Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Step-Thru Review

Rad Power Bikes advertises a range of between 25 and 50 miles from the RadCity 5+ ST’s 672 watt-hour (Wh) battery. To evaluate this claim and measure the bike’s performance in real-world conditions, we pedaled it along our local bike paths in PAS 1 and PAS 5 until the battery was fully depleted.

We exceeded Rad’s advertised range in both tests, with results of 37.3 and 64.3 miles in the bike’s highest and lowest assist settings, respectively.

Compared to similar commuter-style e-bikes we have tested, the RadCity’s PAS 1 results were relatively average, but its PAS 5 results far exceeded those of other bikes with similar specs. Its 672 Wh battery is smaller than we typically prefer in relation to its motor (a 1:1 ratio of battery watt-hours to motor watts is a good starting point), but the RadCity 5+ ST performed as well as some other e-bikes with larger batteries.

You’ll notice that the RadCity went further than the Ride1Up 700 Series and the Aventon Level.2, and went less distance than the Velotric Discover 2.

This efficiency was apparent when comparing the bike’s test results to our estimates based on its specs. With a 750W motor and a 672 Wh battery, we anticipated that its PAS 5 test would last roughly 54 minutes and yield approximately 17 miles of range, but its real-world performance was significantly better. We measured 119% greater distance and 126% more time on the bike than expected.

This improved efficiency is likely due to the bike’s programming and motor limitations. Where most brands using 750W rear hub motors will spec components with a higher peak wattage, Rad Power Bikes does not allow their motors to peak above the nominal wattage. Additionally, their e-bikes’ nominal output is limited below the usual 750W to comply with CPSC guidelines.

As such, the RadCity 5+ ST uses less energy than many of its competitors, thereby extending its range. The roughly 37-64 miles of range we observed should give most commuters plenty of breathing room to soothe range anxiety; this bracket is likely to account for a single extreme commute or several shorter commutes across multiple days.

Using only the power of its motor, the bike carried our test rider Justin up the path in 1:54 with an average speed of 9.5 miles per hour. Its results improved with added human input in our PAS 5 test, where Justin made the climb in 1:30 at 12.1 mph.

On paper, the RadCity 5+ ST’s results were relatively slow in comparison to similar commuter bikes we’ve tested, though this was not unexpected. Rad Power’s e-bikes are typically slower in this test for the same reasons the RadCity performed well in our Range Test; with no higher peak wattage, the bike simply lacked the power needed to climb the hill quickly.

The 750W motor did not struggle or falter during our test, which indicates that it possesses the power needed to handle intimidating hills. As such, the RadCity 5+ ST can clearly assist its rider with steep inclines, but may take more time while traveling at a slower speed than some of its competitors. This lines up with our previous experiences with Rad Power’s e-bikes; they may not be the fastest, but they are reliable and effective.

We used the above process to evaluate the performance of the RadCity 5+ ST’s hydraulic brake system. Rad’s website does not specify any particular brand of brakes, but those on our test bike were made by NUTT (as we’ve seen on other Rad Power e-bikes we’ve tested) and use 180mm rotors.

After three tests, we calculated the RadCity’s average stopping distance to be 24’-5”. This is a relatively extended distance when compared to the results from similar e-bikes we tested previously, though it is still within our range of expected performance. The category average for all other commuter-style e-bikes using hydraulic disk brake systems is currently 21’-9”, placing the RadCity 5+ ST over 2.5 feet beyond the average.

Considering that previous Rad Power Bikes with the same brake system performed much better, this is likely a result of the bike’s tires; we noticed during braking that the wheels had a tendency to lock up and slide. This sometimes resulted in significant fishtailing, though in most cases the bike remained stable. With a relatively light tread pattern, the tires seemed to lack some grip, resulting in a “skating” effect that extended the bikes’ stopping distance.

While the RadCity 5+ ST’s brakes successfully stopped the bike safely and effectively in a reasonable distance, we recommend that Rad consider equipping the bike with tires with a greater coefficient of friction. We appreciate the custom tires’ low rolling resistance in increasing energy efficiency in other tests, but we think the bike’s braking performance has some room for improvement. “Stickier” tires would help it to stop faster and likely remain more stable while coming to a stop.

With just a single frame size, the RadCity 5+ ST is designed to fit riders from 4’-8” to 6’-1”; taller riders will likely want to consider the standard high-step version of the bike which accommodates those up to 6’-5”. In our experience, the geometry worked better for those in the low and middle sections of the spectrum; with the seatpost fully extended, our testers around 6’ tall had less leg extension than expected.

The bike’s step-thru frame design makes mounting and dismounting a breeze; with a standover height of 16”, riders need only to lift a leg and pass it over the bottom bracket. Speaking of the frame, however, we absolutely adore the special edition’s Tiger Orange color! The most recent generation of the RadCity (and many of Rad’s e-bikes) has a unique, contemporary design with an industrial feel, but the new high-visibility paint job elevates and completes the design while making the bike stand out on the road.

We experienced a mostly-upright riding position (a slight forward lean) with the special edition’s fixed handlebar height and standard-style stem. The standard version offers greater customization in rider positioning with an adjustable stem that allows for changes to the handlebar height, reach, and overall verticality.

We liked the bike’s custom saddle and ergonomic grips, though operation of the bike took some getting used to. It is common for e-bikes to have their throttle on the left handlebar, but the limited edition of the RadCity places its over-the-bar Shimano Altus thumb shifter and half-twist throttle both on the right handlebar. These did not interfere with each other, though we did exercise a bit more care to avoid accidentally engaging the throttle. The standard version’s below-the-bar shifter felt a bit more natural.

On the special edition, the combination of 27.5”x2” tires and 730mm handlebars resulted in predictable and relatively precise handling, while the standard version’s Dutch-style handlebars felt more relaxed. For a commuter, we preferred the comfort and control of the wider, flatter handlebars in general, though both setups were fine – just different!

The bike’s ride was made relatively smooth due to the larger tires and suspension fork with 50mm of travel. We wouldn’t mind seeing a fork with greater travel, as the included fork bottomed out on a few occasions even with its preload set high.

The standard version of the bike is tried and true, while the limited edition version of the bike includes some appreciated design changes; we hope Rad continues to offer the bright and eye-catching Tiger Orange paint job! Additionally, while we liked the casual feel of the original/standard version of the bike, the limited edition seems to take itself a bit more seriously as a commuter with its wide, low-rise handlebars.

When it comes to performance, there were some artifacts of Rad’s standard approach that, at face value, may initially seem to be a downside. But we’ve come to appreciate the brand’s thoughtful, thorough approach and the RadCity’s tuned-down feel. The bike proved to have impressive range, a decent balance of speed and power, and slower – but quite steady – climbing ability.

We’d (still) like to see improved cable management, and we think the bike’s braking ability would benefit from different tires, but overall, we’re very pleased with the feel and function of the RadCity 5+ ST.

If safety, reliability, and performance are at the top of your list when considering a commuter-style e-bike, we highly recommend this (or really any) bike from Rad Power!

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5+ ST down in our comments section