Radrover Bolton Controller Upgrade Kit

[@gardnerniskey7185]

I purchased my Rover at beginning of pandemic, Rad gave me $200 military discount, then when the shipping was late they gave me another $100 off. I'm loving Rad Power Biles.

[@CitizenCycle925]

2018 Rad Rover was my first ebike, still have it, It's definitely been altered a lot though 👍

[@goobfilmcast4239]

Sme here... but a little later Summer 2020....Sadly, They ended the Military discount but the guy I contacted was ex-Navy and he did credit my card back $100....so I was not disappointed. I love my Rover.

[@GaryGiffin]

Finally a review that compares stock controller and Bolton Upgrade controller back to back! I have my Pre-order in and I am waiting :)

[@davespicer3647]

I put the Bolton 35 amp controller kit on my Rad Mini last fall, and over the winter I did the motor upgrade. Also bought a Himiway Cruiser this year. The Mini sure accelerates quicker than the Himi, and with an 11-28 freewheel tops out at about 25 mph. Don't forget that the smaller wheels on the Mini change the "gearing" compared to the Rover, so there will be less to speed and more acceleration just from that. If you do everything to your wife's Mini, be sure to set the lower PAS levels for something she can manage safely.

[@alant5335]

You tell people exactly what they want to know,brilliant.

[@rogerf3622]

Great comparison and video as usual. You’re right, after getting the Bolton upgrade I can say it’s worth every penny...IF you decide you need higher performance AFTER you’ve already bought the Rad. I might suggest to everyone that any of the bikes you show are good bikes and you can’t go wrong with any of them.

[@dtbeachbums]

Excellent video review of the Bolton controller. I was lucky to order in time for the late May delivery before they sold out. I really enjoy all the content and information you provide on your channel.

[@johnn.263]

Back to your roots on the rad rover ebikes, thanks for video, I will be doing something you did on my Rad Rover, already have one on my wife’s radrunner, so much more power going up hills.

[@CitizenCycle925]

Yes a definite boost for hill climbs

[@oOoDRAGOONoOo]

Best most helpful ebike reviewer right here! Not just my opinion, ask around, trust in CC :D

[@CitizenCycle925]

far too kind!

[@oceanfood420]

good advice! i did this upgrade and its serious difference

[@tonyramirez4915]

Here for the Radrover, but I want a Bronco video now. Thanks.

[@goggylotus1]

Great vid, I would also recommend the EggRider V2 on the Radrover, an even easier plug & play method around 1200w output, it's also very discreet

[@miked8227]

You missed your calling in golf course management. That grass looks just like turf, wow! I could imagine the pick-up and speed of your electric carts out there too. Perhaps I could get a round of golf in under 5 hours 😆 driving the upgrade cart not counting the nineteenth hole.👍🏻

[@graffmixer]

Love the video...Don't have a Rad Rover but I have a Radmini 4 and i'm planning to do the upgrade to that.

[@jakeelwood612]

Wow great video I just stumbled onto it. I have a Radcity 6 plus and that Bolton controller sounds like the way to go I also want to do the Bafang 750W motor upgrade as well but that can wait for now I am upgrading the controller first. Thank you I just subscribed.

[@arthur_letkeman893]

you are exactly right y friend. i love my rad rover 1 step thru, but it lacks the jam i need for intersections and inclines

[@armytribe8471]

I have this controller and upgraded 750w bafang motor on a radmini 4. Amazing fun!

[@E-BikingAdventures]

In theory, a direct drive motor as in a radcity 4, would most likely see more of an increase in speed with this upgrade since it normally operates at a lower rpm and it is much larger.

[@Altema22]

Show us the Bronco controller! 😂 For a long time I felt running dual controllers would be ideal, giving me the silky smooth efficiency of the Rad, then switching to the 35 amp for power, hill climbing, and cruise control. Noise was also a factor, as the Rad controller is PWM sine wave and the Bolton has a trapezoidal waveform that make the motor louder. I got used to it, but still didn't like that it was noisy even at 5mph with a tiny amount of power. I ended up switching to a Phaserunner, which was not an easy job because you just about have to make a new wiring harness, and it's undocumented. I had to create schematics for things that were plug and play before. BUT, now I have all the refinement and silence of the Rad controller, and with a flip of a switch I have a 96 amp controller feeding 1800 watts for a top speed of 34mph with the field weakening overdrive set to only 19 amps. It's a lot of work and programming though, and the cruise control kinda sucks... Thanks for the video, and your testing methods are spot on!

