I was on the list for the first release of the City Step-thru and it was better than I had expected. I didn't hesitate to take long trips across Dallas. Never any range anxiety and solid. I learned to fix a flat by leaning it against a tree/wall. Just a problem-free joy to ride and own. Sadly, I gave it up to retire in Bangkok and now I'm eyeing this particular bike. I ride an older (slimmer for lane-splitting) Honda CBr 150r but I don't like the licensing, insurance, and liability that comes with owning/operating a motor vehicle. Thanks for your review. I hope they deliver to Thailand.
Thanks for watching! We haven't had the chance to review the Santa Monica yet, but it looks pretty solid on paper. It might be a good choice if you want a very simple, classic, and straightforward experience. The Discover 2 may be the better option if you want more features and customization options; it has tons of great features like turn signals, a cruise control mode, the ability to switch between torque and cadence sensing modes, etc. The value that Velotric packed into the Discover is crazy! Hope that helps you in your decision. If you decide on the latter option, please use our affiliate link: ebrdeals.com/ebrdealsVelotricDiscover2
Can you guys do an in-depth review of the Euphree Stellar Falcon thx. I'm very interested on this ebike especially its ability to switch from cadence to torque sensor.
I have a few rad bikes but I am not understanding the current pricing. Seems a bit high compared to other brands out there offering mid-drives at that price point.
I'm in Canada, can you unlock the bike to class 3? I have a radrover 6 plus and you can up the speed to 40km/h. Wondering if you can do the same with this bike in Canada?
I have a Blix Aveny that I love but I’m kind of feeling like I want more power and the ability to go faster. I’m looking forward to test riding one at some point but the increase of 25lbs makes me a little nervous.
@@ElectricBikeReport can I ask how it compares to the Aventure (my spouse has that bike) since it’s a similar weight? I feel like the RRoad is going to be very different from my Aveny.
Ive been tempted by this bike and the rei co-op gen 1, i know well enough the difference between the two. I was just wondering which would most people choose?
Its funny how rad very, very obviously makes their models compatible with the kitsap seattle-bremerton fast ferry's terrible racks (rad bikes are thr most common ebike among those commuters by far). The 2.2 tires are just right for the racks, everything is sealed and shielded from the salt water, theres plenty of room to spin the front wheel around to fit the rack. And that motor is basically custom tailored to seattle hills. I'm looking at a new ebike to go with the ride1up core 5 that my wife and i share, and rad has always tempted since they are just ao robust and reliable for the other commuters. But the only thing that always makes me hesitate is the weight. Rad makes them heavy AF. And when you sometimes need to carry your bike down the stairs to the light rail because the elevators break constantly, i want closet to 50lbs than 70 when i have saddlebags and a backpack on
great! I have been riding a City 5 plus Step thru for over a year and I like it...but it sure is heavy and pedalling without any motor assistance is a workout (but I like this sometimes!)...this new one is even heavier! hmmm...how does the actual ride feel compared to the city 5 plus? big upgrade? Here in Canada the motor is only 500watts...I changed the bike from class 2 to 3 and I get a little faster but I do feel that the ride gets a bit shakey as I go over 30km hr-this new model seems to have a stronger frame.
Feels more stiff for sure, the motor with a torque sensor is a good direction to go as well. It feels like the City's spiritual successor, but it is still quite diferent.
@@ElectricBikeReport yeah..I prefer the 2" wide tires...in case I need to bike without assistance... the fat tires are just too much. I will wait for a bit but I would prefer a black and red version of the Radster...this blue colour is not my thing...thanks for the incredible work in this video...
Micromobility’s reviewer commented he didn’t detect any drop in performance of the Radster Trail after the battery level dropped below 50% or below 25%. What did you think during your distance testing?
There is a difference between heat absorbing and heat resistant. Rad uses the term heat absorbing epoxy, which conducts heat better than air, to help pull heat away from cells towards the case and out. It’s a method often used. It has other benefits, such as protecting from mechanical shock, protecting from water intrusion, condensation, containing some force should a cell experience thermal runaway if the BMS and its internal protection fail. The main negative is it makes replacing individual bad cells nearly impossible, but it does mean you probably won’t see anyone making compromised batteries from or of these batteries. You’re not the only reviewer to use the wrong descriptor, so you’re not alone, but should understand the difference.
