Bicycles

Rad aims for the long haul with RadWagon 4 electric cargo bike

Rad aims for the long haul with RadWagon 4 electric cargo bike
Decked out for business, the RadWagon 4 electric cargo bike
Decked out for business, the RadWagon 4 electric cargo bike
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Decked out for business, the RadWagon 4 electric cargo bike
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Decked out for business, the RadWagon 4 electric cargo bike
Rad Power Bikes says that the frame has undergone a complete redesign to create a "stronger, stiffer, and more versatile ebike"
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Rad Power Bikes says that the frame has undergone a complete redesign to create a "stronger, stiffer, and more versatile ebike"
If you're not hauling the kids to school, panniers, baskets and so on can be mounted to the rear rack
3/5
If you're not hauling the kids to school, panniers, baskets and so on can be mounted to the rear rack
Rad Power Bikes has included new mounting points and refreshed the available accessories in an effort to give riders the versatility of a family car
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Rad Power Bikes has included new mounting points and refreshed the available accessories in an effort to give riders the versatility of a family car
The rear cargo rack can haul up to 120 lb, which could be groceries, packages or the kids
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The rear cargo rack can haul up to 120 lb, which could be groceries, packages or the kids
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Rad Power Bikes has launched the latest version of its electric cargo bike, the RadWagon 4, and is hoping that its new frame, custom tires and better uphill hauling chops will persuade you to leave the family car at home for your shopping trips, school runs and commutes to work.

"We went back to the drawing board and looked at all the ways we could improve our beloved electric cargo bike, keeping our customers' feedback and requests at the forefront of our minds the entire time," says company founder and CEO, Mike Radenbaugh. "The result is a next-level people and cargo hauler that's essentially a brand new cargo bike. With a patent-pending frame design, custom tires, and more adjustability than ever before, the RadWagon 4 is the raddest car-replacing bike we've ever created."

The rear cargo rack can haul up to 120 lb, which could be groceries, packages or the kids
The rear cargo rack can haul up to 120 lb, which could be groceries, packages or the kids

Rad says that the overall look of the patent-pending 6061 aluminum mid-step frame has been streamlined and simplified, with a lower standover height and rear deck height to make it easier for the rider – and any passengers – to step on and move off. The cargo ebike has been designed to accommodate a wide range of riders too, thanks to a telescoping seat post and adjustable handlebars.

If you're not hauling the kids to school, panniers, baskets and so on can be mounted to the rear rack, which can handle up to 120 lb (54 kg) and benefits from a safety guard on either side of the wheel. The bike itself weighs in at 76.7 lb (34.8 kg), and can haul a total payload of 350 lb (158 kg).

The lockable and removable 48-V, 14-Ah Li-ion battery pack is positioned on the downtube, and offers between 25 and 45+ miles (40-72+ km) of per charge range. Where previous iterations made use of a direct drive motor, the RadWagon 4 features a 750-W Bafang geared hub motor for 80 Nm of torque and improved performance in hill climbs. Riders can half twist for throttle drive or choose from five levels of pedal assist.

Rad Power Bikes has included new mounting points and refreshed the available accessories in an effort to give riders the versatility of a family car
Rad Power Bikes has included new mounting points and refreshed the available accessories in an effort to give riders the versatility of a family car

Elsewhere, there's a mid-handlebar LCD display with backlighting that shows trip info like remaining charge, speed, pedal assist level and more, and integrated head- and tail-lights. The ebike rides on 22-inch wheels wrapped in Rad's own wide tires, developed specifically for this ebike and featuring a custom tread pattern that provides "a smooth ride over uneven surfaces, withstands bumps, and handles the elements with ease." Stopping power comes from Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes with 180-mm rotors.

The cargo ebike comes in orange, white or limited edition black and has a ticket price of US$1,599 – though for a limited time it can be pre-ordered for $1,499. Shipping is expected to start in September.

Product page: RadWagon 4

View gallery - 5 images
6 comments
6 comments
Michael son of Lester
Very nice, the only thing wrong is the price of a spare battery. If you are going to be hauling things then the battery charge is going to dwindle faster. if that battery dies then you are faced with trying to peddle this behemoth and if there are any hills you are going to have to get off and push. From the specks, with a full load pushing one of these wouldn't be fun.

Now, having written the above I will say that I'm in the process of saving to buy a Rad Bike. From the reports I've gotten from a friend who lives off the grid and has one in Arizona, these look like a good buy.
CAVUMark
Range extender is a can of spinach.
Bob Stuart
Shouldn't frames bear more of a relationship to the direction of their loads?
JDC1
Would like to see a 3 wheel version of it.
BlueOak
Would love to own one of these as an alternative to driving a vehicle for shopping runs. But the deal killer would be wondering every minute I’m in the store, has it been stolen yet? (18-volt battery-powered angle grinders render just about any bike lock useless and a $1,500 temptation is unfortunately too much for too many morally-ethically-challenged members of society.)
Adrian Akau
I own a RadRunner and use it for exercise. It is a good bike and I keep it indoors so it does not "walk away". A set of 5 led lights show the battery charge (20%, 40% etc.). I hope to run it for 10 years.