Hey everyone, I’m John with Electric Bike Report, and today we’re excited to introduce you to the Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2. We’re about to dive into a fresh review of this utility ebike, and let me tell you, we’re really excited about what it has to offer.
First things first, let’s talk about the new color of the RadRunner 2. It’s absolutely striking, and we can’t help but admire it. We felt so captivated by this new paint job that we knew we had to give this bike another look and show you all the fantastic features it has to offer.
Now, what sets the RadRunner 2 apart from the crowd? Well, that’s what we’re here to find out. We’re going to take this bike for a spin and explore all the reasons why it’s making waves in the world of electric bikes. So buckle up, folks, because we’re about to embark on an exciting journey with the RadRunner 2. Let’s hit the road and see what this bike can do!
| Frame | 6061 aluminum |
| Hub Motor | 750W brushless geared hub motor |
| Pedal Assist | Intelligent 4 level pedal assist with low-profile cadence sensor |
| Throttle | Half twist grip throttle |
| Display | Rad Power Bikes custom LED display |
| Chain | KMC Z7 |
| Fork | Rigid steel fork |
| Brake Rotors | Tektro 180 mm front and rear |
| Handlebar | Aluminum high rise, 686 mm wide, 10" rise |
| Saddle | Custom Rad Power Bikes moped-style saddle with extra padding, fixed angle, and integrated steel seat post |
| Tires | Exclusive Rad Power Bikes by Kenda K-Rad 20" x 3.3" |
| Battery | 672 Wh |
| Range | 25-45+ miles per charge (estimate) |
| Bike Weight | Total: 65 lb (with battery) Battery: 7.7 lb |
| Payload Capacity | 300 lb |
Design and Build Quality
The Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2 offers a compelling package of design and build quality, making it an attractive option in the ebike market. Despite having reviewed the newer RadRunner 3 Plus, the RadRunner 2 still stands out due to its versatility, affordability, and overall performance.
One of the notable features of the RadRunner 2 is its design, which strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics. The bike boasts an integrated rear rack with an impressive capacity of up to 120 lbs, making it suitable for various tasks such as commuting, grocery shopping, carrying passengers, or leisure rides. Despite its utility-focused design, the RadRunner 2 manages to maintain a sleek and compact profile without the bulkiness often associated with cargo bikes.
Moreover, the RadRunner 2 offers a high level of customization and expandability with over 50 compatible accessories available from Rad Power Bikes. These accessories include cargo baskets, passenger seating options, pet carriers, and various quality-of-life upgrades like side mirrors and phone mounts, allowing users to tailor the bike to their specific needs and preferences.
In terms of comfort, the RadRunner 2 excels with its relaxed upright riding position, ergonomic grips, and high-rise handlebars. These features contribute to a natural and comfortable riding experience, whether for short commutes or longer leisure rides.
While the RadRunner 2 makes some trade-offs to keep its cost low, such as a single-speed drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes, these choices offer advantages in terms of simplicity and ease of maintenance. Additionally, the absence of a traditional display is compensated for by the intuitive LED indicator lights on the control panel, providing essential information such as battery charge and pedal assist settings.
The bike also comes equipped with basic accessories including headlights, tail lights with brake light functionality, a small bell integrated into the front brake lever, and a chain guard for added safety and convenience.
The custom moped-style saddle and 20-inch x 3.3-inch fat tires, developed in partnership with Kenda, further enhance the RadRunner 2’s unique appeal and performance.
So, through rigorous testing and evaluation, the RadRunner proves to be a formidable contender in the ebike market, offering a winning combination of design, build quality, versatility, and affordability that is hard to beat.
Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2: Motor and Driving Test
The motor and battery are crucial components of any electric bike, and the Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2 is no exception. With a 750W rear hub motor and a Cadence Sensor, this bike delivers reliable performance and smooth power delivery.
During a speed test, the RadRunner 2 demonstrated its capabilities across various pedal assist settings. In PAS1, the power boost was subtle, providing a slight increase in speed without exerting much effort. Moving up to PAS2, the power became more noticeable, allowing for a comfortable and easy ride with speeds reaching up to 15.4 mph. PAS3 and PAS4 further increased the power output, with both settings achieving a maximum speed of 19.5 mph. The consistent power distribution across the pedal assist levels ensures a smooth transition between different riding conditions, whether on flat terrain or tackling hills.
Additionally, the throttle acceleration test showcased the bike’s responsiveness and ability to reach a top speed of 19.9 mph from a standstill. The Cadence Sensor effectively gauges pedaling activity, providing assistance as needed without requiring constant pedal input. This feature enhances the overall riding experience, making it effortless to maintain speed and momentum.
Despite the absence of multiple pedal assist settings, the RadRunner 2’s simplified approach to power management proves to be effective and intuitive. The bike’s design prioritizes user-friendliness, allowing riders to focus on enjoying the ride rather than worrying about complex settings or gear shifts.
During our hill test, we decided to put the Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2 through its paces, and the results were impressive. Let me hand it over to Justin, who conducted two separate tests at the infamous Hellhole Trail to see if the bike could conquer a super steep hill.
First, in the throttle test, Justin found the RadRunner 2 to climb steadily and smoothly, maintaining a good pace without any jerky movements. Despite the absence of a speedometer, he estimated the speed to be around 7-8 mph, showcasing the bike’s consistent power delivery. The motor emitted a relatively quiet sound, blending into the background as Justin navigated through the challenging terrain. Surprisingly, the RadRunner 2 performed even better than the RadRunner 3 Plus in the throttle test, demonstrating its capability to tackle steep inclines with ease.
