Rad Power Bikes RadCity Step-Thru Electric Bike Review Part 1 – Pictures & Specs
The new 2018 Rad Power Bikes RadCity Step-Thru electric commuter bike is in for testing & review!
The RadCity Step-Thru is a comfortable eCommuter bike with a high capacity 48V 14ah lithium battery, 750 watt motor, disc brakes, and a lot of accessory options.
In this first part of the review you will get a detailed look at this bike with a BUNCH of pictures and the specifications.
Part 2 of the RadCity Step Thru review will give you info on the ride characteristics, results from the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts on this eBike.
Alright, let’s take a closer look at the Rad Power Bikes RadCity!
The Rad Power Bikes RadCity is a well equipped eCommuter bike that is easy to get on and off with its step-thru frame design that has a low 20″ standover height.
In addition to the step-thru frame, the RadCity is also available in the triangle frame design in 16″ and 19″ frame sizes in this Gun Metal Grey color.
Here is a video from Rad Power Bikes that shows the RadCity in action with some of the different accessory options.
Now let’s take a closer look at the details of the RadCity Step-Thru.
The frame is constructed of 6061 aluminum tubing with some large tubing and extra reinforcing to create a low step-thru area that has a 20″ standover height. The bike is designed to fit a range of rider sizes from 4′-10″ to 6′-2″.
Here is a closer look at the low step-thru area with the new high capacity 48V 14ah lithium battery that is attached to the seat tube. This is a good location for the battery weight because it is low and centered which is good for overall bike handling.
A reinforcing tube adds strength and stiffness to the frame while providing some protection to the battery in the low step-thru area.
The battery lock is on the upper right side of the battery and the bike comes with 2 keys. Once the battery has been unlocked it slides up and off the frame for removal.
At the top of the battery is a charge level indicator that can be activated by pushing the white button on the left. There is also a charge level indicator on the handlebar display.
Here is a look at the battery mount after the battery has been removed. The battery slides up slightly and then off the mount for quick removal. The seat does not need to be removed to remove the battery.
When the battery has been removed the bike weighs 56.9 pounds. The total bike weight with the battery is 64.5 pounds.
The battery can be charged on or off the bike. The battery weights 7.6 pounds. The charger is about the size of a laptop charger and it takes 5 to 6 hours to charge a completely empty battery.
The controller of the eBike drive system is housed just behind the seat tube of the frame and in front of the rear fender.
The headtube of the frame has a substantial reinforcing gusset for connection to the downtube. There are 4 bolts on the front of the headtube that are for the connection of one of the front racks or baskets that Rad Power Bikes offers.
Here is an example of the front rack bolted to the headtube. A small or large basket can be added to the front or rear rack.
Under the headtube reinforcing gusset is where the internal cable routing enters the downtube. Internal cable routing provides a cleaner look and cable protection.
The aluminum rear rack is welded directly to the frame and it has a 60 pound capacity.
The top of the rack has a number of reinforcing tubes as well as bolt connections for a larger platform, basket, or kids seat.
Below is a look at a few of the accessory options for the RadCity.
This is the small basket attached to the rear rack.
And the Thule Yepp kid seat.
The Rad Power Bikes RadCity packs a lot of punch with its 750 watt motor.
This is the 750 watt Shengyi direct drive rear hub motor that provides assist up to 20 mph.
The RadCity is a Class 2 electric bike which is pedal assist and/or throttle up to 20 mph and 750 watts max.
The Shengyi motor has regenerative braking that will provide some charge back to the battery by becoming a generator when the brake levers are engaged. It helps to scrub off some speed while the front and rear brakes still provide the majority of the braking power.
The RadCity comes equipped with a RST suspension fork with 80 mm (3.15″) of travel, preload adjustment, and a lockout option.
The dial on the top of the fork allows you to lockout the fork for a more efficient ride when riding on smoother roads.
The Kenda K-Rad 26″ x 2.3″ tires are used front and rear. These have an efficient road tread pattern with some off road capabilities.
Tektro Aries mechanical disc brake provide the majority of the stopping power with 180 mm rotors. This is the front brake on the RST suspension fork.
And the same Tektro Aries mechanical disc brake with 180mm rotor mounted to the 750 watt Shengyi direct drive rear hub motor.
The handlebars have a swept back design for the easy going cruiser ride style.
You can see in this side view how they are angled back for a comfortable swept back position.
The RadCity comes equipped with an adjustable angle stem so that you can select the ride style that fits you best. It can be adjusted between upright with shorter reach all the way to a more performance style that is lower with longer reach.
On the left side of the handlebar is a faux leather grip with ergonomic shape for wrist support, the front Tektro disc brake lever with integrated bell, and the control pad.
Here is a closer look at control pad with the up and down arrows that change the pedal assist levels on the display. The center mode button turns the bike on/off and cycles through information on the display.
The left brake lever (front brake) has an integrated bell that is easy to ring by pulling on the small lever. The front and rear brake levers have sensors that will stop the assist and activate the regenerative braking that recharges the battery while helping to slow the bike down.
Each brake lever has a rubber grip surface that provides a solid grip in wet or dry conditions.
The LCD display is located in the center of the handlebars and provides the following information:
- Battery level
- Odometer & trip distance
- Current speed, average speed, max speed
- Pedal assist level. There are 5 levels of pedal assist. The RadCity uses a cadence sensor for the pedal assist system.
- Watts that the motor is providing
There is a backlit option for riding in low light and it can be turned on by holding the up arrow and mode button on the control pad for a few seconds. That also turns the headlight on.
