Rad Power Bikes Rad Rover 5 Review | Fat Tire Electric Bike (2021)

[@ElectricBikeReport]

E-Bike Question of the Day ⚡ Whats your experience been like with fat tire e-bikes? Let us know in the comments below 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

[@goobfilmcast4239]

Rider weight is a critical component of performance and range measurements...consider adding that info for future reviews.

[@attaurrehman2617]

Very informative and well explained Video, I like the way everything got tested and given the information based on facts Also presenter in this video has clear voice, slow and connecting along. 👍

[@paulpage1265]

I found this review comprehensive, honest, and extremely helpful. It was also well-delivered and specific in every area. I just started riding the RadRover Step-Thru. It is quite an amazing eBike: Comfortable, plenty of power, excellent battery range, and just plain fun to ride. I’ve not compared the experience with any other brands, but at $1600 v. the $!3,000 for another brand I saw in a bike shop the other day, I think most riders would find the RadRover comparable in every way except price. Also, I’d never consider riding a $13,000 eBike off-road or back-country. … In short, an excellent review of a VERY FINE product. And now, out for a short ride. I’m sure it will be “rad”.

[@ottohesslein3230]

I bought a Rad Rover 5 spring of '21. Chose it because it looked customizable. Completely rewired w/better controller and computer, and w/3 battery lines coming in through a DX3 device, giving me about 140 mi range. I almost always ride in lowest power assist, throwing about 190 watts of 'tricity at it. 3 summers and over 13,000 miles.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

I have a Rad Rover and this is the best, most practical review I have yet seen on YT.....subbed !!

[@davel2119]

I’ve made many changes to my 2019 Radrover which I picked up used for $950. Only had 123 miles so I was able to upgrade everything Bolton has for it. Motor, controller w/display, air fork, even the battery! Rad wants $650 for a battery shipped. I picked up a triangle 52 volt battery from Kyle for $615 including conversion cable. Bike goes 32-35 and I don’t go that fast very often. I absolutely love the cruise control! Brakes don’t need adjusting if you adjust correctly the first time. One mans opinion. Enjoy riding!

[@coffeephish]

Perfect review for the perfect bike. I've got 200 miles on mine... road, single track dirt, gravel... hills.. all of it... I feel the exact way about the bike as this articulate reviewer does.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

We are glad to hear how much you are loving your Rad Rover 5. It really is a great bike!

[@gripweed4041]

I spray painted my rear rack silver to mimic my old reliable Blackburn and replaced my factory seat with a Brooks leather touring saddle

[@mikekeller2885]

Had my RR5 for a year now, use mostly for mountain bike trails and herding cattle. And although don't recommend it, but also rode over a rattlesnake with ease in the pasture (live in AZ). Accessories are handlebar headlight, gopro mount, cell mount, mavic 2 drone handlebar mount, water bottle (2) mount, security alarm, luggage rack on rear, tire inserts and upgraded seat for my 78 y/o butt. Life is great!

[@Lark572]

I am about to get this bike and couldn't be more excited.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Congrats, Bryan! You'll have a blast with it.

[@woundedtiger7547]

Thanks for your review. I have a rover an enjoy it Immensely. Being 68. It performs very well. I haven't found a hill I couldn't climb. I tried some mountain bike trails. Just isn't for me. Maybe for you younger guys. But been riding Rails-to-Trails an green belts. Perfect. Go Rad.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Glad you're enjoying your, Dana!

[@conantdog]

I'm 63 and just ordered one

[@ManadaCan]

I got mine about a week ago and I couldn’t be happier. Perfect commuter and great for riding through vineyards in my hometown. 🤘🏻

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Glad you're liking it, Dan

[@johnpalma3139]

I have rad 5 I love it great bike built like a tank just purchased my wife a step through Thanks jp

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Right on!

[@northwesttravels7234]

I love my step thru. Need to watch the throttle until you get used to it and don't accidentally use it while reaching for the grip. Makes me feel about 40 years younger. Wish it had slightly more push on hill (I need to reduce payload).

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Glad you're enjoying yours! Yes, it's always a good reminder with a twist grip throttle to be very careful until you're used to it.

[@stanleyhache6407]

I have a brand new RadRover5 and love it more and more every ride. There will always be differing opinions, but quality and bang for the buck - you can't beat it. I love the beefy grips and the placement of the gear shifting mechanism... maybe I have bigger hands. And of course, not mentioned, the wired in lights and brake light.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Glad you're enjoying it! Yeah we felt for the money the only complaints we had were nitpicky things.

