Rad Power Bikes’ RadRunner is an e-bike designed to enchantment to the broadest variety of individuals. A utility bike with fats, comfortable tires, a beguiling design, a simplified however not underpowered drivetrain, and an reasonably priced price ticket, the RadRunner is likely one of the firm’s persistently hottest fashions. And now, it’s getting a serious facelift.
The RadRunner 3 Plus, introduced in the present day, has a radical new look that borrows closely from the sharply angled body designs of the most recent variations of the RadCity commuter and RadRover models. Which means it comes with a bevy of recent components, together with built-in battery, hydraulic disc brakes, a customized geared hub motor, a brand new ergonomic body, and an improved LED show that’s simpler to make use of.
However the equipment are what actually seal the deal. Rad Energy Bikes is actually doubling down on quite a lot of add-ons designed to enhance the cargo-carry capabilities of its bikes. If e-bikes are to face any probability of creating a dent in our more and more calcified automobile tradition, they are going to want a chic and accessible strategy to haul a bunch of stuff — or perhaps a good boy or two.
However earlier than we get to the pleasant doggies, let’s assessment the RadRunner 3 Plus’ specs. The bike’s payload capability has been bumped as much as an eye-popping 350 kilos, which is fairly spectacular for a short-tail cargo bike. The RadRunner has all the time been one of many coolest methods for 2 adults to get round collectively, and this newest model’s passenger-carrying capabilities have now been enhanced.
Hill climbing within the RadRunner 3 Plus is getting a lift as properly — about 10 p.c when in comparison with the earlier variations, to be particular. That’s due to the customized 750W motor that’s been optimized for steep hills and heavy masses. The bike’s 48V 14Ah (672Wh) battery provides the bike a strong vary, however there’s greater than meets the attention. (Extra on that in a bit.)
All of those upgrades gained’t come low-cost. The RadRunner 3 Plus will retail for $2,499 (CA $2,999, EU €2,499, and UK £$2,199). That makes it Rad Energy Bikes’ costliest mannequin, nevertheless it’s nonetheless extra reasonably priced than numerous e-bikes available on the market in the present day.
It’s the equipment that basically seal the deal
What do you get for that extra cash? A seven-gear shifter, entrance suspension fork, LCD show, entrance and rear fender, and a entrance LED rock-resistant halo mild. For an additional $139, you too can get all of the equipment for a rear passenger seat, together with a padded seat, rear pegs, and skirt guard. (These equipment got here normal with the RadRunner Plus.)
However Rad Energy Bikes didn’t need to cost its clients extra for nothing. A number of cool new options are making their debut on the RadRunner 3 Plus, together with an built-in Abus wheel lock designed particularly for fats tires, and a still-under-development range-extending battery inserted below the rear rack. Within the dual-battery configuration, the RadRunner 3 Plus can journey a powerful 100 miles of vary — making it one of many farthest roving fashions in Rad Energy Bikes’ lineup.
What struck me probably the most in regards to the RadRunner 3 Plus is the way it now resembles a very decked-out motorbike. That was partly by design, with Rad Energy Bikes’ founder and chair Mike Radenbaugh describing it as the corporate’s most motorbike-like mannequin. A tough-shell lockable middle console ($129), together with hard-shell lockable panniers ($149), lend the RadRunner 3 Plus a strong, rugged, not-to-be-messed-with look that’s extra frequent amongst two-wheelers with inner combustion engines fairly than brushless electrical hub motors.
Automobile house owners get to go away their belongings and valuables of their automobiles with peace of thoughts — why shouldn’t e-bike riders have this identical privilege?
“The RadRunner 3 Plus is a end result of 16 years now of e-bike pedigree and being on the forefront,” Radenbaugh instructed me. “So that is simply leveling up this utility e-bike class for Rad.”
Okay, now let’s speak pet trailer. The Rad Trailer, which is out there at Rad Energy Bikes retail areas and on-line for $299, is appropriate with all the firm’s present fashions, together with the lately launched RadTrike. But it surely actually excels when connected to the RadRunner 3 Plus, which has cargo-hauling constructed into its DNA. Toss in a cargo field or the removable pet service ($229), and also you and your furry buddies are prepared for a picnic and even only a leisurely experience. The trailer is rated for 100 kilos of payload — so even the fattest kitty shouldn’t have any drawback tagging alongside.
I personal the unique RadRunner — and use it as my daily driver — and whereas I nonetheless love the swooping body and simplified powertrain, I couldn’t assist however surprise what I used to be lacking after making an attempt out the RadRunner 3 Plus. Radenbaugh assured me that the RadRunner 2 and RadRunner Plus weren’t going away however that this newest model represents the way forward for the corporate.
“Consider the brand new Ford Bronco,” he stated. “I hate speaking about it now, however I’ll say there’s a extremely trendy trying one. After which there’s the Florida Bayou version. It’s obtained like traditional paint striping. And so we predict this [original RadRunner] communicates accessibility. And this [new version] communicates barely extra excessive tech, excessive finish.”