[@Alexpalanik]

just show me your afiliate link, and take my money, this is the best video so far and has sold me

[@SMG-lz1zq]

Excellent! Is it hard pulling the wire out of the frame? Anything we should know about the settings (separate video on that maybe?)

[@2fasttjm972]

Used to own a Bronco back in the late 70s early 80s so I always have time to see the new one, very cool⚡🤙⚡🤙⚡

[@CitizenCycle925]

My first car was a Bronco II. It was severely lacking in power and leaked almost every fluid hahaha 😁

[@woodsculptor675]

@@CitizenCycle925 I had a Bronco II also, automatic with a bench seat! It used to squeak like a mouse whenever I would go over a bump! Ha!

[@fleetingglimpse5663]

Does Bolton controller make any difference to mileage range from full battery charge ? Mileage is more important for me than power. Thanks.

[@littleripper312]

My worry is that if there is an accident my illegal bike could get me in trouble. Or even if I take it in for maintenance at the Rad store they will be familiar with the mod I've done. In Canada they only allow 500watts though so I'm really wanting this upgrade.

[@vincentvincent2658]

are those wires safe from rain or snow fall? do you have sleeves or something to protect exposed controller and other parts? more importantly can i do the same thing you did on a radrunner plus

[@RobW3321]

How bout some upgrade recommendations Citizen for the Himiway Cruiser, like frame lights, seat, color display, higher wattage controller, solar panel charger ?. Thanks Rob

[@starkruzen]

Great video! Thank you. Why the dual controllers?

[@hughheli]

Hi there love you video, I have a question this setup with the New motor upgrade too right ? Thanks.

[@arthur_letkeman893]

Hey Bryan, i got my upgrade kit and love it, the only problem i have is i completely lost pedal assist, and suggestions? love the bolton upgrade on my radrover 6 step thru

[@sprz97]

Did you ever do the rad mini upgrade?

[@gardenscape-NCal]

Is the RAD Rover 6 Plus upgradeable to the Bolton 35 Amp Controller; it seems like the controller is inside the frame.

[@binabri6395]

where did you order it i have a raderover 5 in Jamaica

[@jimsrv711]

hay brian your always good for a sunday video 👍 the adventure bike arrives wednesday 😎

[@CitizenCycle925]

Sweet I hope you enjoy it!

[@jocelynmartel4675]

Good evening Small question for you. I have installed the Bolton 35 amp controller kit on my Rad Rover 5 (48v) and have yet to receive my new 750w motor. When I do a road test, on the display the power goes up to -/+1200w. Is it dangerous for the 500w motor to receive such power? Probably it would be necessary to limit the output power. And if so, do you know the parameter to modify? Thank you very much for your answers

[@bchappy-ky7is]

Did you find out if the controller upgrade is harmful to your 500w Rad motor? I’m in Canada so 500w is max allowed. I would like to do the controller upgrade is it doesn’t wreck my motor or battery.

[@jocelynmartel4675]

@@bchappy-ky7is yes , i found in the controler paramétrer you can limit the power output .

[@bchappy-ky7is]

Okay thx much!

[@DyLemmaOG]

Is the bolton controller sine wave or square wave? Can't tell by the sound

[@surfinguitarist]

Thank you Bryan, great video and I appreciate all of the info you're sharing. As a newbie I bought an Eahora XC100 with a 350W motor, 48V 14Ah for $900.00. On flat ground it does about 23 mph (without PAS), hills closer to 15 mph. Can y'all tell me what the advantages are of a 500W or 750W motor? From the videos I've watched I'm just not seeing that much of a gain in speed vs. what I have for the money and I would think a larger motor would just eat up more battery. Thanks in advance everyone.

