Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru Electric Bike Review Part 1 – Pictures & Specs
The Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru is in for testing and review and this is a rather unique eBike!
It’s an eBike based on a folding bike platform with 4″ wide stable road style tires, a low step thru frame, and powerful electric assist.
Some of the highlights are a 750 watt motor, high capacity 48V 14ah lithium Samsung battery, RST suspension fork, pedal assist & throttle, and much more.
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 Rad Power Bikes RadMini 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 RadMini Step-Thru!
The Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru has a compact size with a sporty ride feel!
In addition to Step-Thru model, Rad Power Bikes also offers the RadMini in a step-over frame with 4″ wide off-road fat tires.
The step-over model fits riders from 5′-2″ to 6′-2″.
Here is a video from Rad Power Bikes that shows both RadMini models in action.
Now let’s take a closer look at the details of the Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru.
The RadMini Step-Thru is designed to fit a range of rider sizes from 4′-10″ to 5′-10″.
There is a lot of adjustability of the handlebar and seat height and the low step-thru area (16″ above the ground) makes it very easy to get on and off this bike.
The ride position is upright and comfortable so that you can easily see everything around you.
The frame has a lot of curved 6061 aluminum tubing along with gusseted reinforcing to create the low-step thru area, accommodate the wide tires, provide a central battery location, all with the ability to fold!
And it quickly folds down to a compact size for storage and/or transport. More details on the folding in a bit.
Here is a closer look at the downtube swooping down to create the low step-thru area that is 16″ above the ground to make it easy to get on and off the bike.
At the headtube is the 4 bolt connection for the front rack that Rad Power Bikes offers along withother optional accessories.
The front rack is a platform for attaching items directly to it and it is also the base for a basket that is also available. The bike shown in this picture is the Rad Power Bikes RadCity Step-Thru.
Here is a good example of a reinforcing gusset at the head tube to downtube connection for additional strength. You can also see internal cable routing in the downtube for cable protection and a cleaner look.
The RST spring suspension fork has 2.4″ or 60mm of travel to smooth out rougher roads.
On the upper left side of the fork is a preload dial so that you can set the spring rate of the fork for your weight and riding style.
On the right side of the fork is a lockout dial that can be useful when riding on smooth roads so you can get a more efficient ride.
Further down the frame is the central hinge point and large release lever for folding the frame. There is also a reinforcing gusset for additional strength and stability at this high stress area of the frame.
Just behind the frame hinge point is the high capacity 48V 14ah lithium battery that is attached to the seat tube.
The central location of the battery is good for overall bike handling and the balance of the bike.
Reinforcing tubes surround the battery from the seat tube to the hinge point to provide strength and stiffness and they provide some protection for the battery pack as well.
The 48V 14ah (672 Wh) lithium battery uses Samsung 35E cells.
On the upper right side of the battery is the lock that is opened with a key (2 supplied) for removal from the bike.
Here is a look at the battery mount when the battery has been removed. The bike weighs 61 pounds when the battery has been removed.
The battery can be charged on or off the bike with the included charger. Estimated charging time for 100% charge is about 5.5 hours.
The battery weighs 7.7 pounds.
Here is a look at the charging configuration when the battery is installed on the bike.
Now let’s take a closer look at the drive system. The 48 tooth front chainring is protected on each side by guard rings that keep the chain on the chainring and they provide some pant leg protection as well.
A Shimano Altus rear derailleur shifts through the 7 speed cogset.
The DNP 7 speed freewheel has a 11t to 34t range. There is a significant jump in gear range to the 34t cog which makes this the gear for climbing steeper hills while the rest of the gear range good for the higher speeds.
The 750 watt Bafang geared rear hub motor definitely provides some kick with its max torque of 80Nm! It provides pedal or throttle assist up to 20 mph.
The relatively compact size blends in well with the looks of the RadMini Step-Thru.
The Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru is a Class 2 electric bike which is pedal assist and/or throttle up to 20 mph with assist and 750 watts max.
Slowing down the Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru is handled by Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes with 180mm rotors. This is the front brake at the RST suspension fork.
This is the Tektro Aries mechanical disc brake with 180mm rotor on the Bafang 750 watt rear hub motor.
One of the big highlights of the RadMini Step-Thru is the new Kenda/Rad Power Bikes Kraze 20″ x 4.25″ fat tires!
They have a huge tread patch that contacts the road for a stable ride feel and large air volume for some built in suspension effect.
