable on the bike with the seat very near its highest extension.

Overall, the new RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru brings a host of meaningful upgrades to Rad Power Bikes’ best selling platform. A new and improved frame geometry, a partially frame-integrated battery, hydraulic brakes with ceramic brake pads, a new display system, new rubber grips, and much more. It is without a doubt the most comprehensive set of upgrades Rad Power Bikes has brought to any of its bikes.

On top of that, one of my favorite things about Rad Power Bikes is the laundry list of Rad Power Bikes’ own accessories and the curated list of aftermarket options. My favorites are the Suntour NCX suspension seatpost and the large basket that bolts on to any aftermarket or Rad Power Bikes rack. I mean, you can cruise down the street on your brand new e-bike with a milk crate zip tied onto the back, but it’s 2021. You have options.

In addition to the more traditional list of accessories, the RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru has a cool new feature up its sleeve when it comes to USB charging. Instead of building a single USB port into a fixed location on the bike, Rad Power Bikes opted to provide the capability to add up to 4 USB ports to the bike. 2 can be added to the front line and 2 can be added to a second tap on the seat tube. This is a super cool feature for riders looking to add more lights to the bike or to charge a phone or tablet. Christmas might technically be in December, but who’s to say you can’t add a string of USB-powered holiday lights to your bike for some summer night time riding action?

For more information about the brand new Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru, check out the specs below, our first look at the bike, or click on through to its official website.

Some e-bikes, regardless of the motor, have a separate, typically twist throttle on a handle, like you’d find on a motorcycle. That enables you to move without pedaling. This is handy for quick takeoff, but it uses a lot more battery, which limits the range of your motor and the amount of exercise you get.

Nate Bosscher, a senior engineer on the e-bikes team at Trek, says the motor on a mid-drive e-bike is “upstream of the gears and the chain, and that certainly puts more strain on the drivetrain than a non-e-bike.” You can reduce the wear and tear on the drivetrain by regular cleaning and lubrication, he says.

Whether you’re riding a mid- or hub-drive e-bike, you should downshift to an easier gear ahead of a traffic light. That’s so you can resume pedaling without having to “mash” or stand on the pedals to make the bike move, Bosscher says.

You also don’t want to stand on the pedals with maximum force while trying to shift, which is especially hard on the bike’s transmission, Bosscher adds. This is true whether you’re shifting at a slower speed or flying down the road. And it’s always best to lighten your pedaling as you shift gears to reduce wear on the cluster and chain.

Marco Sonderegger, a senior product manager at Specialized, says that the best pedaling speed on the company’s mid-drive bikes is 70 to 90 rpm, which means your legs are moving like a fast jog. That typically puts less stress on the chain because you’re not putting a lot of torque on the system with each pedal stroke.

Trek’s Bosscher says most e-bike manufacturers gear their motors for pedaling speeds of at least 60 rpm. For this reason, Sonderegger believes spinning at 70 to 90 rpm will increase your range roughly 10 to 12 percent compared with mashing at 50 rpm or slower.

The RadCity 5 Plus e-bike from Rad Power Bikes has just been launched with a pile of new upgrades, making it the most extensive update to the RadCity electric commuter e-bike yet. The team at Rad kindly gave me the opportunity to get an early test ride on the new RadCity 5 Plus, and today I’m taking you along with me to see what makes this new e-bike tick.

The new RadCity 5 Plus is the latest e-bike in Rad’s lineup to get the “Plus” treatment. That’s where Rad takes an existing e-bike and upgrades the quality and utility of the bike by adding new features and higher spec components.

Earlier this summer we saw Rad Power Bikes do something similar with its most popular e-bike, the fat tire RadRover. When the new RadRover 6 Plus landed, we witnessed a slew of awesome new upgrades like hydraulic disc brakes, a new motor, upgraded display, sleeker semi-integrated battery, new lighting, and other improvements.

Now Rad is following a similar path with the commuter-ready RadCity e-bike line. Both the RadCity step-over and RadCity step-through are getting a number of similar upgrades to create the RadCity 5 Plus edition.

