Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Step-Thru Review - $2k

[@mousermind]

This is the most in-depth review I've seen yet for this bike. Thank you so much.

[@JerryThompson848]

I have a 6 mo. old Aventon Level ST and spent another $200.00 to bring it up to this level of comfort. I had to add a stem riser, adjustable stem, handle bars and ergonomic grips. I had to add lights. I also added a spring dampening seat post and Cloud 9 seat which are the only things the Rad would need. I'm still waiting for the advanced display which I paid $65.00 for. The new Rad is a great value and will be my next purchase. Another great review. Thanks.

[@draighlenoire2535]

Well, you sold me on this bike. I'm going to order one right away. Thanks for your great review. One of the best reviews I've watched.

[@repCanada]

I really wish they had a dual battery setup for either the Radcity or the Radrover, some people just need more range!!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I feel you Matthew. There are only a few ebikes with dual battery setup right now, and they tend to be more expensive. It's possible to carry a second battery for the RadCity, but the trade-off is that it will take up storage space, and their packs are kind of long, so might stick out. You could also bring a charger along if there's a stop mid-way on your ride! Check out some Riese & Müller and DOST ebikes for products that have dual battery option.

[@donnashafer2341]

Do done

[@DanLetts97]

I guess you could always carry a second battery with you and just switch them over. A small inconvenience.

[@user-yz5oh4jj7v]

what an amazing review. I appreciate you and the wrk you put into these vids so much!

[@cerebrix]

I appreciate your comment about the review of the bike that he really appreciated the design effort on. My favorite part of the video was when he appreciated the height of the power connector which was right after he appreciated the seat clamp lever but before he appreciated the aluminum casing on the battery. These were nice things to point out and I really, really appreciated it.

[@elevenAD]

These are lovely! Rad should make some type of locking straps on the bottom of that battery bag so you can safely carry a spare on your rear rack!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

That's a cool idea! Very creative :D

[@EdKrisiak]

I would have bought this over the Aventon Level. I think they need more aggressive tires. Very nice update:) Nice review.

[@mikeshelton1742]

Same here, like this over the Level!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks Ed! I hope the Level works well for you.

[@sdflyer1672]

As always, great review!!! Really appreciate your attention to detail. Thank you!

[@marcuswelby921]

Great detailed review! Job well done. Yo. explanation was very thorough.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thank you so much Marcus! I try to imagine that I'm telling a new friend about the bike and we are together looking at it. Your comment is encouraging and I really appreciate it :)

[@GeoffreyFortier]

Sad to see the brown leather-ish saddle and grips go. 😞

[@Kattbirb]

