Blog

Some links may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus Review | Thoroughly Tested

The “Be What You Want It To Be” E-Bike

In this review of Rad Power Bikes’ RadRunner 3 Plus, we’ll explore how this model has evolved from its predecessors to become one of the best all-purpose e-bikes on the market. With e-bike popularity reaching new heights, more riders are looking for a versatile option that can handle everything from errands and school drop-offs to commuting and weekend fun. Multi-purpose e-bikes are in high demand, and the RadRunner 3 Plus rises to meet that need beautifully.

This is a Class 2 electric bike, capable of reaching speeds up to 20 mph with either pedal assist or throttle. Like its RadRunner siblings, it features a 750-watt rear hub motor and 20” x 3.3” tires. While all RadRunner models share a step-thru frame design, the RadRunner 3 Plus introduces a new and improved frame that enhances handling and increases its total carrying capacity to 350 lbs, making it a superior choice for hauling cargo compared to earlier models. It rode nice and stiff across my many many miles of testing.

Rad Power Bikes claims the motor has been modified to accelerate 10% faster on hills than the RadRunner Plus and to engage more effectively with the rider’s pedaling. The updated styling also sets the RadRunner 3 Plus apart, with a modernized look that includes a semi-integrated battery mounted on the bottom tube and aesthetics similar to Rad’s City and Rover models.

Rad also packs tons of accessory combinations. You can outfit the Runner 3 in a myriad of ways – I particularly liked the hard-shell paniers we were able to try out. They were useful for hauling camera gear – weather be darned!

Keep reading to learn more about the unique features that make this bike stand out, including real-world performance results in our RadRunner 3 Plus review.

Specialized Globe Haul ST Review | High-Bar for Hub Motors?

Specialized’s first hub motor e-bike is a homerun on performance, with enough ways to use it that anybody can enjoy it.

Specialized is one of the biggest bike brands in the world, known for spearheading more innovations than most other brands combined. They were also the first of the major legacy brands to introduce an e-bike, showing their willingness to embrace the future. Watching the rise of direct-to-consumer e-bike brands, Specialized has proven its competitive edge once again by creating one of the best-performing e-bikes we’ve ever tested. To say our time reviewing Specialized’s Globe Haul ST left us impressed would be an understatement.

In our standardized series of e-bike tests, the Globe Haul ST excelled across the board. It wowed us with its hill-climbing ability, range, speed, and safety (braking)—all earning high marks. Beyond measurable metrics, the Globe Haul ST delivered a polished and refined experience that’s rare for a first-generation product. But then again, few gen-one models have access to the kind of R&D expertise that Specialized brings to the table.

As a Class 3 utility e-bike powered by a lively 700W hub motor (more on that later), the Globe Haul ST is built for versatility. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands at Costco, or simply riding for fun, this bike adapts seamlessly to your needs, making every ride is enjoyable.

You could really tell that Specialized drew on its deep understanding of geometry and frame design to create a one-size-fits-all e-bike that truly lives up to the promise. The bike fits riders from 4’5″ to 6’4″, the Globe Haul ST provides an impressive fit for nearly everyone. The 20×3.5” Carless Whisper tires add to its appeal by offering a low center of gravity and easy balance, making it a comfortable ride even for those who haven’t been on a bike in years.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how much the Globe Haul ST impressed our Electric Bike Report team. Continue reading for the full breakdown of what makes this e-bike so special.

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 Review | Impressive Safety Tech

The fifth generation of this cargo e-bike continues refinement and usability. It may not be perfect, but at this price, it’s as appealing as any cargo e-bike like it.

Rad Power Bikes struck gold with the RadWagon 4, one of the most popular cargo e-bikes on the market. However, the design was due for an update—and the new RadWagon 5 delivers as a worthy successor. In this Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 review, we’ll examine the changes and updates that make this model stand out.