" it makes replacing individual bad cells nearly impossible". As a very handy guy who welds, solders, and fixes ALL my own stuff, I've found this nearly impossible with ANY bike battery. And I've looked for service people nationwide, and none of them will do that job. A a family guy, I've bought over a dozen ebike since 2010. My Bosch bikes' BMS bricks the battery if you work on it. So, for the average person, it "replacing individual bad cells" should be considered FULLY impossible on ANY bike...and often ill-advised, too, from a safety perspective.
Since this uses a torque sensor, the throttle is independent of PAS level, except it is inactive in PAS level 0. Rad tries to stay well within legal limitations, so the throttle works only in class 2 or 3 modes, and only assists up to 20mph.
Did you test ride the roadster road on surface trails that have pea gravel and a few potholes from uneven surface and rain? I want to ride both pavement and his type of trail and I believe the trail model with bigger nober tires is heaver ! Am an older rider and been think of going EV as have lots of hilly trails and streets and need etc have seeped me off a bike ! Thanks John
We don't really have trails like that around here, unfortunately - everything is either paved or really rough. I'd bet that the Radster Road's tires would be a little slick in that kind of environment. You could always swap them out for knobbies though!
At some point, they may as well make the frames of cromoly steel again instead of aluminum alloy. I wouldn’t mind. Steel has a fatigue limit, unlike aluminum, and absorbs vibrations better. Just protect it from rusting via galvanizing, paint and wiping off water asap.
Riders and hikers don't typically wear sufficient safety gear for the speed these newer class 3 bikes are driven. You never know when a hiker or dog will step out in front of you. I shudder to think what the extent of damage and injury would be in such a case!
It’s why I never pass at too great a speed differential and always give kids and dogs a wide berth when passing them. Most people take up the slack in their dog’s leash after I alert them I’m about to pass them or they see me approaching.
The worst thing rad has done was to use cadence sensors for assistance...👎 Why I refused to purchase before.... The next sensor i want to see included is an incline sensor...so no power on downhill, more power on uphill, and less power on flats...
Potted battery cells will cause heat build up in the battery when charging or discharging, not a good situation.. Also it would completely eliminate the possibly of repairing battery pack if necessary. Stupid MOVE! There is no way that motor produces 100 Nm of torque, I bet nt more than 30 Nm to the rear wheel. Send the bike t Area 13 bikes have them test it on the Dyno.
Isn't Rad using a heat absorbing epoxy, which would be BETTER at moving heat outward to the case for cooling? It would be nonsensical for them to choose a heat-insulating compound.
I saw the battery was UL2271 certified, if the battery is not potted it will not pass the UL test which require battery to be functional after 1 hour immersion under 1 meter water. And I also learnt that they were using an special glue similar to silicon to pot the battery. As for the torque, I think it is just an commercial promotion, maybe it can reach 100Nm at climbing mountain but definitely not at flat road.
E-Bike Question of the Day ⚡🚴 What feature stood out most to you on the Radster Road? Let us know in the comments below 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
I was on the list for the first release of the City Step-thru and it was better than I had expected. I didn't hesitate to take long trips across Dallas. Never any range anxiety and solid. I learned to fix a flat by leaning it against a tree/wall. Just a problem-free joy to ride and own. Sadly, I gave it up to retire in Bangkok and now I'm eyeing this particular bike. I ride an older (slimmer for lane-splitting) Honda CBr 150r but I don't like the licensing, insurance, and liability that comes with owning/operating a motor vehicle. Thanks for your review. I hope they deliver to Thailand.
Always love your bike reviews. It would be so great if when you would toss metric up on the screen.
Excellent review! To the point, covered the subject, and accurate. Now I am between the AIMA SANTA MONICA, and the VELOTRIC DISCOVER 2
Thanks for watching! We haven't had the chance to review the Santa Monica yet, but it looks pretty solid on paper. It might be a good choice if you want a very simple, classic, and straightforward experience. The Discover 2 may be the better option if you want more features and customization options; it has tons of great features like turn signals, a cruise control mode, the ability to switch between torque and cadence sensing modes, etc. The value that Velotric packed into the Discover is crazy! Hope that helps you in your decision. If you decide on the latter option, please use our affiliate link: ebrdeals.com/ebrdealsVelotricDiscover2
Really cool to have found you guys for reviews recently good job. Are y’all covering the new Rad wagon that just came out?
Welcome! That review just went live yesterday evening. Hope you find it helpful!
just one thing...how would this Radster Road compare to the upcoming Velotric Discover 2? SO many new models !