[@ThePackDad]

Hi Richard, I got a Rad Mini 5 (750, but really a 500w) in Dec. 2021. The wattage helps with climbing hills and does increase top speed. It's tiered by wattage. I upgraded my controller and will do the motor soon too, but will keep the 500 wheel/motor as a spare for flatter, longer rides. Cheers

[@TheFindjv]

Would it work on the Cyrusher xf800?

[@orcsong]

Have you determined how the upgrade affects battery life/performance?

[@lordnox69]

here is a link to his other bike upgrade of the bolton controller with range test kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4baf4h7eKqMmsU im sure there will be a new one on the new bolton controller but thats to hold you over for now

[@joseagarciaschmidt7282]

Have you ever think about mounting a midrive with a rear hub motor?

[@oneplus7032]

Change C14 to 3 and see if the uphill pull has improved.

[@CitizenCycle925]

I did play around with c14 and honestly didn't notice any difference. Tried all three settings.

[@oneplus7032]

@@CitizenCycle925 OK. Reason i have suggested it is that in my setup of C-14 on 1 gives me about 25% of total amp power, on 2 50% AND ON 3 100% of controller amp power all the time. From my notes during the tests i`ve done : #1 is the most economical giving me 70 to 80 miles per charge, use it on long leisure rides #2 is the one I like the most since gives me a range of 50 to 60 miles per charge and still plenty of power assist and room for a very good work out #3 is the one that gives me that lazy mode with more power than I care for to use since this is still a bicycle, yes i do use it on occasion very early in the morning when most of the people are still fast asleep otherwise I could get into trouble.... By the way, Love your videos, keep up the good work.

[@CitizenCycle925]

@@oneplus7032 okay maybe I will test it more thoroughly I just changed it around a couple times and rode for a little bit and it didn't really see a difference, maybe I need to try that on a good hill or just watch it closer

[@oneplus7032]

@@CitizenCycle925 Have a look at the watage on the display, say on power assist 1 while pedaling with C-14 set at 1 than 2 and 3. Perhaps you are much more experienced rider with more powerful legs than this old fart and can`t feel the saddle difference of assistance being applied.

[@M.Mae.M]

Just bought a RadExpand 5 and looking to already upgrade.

[@CitizenCycle925]

hopefully the controller upgrade will work on that bike. its worth every penny!

[@M.Mae.M]

@@CitizenCycle925 thanks, you really gave me a lot of confidence in making some proper upgrades.

[@billuhl1117]

I have a rad city bike, battery fully charged all connections connected, apply power with the throttle goes up to 200 watts then dies, same with pedal assist, fuses are good, do you think I need a new controller. Thanks

[@arthur_letkeman893]

so nothing is compatible to the newer rad rover 1 step-thru?

[@michaels9926]

Since you get a new controller and display with the bolton upgrade kit is there a front motor/wheel you can hook up to the original radpower controller and display to have a cheaper version of your awd beast? The ebikeling front motor which is sold on its own seems to have too many pins and 1200 watts seems too much for the radpower controller/display. Perhaps this would make a new interesting project?

[@CitizenCycle925]

i was unable to find a geared hub motor that fit the front. if you could find one of those you might be able to get that to work. i could only find direct drive motors for the front.

[@michaels9926]

@@CitizenCycle925 Well both have to keep looking. That would be a popular upgrade.

[@HelvisCamaro]

Decent! Get a Ride1up in their, they have priced right great bikes!

[@donaldstansfield9085]

OK, so the 750w on the rad is really not a 750w, not getting what you paid for? Also was deciding on the 3 bikes, rad,himi,aventon which is best for the money?

[@ralphpitcher8849]

How does the radrover with bafang 750w motor and upgraded controller compare to a stock Himiway Cruiser? Thank you for all your hard work. Love watching the videos!

[@CitizenCycle925]

Upgraded Rad is faster and stronger.