Well, the high-step model's review is unlisted and I didn't notice until now. I'll add my own review here. So disappointed to see they left the same flaws I dislike about my Rad City 4 and took features I bought mine for in the first place. Top to bottom, front to back; The bell is different. Not a deal breaker but the old one integrated in the left brake lever was a trigger, not a flick, and has a much more pleasing tone. Very easy to use with gloves in the previous model. No integrated horn like I had hoped, a feature I would like since I spend a lot of time around traffic on my Rad City 4 I prefer the older, simpler display. the new one looks nicer, but I don't feel it's worth the clutter. Separate light control is neat, but I was hoping for a High-Low toggle and turn signals. Hand signals are always available, but keeping both hands on the bars in traffic would be preferable, especially at speed, and it seems many drivers don't understand hand signals anymore or even look for them. Changing the Pedal Assist speed seems absent in this one too. Being unable to run it to 25 MPH is an absolute deal breaker, being able to easily keep up with traffic in my town is a major safety feature and if this one can't I won't recommend it. If that's the case I hope the Rad City 6 is a class 3 with a 20 MPH throttle. (Edit, you can get 25 mph, it's hidden more deeply in the options. Check your bicycle laws before doing so) The included headlight looks like the 80 lumen basic light, rather than the 500 lumen upgraded light. Odd not to have that on a "Plus" model. The new battery is attractive. Much better looking than the previous model. Can you leave the battery locked in place but the bike set to the "Off" position? That's another safety feature in my book as it's another layer of theft protection on top of a café lock and U-bolt. The saddle appears to be a new design. I replaced mine only a two hundred miles into my time with the Rad City 4. This one looks nice. I appreciate a removable rear rack. I've rarely used mine and slimming the bike down a bit would be welcome if it wouldn't be taking the bigger of the two tail/brake lights with it. I'm not sold on the hydraulic brakes, as the Rad City 4 has regenerative braking so the motor itself adds to your stopping power (while giving a trickle more battery power back, which is reassuring if not particularly useful for charging), with three points of deceleration your emergency stops, of which I had a few, are very short! The 5 Plus does away with the brushless Shengyi direct drive motor and I feel that's a bit of a downgrade as it's a super smooth motor. The hydraulic breaks should make up for the loss of the Shengyi's addition to stopping, so I suppose it's evened out there. I would miss the gentle coasting to a stop that the regenerative breaking offers though. And Court, you know already what I'm gonna harp on next, that 7-speed freewheel retains the gearing from the Rad City 4 and I just don't like it. It's the worst part of my Rad City 4 as the jump from first to second gear is such a stretch, necessitating a twist of the throttle any time I shift up from first or else I have to break my cadence. The small number of gears after that means that occasionally I come across moments where I can't find a comfortable gear for my cadence. For a Plus model I would want a more comfortable spread of gears, At least 8 speed but preferably 9, both available in Shimano's lineups and with the same fantastic range. Availability has definitely been problematic, perhaps on the Rad City 6? The motor, I mentioned that I felt it was a downgrade. This one is noisy! High torque is hardly something I feel is needed on a city bike and the magnetic drag isn't very noticeable at all if left on a minimum of pedal assist while cruising through town. But the noise! That would seriously degrade the enjoyment I have in my commute. Lastly I have a little note on the charging dongles, I don't like them and I feel like they're unnecessary clutter. Using a power bank in the old setup already offered a means to plug in a couple things at once and even allowed charging while off the bike and taking a lunch break at one of Western Washington's fantastic parks. I had previously considered the Rad City 4 an 8/10. Good, almost great, and an amazing amount of quality for the price. That opinion hasn't changed, I've almost hit a thousand miles on mine and I'm sure I'll put another thousand onto it next year. The Rad City 5 on the other hand, is a 6/10 for me. Really missed the mark; an increase in price with a loss of features, and with the identical components with the Rad Rover 6 Plus it really looks like Rad Power is putting some cookie-cutter fixtures in their bikes instead of letting them stand out from each other. I recommend skipping the 5 Plus unless its features really appeal to you, the Rad City 4 is the better bike for the money. (Edit: with the speed limit change still available my opinion improves, the 5 Plus is a 7/10)

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Here's the high-step review with video embedded. I have not fully published it yet because I try not to flood the channel with the same company all at once. Thanks for your thoughtful review and insights about the bike. electricbikereview.com/rad-power-bikes/radcity-5-plus/

[@patrickrodriguez1627]

We just bought ours and going on our 1st ride. Great review. From Santa Maria CA

[@mousermind]

I've never understood the "swing your leg way over" way of mounting. I must be weird, because I just swing my leg over more perpendicularly to the bike, in front of the seat instead of over it.

[@seanmack6410]

Thanks for the video! Thoughts on this versus the RadRunner Plus? Specifically I guess with a use case of commuting and dropping a 2 year old off at daycare?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hi Sean! I've always liked the RadCity as an all-around value priced ebike. The new battery design is much easier to get on and off, the weight is positioned really well, the frame is super approachable, and they have excellent accessories. The rear rack is really well done and is compatible with two styles of Yepp child seats (the EasyFit window or side clamp one). Depending on your preference for frame styles, they also have a slightly larger high-step that only comes in black, and I published that review here: electricbikereview.com/rad-power-bikes/radcity-5-plus/ I appreciate the good support that Rad offers, and it seems like their products hold their value as a recognized brand too, I see a lot of views on their reviews and engagement in that part of the forums.

[@mrgold3591]

Ordered this exact ebike for my wife to replace her older 2018 Radcity Step-Thru. Only put 16 miles of a week of riding on the new bike before the controller failed and zero power to the hub motor with PAS or throttle. Waiting on Rad support to call me back and I have a about a week to decide to fix or send back (send back if the controller is back-order months out). I have two 2016 Radrovers and the 2018 Radcity with around +9000 miles between them and no issues.

[@martinlegrice1414]

Nice review. I just received mine and am in the process of assembling.

[@crazycanucknation]

Thanks for the review! I think you are working hard on positive angle of not having a place for a bottle cage. Structural degradation from a bottle cage boss has not been a problem since the beginning of bottle cages. That should be highlighted as a major negative as some folks are really going to miss that and the explanation you gave doesn’t hold any water. That pun was intended.

[@soandsononame8750]

Cry more Get a Velcro strap water bottle holder at Walmart for 6$

[@MoPoppins]

You really don’t need a hard-mounted water bottle holder. There are numerous other alternatives to choose from that won’t be problematic at all.

