First Impressions of the Radio Flyer Via Cargo Electric Bicycle
If you don’t feel like reading the rest of this article, I’ll share the punchline: I found my new favorite cargo ebike – the Radio Flyer Via.
I have two young daughters and I love using an ebike for daily errands like going to the grocery store and rides to the park and beach. Needless to say, I love cargo ebikes and over the years I’ve reviewed some of the top affordable cargo ebikes as an ebike reviewer. There are many quality cargo ebikes currently on the market and in the affordable price range I’d say the Aventon Abound, Rad Power Bikes Radwagon 5, Lectric Xpedition and Blix Packa had been my top choices. For the past 9 months or so, my daily rider cargo ebike has been the Aventon Abound. That is until I received the Flyer Via.
I wrote this article to share my first impressions but once I have more time to test ride (usually 100-200 miles) the Flyer Via, I’ll pen a more in-depth review and release an accompanying Youtube review.
Before we get into first impressions of the Via, here’s a detailed list of this model’s specs.
Specs of the Radio Flyer Via
- Price: $2199
- Colors: Black, Yellow, Green
- Size: Small, Medium Large
- Frame: 6061 Aluminum Frame
- Range: 30-50+ miles
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs
- Front cargo capacity: 25 lbs
- Rear rack cargo capacity: 150 lbs
- Class: 2
- Motor: 500W rear hub motor
- Battery: 48V 15Ah (687Wh) UL Tested Lithium-Ion Samsung 50E 21700 Cells
- Weight: 68-69 lbs
- Tires: Front 24″ x 2.4″ – Rear 20″ x 2.4″ – Kenda Puncture Resistant
- Brakes: Tektro hydraulic brakes,180mm rotor
- PAS: Torque sensor
- Derailleur: Shimano Tourney 7-speed
- Pedal: 48V 15Ah (687Wh) UL Tested Lithium-Ion Samsung 50E 21700 Cells
- Headlight: LED
- Tailight: LED with integrated Brake Light and Turn Signal Functions
- Fender: Front Fender and Rear Fender with Side Covers Included
- Kickstand: Rigid, 2 Leg Center Stand
Improved Handling
Handling of the Flyer Via is amazing for a cargo ebike. It really does feel like a regular sized ebike and its actually a very nimble ebike.
The ultimate handling test for an electric cargo bike is the moment I strap my two young daughters (ages 5 1/2 and 3 1/2) to the rear rack and zip around my seaside neighborhood. I’ve done this countless times with cargo ebikes like the Aventon Abound, the Radwagon4 and the previous generation of the Via, the Flyer L885. None of those bikes can touch the Flyer Via when it comes to handling. The Flyer Via is much better than those other long tail cargo ebikes with maneuverability and ride feel.
I am also a big fan of the Abound but one big issue I had with that bike was its wobbly handlebars. The folding mechanism of those straight handlebars created mild instability that made me slightly uncomfortable while handling that bike. With the Flyer Via there is no discernible wobble even with both my daughters in tow.
You never want to take one hand off the handlebar grip when you’re riding with two kids in the back but I did feel like with this bike one handed riding is actually doable for brief moments when you need to check your phone for navigation or adjust a side mirror. I can’t say the same thing about other cargo ebikes I’ve tested.
Overall, the handling, due to the design of the bike frame, is much improved over the older L885 model and every other cargo ebike I’ve ridden.
Flyer Via vs Flyer L885 Upgrades
The upgrades over the Flyer L885 make the Via & Via Pro an exponentially improved cargo ebike and one that I’d argue is the best affordable cargo ebike currently on the market. Since I personally reviewed the L885 I was very encouraged to see that Radio Flyer invested in significant upgrades with its newest cargo ebike.
- Hydraulic Brakes – This is a requirement when you’re dealing with a heavy ebike that’s intended to carry cargo and potentially small children so I’m glad Flyer upgraded from mechanical brakes to Tektro Hydraulic brakes.
- Sturdy Kickstand – Although the kick stand on the L885 was decent, it wasn’t perfect. It was really tough to kick off the stand when taking off (an issue I mentioned in my review video) but this new stand is sturdier and simpler to use. A huge improvement in a component which is often overlooked but super important.
- Turn Signals – A pretty cool addition and a feature which is starting to become the norm for ebikes in the $1500+ price range. The Flyer’s turn signals are really bright and provide improved visibility.
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- Bright LED Display – One of the last ebikes I rode, the Freedare Eden, had a very dim screen so it was nice to have an LED screen that’s super bright and easy to read. It’s a very simple LED display but it’s easy to read, which I appreciated.
- Rear Rack is roomier – One other issue I mentioned with the original L885 cargo ebike was the rear rack being a tad too small, to the point where it was difficult to install a Yepp Maxi child seat in the back/rear part of the rear rack. I installed a Yepp Maxi on the rear rack and quickly noticed there was an extra inch or two of clearance, which made a world of a difference! Kudos to the Flyer team for this update.
- Integrated App – Most apps these days provide simple stats but one feature I really like in the Flyer app is the option to customize pedal assist levels. I’ll be testing out this feature in more detail and will provide additional feedback in my review.
Should You Buy a Flyer Via?
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, these are my first impressions based on 50 miles of riding the Flyer Via. Once I’m able to ride longer and in different conditions, I’ll put together a full review.
In the meantime, If you’re in the market for an affordable long tail cargo electric bike, do yourself a favor and make sure to test ride or consider a Flyer Via or Flyer Via Pro. The Flyer Pro is $300 more expensive at $2499 but it includes front suspension, a 750W motor and additional minor upgrades. In my opinion this is an amazing option and for now, my favorite cargo ebike of 2024.