Rad Energy Bikes, the Seattle-based manufacturer of electric bicycles that held a dominant position at the top of the US e-bike sales chart for several years, typically releases major upgrades in conjunction with the introduction of a new model. However, the corporation is undergoing its most significant transformation to date, simultaneously launching two brand-new e-bike models, upgrading two existing e-bike designs, and introducing cutting-edge battery technology that could propel the industry towards safer energy storage solutions. Rad’s latest offerings welcome the debut of the innovative Radster Street and Radster Path e-bikes, complemented by the popular RadWagon 5 and RadExpand 5 Plus models.
As Rad Energy Bikes’ CEO Phil Molyneux posits:
“As we expand our fleet’s versatility and harness the game-changing potential of our innovative e-bike battery technology, we’re poised to transform the industry as a whole, making e-bikes accessible and capable for everyone, regardless of their needs or ambitions.” Over the past two years, I have collaborated meticulously with our supply chain and quality control teams to revolutionize our processes, ensuring that our next-generation e-bikes are designed with unparalleled ease-of-use in mind for our riders.
“With this latest launch, we’re furthering our efforts to ensure the long-term success of both our e-bike division and the entire Rad brand.”
As part of its ongoing efforts to innovate in the world of e-bikes, Rad Energy Bikes is proud to introduce its cutting-edge Secure Defend Battery. The newly designed battery addresses concerns about battery safety by leveraging cutting-edge expertise in thermal resistance.
As part of their UL certification, the batteries employ innovative potted electronics technology to encase individual battery cells, thereby effectively shielding them from potential harm caused by injury, moisture, and various disruptions that could lead to rapid circuit formation.
The RadPower Step-Thru features a robust battery rated at 48V 15Ah, boasting an impressive 720Wh of capacity – a testament to its status as the company’s most advanced and secure e-bike battery, offering unparalleled power and range.
The Secure Defend Battery will make its debut on Rad’s latest e-bike designs, but it will also be available as a retrofit option for many of the company’s existing e-bike models.
The latest addition to the Rad Energy Bikes family is the Radster series, comprising the Radster Path and Radster Street models.
Although the two bicycles have several commonalities, their primary distinction lies in their intended usage scenarios. While The Radster Path features 3-inch “mid-fat” tyres for increased traction and stability, its counterpart, the Radster Street, boasts narrower 2.2-inch tyres for more agile handling on city streets. The bicycles boast distinct frames and fenders, meticulously designed for various terrains and usage types, with each one perfectly suited to its intended purpose.
While initially unusual, the Radster e-bikes ultimately prove to be surprisingly similar despite their distinct features. Every features numerous innovative options, including a vibrant colour LCD display with USB-C charging port, rear flip alerts providing enhanced safety, a torque sensor delivering pure and responsive pedal support, IPX6 water resistance for added durability, hydraulic disc brakes ensuring reliable stopping power, an NFC key-fob for secure locking without a physical key, a thru-axle front wheel hub providing a stronger and more sturdy connection, a powerful 200-lumen headlight for improved visibility, the new Secure Defend Battery for extended ride time, and is available in two frame sizes: Common and Large.
While the integration of Class 3 features may prove to be the most significant enhancement overall? Each bike features multiple velocity settings, allowing riders to reach up to 20 miles per hour (32 kilometers per hour) when throttling, as well as two additional settings that can be unlocked to achieve velocities of 25 miles per hour or 28 miles per hour (40 or 45 kilometers per hour) with pedal assistance.
For the first time, Rad has surpassed the 20 mph Class 2 speed limit with its e-bikes, signaling the dawn of a new era of high-speed innovation for the company.
The Radster Street and Radster Path models, both priced at a competitive US $1,999, are now available for pre-order exclusively on our company’s official website. Delivery schedules indicate a planned commencement in April.
Rad Energy Bikes has unveiled its latest offering, the Rad Increase 5 Plus, an upgraded version of the brand’s entry-level folding model that now boasts several high-end features and options characteristic of Rad’s premium “Plus” line of e-bikes.
The Rad Increase 5 Plus boasts a range of innovative features, including the Secure Defend Battery, a colour LCD display with USB-C charging port, IPX6 water-resistance, rear flip alerts, hydraulic disc brakes, torque sensor pedal assist, a 200-lumen headlight and a bolt-on front wheel hub for enhanced connection.
