How I Made a Rocket of my RadRover by Installing a 35 Amp Bolton Controller

During the first three seconds of riding my brand new RadRover last year I knew it was underpowered for its class. When I discovered that Bolton Ebikes (now AREA 13 - ELECTRIC BIKES) was offering a specially made upgrade controller, I jumped at the occasion and bought one. I recently finished installing and testing it.
TOOLS REQUIRED
4mm Allen wrench
Philips screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
Angle Philips screw driver
Side cutter pliers
Combination pliers
A few zip ties
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Study the video on the RadRover website, then this one again.
2. Carefully read and understand the instructions that came with the controller
3. Remove battery
4. Press and hold mode button to discharge remaining power
5. Flip bike upside down
6. Remove battery cradle
7. Remove the four bolts and the two mounting brackets that hold the stock controller
8. Unplug all four visible connectors
9. Remove rubber grommet with a dull screwdriver
10. Turn handlebars to derailleur side to provide slack in harness cable
11. Push harness cable at the top of the downtube while gently pulling it out at the bottom of the frame
12. Hold the Bolton controller in place tie it temporarily near the opening at the bottom of the frame with a piece of string
13. Feed all the cables through the opening at the bottom of the frame except for the rear light cable, which you will direct upwards to the baggage rack
14. Connect all cable connectors.
15. When it comes to the harness connectors, be VERY careful to align them perfectly. You’ll need good lighting and good eyesight
16. Push the harness connection back into the downtube and pull extra cable out the top
17. Reposition the rubber grommet - if you can!
18. Using one of the mounting brackets and two bolts, secure the controller in place with the tabs at the top of the controller
19. Secure the bottom of the controller to the seat tube by passing a long tie wrap through the bottom holes in the seat tube and around the controller casing
20. Make a seam of silicone seal on each side about 5 inches long
21. Install the display as per instructions in the package.

[@dermotbarrett8042]

I have used the 35 amp controller on the european 250 watt model . It completely changed the bike . We live in Republic of Ireland or as we call it Ireland and we have hills everywhere . On the factory controller it failed to climb some hills . Now it's a flyer ! Range is fine as we cycle all the time on minimum assist . All in all a wonderful addition . Bought the controller from Big game bikes UK .

[@RobertBeriault753]

Great! Thanks for sharing your story.

[@johndagostino2603]

Excellent video, thanks a million. I’m just getting ready to install the same controller on my Rad step thru.

[@RobertBeriault753]

You're welcome. You'll find it makes a big difference.

[@edmarmol55]

Thank you. I installed the Bolton Controller today with the assistance of your video. It was very helpful!

[@RobertBeriault753]

Great! You'll have a lot more fun with your Rad now.

[@involvementinc7748]

I just purchased a Rad Runner Plus and haven't received it yet. I really enjoyed your video and hope that the Bolton conversion will work with my ebike. Really liked your honest presentation!

[@RobertBeriault753]

Hope you enjoy it and have success converting it.

[@Kavskops]

Thank you, Robert. This really helped me understand the differences!! Appreciate the time invested in making this. Subscribed!

[@RobertBeriault753]

Thanks for saying so. Glad it was helpful!

[@nightcat87]

Your videos and descriptions are great. You're a great KZbinr for sure. Thanks for everything friend.

[@RobertBeriault753]

Positive comments like that are what keep me going.

[@ericb.4358]

Good conversion the will give you much more of a "Magic Carpet" feel. But... I'll run my E-CELLS Super Monarch Crown 2 wheel drive, 2 battery, dual suspension bike against your modded RadRover any day. My controller is a 44 amp, 18 MOFSET unit with cooling fins (the company is in Pahrump, NV in the Mojave Desert) Also this bike had a 400 pound load maximum including rider but not the 95 pound bike weight.

[@RobertBeriault753]

That's quite the machine! I don't think I'll try to outpace you. 😉

[@jameswitt252]

Great video, very informative! Hit all the key points and questions I had on the Bolton controller upgrade. Been considering this upgrade to my RR5 for almost 2 years and you r video just sold me on it. Thanks!

