2020 Rad Power Bikes

RadRover 5

An updated 5th generation full sized, high-step, fat tire electric bike from one of the originators in this category; Rad Power Bikes. Features comfortable 4" wide knobby tires with puncture protection and reflective sidewalls. It's stable and capable in soft terrain like mulch and sand if the tire air pressure is lowered. Features a curved top-tube, short sturdy stem, and mid-rise handlebar for approachability and comfort.

Adjustable suspension fork offers preload adjust for heavy loads and lockout for smooth terrain. Upgraded headlight with outer "be seen" LED light-ring and focused "see the path" primary beam (80 lumens). The rear light offers solid mode, blinking mode, and bright mode when either brake lever is pulled. Riser mount keeps the rear light visible over the included plastic fender

Rubberized brake levers offer comfort and warmth over solid aluminum alloy levers. Integrated brake lever bell is cheerful and durable vs. an aftermarket mounted bell. Lots of great rack and bag accessories with extender cables to re-position the lights, new orange color options add a splash of fun. Solid one year comprehensive warranty, great price point at $1,499 with free shipping

Only available in one color and frame size, but the handlebar can be swiveled to lengthen or shorten reach. Standard 2 amp battery charger can take up to six hours for a full charge. Some assembly required, unless you live near one of the flagship stores in Seattle and Vancouver, or a city with mobile service. Fairly heavy at 69.6lbs without accessories

We noticed right away that the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 5 has good power distribution. Some bikes with large 750 motors seem to try to blow you off the starting line, but the power is controlled here to keep it powerful, yet safe.

The RadRover 5 has predictable motor engagement thanks to a finely-tuned cadence sensor. Not all cadence sensors are created equally. The RadRover finds itself on the right end of the cadence sensor quality spectrum.

All the RadRover’s parts mesh together nicely, and it all adds up to feel like one solid bike. This is largely thanks to points 1 and 2 above, but it’s worth pointing out how well they bring the bike together. While many fat tire competitors have similar componentry choices, they don’t all come together as seamlessly as they do on the RadRover 5.

The Saddle and Grips are comfortable for a long period of time. They also match the theme of the bike nicely.

We really appreciate the wattage readout. Not many affordable bikes include that on their LCD displays, but being able to see it helps you better gauge how much you’re using up the battery in a given level of assist.

We would have preferred the shifter to be underneath the handlebar, as the location feels more natural. The over the bar shift lever is harder to click on the fly, and less likely to give you a smooth shift.

The imitation leather grips are a great shape, but they’re a bit slick with sweaty hands. These grips add to the looks of the bike and we don’t by any means think they’re terrible, just slick in some scenarios.