[@markcarvalho1327]

Great review! I am buying a rad 5 used with a ton of miles on it.. fortunately it is from my father in law, he is upgrading to more battery and power.. he says on long rides battery anxiety is a real thing, even though he has never run out. He has replaced many worn parts .. but fortunately as you said these bikes use many parts that are available in the bike shop. Buyers beware of some new companies that are using parts that are hard to find when they break. So, I know the history of this bike , but if I did not, it would be a nice thing for you to include some of the stuff that may come up with routine maintenance and components that may be a challenge to find replacements. His motor burned up at 3000 miles.. but was able to find and fix himself with Utube . Keep up the good work. I’m excited to get my new bike!

[@mrgold3591]

I have two 2016 Radrovers and it has mostly been tires and brake pads over the years. I had controller issues; but, resolved under the 1 year warranty. Zero issues with the electric components since with 4000 miles on each Rover. Everything else on the Rover is standard fat tire MTB size. Upgrading the seat, seatpost, pedals, adding rear rack, brakes, etc.. is easy to do. There is a chance you can overheat and burn out the rear hub motor with plastic gears if you ride it like a moped with overload on weight or max it out +500w up hills.

[@EtherealXYZ999]

My friend has one and boy it’s the best bike I’ve ever ridden it’s comfy smooth goes fast and has a pretty good acceleration speed def gonna buy one for myself soon

[@ElectricBikeReport]

RIght on!

[@patrickgirard8698]

The coolest bike i got . I can go long Time , feel stable , go Everywhere . It is just cool to Drive

[@jameschristmas3192]

I have had my rad5 for 1 year and put 700 miles on it runsa as good now.as the first day I got it good enjoyable investment

[@joshuac.2503]

Rider weight would be helpful to know for the speed, distance and battery life tests.

[@cherrypunch5818]

1:20 you mention the bike has 750watt motor, but on the website for the rad rover 5 it shows 500w. I don't see a model that has 750w in the rad rover 5 line up. Either you mistaken the wattage of the hub, or they no longer carry this product on their website. Can someone confirm and let me know. I'm looking at picking up this bike, but the website states it's a 500 watt and not 750 watt.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

The U.S. version is 750W. For other countries it was limited to a 500W motor.

[@kcroberts7554]

Excellent description of performance issues.

[@jaynecobb5774]

2020 Rover...have tuned the brakes, added the racks, and tire armor. LOVE IT. (Also cloud9 seat)

[@LaurenceHuntKenora_Ontario]

Excellent review. Very helpful.

[@johnmayerislovee]

Thanks for your video - Question does the RadCity 5 Plus or the Radrover 6 have the Tannus Armour already installed when the bike is purchased new from Rad ? Thanks

[@mjisler]

Great bike - no complaints! I would like to have a flat spot to protrusion on the throttle so I can use my thumb to move the throttle a little when I need a short boost without adjusting my grip.

[@gripweed4041]

Riding my RR5 gives me the sensation of flying

[@beansbrian1986]

Trying to decide between rad rover 5 and juiced scorpion x which is better for distance and speed

[@terrycobbs7343]

Awesome review by Pierce of rad 5. Now I can buy one!Thanks

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Thanks, Terry!

[@parrotheadstx]

Bravo!! Excellent review Pierce. Thank you!!

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Thank you kindly!

[@Ethan-qk9oi]

i am currently looking to get a rad ebike, I'm deciding between the radmissions and this radrover. the radrover looks so much better but its a lot more expensive, do you think it is worth it to spend the extra money for this bike?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Depends on what you plan on doing on the bike. They are quite different. The RadMission is a no nonsense bike that works well, is around 20 lbs lighter than the Rover, and if you're just looking for something to hit the pavement and paved trails with it's a solid option. And like you said, it's not too expensive. The RadRover is faster, can handle some lighter off-road stuff, and has a gear range to find the right cadence for how you want to ride. One slight drawback compared to the Mission is the weight. That's true of any fat bike, but it does matter when it comes to your ability to load it onto a car rack. Hope that helps.

[@Ethan-qk9oi]

@@ElectricBikeReport thanks it does

[@robertwalker8139]

Thanks, enjoyed your review of the Rad Rover 5 E-Bike, very well presented and very easy to follow, you covered many of my personal questions about different aspects of E-bikes. I will certainly keep this model on my list,

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Thanks for watching, Robert. Glad it covered your questions.

[@johnreese3762]

Very well done review! Should be more like you on KZbin! I agree with your review!!

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Appreciate that John!

[@SMG-lz1zq]

I love my 2020 Radrover 5. My only complaint is I have to constantly adjust the brakes.

[@flysteve100]

I swapped the calipers to Juin Tech hydraulic ones still using the cable to actuate them. No more constant adjustments needed.

[@nickmanganas4627]

Me too. What the heck? Just adjusted the back for the 2nd time in only a few months.