[@orionxavier6957]

"I have no issue with Rad. They're a good company." I've had a support ticket that's been sitting for 2 weeks with no response. It also took them 2 weeks to ship a new battery. Really bad. My issue is the bike won't turn on now. I've had it for almost 2.5 years. The battery needed replacing, it was down to one red "bar" when charged. The new battery had no effect, still won't turn on. Checked all the cables so I'm guessing it's a controller issue. In the past few months I've had a few times where the bike refused to acknowledge the throttle from a stop. And about 2 weeks ago the bike just turned off completely while riding slightly downhill from work. Coincidentally, 2 days before I had the bike delivered to a bike shop I got my old bike from. They replaced the worn out brake cables. Then suddenly 2 days later the bike died. 🤔 Which made me think they had unplugged cables and there was just a loose connection, but I never found one. I think I'll try this Bolton controller upgrade kit and pray it resolves my problem. I've read a lot of nightmare situations where people have tried many things and their bike would not turn on, each time they ship a new part it would take WEEKS. This is my primary means of transportation, I have no vehicle. So this is a HUGE inconvenience, especially when I have to use my old bike (Trek 7.2 FX) in this 100+ degree heat, climbing up hills in my work commute. Which is really hard when you're 285 lbs. Meanwhile I have about $350 of new parts waiting to put on the bike when this happened. Really pisses me off. (Arclight pedals, Origin8 Supercell street tires) EDIT: The Bolton kit is on August preorder (over one month) so probably not going to bother with it as an immediate fix for my problem. Also they don't mention it on their site, but the step thru version that I have (RadRover 5) has very little room between the stock controller and the rear tire/mudguard. I seriously doubt the much larger Bolton controller will fit.

[@CitizenCycle925]

Sounds like there could be more than one gremlin in there.. If the new battery did not solve it, I would guess it's something in the wiring. Something unplugged or a wire shorted out. Is there power to the USB port on the display screen?

[@orionxavier6957]

@@CitizenCycle925 Thanks for the reply. I was going to check that the other night at work, but I didn't have a cable to hook up my phone. I'll definitely try that tonight though.

[@orionxavier6957]

@@CitizenCycle925 I checked the USB port, and it has no power. The fact that the bike just suddenly turned off makes me think it's a controller issue. I was riding slightly downhill, not turning the handlebars, not going over bumps, nothing to cause a loose cable to disconnect.

[@hyund9i]

I was wondering if you tried the bolton upgrade on the radrover 6 plus, I ordered that bike recently

[@CitizenCycle925]

I have not

[@wikson9651]

Where can I purchase the battery from

[@Videpot]

What wattage are you seeing under load w stock controller? In the Canadian version I’m only seeing 497 max. Almost trippling wattage would be phenomenal

[@CitizenCycle925]

With the stock controller I was seeing the wattage around 745

[@kathschofield5312]

I'd like the settings for the 35a Bolton controller

[@CitizenCycle925]

my settings are in the video at timestamp 9:36. Bolton also lists his suggested settings on the website.

[@dillonsnyder8774]

Does this effect the battery life per ride?

[@jeffstafford65]

Would you recommend buying a Rad 5 with a Bolton controller or just get the Rad 6 with 25% more torque for the hills and start up? I’m sure they will be offering after market upgrades for the 6 soon though too. Not sure which bike to get.

[@CitizenCycle925]

Really dont know, i haven't had a chance to try the Rover 6+ yet. the Rover 5 with controller upgrade is some pretty legit power though, have you seen my drag race video?

[@jeffstafford65]

@@CitizenCycle925 Going to watch that one right now! I know it’s hard to give judgment on something you haven’t ridden yet. There’s a lot of upgrades on the 6 for only $300 more. But I like the idea of being able to upgrade the 5 to be even more powerful than the 6. Not sure what to do. I really appreciate your accessory video also. Gave me lots of good ideas and showed me that you don’t have to buy factory accessories at their crazy prices!

[@rickyn1135]

Wish you could get a product called the EggRider. I’m confused a bit,though. I think Gary said only need the EggRider and don’t need the controller. How would it circumvent the RAD controller to give more power?! I’m thinking I would need a new controller and the Eggridr. Doesn’t the Bolton Controller come with the Display? If so,the cost would be about the same.

