Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Max Review | Maxed Out

The RadRunner Max offers solid range, and even better, it has the rare ability to double that range with a second battery. That’s an uncommon feature on any e-bike, and almost unheard of on utility-style models.

In our testing (limited to Class 2 speeds for consistency and to stay bike path legal), the Runner reached 33.3 miles using maximum power, and 51.7 miles in PAS 1 at minimum power.

The max power result stands out the most: the average for utility bikes we’ve tested is around 23 miles, making the Runner Max a clear overachiever in that category. The minimum power result fell a bit short of our average (58 miles), but that’s often less critical—many riders won’t be riding in PAS 1 all day. I usually put more weight on that higher floor: 33+ miles on full assist is reassuring.

Mileage is also respectable considering the bike’s motor and battery combo. With a 672Wh battery, it doesn’t quite hit the 1:1 watt-hour-to-motor-watt ratio we often look for, but the system’s efficiency makes up for it. A torque sensor and smoother road tires help stretch battery life, and that efficiency helped the Max set a new high-water mark for the RadRunner lineup in max-assist testing. The PAS 1 result was more middle-of-the-pack.

For riders with range anxiety, the RadRunner Max is one of the few utility e-bikes that support a dual-battery setup. It does come at a cost—literally and figuratively. The second 14Ah battery and housing unit we tested brought the total weight to 97 lbs, so be prepared if you’ll need to lift or transport the bike regularly. Still, the ability to double your range is a major plus.

The bike’s display also adapts when dual batteries are installed, showing charge levels for each battery and updating its remaining range estimate. It’s not the most accurate estimator we’ve seen, but it’s better than nothing.

That said, the dual battery setup isn’t the most value-priced. The housing unit alone adds $250, and a second battery will run you another $500–$600, depending on capacity. A second charger isn’t included either, so you’ll need to budget more if you want to charge both simultaneously.

If you’ve got the budget and want a short-tail cargo bike with serious range potential, the Runner Max delivers. But even without the upgrade, the standard range is more than enough for most riders looking to get outside and stay out longer.

We’re currently in the process of breaking in our Hill Test 2.0. For the time being, comparative data is limited for hill testing. However, after some 300 e-bikes tested and ridden to this point, I can say anecdotally, this bike can climb, and it can climb well.

Rad’s 750W rear hub motor also packs 90Nm of torque, and it’s able to pretty easily zoom up steep inclines.

Our tester on the Hill Test, Justin, completed the throttle test in 1:57, averaging 15.7 mph. Interestingly, the pedal assist test clocked the exact same time—1:57, so the motor can make it easy on the rider and handle the work in those higher PAS levels.

Again, limited sample size here, but that’s currently a few seconds faster than the average.

That kind of performance is great whether you’re keeping things chill on a solo ride or loading the bike up and putting its weight capacity to the test. It’s got plenty of go with no signs of quitting, and the drivetrain chips in to make sure you have the right gear to climb comfortably.

Gemma brakes may not be as much of a household name as some bigger brands, but they’re far from unknown. In our testing of the 2-piston setup, we found their braking performance to be solid and dependable.

Using the same braking test method described above, we recorded an average stopping distance of 21 feet, 8 inches. That’s right on the nose with the overall average across all e-bikes tested by yours truly.

To be fair, that’s slightly longer than the average for cargo and utility bikes, which typically come to a stop around 20 feet, 2 inches; this class of bike is often better thanks their smaller-diameter tires. Still, the brakes on the Runner Max felt more than capable. They offered good modulation, allowing for controlled feathering or full-force stops when needed.

A nice bonus to the brake setup is the integrated taillight. It’s noticeably larger than most, offering excellent visibility both during the day and at night. That extra size and brightness are welcome additions from a safety perspective.

The RadRunner Max is one of the most versatile e-bikes on the market, packed with features that range from genuinely useful to techy and cool.

First, let’s talk about handling. This bike can be ridden by just about anyone, which is always worth highlighting. The low 17” step-over height is ideal for shorter riders or those with mobility concerns, and the 20” wheels help maintain a low center of gravity. With 3.5” wide tires, the bike feels impressively stable.

A payload capacity of over 420 lbs gives it serious utility for hauling gear, passengers, pets, or anything else you can dream up. And odds are, Rad has an accessory to help make it happen.

Comfort is a strong point, too. The ergonomic handlebar, 80mm suspension fork, padded saddle, soft grips, and upright posture all work together to provide a smooth and easy ride.

That said, one small drawback is the fixed-height stem. Rad says the bike fits riders up to 6’2”, and that holds up in terms of leg extension. But speaking as a 6’1” rider, I found the handlebar height a bit low for my taste. It’s usable, but I’d prefer a quill stem for more vertical adjustment.

The cockpit is straightforward and functional. The twist-grip shifter feels intuitive, the drivetrain shifts smoothly, and the gear range is well-suited for everything from flat roads to climbs.

The display is clean and easy to read, and it adds to the bike’s smart security features. You can unlock the bike via key fob or password, track it with Apple Find My, and even get alerts on the display about approaching vehicles thanks to the integrated radar system.

The radar readout takes it a step further by displaying the speed of oncoming traffic—a feature that enhances rider awareness and leads to few unwelcome surprises. I was impressed with how it worked – it caught a car approaching some three lanes of traffic away at one point on a ride.

When it comes to build quality, the frame feels tight, and the look is sharp with a paint job that deserves a shoutout. The metallic green is a real standout. Granted, there’s only one color option, which is a bit of a letdown, but at least the one they picked looks great.

As for the ride itself, it’s surprisingly pleasant. The bike weighs 82 lbs with the battery installed, but that heft isn’t really noticeable while riding. It rolls easily and maneuvers well. The 120-lb capacity rear rack and reinforced frame reduce flex and make cargo hauling feel secure.

A welcome feature is the dual-leg kickstand, which makes loading cargo easier and prevents the bike from tipping over—something that was missed on the RadRunner 3 Plus. Combined with Rad’s vast accessory catalog, the Runner Max can be dialed in to fit a wide range of use cases, and the ride is pleasant enough for a parent bringing along a toddler, or a grandparent enjoying retirement years.

The RadRunner Max lives up to its name. It’s the best RadRunner experience yet, designed to make rides fun, easy, and productive with everything it can do and help you get done.

I really appreciated the comfort and handling. The Runner series has always felt like the “everyperson” bike to me—adaptable to nearly anyone who fits the size range—and this version does it best.

I like the speed it can hit, the hills it can climb, and the added safety and security features that help you ride with more confidence. One of the greatest strengths of e-bikes is how they remove barriers to cycling. Motors already opened the door for so many riders, but extra mile features that enhance safety and security, like onboard radar that helps navigate traffic, and password or Bluetooth locks, help lower the bar even further. If you feelit can actually be a daily EV, you’ll get even more people on baord. It’s good to see Rad continuing to push in that direction.

There are some limitations, particularly for taller riders, and while the metallic green color is gorgeous, it’s a bit of a letdown to have no other options given the bike’s price.

Still, once you’re on the bike and enjoying everything it offers, it’s hard to deny just how fun and capable it is. If it fits your budget and you like the look, the RadRunner Max is a seriously good time on two wheels.

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 RadRunner Max down in our comments section.