There is a USB charging port just under the display so that you can charge your smartphone, tablet, or other USB device when you are out and about.
The right side of the handlebar features a faux leather grip with ergonomic shape for wrist support, twist grip throttle, rear Tektro brake lever, and Shimano 7 speed shifter.
The shifter has a lower push button that shifts to the smaller cogs for riding in flatter terrain and the upper lever shifts to the large cogs for climbing a hill.
The twist grip throttle can be used on its own (without pedaling) and it can also be used to provide a boost when using the lower pedal assist levels. It has an on/off button that helps to prevent accidental activation and allows you to only use the throttle when you want to.
There are 2 chain guards that keep the chain on the front chainring and they provide some protection to keep your pant legs clean.
A Shimano Acera rear derailleur shifts through the 7 speed Shimano freewheel with a 14 tooth to 34 tooth range. There is also a bash guard to protect the rear derailleur if the bike were to be dropped on the right side.
The Wellgo aluminum pedals have a wide platform with a solid grip surface. There are reflectors on each end of the pedal for extra visibility for riding in the dark.
The Velo Plush seat has a wider profile that matches the comfortable ride style of the RadCity well.
On the back of the seat is a handle to make it easier to pick up and maneuver the bike.
A 300 lumen LED headlight is attached to the front fork and it is powered by the eBike battery. It is turned on by holding the up arrow and center button on the handlebar control pad.
A LED taillight is attached the rear rack and it is powered by 2 AAA batteries that come with the bike. It has flashing and solid light mode options.
Last but not least is the kickstand that is bolted to the chain stay of the frame. The height is adjustable so that you vary the tilt of the bike when it is parked.
Rad Power Bikes RadCity Electric Bike Specifications
Frame: 6061 Aluminum with internal cable routing.
Fork: RST Suspension Fork with 80 mm of Travel, Preload Adjustment, and Lockout
Motor: 750W Brushless Shengyi Direct Drive Hub Motor with 40Nm of Torque and regenerative braking
Battery: 48V 14Ah (672Wh) with Lithium NCA 18650 Samsung 35E Cells, Rated for 800 Charge Cycles. The battery weighs 7.6 pounds.
Assist Options: 5 pedal assist levels (cadence sensor) and twist grip throttle with on/off button.
Speed: Pedal assist and/or throttle up to 20 mph which makes this a Class 2 eBike
Display: LCD display that provides information on the battery level, odometer and trip distance, current speed, average speed, max speed, pedal assist level (5 levels), and watts. USB charging port under the display.
Drivetrain: 7 Speed drivetrain with Shimano Acera derailleur and Shimano shifter.
Brakeset: Tektro Aries mechanical disc brake with 180mm rotors and motor cut-off sensors in the brake levers.
Tires: 26’’ x 2.3’’ Kenda K-Rad tires
Seat: Velo Plush with Lifting Handle
Accessories: Built in rear rack, front and rear plastic fenders, 300 lumen LED headlight and rear LED light, bell, kickstand.
Sizes: One Step-Thru frame size that fits riders in size from 4’10” to 6’2″. Also a triangle frame option in frame sizes 16″ and 19″.
Colors: Pearl for the Step-Thru frame and Gun Metal Grey for the triangle frame.
Weight: Bike without the battery = 56.9 pounds. Battery = 7.6 pounds. Total bike = 64.5 pounds.
Here is the assembly video from Rad Power Bikes:
Now checkout part 2 of the Rad Power Bikes RadCity review with info on the ride characteristics, the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts!
-Pete
Review Note: Each company pays a fee for a review on Electric Bike Report because of the considerable amount of time that it takes to provide an in-depth review of each eBike. A lot of time is spent on the full range test with distance & elevation profile, the wide variety of detailed pictures, in-depth video, and the write up with the specifications, ride characteristics, pros, cons, and overall thoughts. The reviews on Electric Bike Report are focused on providing you with a detailed “virtual” look at each eBike to help you determine if it is the eBike for you or not.
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[…] The popular RadCity Step-Thru gets a new black color and it is priced at $1,699. Here is the full testing & review of the 2018 RadCity Step-Thru. […]
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[…] Make sure you check out part 1 of this review with large pictures and specifications to get a detailed look at this e-bike. […]
Because of age (86) unable to balance on two wheels. Is it possible or has it been done with training wheels attached.
Are all of the seemingly new improved specs for the 2018 Rad Power Bikes RadCity Step-Thru electric commuter bike also found on the other models such as the Rad Rover fat bike ?
Also, what models do you recommend for someone 6’3″ tall and 250 lbs?
Thanks.
I’m 5’10” and concerned that the frame is not large enough for my height, I really don’t want a seat post extended10 plus inches. Will this style fit me?
I am in love with this ebike.
There are three things which I am not too happy about:
(1). The way that the
headlight is turned on;
compromises the speed at
which it can be turned on.
and off.
Sometimes bikers and drivers flash their headlights at an on coming friend, coworker or a family member. (My current ebike can do this and it’s still not as good as the Rad)
(2). No electronic horn:
I mean while the
mechanical bell is there; I’d
love an electronic horn.
(My current ebike have this and it’s still not as good as the Rad)
(3). No integrated
rear lighting.
Happy about this bike overall and not so happy to just a tiny extent.☺😢
Besides, I love the look. Just so neat!💜💚
How much assembly is required—-are there any dealers in Ohio if you need service—–
Hi Vernon,
Here is the assembly video: https://youtu.be/o_Fj-PLT0fg
Please check with Rad Power Bikes for service options in your area.