[@crazycanucknation]

That’s true, but it is an expectation that many common consumers have and I don’t have a problem getting rid of it. Just say, yeah it didn’t fit man but there are other options on the market that are cheap and just as good. The structural thing is a joke

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I personally do like having the option, but have seen how many companies with integrated batteries avoid them since the bosses might have to be part of the battery casing or cover. I can also see why having them at crotch level on a step-thru could be problematic. I love that Rad is offering two good handlebar solutions, for me, that helps to solve it.

[@joanrichardt1844]

I'm tall - 5' 11" - with long legs. On the sizing chart on the Rad website, it looks like this new model (4) doesn't have quite as large a frame as the previous model. I love the step-through, but would it be big enough for me?

[@donnashafer2341]

I'm 5'11" and got 1000 miles on my rad city 5+

[@donnashafer2341]

Got a2017 rad rover with 11000 miles

[@allandavies1187]

Hi there! having watched your video today in the UK I then subscribed and also purchased this very model of e-bike. May I ask where do you keep the hand pump? Like you mentioned the water bottle? Finally, I am thinking of purchasing a large basket to carry my pet miniature schnauzer dog at the front. Do you think this could be possible to do? I could do with some good advice before spending my money on the basket. I do hope that you can help...

[@santacruzmagic]

I love my Rad bikes. I have a Rad City Step thru Model2, and also a Model 3. The Model 2 and Model 3 bikes come with an adjustable speed limit which can raise the limit to 25 mph . It comes set to 20 mph limit by default. Question: does this new model have the ability to set the speed limit up to 25 like before? Thanks, Ken

[@Kattbirb]

I'd like to know too. If it doesn't I wouldn't recommend it. Many roads here in Western Washington's towns have 25 MPH limits, so keeping up with traffic is a huge safety feature. Hopefully the Rad City 6 is a class 3 with a throttle.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hi Ken, my experience with the bike and digging into the display was that you cannot adjust the top speed anymore. It is set based on the country you live in. In Europe that means 15.5mph (25km/h) and in the US it's 20mph (32km/h).

[@Kattbirb]

@@ElectricBikeReview Thank you for the answer on this one.

[@aberdeenbelfry316]

Yes you can adjust top speed. There are videos on KZbin showing how now.

[@Kattbirb]

@@aberdeenbelfry316 Fantastic, thank you. That certainly improves my opinion on the 5 Plus.

[@MHdollrevievs]

I ordered this same bike February 20/22 fully payed for on my Visa card. As of today May 11/22 12:20pm Mountain Time I still have not received my bike or an email saying it has been shipped. I phoned them just over 2 weeks ago and they said they are hoping to have it shipped by the end of May hopefully. If I knew I would be waiting this long I would have just went to a local bike shop,Sure I would have payed more but I could be riding it already. We live in Calgary Canada 🇨🇦 and our summers are very short so we are running out of time as we only ordered One bike so my wife can see if she likes it before we order another one.

[@emilykirkegard7854]

Nice review! Any frame flex on the step-thru?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

The frame felt above average in terms of stiffness for a step-thru. There’s still more flex than the high step, but the rectangular Downtube and larger interface to the seat tube adds a lot of strength.

[@Stupidityindex]

This is a great package, the only thing missing is the built-in lights, but I only use about 250 watt motor power, this has 750 watt continuous when most of my ride is 100 watts. This is a local company with a local dealer. Yakima.

[@CyberSamurai4Life]

Thanks for the review. Does the rear light have a brake light as well?

[@SMG-lz1zq]

Yes

[@matthewanderson6423]

Liking the new battery for Rad Bikes. Will you be reviewing the Aventure anytime soon???

[@thechamp555]

I'm a 56 years old , 6.4 and 275 pounds. Would that bike fit my size ? It can be adjusted to different body size ? Good review btw . Thanks !

[@stoutdog56]

You may have made your decision but if not, I like this bike too but you'd be at the max payload capacity which is why I chose the Rad Wagon. The only adjustment for your size frame is seat height and handlebar cant and height. I just went over 1,000 miles two days AGO. Thursday. I use my wagon for all my short (up to 10 miles) trips including groceries.

[@danatucker6390]

Can you tell me how many NM of torque this ebike has? Also do you think these tires would do good on gravel? Thanks!

[@cerebrix]

that battery connector cover really should be just a freebie part of the bike. I don't love that I have to pay 5 bucks plus shipping for that. Just feels like nickel and diming don't you think?

[@theF-Files]

It is a class 3 it’s just a hidden menu press combo…goes 40kmh or 25mph just like the old rad

[@Pippokpax]

What is the combo that you have to press to enable class 3?

