Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Step-Thru Ebike Review
Last Updated on September 18, 2024 by Kristina Grant
The Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Step-Thru is a comfortable and reliable electric commuter bike with a powerful motor, long range, and hydraulic disc brakes. It’s a great choice for riders who want a bike that can handle their daily commute with ease.
Key Features and Performance
- Powerful Motor: The 750W geared hub motor provides ample power for hills and city traffic. It delivers a smooth and consistent acceleration, making it easy to keep up with the pace of urban commuting.
- Long Range: With a 48V, 589-672 Wh battery, the RadCity 5 Plus can travel up to 50 miles on a single charge. This is more than enough for most daily commutes and even longer weekend rides.
- Comfortable Ride: The step-thru frame design makes it easy to mount and dismount, while the ergonomic saddle and handlebars ensure a comfortable riding position. The suspension fork helps to absorb shocks from rough roads, providing a smoother ride.
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes: The hydraulic disc brakes offer reliable stopping power, even in wet conditions. They are easy to modulate, allowing for precise control.
- Cargo Capacity: The RadCity 5 Plus comes with a rear rack that can carry up to 59.5 lbs of cargo, making it ideal for carrying groceries, luggage, or other items.
Pros:
- Reliable 750w geared hub motor for steady power
- Comfortable ride with a well-designed saddle, ergonomic grips, and an upright riding position
- Easy to hop on and off with a step-thru frame
- Long range of 28-50 miles per charge (estimate)
- Hydraulic disc brakes for powerful stopping
- Includes fenders, a headlight, taillight, and a cargo rack
- High-visibility Tiger Orange paint job (special edition only)
- Affordable price: Reg $1,699 – currently on sale for $999
Cons:
- Brakes could perform better with tires that have better grip
- Cable management could be improved
- Suspension fork could have more travel
- Limited customization on the Step-Thru version (standard version has adjustable stem)
- Not the fastest e-bike on the market
Brakes
The RadCity 5 Plus features hydraulic disc brakes, which offer reliable stopping power, even in wet conditions. However, some riders have noted that the brakes can feel a bit grabby, especially when braking hard. This is likely due to the aggressive brake pads used on the bike.
Riding Up a Hill
The RadCity 5 Plus’s 750W motor provides ample power for climbing hills. It can easily handle moderate slopes without breaking a sweat. However, for steep hills, the rider may need to assist with pedaling to maintain a good pace. In testing, it was reported that the bike could climb a 10% grade at a comfortable speed with the motor providing most of the power.
Range
The RadCity 5 Plus can travel up to 50 miles on a single charge. However, the actual range can vary depending on factors such as riding conditions, rider weight, and pedal assist level. In reported testing, the bike could easily achieve 35-40 miles on a single charge with mixed terrain and moderate riding conditions.
Speed
The RadCity 5 Plus has a top speed of 20 mph in pedal assist mode. In throttle mode, it can reach speeds of up to 20 mph. The bike’s acceleration is smooth and consistent, making it easy to keep up with traffic. In testing, the bike could easily maintain a speed of 15-18 mph on flat ground with minimal pedaling effort.
Ride Quality
The RadCity 5 Plus offers a comfortable ride, thanks to its ergonomic saddle, handlebars, and suspension fork. The suspension fork helps to absorb shocks from rough roads, providing a smoother ride. However, some riders may find the suspension to be a bit soft, especially on larger bumps. Overall, the ride quality of the RadCity 5 Plus is excellent for a commuter bike.
Who is it good for?
The RadCity 5 Plus Step-Thru is a great choice for riders who are looking for a comfortable and reliable electric commuter bike. It’s also a good option for riders who want a bike with a long range and plenty of cargo capacity.
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Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $1,699 – on sale $999 |
| Motor | 750w geared hub motor |
| Battery | 48V, 589-672 Wh |
| Range | 28-50 miles per charge (estimate) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc brakes |
| Suspension | Spring fork with 50mm travel |
| Frame | 6061 aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 7-speed Shimano Altus |
| Tires | 27.5″ x 2.0″ |
| Weight | 63 lbs (actual) |
| Rider height range | 4’8″ – 6’0″ |
| Maximum load on rear rack | 59.5 lbs |
| Total payload capacity | 275 lbs |
| Color options | Charcoal, Glossy White, Tiger Orange (special edition) |
Should You Buy the Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus?
The Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Step-Thru is a great value for the price. It’s a comfortable, reliable, and powerful electric commuter bike that can handle most commutes with ease. However, if you’re looking for a bike with the best possible braking performance or the most suspension travel, you may want to consider other options.
Alternative E-Bikes
- Mokwheel Obsidian – The Mokwheel Obsidian is a good option for riders who are looking for a more powerful e-bike with a longer range. It has a 1000w motor and a 48V 19.6Ah battery. However, it is more expensive than the RadCity 5 Plus Step-Thru.
Read our full review of the Mokwheel Obsidian ebike - Aventon Level.2 – The Aventon Level.2 is another good option for riders who are looking for a comfortable and reliable electric commuter bike. It has a 750w motor and a 48v battery. It is also priced similarly to the RadCity 5 Plus Step-Thru.
Read our full review of the Aventon Level 2 ebike
What’s your favorite feature of the RadCity 5 Plus?” “Have you ridden a Rad Power Bike before? Share your experience!
Check out our other e-bike reviews on our website.
Disclaimer: The price mentioned in this review post is based on the information available at the time of writing. Prices may vary depending on location, retailer, and promotions. It’s recommended to check with local retailers or the manufacturer’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
Kristina Grant is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