[@RobertBeriault753]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markj6984]

i love the video and might i suggest diy studded tires with galvanized screws, use an old set of tires. i basically have the same style bike and went the same route. with a 750 watt motor. i get 52km an hour roughly on 35 a controller. cannot wait until winter with the studs

[@RobertBeriault753]

Actually, I took the expensive route and bought ready-made studded tires and love them. I can just imagine how screws would dig into the ice even more. Here is my video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5-ZlaeQjLKbhqs

[@markj6984]

thats awesome man and yes these tires are amazing. @@RobertBeriault753

[@RobertBeriault753]

👍

[@howardfowler2255]

A very interesting and instructive video- I thoroughly enjoy your presentations and gentle style. Be careful with your newly acquired improved rocket speed that old Vlad Putin doesn't mistake you for an enemy drone and try to shoot you down!( hehe). Happy travels to you,mon ami.

[@RobertBeriault753]

I do have to be mindful that I have more power than I need, and to keep it down. But what fun!

[@ottohesslein3230]

Good ideas! I bought a DX3 battery adapter and added a 20amp hr and a 14 Amp hr battery to the stock battery. Now my range is about 140 miles.

[@RobertBeriault753]

Sounds great!

[@mitchcrilly1291]

THATS ALOT OF ADDED WEIGHT! I'M EXCITED TO SEE SOLID STATE OR OTHER BATTERY TECHNOLOGY TO BE OUT SOON

[@CessnaPilot99]

@@mitchcrilly1291 no need to write in all caps, it is seem as SHOUTING on the internet

[@kimsousa6420]

I just took my Rad Rover 6 Plus out for 2 hours today. I live in an area with mostly hills, some steep. During a ride through a local golf course I came upon a medium in length, steep incline. I had it on easy pedaling (level 2-3) with pedal assist adjusted to 5, and nothing. I had to stop and walk the bike up the rest of the incline. I am not a strong rider - so this could just be me. This bike is a beast in weight. I decided to leave the course and go up other steep hills in my neighborhood. When I was in pedal assist 2-3, I still had throttle, but once I went to assist 5, I had nothing. I tried all different things with easy pedaling + assist 2, 3, 4....but once the hill became more steep, there was no assist on 5, OR no throttle with lower levels assist - nothing. I live over a very steep long hill, so now I am wondering if I just shouldn't have converted my mtn. bike to an e-bike since the RAD seems to be a dog.

[@RobertBeriault753]

There is something very abnormal about your Rad. I suspect there is a fault of some sort in the software or in the controller. Have you phoned Rad service department for advice? I found them to be very eager to help, even when I destroyed one of the cables by my own fault -- they replaced it for free!

[@kimsousa6420]

Hi Robert - thank you for the advice. I just emailed them at Support. Let's see what happens.

[@VictorYepello]

Hi Robert. Thank you for a great video. My goal is to add the Bolton controller to my RadRunner Plus and to upgrade that motor at the same time. I use my bike in place of having a car so speed and power are important especially when I'm carrying loads with my cargo trailer. I live in Palm Springs so I want to be cautious about overheating t emoter as well. I already have 2 batteries so I'm prepared for the rocket mode!

[@RobertBeriault753]

Sounds like the upgrade would be useful for you. I'll be getting a second battery soon, seeing that sub-zero temperatures greatly reduce power and range.

[@robertoroybal791]

Robert , buenos días. Te cuento que inspirado en ti compré una bici eléctrica " wheele manhatan rodado 20 " con 40 km de autonomía. 🤣🤣..por algo se empieza!!!!...Yo vivo en un barrio con parque.." prado " y hago allí mis paseos. Iré mejorando las prestaciones , aquí todavía es muy caro. Gracias por compartir tus experiencias👏👏....te mando un abrazo desde Uruguay 🇺🇾...Roberto.....

[@RobertBeriault753]

Me halaga que te haya inspirado. Gracias por compartir tu experiencia, y disfruta de esos paseos por el parque.

[@DerekKerton]

Calisse, that looks cold. Glad you have the tire studs.

[@RobertBeriault753]

You talk like a genuine Quebecer 😉. I don't usually ride when it's colder than -15 degrees C (5F), except last year when I used my bike to join the Trucker's Freedom Convoy and it was -22.

[@davidjones8680]

All great information and important analysis as always. Mant thanks. David in the U.K.

