Rad Power Bikes may not have created the first compact utility e-bike, but one could argue that they've perfected it with their RadRunner series. A short wheelbase, 20" wheels, a heavy-duty rear rack, and upright seating position combine for an electric bike that can do just about anything while providing impressive comfort. Rather than having a bolt-on rear rack, it's actually part of the frame, essentially a long-tail cargo frame, but shorter. This allows carrying much more cargo - even a human passenger - with an overall weight limit of 350 pounds. It's easy to mount and dismount too, thanks to the low standover height of the step-thru frame. The 750-watt rear hub motor is plenty powerful even under heavy loads, and you can reach speeds of 20mph on either the throttle or cadence-based pedal assist.
One of the standout features of the RadRunner series is accessorizing; Rad Power Bikes has dozens upon dozens of official accessories that you can add at checkout. Of course, this can quickly drive the price to the point you won't feel like you're buying a value-priced bike anymore... but if it empowers you to replace your car with a decked-out RadRunner, it just might be worth it.
General
Frame and Contact Points
Electronics
Bicycle Components
What Other Experts Are Saying
Before purchasing a personal electric vehicle costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars, it's important to do your research to make sure you get the right one! Even though we'd love to personally review every single EV out there, there's just too many out there for us to possibly cover them all. That's why we've worked hard to curate reviews from other experts in the industry. We only show an excerpt of each review here; please use the "Read Full Review" button to get the full story on their website and support their excellent work!
"Unique to this model is the newly designed frame, which added tubing between the bottom tube, on through to the seat tube, and ending at the seat stay. This makes the RadRunner 3 Plus handle better, while also making it much stronger for passengers and cargo. The RadRunner 3 Plus now accommodates payloads up to 350lbs. Rad also refined the suspension fork, shortening it from 80mm to 60mm travel to make pedaling easi..."
"The fork also has both a lock-out and a pre-load adjuster, so you can play with the suspension action should you need to (I didn’t). The integrated rear oversized rack doesn’t have the same issues as some I’ve tested – Rad Power has welded a thinner-gauge cross member along the platform so standard KLICKfix-style panniers will fit and stay secure, rather than wobble about. The RadRunner rolls on 20in wheels..."
"Having reviewed the original RadRunner 1 in 2019, It’s amazing to see how much has changed and been improved with the new versions and this Plus model. It has upgraded parts like the 7-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and adjustable suspension fork. The overall weight limit has been raised from 300lbs to 350lbs, the rear rack is longer and the foot peg mounting point is lower and more comfortable. The saddl..."
"The utility design of the bike is also top-notch. As a step-through, it’s easy to mount, even when loaded up with cargo on the rear rack. There are so many RadRunner copies and clones these days that it can be hard to remember that this is the bike that started it all. And Rad hasn’t lost sight of that, ensuring the most recent edition stays true to that RadRunner DNA that makes it a potent little cargo hauler. I..."
"So, is the 20 mph limit a buzz-kill? Sure, for some it could be, but those people aren’t likely shopping for a compact utility e-bike such as the RadRunner 3 Plus. If you want to buy an e-bike that goes faster than 20 mph, there are plenty of good choices, such as the recently-reviewed Engwe EP-2 Pro folding fat tire e-bike and the Super73-S Adventure Series. If you like the idea of an e-bike that can get you aroun..."
"One of the biggest issues I’ve faced in the past with cargo bikes like the RadRunner 3 Plus is the difficulty presented by switching between a rear cargo basket and a passenger seat. Sometimes I want to take my daughter with me on trips; sometimes I want to load up with cargo. The RadRunner 3 Plus makes it super-simple to switch between a padded passenger seat and a cargo basket. The passenger seat comes off with t..."
"The riding position of the new RadRunner 3 Plus is nice and upright. An upright riding position is, in our experience, the most natural and makes it possible to pedal for hours on end without discomfort. The BMX style bars up front swing forward and backwards across a wide arc, making it easy to adjust the front to back position of the handlebars with a very simple adjustment of the stem bolts. Move them forward for ..."
"One of the best qualities of Rad Power ebikes in general involves their superior customizability. Rad offers a slew of accessories: cargo boxes, front baskets, lock and bottle holders, netting, bags, racks, safety equipment, passenger seats, and canopies, and now even trailers and pet carriers. In the case of the RadRunner 3, you can either choose your own options or select one of several pre-designed kits. I’ve b..."
"Full disclosure: I had never ridden an e-bike for a meaningful amount of time before getting on the RadRunner. I was expecting to use it for commuting and minor errands but I never expected that I'd end up almost wholly replacing my car with the RadRunner 3 Plus. I am using it nearly every day instead of my car. Seeing just how much less I could use my car has been eye-opening, and it feels great to know I am reducin..."
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