[@CitizenCycle925]

Okay now I guess I got to look into this egg rider thing since I've received multiple comments about it..

[@stuartfenton157]

The Eggrider works with the stock Rad controller manufactured by Lishui, which also is only compatible with the stock display. It won’t work with the upgrade kit as the controller & display are from a different manufacturer and use a different programming ‘language’

[@user-qy6rb9yg3r]

@@stuartfenton157 Thats correct according to a reddit post.

[@jakethestatefarmott6329]

Hey I was wondering could I put the 1200watt hub motor/tire on the back of my rad?

[@CitizenCycle925]

Yes you just have to make sure you buy the rear wheel kit. It does not have nearly the torque and power of the geared motor though

[@finrider9924]

Interested in testing my plug n play kit 60v 40A?

[@Michael._The_Storyteller]

really good video, I hear in this you mention the Himiway was at that power-speed level out of the box, and also I watch you for ALL the info you dig up. I'm happy with my choice of the Himi Cruiser, it comes tomorrow, we are at almost Critical Mass for E-Vehicles in this country, it's a good thing to see. keep up with the videos, how about up grades on the other bikes in your stable ?

[@CitizenCycle925]

Probably feels like Christmas Eve for you with that bike coming tomorrow. I'm not sure if I'll upgrade any of the other bikes, honestly they're all powerful enough out of the box, Rad's seem to be the only ones with weaker power.

[@klumze9911]

My bike is a mere 250 watts. I wouldn't know what to do with 750.

[@jamesharrison7114]

Have you heard of the eggrider?

[@peterlinton]

Please tell me where u got those gloves....they are pretty darn cool

[@CitizenCycle925]

M1 Moto Gloves. Bikes and Beards website.

[@DanielLopes-jt8yl]

Bronco has come up! Nice but Rad Rover with upgrade kit kicks Bronco butt. Really who wants a Ford Bronco when you can have a Rad Rover?

[@RobbieKath]

i wan to ge the upgrade but i am also in need of a new battery where can i find a cheap battery that will work with the upgrade

[@CitizenCycle925]

i know electrobikeworld sells batteries, not saying they are cheap though..

[@dadalonglegs]

I'm still wondering why a stock Rad is so expensive with its low amperage

[@lordnox69]

cause 750w is the legal limit in america its only 500w in canada

[@CitizenCycle925]

Not sure, I feel like they should put a stronger controller on it, but still limit it to 750watts, then let people adjust the settings and turn it up if they want, That seems to be what every other bike company does.

[@woodsculptor675]

@@CitizenCycle925 Yes, they could at least use a 20 or 25a controller instead of the wimpy 17a one!

[@lordnox69]

oh i didnt even realize it was below 20 my old 500w hub had 20A crazy though my bafang ultra is only 25A and its 1500W but peaks at 2000W and that thing will climb a straight wall

[@jasondelarosa5457]

so does this mod reduce range?

[@talkingebikes]

Now this begs the question: How does the Bolton Upgrade Kit compare to the Eggrider Upgrade?

[@CitizenCycle925]

Not familiar with eggrider, I'll have to research..

[@talkingebikes]

@@CitizenCycle925 you can get a unit from Big Game Bikes and make the comparison. Eggrider is a popular alternative to Bolton.

[@Hud1849]

Please I need help to replace my motor rad power runner 2

[@BillBadMule123]

I Like the Color of the Ford as well LOL

[@CitizenCycle925]

It really is the best color the blue one and the black one just looks kind of blah

[@Cheese-Head]

Can I swap my Magicycle controller for this one? Or is it only for Rad bikes?

[@CitizenCycle925]

This controller is set up for the rad power bikes, i highly doubt the plugs would match up for the magicycle

[@Cheese-Head]

@@CitizenCycle925 oh okay, I thought the wiring and plugs are standard on all of them since they are all made in china using the same components. I wish Magicycle didn’t limit their controller to 22 amps.