Next, in the pedal test, Justin noted the bike’s ability to climb hills effortlessly, thanks to its single-gear configuration and Cadence Sensor motor. With minimal effort, he ascended the steep sections of the trail, highlighting the bike’s steady power output and controlled performance. Despite not being a “rocket ship” in terms of speed, the RadRunner 2 proved to be a reliable and capable companion for conquering challenging terrain.
In both tests, the RadRunner 2 showcased its reliability, safety, and steady performance, reflecting Rad Power Bikes’ focus on providing a dependable riding experience. Although not the fastest in terms of speed, the bike’s emphasis on steady and consistent power delivery ensures a comfortable and controlled ascent up hills.
Returning to the studio, we reflected on the overall ride quality of the RadRunner 2. Its upright riding position offers comfort and excellent visibility, catering to a wide range of riders. While lacking suspension, the bike’s custom 20-inch x 3.3-inch fat tires provide adequate cushioning and traction, absorbing bumps and ensuring a smooth ride.
The 750W rear hub motor with a Cadence Sensor engages quickly, providing assistance when needed without any noticeable delay. However, we did find a few areas for potential improvement, such as the blocky saddle and the absence of a display for monitoring speed and mileage. Nevertheless, Rad Power Bikes offers a variety of optional accessories, allowing riders to customize their experience according to their preferences.
Brake Test
The Rad Runner 2 is classified as a Class 2 ebike, meaning both its throttle and pedal assist system are limited to 20 mph. To evaluate its braking performance, we conducted brake tests where we brought the bike up to its maximum speed and then applied the brakes, measuring the stopping distance. The results were impressive, with the Rad Runner 2 demonstrating an average stopping distance of 19 feet 8 inches after three tests.
This excellent performance can be attributed to several factors inherent to utility ebikes like the Rad Runner 2. Typically, bikes with a similar design excel in brake tests due to their sturdy build and efficient braking systems. However, the Rad Runner 2 surpassed most of its competitors in this regard. In comparison to the average stopping distance of 20 feet 9 inches for all ebikes tested in this category, the Rad Runner 2 outperformed by 13 inches.
Despite the preference for hydraulic disc brakes due to their improved responsiveness and stopping power, we were thoroughly impressed with the Tektro Aries braking system on the Rad Runner 2. This mechanical disc brake system proved to be more than capable of providing reliable stopping power in various conditions.
Moreover, the Rad Runner 2’s relatively lightweight construction, weighing 65 lbs including its battery, sets it apart from many other utility ebikes. This lighter weight contributes to easier braking and handling, ultimately negating the need for a hydraulic braking system. With its efficient braking performance and manageable weight, the Rad Runner 2 receives two thumbs up in this test.
Battery and Range
The Rad Power Bikes Rad Runner 2 comes equipped with a 48-volt 672 watt-hour battery located behind the seat post. This battery configuration is designed to provide ample power and range for various riding scenarios.
According to Rad Power Bikes, the Rad Runner 2 boasts a range of 25 to 45 plus miles with its 672 watt-hour battery. To verify this claim, we conducted two range tests under different pedal assist settings. In the first test, we pedaled the bike until the battery depleted in PAS4, while in the second test, we utilized PAS2 to establish a similar bracket.
The results of these range tests exceeded expectations, with the Rad Runner 2 delivering between 32.7 and 42.7 miles of range. We opted for PAS2 for the low-power test, as we believe most riders would commonly use this setting over the minimal assistance offered in PAS1. It’s worth noting that using PAS1 might yield even better results than what we observed.
Although the Rad Runner 2’s battery capacity falls slightly short of the nominal wattage of the motor, the bike’s range performance was commendable. Despite having a smaller battery compared to some other ebikes, the Rad Runner 2 still managed to provide practical and reliable range for various riding needs.
During the PAS4 test, the Rad Runner 2 exceeded expectations by lasting over double the anticipated duration, providing a little over 55 minutes of riding time and covering more than 17 1/2 miles. While it may not be considered a range test champion, the Rad Runner 2 certainly demonstrates sufficient range for serious commuting and recreational rides.
With a range of 33 miles at maximum power, the Rad Runner 2 offers plenty of mileage for daily commutes and short recreational trips. Whether you’re using it for commuting, running errands, or taking leisurely rides with the family, the Rad Runner 2’s range ensures it remains practical and reliable for a variety of riding scenarios.
Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2: Conclusions
After thoroughly re-evaluating the Rad Power Bikes Rad Runner 2, our opinion of the bike remains unchanged – it’s a standout performer in the ebike market. While it may not be flawless, any critiques we have are merely superficial. At its core, the Rad Runner 2 boasts an exceptional foundation that’s evident in its meticulous craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and well-balanced performance.
Throughout our testing, the Rad Runner 2 consistently delivered across the board, meeting or exceeding our expectations in various aspects. From its reliable performance to its practical functionality, the bike embodies Rad Power Bikes’ mission of promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing reliance on cars.
If you’re in the market for an affordable ebike that doesn’t compromise on functionality or quality, we wholeheartedly recommend the Rad Runner 2. Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or simply enjoying leisurely rides, this bike offers an exceptional riding experience that’s sure to impress.
So, we’d like to express our gratitude for your continued support. I’m John with Electric Bike Report, and on behalf of our team, I can confidently say that the Rad Power Bikes Rad Runner 2 is a bike worth considering for anyone seeking an affordable, reliable, and versatile electric bike experience. Thank you for watching, and until next time, ride on!