[@theF-Files]

Since this new model I’m not sure but probably hit menu and plus or minus and hold them both until p setting appear

[@dapper-Dan]

I have the runner +, looking for another for my wife and choosing between this or the mini step thru 🤔

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hmm, that's a difficult decision! If you are okay on space and don't need the folding feature, this one could be nice... but the RadMini is less expensive right now, I think? The wheels are smaller but the tires are fatter, so you might get similar tire comfort, and they both have suspension. Which way are you leaning?

[@stumarston6812]

Will the direct drive motor on the 4 last longer than the geared motor on this bike?

[@FlowJunkie65]

Great review, thank you Court!

[@joanrichardt1844]

Meant to ask if the new model RadCity 5 Plus Step Through would have a big enough frame for me at 5' 11". Thanks!

[@TwoWay-xX]

Yes it accommodates riders 5’4-6’5

[@Bonjour-World]

White = Good: No one who lives where it gets up to 100 °F in the shade would ever willingly choose an all black bike. Looks like a good generation of maturity in the RadCity bike design. I do wish that they would build it in a 'comfort' version with an extended frame and the BB moved about six inches forward so one did not need a 'control tower' height seat for proper leg extension. From the motor noise I am guessing that they still do not have bevel cut gears in the motor.

[@ndsn96]

I am from hot brazil and I had a black bike. It was never a problem.

[@VerdonTrigance]

I really like Rad Power Bikes, but still can't try it in Russia. My single concern is frame sizes and rider position. Is it comfortable for short people?

[@Kattbirb]

The step through is very accommodating of people's sizes. However if you're under 165cm I'd look for the Rad Runner.

[@repCanada]

Not a fan of the faux leather grips. Much prefer ergonomic ones

[@Kattbirb]

Replacement rubber grips are available on their website and cost about $25. Might as well pick up a set of those along with the 500 lumen light while you're at it.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Your comments have been so great Katianna! Thank you for helping out and sharing these tips with people :)

[@emilylor5328]

We purchased this Vivi 27.5” electric bike and a Tentaquil 26” electric bike for our 13 and 14 year olds. kzbin.infoUgkxUiL0GnyDjP32RJdd660sP8mZk4CRLTCJ The Vivi was much easier to put together. With the Vivi, there was a video link to assist with assembly which made the process easier to follow (we did put the handlebars on upside down, but it was a quick and easy fix). With the Tentaquil, the assembly was not as simple to follow, but after we messaged the company for an assembly video, it was easier and they did respond quickly. The other major differences were that the Vivi has a grip throttle on the right handle (like a motorcycle) and the Tentaquil has a push throttle that you use your thumb to activate. The monitors were also different, so if you’re looking for something specific in terms of changing the bikes functions, pay attention to what the monitor offers. We were really impressed with the overall quality and functionality of both bikes, but if you’re looking for more power and an easier assembly, definitely go with the Vivi!

[@TownGirl04]

I wish I could try for size. The only place, near me, is 1.5 hr away you can rent it. Too far. And I am small.

[@stevedrew6919]

I wish these videos would also check out the serviceably of these bikes. I been waiting over three months for parts. ( which are under warranty) Not very happy with Rad.

[@mbmusikman]

So, is this a Class 2 or a Class 3 ebike?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

This is a Class 2 ebike in North American markets but Class 1 in Europe.

[@zsirrr]

They need a class 3 bike in the line up.

[@Kattbirb]

The Rad City is the perfect platform for it too, especially if they retain the 20 MPH throttle!

[@TheObimara]

@@Kattbirb - That wouldn't be a Class 3

[@Kattbirb]

@@TheObimara Yes it would. Class 3 would be 28 MPH pedal assist, but the throttle may still have to be limited at 20 MPH (depending on state law)

[@MHdollrevievs]

I ordered one after watching your video February 20/22 fully payed for. 3+ Months later still waiting and several phone calls to Rad I canceled the order and ordered a Rad City step threw 3 as it’s on sale on the Canadian site with a 2 business day delivery,If I get it in 2 months I wouldn’t be surprised. The only reason I’m sticking with Rad is price as we rented Petego E Bikes and rode from Canmore to Banff Alberta and back on Sunday 30 miles total. The problem with Petego is the price. Rad is the Walmart of E Bikes cheap prices but terrible service.

[@syawkcab]

Is it noisier than radcity 4?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I think it is slightly louder since they switched to a geared hub motor vs. gearless. It’s on par with other decent hug motors, so not extra noisy.