Extras: dual displays, higher accuracy battery gauge, front and rear LED lights, 5 speed settings, half-twist throttle, higher power USB charging ports (optional), mounting for front and rear racks, fenders included standard, redesigned battery, higher torque motor

The first and most obvious is a new battery. Just like the RadRover 6 Plus, the RadCity is getting Rad’s newly designed battery pack that slides down into the frame. Not only does that create a sleeker package by hiding away the battery, but it also frees up a lot more space in the triangle of the step-over frame. On the Step-through version, it allows the frame to be even more accessible with extra room to swing a leg through.

The battery is still 672 Wh, which is on the larger size of the e-bike battery spectrum. It offers reasonable range of around 25-50 miles depending on if you’re ripping on the throttle or taking it easy with pedal assist. I’ve ridden plenty of Rad Power Bikes e-bikes and range has never been issue.

The second major update that will likely catch the eye is the new motor. The last RadCity was the final holdout in the Rad lineup for direct drive motors. Those were big, dinner plate-size motors that took up a lot of space in the rear wheel. Now Rad has moved to a smaller, lighter but torquier geared hubmotor in the rear. The downside is that you lose the regenerative braking option (even though that gave back only marginal battery charge). The upside is… just about everything else. The new motor is lighter, smaller, better at hill climbing, and doesn’t look like such an eyesore in the rear wheel.

I took the bike up some steep Seattle hills and the new motor worked great on both throttle-only and pedal assist riding. Rad claims a 40% increase in hill climbing speed and I believe them. The RadCity 5 Plus flew me up some super steep hills with an ease that surprised me.

The last major eye-catching update is the pair of new LED displays. This is likely to be a divisive feature, but I’m a fan. The former simplistic LCD display has now been split into two LED displays.

Then on the left bar end there’s a combined remote and display that provides less frequently used info like pedal assist level, battery charge, and headlight status. That’s all important data, but not something you’re constantly looking at. Most people check their battery level once in a while, and pedal assist level is kind of a set-it-and-forget-it thing.

I also like that the functions being actuated by the buttons are located next to the buttons. For example, on the old screen you would click the button on the left bar end to change the pedal assist level, then have to look back to the display in the center of the bars to see if the level changed and what level you were in now. With the new system, that info is right next to the buttons, making it quicker and easier to use – no more hunting around with your eyes.

Some people won’t like that there are more things taking up handlebar real estate, and I certainly get that. When you want to add your own lights, phone holders, and other aftermarket accessories, space on the bars is at a premium. But I do think the new displays are a well thought out and executed feature.

In addition to the newly designed frame, the RadCity 5 Plus also gets some upgraded components. Chief among those upgrades are new hydraulic disc brakes.

Even though mechanical disc brakes are absolutely fine for a 20 mph (32 km/h) e-bike, hydraulic disc brakes are simply a nicer upgrade. They require less maintenance since you don’t have to adjust cable lengths as they stretch. They require less force to get the same stopping power, meaning you can more easily one-finger brake to maintain better control of the handlebars. The levers are adjustable so riders with either small or large hands can dial them into a comfortable distance from the bars. And the brakes aren’t susceptible to cable rust or housing wear, which can cause bicycles to have non-responsive braking as the bike ages.

Rad Power Bikes also includes higher-quality ceramic brake pads in the calipers, giving an even stronger bite and longer-lasting brakes. With brake pad replacement essentially the only maintenance item left with hydraulic brakes, longer maintenance intervals offered by ceramic pads push these brakes even closer to nearly zero-maintenance territory.

The rear of the bike has also been reworked to create a bolt-on rack instead of a frame-integrated rack. That means you have more options for accessories and you also aren’t stuck with an unmodify-able rear end. If you ever banged up your frame-integrated rack on the old model, you were out of luck. With this setup, it can easily be replaced and thus increases the lifespan of the bike itself.

New tires are also present on the RadCity 5 Plus. The puncture-resistant tires were re-engineered for the bike and supposedly offer an 11% increase in range.

One change I’m not so sure how I feel about is the new suspension fork. The reduced travel makes the bike a bit lower and lighter, but it doesn’t have quite the same absorption range anymore. Of course this is a city bike, not a trail bike, and so the 60 mm travel RTS spring fork is probably adequate for the type of riding most people do.

The previous RadCity had a bit more “mountain bike i