Here is a video about the Kenda and Rad Power Bikes tires partnership:
The Kraze tires have a puncture resistant casing “made from a layer of aramid and ceramic particles inside the tire under the tread, the Kenda K-Shield integrated tire liner is a line of defense designed to provide extra protection against punctures from thorns, glass, and other small materials.”
There are reflective stripes on each side of the tires that help with being visible while riding at night.
Now let’s take a look at the control center of the RadMini Step-Thru. The handlebar has a generally flat profile.
The handlebar height is quickly adjustable with the quick release lever at the handlebar mast. There is 3″ of height adjustment available.
On the left side of the handlebar is a faux leather grip with ergonomic shape for wrist support, front Tektro disc brake lever with integrated bell, and control pad.
The control pad adjusts the pedal assist levels with the up and down arrows and the center mode button turns the bike on/off and cycles through information on the display.
Lighting features and the walk mode are controlled by using different combinations of these buttons.
Here is a closer look at the front Tektro brake lever that includes the built-in bell.
Both brake levers have a rubber grip surface and there are sensors that will stop the assist as soon as either brake lever is engaged.
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 RadMini 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 and taillight 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 includes the faux leather grip with ergonomic shape for wrist support, twist grip throttle, rear Tektro brake lever, and Shimano 7 speed shifter.
The throttle can be used with or without pedaling. In the lower pedal assist levels it is helpful for adding a quick boost to get through an intersection or over a hill.
There is an on/off button that helps to prevent accidental activation and allows you to only use the throttle when you want to.
The Shimano shifter has a lower push button that shifts to the smaller cogs for riding at higher speeds in flatter terrain and the upper lever shifts to the large cogs for accelerating or climbing a hill.
The Velo Plush seat has a wider profile with relief area in the center.
There is a handle on the back of the seat to make it easier to pick up and maneuver the bike.
The Spanninga LED headlight is powered by the eBike battery and there is an ambient light sensor option to dim the headlight during the daytime.
The taillight is also powered by the eBike battery. It has solid and flashing mode and it also has a brake light feature! Just like a car, when you engage the brakes, the taillight will light up.
The last stock accessory is the kickstand near the rear wheel. Rad Power Bikes offers many more accessories that includes fenders, racks, baskets, bags, and more.
Now let’s take a look at folding the RadMini Step-Thru. This is the quick release lever at the handlebar mast that is opened to fold the handlebar.
A closer look when the handlebar mast has been folded.
And a look at the handlebar folded to the right side of the bike.
This is the hinge in the center of the frame and it is opened by moving the safety lever and opening the quick release lever.
Then the frame rotates to the left side of the bike. You can see the internal cable routing that travels through both sides of the frame.
The Wellgo aluminum platform pedals have some grip for general city riding and they fold.
The pedals fold by pushing the platform in and down.
This is the bike folded for storage or transport. The seat can also be lowered. It is nice to have the handle on the back of the seat when the bike is folded.
Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru Electric Bike Specifications
Frame: 6061 Aluminum low step folding frame with internal cable routing
Fork: RST Suspension Fork with Lockout and Preload Adjustment, 60mm Travel
Motor: 750W Bafang geared hub motor with up to 80Nm of torque
Battery: 48V 14Ah (672Wh) with Samsung Cells, Rated for 800 Charge Cycles.
Assist Options: 5 pedal assist levels (12 magnet 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: Backlit LCD with Charge Indicator, Speedometer, Odometer, Trip Odometer, Pedal Assist Level, Wattmeter, and More
Drivetrain: 48t chainring, Shimano Altus rear derailleur, 7 speed freewheel 11t to 34t range
Brakeset: Tektro Aries mechanical disc brake with 180mm rotors
Tires: Rad Power Bikes by Kenda Kraze 20″ x 4″, K-Shield Puncture-Resistant Liner
Seat: Velo Plush with Lifting Handle
Sizes: One frame size designed to fit rider heights: 4’10” – 5’10”
Colors: White
Accessories: Integrated headlight and tail light with brake light functionality, kickstand, bell.
Weight: Bike without the battery = 61 pounds. Battery = 7.7 pounds. Total bike = 68.7 pounds.
Now checkout part 2 of the Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru eBike testing & 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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[…] Make sure you check out part 1 of this review with large pictures and specifications to get a detailed look at this e-bike. […]
Michael Blazewski says
I am a 70 y/o male who is also a Disabled Veteran. How would you like to help me out and test the Radbike? I currently use an electric scooter from the VA here in Houston Texas. Top speed is a mere 4.5 mph. It is so rough on my body especially my left leg and back. I look forward to your response.
Les Watkins says
But they wont ship to Australia