[@RobertBeriault753]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@andygriffiths2423]

You didn't miss a beat very smart love your videos

[@RobertBeriault753]

Thank you, Andy.

[@davidlynas7768]

Very useful thanks. Fitting my controller tomorrow.

[@RobertBeriault753]

If you like a bike that has pep, you'll love your Rad now.

[@pumpkin00001]

Thanks for the information was very helpful. I'm going to get a Bolton controller for my 2020 Radrunner.

[@RobertBeriault753]

You'll love it! The difference is phenomenal.

[@simonrompre]

I have seen those same small torque arms spin out under higher power and tear the wires, I highly recommend putting a sturdier torque arm on, otherwise well done.

[@RobertBeriault753]

Thanks for the feedback. I hadn't thought of finding out if an after market torque arm is available, and a quick look at Amazon shows that they're easily available.

[@gordonschick7010]

Hi Robert, how was battery life affected after adding 35A controller? Gord

[@RobertBeriault753]

I've never tested it. I should have done a full speed/throttle only test with each controller but I never thought of doing it. What I'm talking about is this: studio.kzbin.infojXB7POghKvc/edit My impression is that my range has diminished a bit, probably because I accelerate faster and make more use of the brakes at stop signs.😉

[@markj6984]

i have a 20ah 50a battery and can say when i upgraded this route it definetly affected altho still have tons of juice, it can start to get up there but you do not have to have the full 35a of controller in use.

[@Denvermorgan2000]

I have a suggestion you could put two of those torque arms on the bike since they are not so thick it might help.

[@RobertBeriault753]

Actually, I was thinking of doing just that. Thanks for reminding me.

[@Deadlybutters]

I have wagon 3 . Any chance you know what settings I can use once I upgrade?

[@RobertBeriault753]

The only settings I had to change were wheel diameter and maximum speed. Pretty straight forward.

[@andrewreid380]

Can you control the wattage output on this so you don't damage the motor as it's a 750w peak motor?

[@RobertBeriault753]

The only controls are the pedal assist selector and the throttle.

[@helenHTID]

Yes you can control the maximum current in the display settings using C5

[@andersvikingsvensson8762]

It will be interesting to see how the batterypack drains too ! My experience is the usable battery distance will drop by at least 75% in normal temperatures and at -16C it can drop by 300%! Also the batteries specifikations can be drained to hard and impair the lifetime heavily (?not to calculate the diminishing lifetime of the Rocket pilot 👩‍✈️) !!At -16C and 30km/h the wind chill makes the temp feel drop to about -25C a significant amount especially for the knees ! Be careful with that RadRocket Bernard

[@RobertBeriault753]

You're right about range. My range at -15°C is no more than 24km at 20 kph. I'm getting a second battery. I don't know about reduction of battery life, but you might be right on that too. But then, I'll just buy a replacement. When you've got yourself a rocket, you have to be ready to pay the price!

[@shanep1536]

Good video, I'm thinking of doing this upgrade also. what model number is on the Bolton Controller?

[@RobertBeriault753]

I don't see a model number. As far as I know, there is only one model.

[@cryptokids3760]

What does the orange 3 pin higo connector go to?

[@RobertBeriault753]

Can't see it. I pushed all the cables into the frame. It probably goes to the display.

[@cryptokids3760]

@@RobertBeriault753 thanks for replying my friend. Turns out that it is the throttle wire.. I had to retrofit a controller to work on my rover 6+

[@joepaquet4332]

Im getting ready to try this, are there any power upgrades that can be done at the same time?

[@RobertBeriault753]

On the Citizen Cycle KZbin channel there is a video on an upgrade to the motor, which makes it only marginally more powerful.

[@joepaquet4332]

Would i be able to speak with you about your experience?

[@RobertBeriault753]

Sure. What time zone do you live in? We could Zoom call.

[@Baconbobby]

merci pour le video, tres interessant !! Robert de Vanier !!

[@RobertBeriault753]

Mon plaisir

[@elcompachino6619]

Does the battery drain faster?

[@RobertBeriault753]

Yes it does, because I accelerate faster because now I can.

[@elcompachino6619]

@@RobertBeriault753 is there an upgraded battery you can get?