This e-bike boasts a 50mm travel hydraulic suspension fork, generous 20″ x 4″ fat tires, and a folding design allowing for easy transportability within a vehicle or storage in a secure location at just 20 mph (32 km/h).
The Rad Increase 5+ is priced at a competitive US$1,899.
Rad Energy Bikes has launched its newest cargo bike, the RadWagon 5.
The brand-new mannequin leverages numerous Rad’s feature enhancements, including a vibrant color LCD display with USB-C charging port, torque sensor pedal assistance, IPX6 climate resistance, flip alerts, a through-axle front wheel hub, and three top velocity settings that reach a maximum of 28 mph (45 km/h).
With a capacity to handle up to 375 pounds (170 kilograms) of cargo, the bike effortlessly accommodates passengers or substantial loads. The vehicle’s body has been updated with a new “condensed” design, which also reduces its center of gravity to further improve handling. Newly designed working boards and deck pads may also become available, offering an additional layer of style and comfort for rear seat occupants.
Priced at $2,199, the RadWagon 5 is now available for pre-order on Rad’s website, with deliveries scheduled to begin in April.
Electrek’s Take
There are many layers to explore in this complex situation. I will endeavour to concisely address a multitude of variables.
The revolutionary Defend battery from Rad Energy Bikes holds immense significance for the electric bicycle industry, as its impact cannot be overstated. Potted batteries are widely regarded as the most reliable and secure method for constructing e-bike batteries. While the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification is indeed a benchmark of quality, it’s essential to acknowledge that it doesn’t necessarily guarantee a product’s absolute safety or immortality; numerous other UL-listed batteries have still suffered untimely and dramatic failures. While UL-listing can offer an added sense of security, experts in the field of battery technology caution that this certification does not necessarily guarantee a battery’s safety or reliability. While potted batteries are a reliable choice for physical protection, their prevalence is largely limited to Luna Cycle’s e-bike battery offerings. So, at the moment of its debut, Rad’s information is released.
Class III velocity: Finally, we’re getting to the good stuff. Wasn’t I certain that Rad would finally grasp the urgency of speed. I’m sure their instinct kicked in here? As throttle-less e-bikes struggle to gain traction among American consumers, Class 2 e-bikes are falling out of favor with many U.S. riders who prefer the flexibility to choose when and where to use their electric-assist capabilities.
New Electronics: The latest advancements in digital technology are truly exciting, featuring innovative features such as NFC-enabled key fobs for seamless unlocking, vibrant colour displays that sync seamlessly with USB-C gadgets, and intuitive rear-facing alert systems, among others. Although this innovation is not revolutionary, Rad’s adoption of familiar features in a higher-quality package is still welcome news, particularly the addition of USB-C charging. While the massive new factor is certainly noteworthy, it’s the innovative addition of a torque sensor that truly stands out as a significant improvement. While some may have initially questioned the lengthy development time for Rad’s torque-sensing feature, its arrival has brought a significant improvement in riding experience, with many cyclists now appreciating the benefits of a well-designed torque sensor.
The introduction of hydraulic disc brakes across our premium Rad line marks a significant upgrade, complemented by strengthened front axles designed to meet evolving industry standards and customer expectations.
The striking new design of the RadWagon 5 immediately catches the eye, leaving me eager to thoroughly examine each feature and put them to the test to discover how they perform in practice.
In a nutshell, my emotional state boils down to this: The specifications appear impossibly overwhelming. Costs are excessively high, a reflection of Rad’s revised approach. Given the competitive landscape in the e-bike industry, where Lectric dominates and numerous fly-by-night companies emerge offering affordable products, it’s reasonable for the corporation to focus on value rather than price.
Rad’s innovative approach appears to be vying with top-tier offerings through its focus on superior materials and meticulous aesthetic refinements. As rising costs emerge, the verdict remains uncertain regarding the e-bike industry’s response to these novel trends. Rad’s foray into the entry-level market was a venture, with years spent navigating its early days before facing increasing competition as more companies encroached on its turf. As the corporation targets an upgraded standing on the industry’s benchmark, Rad’s performance will be crucial in determining whether they successfully reach new heights.