They're very similar bikes in many ways, and also very different! Stay tuned for our review of the D2, it should go live in the next couple of weeks.
Can you guys do an in-depth review of the Euphree Stellar Falcon thx. I'm very interested on this ebike especially its ability to switch from cadence to torque sensor.
We just got that one in for testing! We have a few to get through first, but stay tuned. We're really stoked about it too!
I have a few rad bikes but I am not understanding the current pricing. Seems a bit high compared to other brands out there offering mid-drives at that price point.
Nice review!
Thanks for watching!
How long do the gears last?
I'm in Canada, can you unlock the bike to class 3? I have a radrover 6 plus and you can up the speed to 40km/h. Wondering if you can do the same with this bike in Canada?
I believe due to regulations in Canada, Rad locks the Radster to Class 2. Any higher is technically not street legal.
I have a Blix Aveny that I love but I’m kind of feeling like I want more power and the ability to go faster. I’m looking forward to test riding one at some point but the increase of 25lbs makes me a little nervous.
FYI the bike handled the weight well when riding, but it was more noticeable when trying to lift/move the bike around when stationary.
@@ElectricBikeReport can I ask how it compares to the Aventure (my spouse has that bike) since it’s a similar weight? I feel like the RRoad is going to be very different from my Aveny.
REALLY LIKE YOU REVIEW!! 5 STARS FOR YOU! Thank you..
Ive been tempted by this bike and the rei co-op gen 1, i know well enough the difference between the two. I was just wondering which would most people choose?
This one likely has broader appeal.
Its funny how rad very, very obviously makes their models compatible with the kitsap seattle-bremerton fast ferry's terrible racks (rad bikes are thr most common ebike among those commuters by far). The 2.2 tires are just right for the racks, everything is sealed and shielded from the salt water, theres plenty of room to spin the front wheel around to fit the rack. And that motor is basically custom tailored to seattle hills.
I'm looking at a new ebike to go with the ride1up core 5 that my wife and i share, and rad has always tempted since they are just ao robust and reliable for the other commuters.
But the only thing that always makes me hesitate is the weight. Rad makes them heavy AF. And when you sometimes need to carry your bike down the stairs to the light rail because the elevators break constantly, i want closet to 50lbs than 70 when i have saddlebags and a backpack on
great! I have been riding a City 5 plus Step thru for over a year and I like it...but it sure is heavy and pedalling without any motor assistance is a workout (but I like this sometimes!)...this new one is even heavier! hmmm...how does the actual ride feel compared to the city 5 plus? big upgrade? Here in Canada the motor is only 500watts...I changed the bike from class 2 to 3 and I get a little faster but I do feel that the ride gets a bit shakey as I go over 30km hr-this new model seems to have a stronger frame.
Feels more stiff for sure, the motor with a torque sensor is a good direction to go as well. It feels like the City's spiritual successor, but it is still quite diferent.
@@ElectricBikeReport yeah..I prefer the 2" wide tires...in case I need to bike without assistance... the fat tires are just too much. I will wait for a bit but I would prefer a black and red version of the Radster...this blue colour is not my thing...thanks for the incredible work in this video...
Where is that bike path, I want to go there and try my new Rad Radster Road bike out...
Is a phone app required to switch between modes and other settings?
Nope!
@@ElectricBikeReportGreat! I'm a geezer that uses a flip-phone. Didn't want to be forced into a smart phone just to ride an Ebike.
Micromobility’s reviewer commented he didn’t detect any drop in performance of the Radster Trail after the battery level dropped below 50% or below 25%. What did you think during your distance testing?
John here. I remember an observable decline in power output after 50%, but it was definitely more subtle than usual.
@@ElectricBikeReport Thanks for letting me know!
There is a difference between heat absorbing and heat resistant. Rad uses the term heat absorbing epoxy, which conducts heat better than air, to help pull heat away from cells towards the case and out. It’s a method often used. It has other benefits, such as protecting from mechanical shock, protecting from water intrusion, condensation, containing some force should a cell experience thermal runaway if the BMS and its internal protection fail. The main negative is it makes replacing individual bad cells nearly impossible, but it does mean you probably won’t see anyone making compromised batteries from or of these batteries.
You’re not the only reviewer to use the wrong descriptor, so you’re not alone, but should understand the difference.
Appreciate the thoughtful insight. We'll try to be more careful with our wording in the future.