[@kaseyemd8504]

What was with the daggum horn Court?? LoL

[@KingMinosxxvi]

looks like a small bike for a bigger person?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I think they support you to 250lbs, and the high step frame is larger (if you’re a taller person). Yo keep the prices lower, many companies will do a one size fits all and then have the adjustable handlebar and longer seat post to make it work. You’ll probably spend double for an Ebike that comes in lore sizes from Trek, Giant, or Specialized.

[@syawkcab]

1 Amp (5W) usb isn't enough for most modern smartphones Most smartphones these days need 2.4 amps (12W) to charge. Some require even more. The iPhone 11 pro requires 3 amps The 1 Amp charger is my biggest complaint about my radcity 4, I was hoping they'd upgrade it

[@Kattbirb]

My solution with the Rad City 4 was to just use a power bank if I needed to "daisy chain" a few things at once. Simple fix.

[@stoutdog56]

True but they will charge, slowly.

[@YouCantSeeMeENT]

Disappointed 😞 alot of cut backs no "upgrades" no name hydraulics and the kenda collaboration i guess tanked. 😕

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I think they wanted a quieter more efficient tread, so they made their own design and probably still have Kenda or some other leading producer make them. The brakes looked good to me, reminded me a lot of SRAM.

[@ryanpettit5149]

To be honest, I am very disappointed in Rad Power Bikes. I had been planning to buy these bikes for a very long time. I also called yesterday, and spoke to your sales rep, who said that you guys won’t even ship parts out here to Hawaii. Do you realize that we are part of the United States too? I understand that there are restrictions on lithium ion batteries, I get that. But you can’t even ship parts here if I did have one? Maybe there needs to be a way to ship the bike, and parts and then send the Lithium iOn batteries via surface separately. I went down to my local bike shop and dropped $12k on 4 Giant E Bikes instead because they actually wanted my business. Rad Power Bikes, pull your head out of the sand and realize that Alaska and Hawaii exist too. Maybe it's time for us to stop doing business with Washington residents too. I am pissed off. Aloha

[@smileychess]

Oh my, you poor thing.

[@zilvalcampos6170]

i like it

[@op8ztv]

I'd rather get an ET Cycle T1000 for way more value

[@Martin_HD28]

Curious as to why you choose to do so many reviews on Rad Bikes.......Personally not much of a fan nor are any of my LBS that have to work on them

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I’m sitting on 13 other reviews right now that need to be produced… but I’ve been moving and also doing some site updates. I filmed a bunch of Rad reviews earlier this year and have been holding them for their press embargo. As far as which bikes I cover, it hasn’t been super consistent, but some companies are easy to work with and I know there’s interest based on forum activity and analytics, so that guides me. My goal is to focus on the bikes that I think are top of class for their price point and mix in some unique or interesting ones. What would you like to see?

[@henryjunior38]

why is it a value bike its 2000$ thats not cheap

[@tongucyaman]

I could not watch this video to the end. Why would anyone insist on recording this video while a truck is honking its horn incessantly during the video?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Sorry about that Tonguc, I am also sensitive to sounds. Consider watching the other video review for the high-step model, perhaps it will be quieter: electricbikereview.com/rad-power-bikes/radcity-5-plus/

[@uptownguy222]

they tell you everything except how fast it goes

[@billyrock8305]

Target market for this bike requires: 1) large seat with springs/shocks 2) large shock absorbers 3) fat tires 4) east entry Acess. Comfortable is vital.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Have you seen their RadRover Step-Thru fat tire model? It partially meet your list of requirements, and you could add a comfort saddle that fits your body nicely. I’ve only seen trikes and cruisers come stock with the big ones.

[@p.s4677]

Tut tut!!

[@turbofan450]

24:45 you can clearly hear you're using a gas powered bike. You can't fool me. Unsubbed

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Lol, you got me!! We attached a weed whacker motor to the bike for that extra climbing power :P

[@alyssaceleb2665]

60 mill travel for this price what a joke

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I think they reduced travel intentionally to remove the feeling of bob, since many riders do not adjust the suspension. This also lowers the front of the frame and stand over, which is ideal for a hybrid model that’s most for paved paths. Longer isn’t always better ;)

[@patriciaribaric3409]

I don't see room for a mirror.

[@skepticsr_us]

@24:50: Is it just me or the Rad sounds like a chainsaw?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Lol

[@craigladeroot642]

I can't imagine any man wanting to ride a girl's bike? Why a step-through frame? I was able to ride one of these and the first thing is they are very heavy. As I have said before, ride before you buy. These aren't as good as they look. Why aren't they sold in stores?

[@smileychess]

I've never understood why the ball buster bar is considered a man's bike. It should be the other way around.

[@DanLetts97]

Wait until you get a little older bud