The RadWagon 5 is a longtail cargo e-bike designed to handle big loads with ease. Its hub motor powers a long rear deck that can carry everything from a couple of kids to a week’s worth of groceries—or whatever your imagination allows. The bike features a 7-speed drivetrain and an easy-to-mount step-thru frame, making it accessible to a wide range of riders.

The RadWagon 5 offers excellent handling, thanks to a switch to a more common tire size, a slightly more compact wheelbase, and a BMX-style handlebar. These updates make it easier to balance, with a low center of gravity that inspires confidence even when loaded down with gear or passengers. The bike’s maneuverability holds up well, even at Class 3 speeds, making it a solid performer for urban rides and beyond.

Safety is clearly a priority with the RadWagon 5. Integrated head and taillights with turn signal functionality, hydraulic disc brakes, and new battery safety technology provide riders with confidence during daily commutes and peace of mind for long-term use. Rad’s innovative Safe Shield tech (explained in more detail below) is a standout feature, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see other brands adopt similar safety measures in the future.

While Rad has made impressive strides with the RadWagon 5, a couple of minor issues persist. The cable management could be tidier, and the 2-amp charger feels a bit slow compared to competitors. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they are areas where improvements could elevate the experience even further.

Despite a few small drawbacks, the good far outweighs the bad. Rad Power Bikes has made significant progress in affordable cargo e-bike design, and the RadWagon 5 is a testament to that. As you’ll see in our test results and data below, Rad has done an excellent job with this model—and it’s poised to continue its legacy as a favorite among cargo e-bike enthusiasts.

Aventon Aventure 2 Review | The Bar-Setter of Fat Bikes

The original Aventure redefined affordable fat tire e-bikes. The Aventure 2 delivers an even better ride experience to what was already a top e-bike option.

When it debuted back in 2021, the Aventon Aventure set a new standard for what e-bikers could expect from a fat tire electric bike under $2000. Heck, you don’t even have to get category-specific; the Aventure largely reset the bar for what any sub-$2000 e-bike could achieve: a delightfully powerful motor, great handling, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, solid battery life, and sleek styling to boot. So with our Aventon Aventure 2 review, we find a bike that built upon its predecessor’s original achievements by dialing in precisely on the rider’s feel and experience.

That focus can be attributed to refining a lot of little details, and we’ll touch on each of those, but perhaps the single largest one can be summed up in two words: torque sensor.

As we saw just a few months ago on another Aventon e-bike we reviewed, the brand is making a concentrated effort to provide affordable e-bikes with a more natural pedal experience. The inclusion of a torque sensor on the Aventure 2 means riders will have more purpose to their pedal than ever before, while still benefiting from the fun experience that e-bike motors provide. Oh, and lets not forget how it yields more efficient battery life too.

The marriage of affordable e-bikes and torque sensors is one I’m very much eager to RSVP to.

The Aventure 2 doesn’t stop at the torque sensor though. There are a host of meaningful upgrades and feature add-ons that make this e-bike feel fresh and exciting. The fact that the costs haven’t changed much makes it all the better too.

There is plenty to unpack and explore, so let’s go ahead and dive in together to Electric Bike Report’s Aventon Aventure 2 review.

Looking for the latest model? You can find our Aventon Aventure 3 review here.

Ride1UP Portola E-Bike Review | A Lot of Bike For Little $$$

A fun and useful folding e-bike packed with features at a price that’s hard to match.

Our review of the Portola got off to a bit of a different start. This was a rare case where we got it prior to launch. So just having the specs to evaluate, we were impressed by what it was offering. Our initial estimate was it would cost between $1200-1300. We were off – by a lot! It starts around a thousand dollars.

In this Ride1UP Portola review, we’ll explore why this folding e-bike surprised us so much. Simply being inexpensive isn’t enough for a good review. We pass on plenty of cheap e-bikes that lack the quality and performance we expect. The Portola, however, is a rare exception—it delivers far more than you’d expect at this price.