[@VIRGOPTIX]

Great in Depth Review...I have the RR 2....But....Last not i was the Victim of a Hit n Run and I believe the bike protected me Well til I hit the ground.....It might be time for the RR5......

[@ChonyiR]

0:07 it’s a class 2 ebike not class 3 right?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Correct, it is Class 2 out of the box. However, it can be unlocked to become Class 3.

[@joephillips3498]

@@ElectricBikeReport how do you unlock it ?

[@bryanj100]

How about comparing the new Aventon Aventure with the Rad 5 and the Himiway you also recently reviewed? Fat tire cruiser Smack Down!

[@ElectricBikeReport]

A real heavy weight bout 🥊 We might have to look into that.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHPIXmSOrLKMeqc Good suggestion, Bryan!

[@robertwolski6538]

@@ElectricBikeReportI'm a tall guy 6'4 and it'd be nice in a review to kind of give us a vibe if it would be big enough for us, thank you great job.

[@jdryak]

It would be nice to know your body weight as you test these bikes. Also, I wonder what different body weight & height riders experience: compare and contrast.

[@Charlesbjtown]

Seems like in most of these reviews, the riders weigh like 87 pounds. They need to put a more average sized rider on the thing.

[@wathalb]

What an awesome review! Thank you

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alonzomarable6651]

I have 2 RR5. LOVE THEM. I rode my wife city. And for a big fella, Its not the same.

[@dukeloo]

The review is excellent. How does it compare to the Aventon Aventure?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

We'll test out the Aventure soon for you to compare 🙂

[@StraightWayOutdoors]

I’m kind of wondering which fat tire bikes fail the hill climb in throttle-only mode?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Most of the fat bikes make it up the hill even though some do it more slowly than others. Typically fat bikes are spec'd with 750W motors that offer a lot of torque so they reach the top of the hill. electricbikereport.com/theride-radiant-carbon-review/ This link will take you to a recent review where we've updated some graphs we use that show the current leaderboard for hill stuff. You can't filter it by fat bike, but you can see which faired best on throttle only out of all our tests.

[@thebigskyguy]

What is the weight limit for a rider? I can't get it to climb the smallest of hills. This bike isn't for big riders. I need to get another, more powerful, AWD, center motor.

[@mrgold3591]

It is limited to 275lbs, 15% grade max, and under 500w for uphill to keep the motor from overheating. I'm 290lbs and lower my gears, PAS 3, and use more leg power to maintain my speed up a hill. Sometimes add a little throttle at the end if near the top to pick up my speed.

[@cj9741]

Experience with fat tire e-bike, surprised how much smoother the ride is on the street. Please include the 100 yd dash times or 0 to 20 time. Standard test are needed for bike comparison.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Hey CJ, We changed from a 100 yard dash to a circuit test in order to compare speed/motors on bikes. We noticed most bikes we were testing weren't finishing with that big of a difference in overall time. As a group, we all knew some bikes were faster than others but the 100 yard dash didn't seem to showcase it which is why we switched out the 100 yard dash for the circuit test which we feel is giving us a bit better insight. Seeing which bike holds a higher average speed over a one mile course that includes 4 turns and a hill gives us data that we felt was more insightful. Being able to compare average mph in each assistance level is teaching us a lot about what the motors are capable of. If you click the link in the description it'll take you to the written review where we're including charts that show this breakdown under the "circuit test" header. Hope this helps, and thanks for watching ✌️

[@cj9741]

The charts on the web site are great. A catalog of testing will be a real asset for bike shoppers. Car magazines usually published 0 to 60 time, 60 to 0 distance, etc. Your channel is different in that you are starting to give consistent test numbers. Keep up the good work.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Much appreciated, CJ. ✌️

[@edkempf2364]

Can i ask what Bern Helmet style is that ? Thank You

[@RussIsRight]

Actually, the RadRover 5 is a class 2 eBike.... not class 3.

[@stanleyhache6407]

Seeing as he was up to 24MPH ... that is in the class 3 range. The factories adjust them to 20MPH to meet Class 2 category required to ride on bike trails but you can change the setting.

[@RussIsRight]

@@stanleyhache6407 Yes, but class ratings of Class 3 are without throttle assist. Class 2 states that it limits assistance to 20 mph, but you also have a throttle. Even if you are able to get 24 mph (actually you can get 25 mph in the hidden settings on a RadRover), the pedal assistance will stop at 20 mph. If you pedal harder, you can get over 20 mph on its class 2 setting. The setting of 20 mph limits only the assistance, not the actual speed you can achieve if you pedaled really hard. Calling it a class 3 right up in front of the review is a bit misleading as it is sold as a Class 2 ebike.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Russ, you're correct. It does come as a class 2 e-bike. Thanks for the clarification.