" it makes replacing individual bad cells nearly impossible". As a very handy guy who welds, solders, and fixes ALL my own stuff, I've found this nearly impossible with ANY bike battery. And I've looked for service people nationwide, and none of them will do that job. A a family guy, I've bought over a dozen ebike since 2010. My Bosch bikes' BMS bricks the battery if you work on it. So, for the average person, it "replacing individual bad cells" should be considered FULLY impossible on ANY bike...and often ill-advised, too, from a safety perspective.
Will you review the Rad Expand 5 plus?
It's in the works! I believe we wrapped up our filming for that last week so it should go live in the near future.
Is the throttle independent of the PAS level, like previous Rad bikes?
Great question
IS the speed limited on throttle to 20 mph like most bikes these days?
Since this uses a torque sensor, the throttle is independent of PAS level, except it is inactive in PAS level 0.
Rad tries to stay well within legal limitations, so the throttle works only in class 2 or 3 modes, and only assists up to 20mph.
Throttle goes to 20 mph regardless of PAS settings.
Cool phone mount on the hill climb. Which was that? Affiliate link?
How does this compare to the Aventon Level.2?
That's tough, the L2 is a very good bike with the looks
This is a little more relaxed in body positioning. The Level 2 has a bit better handling though.
@@ElectricBikeReport tires make it handle better
Did you test ride the roadster road on surface trails that have pea gravel and a few potholes from uneven surface and rain? I want to ride both pavement and his type of trail and I believe the trail model with bigger nober tires is heaver ! Am an older rider and been think of going EV as have lots of hilly trails and streets and need etc have seeped me off a bike !
Thanks John
We don't really have trails like that around here, unfortunately - everything is either paved or really rough. I'd bet that the Radster Road's tires would be a little slick in that kind of environment. You could always swap them out for knobbies though!
Ok thanks for the advice ,still on the fence about get a EB might be to heavy a small trail Motorcycle these are getting into with there weight !
I am so glad that they are making thinner tire bikes now. Fat tire bikes are a joke for noise, performance and distance.
but heavier and heavier!
At some point, they may as well make the frames of cromoly steel again instead of aluminum alloy. I wouldn’t mind. Steel has a fatigue limit, unlike aluminum, and absorbs vibrations better. Just protect it from rusting via galvanizing, paint and wiping off water asap.
Well, there is the Radster Trail with fatter tires... :) But we are a fan of the Road's tires for sure.
Wait, so the handle bars cannot be raised from stock? Seems like a major oversight for a bike that pretends to address a large array of heights
wow that motor is super quiet
Those walkers don’t appreciate that speed I’ll tell you that but riding on the road would be a good feeling. Great commuter
Riders and hikers don't typically wear sufficient safety gear for the speed these newer class 3 bikes are driven. You never know when a hiker or dog will step out in front of you. I shudder to think what the extent of damage and injury would be in such a case!
It’s why I never pass at too great a speed differential and always give kids and dogs a wide berth when passing them. Most people take up the slack in their dog’s leash after I alert them I’m about to pass them or they see me approaching.
Somebody should probably tell rad that people have stairs sometimes
A lightweight Rad option would be nice. RIP RadMission
It's 75 lbs. A deal breaker for lots of people. Should have led with that in the specs.
The available colors are pretty bland.
The worst thing rad has done was to use cadence sensors for assistance...👎 Why I refused to purchase before....
The next sensor i want to see included is an incline sensor...so no power on downhill, more power on uphill, and less power on flats...
Also known as a torque sensor which this bike has.
Potted battery cells will cause heat build up in the battery when charging or discharging, not a good situation.. Also it would completely eliminate the possibly of repairing battery pack if necessary. Stupid MOVE!
There is no way that motor produces 100 Nm of torque, I bet nt more than 30 Nm to the rear wheel. Send the bike t Area 13 bikes have them test it on the Dyno.
Why the doubt on the torque?
Isn't Rad using a heat absorbing epoxy, which would be BETTER at moving heat outward to the case for cooling? It would be nonsensical for them to choose a heat-insulating compound.
I saw the battery was UL2271 certified, if the battery is not potted it will not pass the UL test which require battery to be functional after 1 hour immersion under 1 meter water. And I also learnt that they were using an special glue similar to silicon to pot the battery.
As for the torque, I think it is just an commercial promotion, maybe it can reach 100Nm at climbing mountain but definitely not at flat road.
I think everything will be just fine.