Let’s start with the big picture. The Ride1UP Portola is a folding e-bike equipped with a 750W hub motor, hydraulic disc brakes, an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, a suspension fork, lights, fenders, an integrated rear rack, and a kickstand. Buyers can choose between a 500Wh or a 643Wh battery, depending on their needs and budget. The battery is neatly integrated into the step-through frame, enhancing the bike’s sleek design.

Folding frames are often a make-or-break feature when choosing an e-bike. You’re either looking for a folding bike or you’re not—and that’s fair. However, the Ride1UP Portola offers such exceptional value that we recommend it to anyone seeking a great deal—not just those who want a folding e-bike. Its combination of features, performance, and affordability makes it a standout in its category.

There’s plenty to unpack with this e-bike, so let’s dive in.

Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Step-Thru Review

A reserved, reliable, and hard working commuter e-bike with a new hi-vis color!

We published our original RadCity 5+ ST review in early 2022, but with a new special edition of the bike now available, it’s time for a fresh take on this well-established commuter! After running the bike through our series of standardized tests once again, does it still measure up to its competition two years later? We’ll analyze the results in this Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5+ ST review!

At the heart of the RadCity 5+ ST (and all Rad bikes) is a dependable motor with relatively reserved power output. With 750 watts of nominal power, this bike isn’t lacking – but Rad’s dialed-in approach gives it a safe and steady feel that’s still fun to ride.

As you’d expect from a bike made to cover lots of time and distance on a daily basis, the RadCity 5+ ST is also remarkably comfortable. The custom saddle is ergonomically-shaped with just the right amount of squish, while the Dutch-style handlebars and ergonomic grips provide a similarly comfortable fit.

The special edition of the bike leans into its commuter side with straighter low-rise handlebars and a non-adjustable stem to offer more precise steering control and stability. Additionally, with a bright, contemporary Tiger Orange paint job, it’s impossible to miss out in the wild!

Dive into the full Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5+ ST review below to see the bike’s test results and more.

Rad Power Bikes RadKick (Belt Drive) Review | Simply Fun!

Rad’s sleek city commuter is a comfortable and zippy ride with low maintenance thanks to the belt drive.

The RadKick Belt Drive we’ve been reviewing for several weeks now is a fresh yet familiar addition to Rad’s lineup. It’s a sportier city commuter that picks up the legacy of the now-retired RadMission to give Rad Power Bikes a lightweight city bike option in its stable of e-bikes. It’s aimed squarely at urban commuters who want a lively, efficient, and straightforward ride.

It’s a quintessential Rad bike; it has a predictable feel that’s true to the bike’s styling with its agile and nimble touch on the roads, but the wider-than-most handlebar gives it a sure feel instead of a twitchy one. You can easily navigate around pedestrians and traffic, and with the lights, fenders, and rack, you have all you need for daily commutes.

The RadKick doesn’t overlean into the city bike attributes, though, and sacrifice approachability; it’s a city bike with characteristics that give it a broader appeal to more riders.

We loved the low step-over height of the step-through frame and the adjustable stem that allows you to be more upright or more forward-leaning and engaged. It’s overall pretty comfortable, especially with the help of the suspension fork. Our specific test model is a single-speed belt drive, so each ride felt actively involved. With no other gears to select and a more subtle motor experience, it felt like a more active ride than many other e-bikes.

The ‘subtle’ remark isn’t a knock to the bike either; the amount of motor power is purposeful and feels great. It’s slight yet effective—like adding a dash of cayenne to the pot of chili to give it just the right amount of “kick.” This bike is meant to be pedaled, and its torque sensor gave it an intuitive feel that enhanced our abilities making each ride fun.

The bike felt simple in the best sense of the word. It’s got a clean look to it, and it operates efficiently. Turn on the power, hit your desired assist level, and ride.

Outside of some of the usual concerns that plague any one-size-fits-all e-bike, Rad did an excellent job of making a user-friendly e-bike for those who want something lighter and more active with fair value.

Rad Power Bikes Radster Road Review | Innovative Features

A Peppy, Powerful, and Responsive Commuter with New Safety and Security Tech!