[@JohnMWeaver]

Very impressive review!

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Thank you kindly!

[@shawnnaccarato3484]

I live in near St george utah is there a local dealer near me?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

No dealers that we're aware of. Rad Power Bikes is mainly a direct-to-consumer brand.

[@DrDennis]

Excellent review

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Thanks, DrDennis!

[@traceylynn2164]

The only problem I have is my height I'm only 4ft 8 and the bike and if it's 5-ft something upset

[@BillBadMule123]

CORRECTION ! not a Class 3 ? Its a Class 2 . A Class 3 does not have a Throttle and will do 28 MPH with pedal assist . I Own a Rad Rover 5 . The Rad Rover 5 Class 2 tops out at 20 Mph with a Throttle .

[@goose33]

You can unlock it...

[@MartinDee2000]

I thought Class 3 bikes didn't have a throttle?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

This is shipped as a class 2, but it can be modified to class 3 speeds. Class 2 is throttle to 20 MPH where it cuts off. But the PAS can still go to a 28 mph max.

[@MartinDee2000]

@@ElectricBikeReport Thanks for the info!

[@BryceSmith32]

Wow! Great review! I can't wait to see how this Rad Rover compares to the Aventon Aventure bike!

[@ElectricBikeReport]

You and me both!

[@carpenterfamily6198]

Did he say how much HE weighs ?

[@carpenterfamily6198]

I think they offer a more powerful upgrade head light.

[@picapollonyc]

Would this be good for doing deliveries?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Depends on what you're delivering, but if it can fit in panier bags which you can throw over the rear rack, or a crate that you secure there or on the front rack than I think it'll do good for you. E-Bikes in general make delivery much easier.

[@josephgermain2003]

300 miles on mine and I need to adjust the brakes horribly....I wish 21 feet was my stop time lol

[@johnalex6309]

LunaCycles of El Segundo will NOT disappoint. Check 'em out after supply chains normalize; lotta bang for the buck.

[@everywherelocal]

nice video 🙃

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Thank you very much!

[@sasstewart1222]

I really like there other reviews but this one read more like an ad spot than a review

[@RidingDirtyAdventures]

actually the RAD Rover 5 is a Class 2 ebike NOT Class 3....

[@beefsoda1]

It's great but i never liked fat tires they always go flat

[@nolanwalpole6662]

There's a secret menu on the display to make it go faster

[@paulie12345ish]

22 miles avg for me

[@Chai_biscuits77]

It’s quite irresponsible of all bike promoting companies and people to not set the example of using personal protective safety gear especially with Ebikes. People can easily be injured when using ebikes.

[@zarkmuckerberg8341]

what more should he be wearing, a full knight's armor? LMAO

[@timdoreen3933]

Ride a back trail after midnight naked that’s fun on a bike

[@greggmedinilla7291]

Class 2

[@marknewman2683]

The rad Rover 5 is nowhere close to the machine that the hemiway cruiser is the Rad Rover fives battery is too small it's motor is a 750 with 500 performancein my mind the hemiway is much better bike it's even cheaper

[@ElectricBikeReport]

They look similar and have a similar specs, but both bikes still have their own set of pros and cons.

[@allanjack143]

RAD ON PEIRCE

[@WeOutHere]

I always liked the Rad Rover but it doesnt seem to have evolved at all.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

It might not look vastly different from previous models, but what's under the hood improved for sure though.

[@kurtgriffin4163]

It's not a class three it's a class 2

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Oh.. Aventon Adventure did better on that hill than this one for sure..

[@kenrichmond6906]

Just my opinion, but the Aventon far exceeds the Rad in almost every way. Rad seems old and tired.

[@jnb756]

Rads are crap - get a Juiced. almost 1500 miles on mine and tires are the only thing I had to replace. Still runs like new and is so much more solid than the rad rover I had.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Which Juiced is it you're riding?

[@steezliner]

They're all the same chinese bikes :D

[@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

[@bradleyeveretts3045]

Brakes suck brake pads suck the cables wear out those are just some of the dislikes I have other than that the bike is a great bike another dislike is the front rack if you decide to put a front rack on where's the light go is worthless doesn't give off enough light the half fenders they're not very good either other than that the bikes great 2 kickstands already White cast brakes not a very good design other than that bikes great back rack design once you put it on you can't adjust the rear brakes other than that the bikes great and you're constantly adjusting the brakes somehow maybe a new set of hydraulics would be a nice on that bike something to think about those are just some of my dislikes other than that the bike is great as I've already mentioned

[@casualobserver77]

Punctuation... A lost art

[@abutlerish]

A 500 dollar bike from china