Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail E-Bike Review
Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Kristina Grant
The Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail carves its own path in the world of electric bikes. It’s a mid-fat tire e-bike that blends power, comfort, and versatility into a package that caters to a wide range of riders. Let’s delve deeper and see how the Radster Trail measures up!
A Bold Move Away From Classic Fat Tires
Rad Power Bikes, known for popularizing fat tire e-bikes, takes a fresh approach with the Radster Trail. Instead of the typical 4-inch or wider tires, they opt for a 27.5 x 3.0″ Kenda Havok. This seemingly minor change has a significant impact on the ride. The narrower tires provide a noticeable improvement in handling and agility, especially when navigating corners, without sacrificing stability on uneven terrain.
750W Motor and 100 Nm of Torque
The Radster Trail boasts one of Rad Power Bikes’ most potent motors to date. The 750W motor with a whopping 100 Nm of torque translates to effortless hill climbing and a satisfying surge of power when you need it. Whether you’re conquering inclines or cruising along at a steady pace, the motor seamlessly delivers responsive and smooth assistance.
Range Anxiety? Not Here!
The Radster Trail effectively tackles range anxiety with its high-capacity 720Wh battery. During testing, it achieved an impressive 75.5 miles on a single charge with pedal assist level 1 engaged. Even on the highest pedal assist level 5, the Radster Trail managed a commendable 34.9 miles. These figures are particularly noteworthy for a mid-fat tire e-bike, and they credit the efficient torque sensor that tailors power delivery to your pedaling input.
Upright Riding Position and Plush Features
The Radster Trail prioritizes comfort with its upright riding position. This posture offers a clear view of the road ahead, reduces strain on your back and shoulders, and makes for a relaxed riding experience. The ergonomic grips and padded sport saddle further enhance comfort, ensuring you can enjoy longer rides without feeling fatigued.
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Safety First: Introducing Rad Power Bikes’ Safe Shield Technology
Rad Power Bikes takes a commendable step forward in e-bike safety with their innovative Safe Shield technology. This advanced system incorporates fire-resistant thermal barriers around each individual battery cell. In the unlikely event of a cell failure, Safe Shield technology prevents fire from spreading to other cells, potentially mitigating catastrophic accidents. This implementation sets a new standard for e-bike safety, and hopefully, it paves the way for wider industry adoption.
Tech and Features: A Well-Equipped Ride
The Radster Trail comes equipped with a full-color LCD display that provides essential information like speed, pedal assist level, odometer, and estimated remaining battery range. An additional layer of security comes in the form of a proximity key fob and a 4-digit passcode, preventing unauthorized use of the bike. Integrated turn signals, front and rear lights, fenders, and a rear rack make the Radster Trail a practical choice for commuting and running errands.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Confidence in Stopping Power
Tektro E350 hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors ensure dependable stopping power in all weather conditions. These brakes deliver consistent and strong performance, giving you more control over your ride, especially when navigating descents or coming to a halt in traffic.
Gearing Up for Different Terrains: 8-Speed Shimano Drivetrain
The 8-speed Shimano drivetrain offers a good range of gears, making it suitable for various terrains. The 50T chainring pairs well with the 11-34T cassette, providing enough low-end gearing to tackle hills and higher gear ratios for maintaining speed on flat surfaces. This combination allows you to find the perfect gear for any situation, whether you’re conquering inclines, cruising on flat roads, or exploring light trails.
A Room for Improvement: Charger and Front Fender
While the Radster Trail excels in most aspects, there’s always room for improvement. The current 2 amp charger can feel slow, especially for riders who rely on daily charging. Upgrading to a 3 amp charger would significantly reduce charging times and enhance convenience. Additionally, the short front fender, designed to resemble an MTB fender, might not offer adequate protection from splashes during rainy conditions. A full-coverage front fender would better suit the needs of riders who use the Radster Trail for commuting or navigating wet roads.
Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery | 48V 15Ah (720 Wh) |
| Display | LCD – Full Color |
| Motor | 750W Rear Hub with Torque Sensor |
| Headlight | 200 Lumen LED |
| Taillight | LED |
| Pedal Assist | 5 Levels |
| Claimed Range | 25 to 65 Miles |
| Tested Range | Max PAS: 75.5 Miles and PAS 1 34.9 miles |
| Throttle | Yes, twist grip |
| App | No |
| UL Certification | Yes – UL-2271 and UL-2849 |
| Weight | Claimed weight: 77.5 lb w/battery, and 68.5 lb without |
| Rider height range | Regular Frame: 4’11” to 5’8″, Large Frame: 5’7″ to 6’4″ |
| Maximum rider weight | 290 lbs |
| Maximum load on the rear rack | 55 lbs |
| Max payload capacity | 370 lbs |
| Brakes | Tektro E350 With 180mm Rotors, dual piston calipers |
| Fenders | Front and Rear |
| Fork | Suntour SR Hydraulic Front Fork w/ 80mm travel |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Acera, 8-Speed 50T Chainring and a 11-34T Cassette |
| Grips | Ergonomic style, black rubber |
| Saddle | Padded sport saddle |
| Handlebar | BMX Style |
| Kickstand | Yes, rear mounted |
| Pedals | Flat Plastic with reflectors |
| Tires | Kenda Havok 27.5″ X 3.0″ with puncture protection and tan sidewall |
Pros
- Powerful 750W motor with 100 Nm of torque
- Long range of up to 65 miles on a single charge (tested range up to 75.5 miles)
- Comfortable upright riding position
- Versatile 3-inch tires
- Well-equipped with full-color display, integrated lights and turn signals, and rear rack
- Safe Shield technology for enhanced battery safety
- Hydraulic disc brakes for strong stopping power
- 8-speed Shimano drivetrain for various terrains
Cons
- Slow 2 amp charger
- Short front fender might not provide adequate splash protection
Should You Buy It?
The Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail stands out as a versatile e-bike that caters to a wide range of riders. Its powerful motor, impressive range, comfortable riding position, and innovative safety features make it a compelling choice for those seeking an e-bike that can handle commutes, errands, and light trails. The well-equipped feature set, including a full-color display, integrated lights and turn signals, and a rear rack, further enhances its practicality.
Here’s a breakdown of the Radster Trail for different rider types:
- Commuters: The Radster Trail’s range, comfort, and upright riding position make it ideal for conquering daily commutes. The integrated turn signals, lights, and fenders enhance safety and visibility on the road. With the rear rack, you can easily transport your backpack or groceries.
- Weekend Warriors: Craving some light off-road adventures? The Radster Trail’s 3-inch tires provide a good balance between stability and agility, allowing you to explore dirt paths and light trails with confidence. The torquey motor ensures you can overcome moderate inclines on your weekend getaways.
- Fitness Enthusiasts: The Radster Trail’s various pedal-assist levels make it a great companion for fitness enthusiasts. You can choose a higher pedal-assist level for a more relaxed ride or crank it up and challenge yourself on inclines. The torque sensor provides a natural riding feel, making it enjoyable to break a sweat.
Overall, the Radster Trail is a well-rounded e-bike that delivers a refreshing take on the fat tire category. It prioritizes performance, comfort, safety, and versatility, making it a compelling option for a variety of riders. With a few minor improvements, like a faster charger and a full-coverage front fender, the Radster Trail could become an even more attractive choice for e-bike riders seeking a feature-packed and dependable ride.
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.