[@dalehart1143]

trust me put a bigger crank on the front. like a 52 tooth one it will go faster.

[@jasonjenkins4213]

Yea my thoughts exactly! Thanks

[@rickyn1135]

Would we need to add a bigger chain with a bigger 52 chain ring?

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

Yeah, more amps equals more torque. More torque equals better acceleration and hill climbing. If you want to up the top speed get a controller and battery for more volts. Seems like all of Rads competition offer a better controller & motor. If you dive into the controller mapping most can be programmed for full power under throttle without a speed limit beyond physics.

[@karendavies9430]

Install the Bolton controller on the rad mini.

[@FAzhadi]

Is this compatible with Radrover 6 plus?

[@CitizenCycle925]

there is a version out for the 6plus now, electrobikeworld has them. never used it though.

[@jasonjenkins4213]

Can you put a bigger controller on any ebike?

[@CitizenCycle925]

Yes you can always switch out controllers but you also have to make sure the batteries and the motor can handle the stronger controller. I definitely do not know any of those technical specifications, I am not an expert 😁

[@jasonjenkins4213]

@@CitizenCycle925 ANY ebike? Thanks I have 500 watt ecotric rocket and it is fast enough, just think about more torque!

[@asarogers4742]

I'm just waiting till my warranty runs out lol, I don't want to void it

[@chadlaparra5311]

Someone needs to make this for my Radster Trail

[@raulmendez3907]

Will this controller work on my rad city 4

[@CitizenCycle925]

Not sure. you'll have to check the website. I believe there's a list of bikes that fits

[@monkeyhaters9258]

What the hell ,,did you win the lottery...??

[@CitizenCycle925]

I wish! We are certainly blessed, but I'll consider myself a lottery winner when I can quit my full-time job and just make KZbin e-bike videos full-time hahaha

[@monkeyhaters9258]

@@CitizenCycle925 I hear that,🤦‍♂️ and good luck with that👍 Nice Bronco👌 Keep the videos coming😬

[@idamexmex4206]

😆 Come on Citizen, you don't have to be so nice. The motors on Rad bikes are weak. They get outperformed by pretty much any bike in it's class. The Bolton kit definitely makes it's ball drop, so that's a must if you have a Rad bike. Or you can just deal with the weak 750W motor that can't climb any hills steeper than 5% grade. I would definitely take a Rad bike if it was given to me but if I'm gonna buy a bike, I'll definitely opt for a Himiway or pretty much any other bike. The only the Rad has going for them is they got a strong company with investments and loads of cool accessories.

[@danimayb]

I was so close to getting a rad, But then found a different fat bike Chinese brand that's got a 1000w bafang motor.. the stock controller is a similar 18 watt 48 volt but I can hit over 30mph with ease! That is a nice upgrade over the rad and am happy, But it's only a little better at hill climbing than the rad which is disappointing, So I will be dumping in a 35 amp controller with display, Similar to the rad upgrade, And I can imagine the torque boost I will get judging by this video!

[@goobfilmcast4239]

I live in Central FL and I am beginning to hear noises about e-bike restrictions. I have seen a few of these "e-Motos" whipping down sidewalks....had to be doing 30+ mph. (a fall or collision with a pedestrian likely means a trip to the ER or maybe even the ICU). I like the e-Motos (X-class??) but having pedals gives the "impression" they are bikes...They are not. Just as e-Biking looks to go more mainstream, I am concerned that these electric motorcycles are going to cause State and Local restrictions and limitations that will affect Class 1 and 2 bikes. As far as I am concerned, speed is not my priority, it's range...20-22 MPH is fast enough.....I am more of a smell the roses, hyper-miler guy.

[@ebikerider6273]

Look like same thing but battery should be updated

[@rbo350]

No you just need batteries 52, 60,72 volt

[@rbo350]

What motor works with roadrunner plus?

[@vincentvincent2658]

it seems to me like acceleration is like 3 seconds faster and the torque which is used for climbing hills consistently are the only benefits. no hills make the upgrade meh if you dont care about 3 second faster accelerations then this is a waste of money. change motor and probably change the class of your ebike.