[@marchav4089]

@@elcompachino6619 i think bolton also makes one, if not electro bike world

[@MIKE-xz3qj]

Is this controller able to be installed on a Rad Rover 6 Plus? Thanks

[@RobertBeriault753]

Ask Bolton. boltonebikes.com/ Click CONTACT

[@meep2059]

I can't wait for someone to come up with the goods on making the Radrover 6 faster then just the 24.8 mph you can unlock it to vs the 20mph factory setting. I'm having fun with the 24.8 mph but.... I need more juice!

[@heinekenboy6901]

@@meep2059 yes it does just look at there web site he even have a video how to install the controller

[@meep2059]

@heinekenboy6901 the upgrade gives much more torque but nothing more as far as top speed goes or going any faster top speed.

[@heinekenboy6901]

@@meep2059 you can try to upgrade the motor you will get a better booster of speed for sure but you will.need to upgrade the battery

[@platoscavealum902]

👍

[@RobertBeriault753]

Thank you

[@platoscavealum902]

@@RobertBeriault753 , you’re very welcome.

[@joelhill4107]

Where di my comment go Robert?

[@RobertBeriault753]

Just before this one.

[@mitchcrilly1291]

CAN SOMEONE CONVERT THESE NUMBERS INTO AMERICAN NUMERALS:::; PLEASE FORGET THAT JIMMY CARTER METRIC NONSENSE

[@mitchcrilly1291]

OHHH CANADA .......

[@RobertBeriault753]

I can deduce you're not a bicycle mechanic, because you'd be very well versed in the metric system. Just about all bike parts are measured in metric in the USA.

[@RobertBeriault753]

...and 208 other countries!!!😊

[@mitchcrilly1291]

@@RobertBeriault753 YOU ARE CORRECT!!! PROBABLY ANOTHER REASON AMERICA FELL SO FAR BEHIND IN MATH THE LAST 40-60 YEARS, UNFORTUNATELY JIMMY CARTER MADE MANY POOR DECISIONS THOUGH I BELIEVE HIM BEING A MAN OF GOD MEANT WELL AS THE GOOD BOOK TAUGHT HIM! HE IS A MAN OF PEACE AND DOES A LOT FOR THOSE WITHOUT WITH ALL OF HIS VOLUNTEER WORK W/HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND TEACHING OF CHRISTIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL AND SO MUCH MORE I'M SURE HIS CROWNS WILL BE MANY IN NUMBER BUT SURELY NOT MEASURED BY METRIC SYSTEM IF ONE GOES BACK INTO THE REAL NUMERICAL SYSTEM OF MEASURE IN THE GREEK OR HEBREW ! MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA AGAIN

[@mitchcrilly1291]

WE TRULY LOVE CANADA, MY ATTEMPT AT HUMOR WASN'T MEANT TO OFFEND ANYONE! I APOLOGIZE IF I DID! MAKING THE BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY FROM MONTANA THROUGH PARTS OF GLACIER NAT'L PARK AND NORTHWARD TO WATERTOWN LAKES, BANFF, LAKE LOUISE AND VER FAR NORTH OF THERE TO MAJESTIC JASPER NAT'L PARK OF CANADA VERY BREATHTAKING! I'M ONLY SORRY WE DIDN'T HAVE MORE TIME AND FUNDS TO ENJOY IT LONGER FISHING, HIKING, AND THE EVER CHANGING ARTISTIC VIEWS CREATED BY THE ALMIGHTY HIMSELF. WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO DO IT MORE THOROUGHLY IN TEH FUTURE. HAVE A GOOD EVENING EVERYONE! ----GOD IS GOOD---- JOHN 3:36

[@RobertBeriault753]

Your affection for Canada wasn't evident in your comment (which struck me as a rant) about the Metric system. I hope you'll be able to come back and visit the Nation's Capital, and then scoot across the Ottawa River and visit the city of Gatineau and Gatineau Park. And there's much more east of here...😉 BTW, writing all in uppercase implies that you're mad and yelling. Thanks for the clarification and the nice words about your experience up North.

[@mitchcrilly1291]

GOD IS GOOD , AMEN

[@ricksemeniuk629]

Robert where can I buy the Bolton controller?

[@RobertBeriault753]

Here: area13ebikes.com/ Formerly Bolton ebikes

[@ricksemeniuk629]

@@RobertBeriault753 Good morning and thank you for info.