Rad Power Bikes Radster Road E-Bike Review 2025

As the first new model in Rad Power Bikes’ lineup since 2022, the Radster marks the next stage in the brand’s evolution. With two configurations, the Radster Road sticks to its roots as a commuter, while the Trail version adopts an off-road approach. In our Rad Power Bikes Radster Road review, we put the sporty asphalt-only version to the test!

One of the major differences between this new generation of Rad bikes and the company’s previous models is a more powerful, far more responsive motor. The Radster Road’s 750W rear hub relies on a torque sensor to engage, which allows it to adapt its output to match the rider’s effort. In our experience, this made for a smooth, natural feeling ride. The upgrade to 100 Newton-meters of torque also gave the bike fast acceleration and plenty of oomph.

To alleviate any potential concerns about its battery and electrical system, the Radster Road is both UL 2271 and UL 2849 certified. Rad also raised the bar for safety in the industry by using a “potted” battery pack, wherein the individual cells are sealed and surrounded by a heat-resistant resin to reduce the likelihood of thermal runaway.

We were thrilled about all of the Radster’s upgrades, but we were also relieved to note that it still had the heart and soul of a Rad Power bike. Here at Electric Bike Report, we have maintained the opinion that Rad makes some of the most dependable, safe, and well-put-together e-bikes in their price range; these things are often suggested by our test data, but more apparent in feel alone.

With that in mind, we identified some aspects of the bike that certain potential buyers should consider. We found the riding position of the Road to be somewhat awkward with its styling/geometry and Dutch-style handlebars – though the Trail version felt great. Additionally, while we think the bike is well-suited for seniors, its weight of 78 lbs (including the battery) is relatively heavy when compared to other commuter e-bikes we have tested. We think the Radster’s benefits far outweigh its cons, however, as its overall feel and performance exceeded our expectations.

Our full Rad Power Bikes Radster Road review continues below.

Aventon Ramblas Review | The New Entry-Level eMTB Standard?

A new eMTB that may reset expectations for how affordable an offroad e-bike can be.

The Ramblas marks Aventon’s debut in several areas: its first eMTB, its first mid-drive motor (developed in collaboration with Gobao), and its most expensive model to date. With these milestones in mind, I began my review of the Aventon Ramblas with high hopes and plenty to consider.

So, how did it perform on all these new fronts? Quite well, actually.

Starting below the $3k line, Aventon has packed a lot of value into the Ramblas. This well-equipped hardtail eMTB comes loaded with name-brand components that delivered strong performance during my tests. SRAM handles the drivetrain and braking, RockShox provides the suspension fork, and Maxxis takes care of the tires—all offering reliable performance, though with some limits in adjustability.

But the real star of the show is Aventon’s own custom-designed a100 mid-drive motor. With a base power of 250 watts (peaking at 750W) and a whopping 100Nm of torque, it’s a standout bit of tech. What I appreciated most was how controllable this power felt. Climbing intimidating hills—even the crazy steep ones that usually elicit a “nope!”—became far more manageable. That confidence is exactly why many riders turn to eMTBs in the first place.

Aventon paired the motor with a 706Wh battery that strikes a great balance between capacity and weight. At 50.6 lbs (bike and battery combined), the Ramblas feels agile while still offering excellent range. In our range tests, it delivered near top-tier performance, making it a great choice for long rides.

It’s not just about the components and motor, though. Aventon made sure to prioritize rider fit and comfort by offering the Ramblas in four aluminum frame sizes. The bike’s geometry is consistent with modern hardtail designs, which means it feels natural and balanced whether climbing uphill or bombing downhill. Aventon also played it smart by sticking to proven design principles for their first mountain bike, rather than attempting to reinvent the wheel.

What’s more, Aventon’s move into motor development, alongside its frame-building expertise, bodes well for long-term quality control and customer service.

The Ramblas is confidence-inspiring enough for me to recommend, which isn’t something I can say about every first-generation product. For a deeper dive into its performance, check out the testing and performance sections of our full Aventon Ramblas review.

Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus Review | Nice Tech & Ride

A compact folding e-bike that has range for days and the upgrades fans had been asking for.

There’s a lot of fun to be had on the back of Rad’s latest folder. The RadExpand 5 Plus we’ve been reviewing for several weeks now is a whole lot of what people want in a folder: its handles well, has a peppy motor, and – you guessed it – it saves on space!

Folding up to just 29″H x 25″W x 41″L, this bike packs up small in just a few steps. With its folding design, the RadExpand 5 Plus is a go-to consideration for the on-the-go crowd like RVers, or just those with limited storage space.

Not only is the RadExpand 5 Plus here UL 2271 and UL 2849 Certified, but they now have Smart Shield Battery Technology. This new technology is another step forward in fire safety tech in e-bikes borrowed from existing setups electric vehicles. Each individual battery cell is “shielded” in a fire-resistant barrier, helping to prevent run-offs should one cell get too hot.

New for the RadExpand this time around is going from a cadence sensor to a torque sensor motor activation of the 750W motor. This new torque sensor has a more natural feel when pedaling and as you will see in the Range Test, gave us much better mileage than we expected.

In this Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus review, well talk speeds, real-world range results, brake performance testing and the overall ride quality. So, helmets on, water bottles full and let’s take a ride and chat about the RadExapand 5 Plus!

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus Review | Thoroughly Tested

The “Be What You Want It To Be” E-Bike

Specialized Globe Haul ST Review | High-Bar for Hub Motors?

Specialized’s first hub motor e-bike is a homerun on performance, with enough ways to use it that anybody can enjoy it.

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 Review | Impressive Safety Tech

The fifth generation of this cargo e-bike continues refinement and usability. It may not be perfect, but at this price, it’s as appealing as any cargo e-bike like it.

Aventon Aventure 2 Review | The Bar-Setter of Fat Bikes

The original Aventure redefined affordable fat tire e-bikes. The Aventure 2 delivers an even better ride experience to what was already a top e-bike option.

Ride1UP Portola E-Bike Review | A Lot of Bike For Little $$$

A fun and useful folding e-bike packed with features at a price that’s hard to match.

Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Step-Thru Review

A reserved, reliable, and hard working commuter e-bike with a new hi-vis color!

Rad Power Bikes RadKick (Belt Drive) Review | Simply Fun!

Rad’s sleek city commuter is a comfortable and zippy ride with low maintenance thanks to the belt drive.

Rad Power Bikes Radster Road Review | Innovative Features

A Peppy, Powerful, and Responsive Commuter with New Safety and Security Tech!

Aventon Ramblas Review | The New Entry-Level eMTB Standard?

A new eMTB that may reset expectations for how affordable an offroad e-bike can be.

Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus Review | Nice Tech & Ride

A compact folding e-bike that has range for days and the upgrades fans had been asking for.

About

Guides

Reviews

What’s Trending

Blog

The “Be What You Want It To Be” E-Bike

Specialized’s first hub motor e-bike is a homerun on performance, with enough ways to use it that anybody can enjoy it.

The fifth generation of this cargo e-bike continues refinement and usability. It may not be perfect, but at this price, it’s as appealing as any cargo e-bike like it.

The original Aventure redefined affordable fat tire e-bikes. The Aventure 2 delivers an even better ride experience to what was already a top e-bike option.

A fun and useful folding e-bike packed with features at a price that’s hard to match.

A reserved, reliable, and hard working commuter e-bike with a new hi-vis color!

Rad’s sleek city commuter is a comfortable and zippy ride with low maintenance thanks to the belt drive.

A Peppy, Powerful, and Responsive Commuter with New Safety and Security Tech!

A new eMTB that may reset expectations for how affordable an offroad e-bike can be.

A compact folding e-bike that has range for days and the upgrades fans had been asking for.

Don’t be a stranger, stay connected

Subscribe to our newsletter

About

Guides

Reviews

What’s Trending