Of all the ebikes in the Rad Power Bikes fleet, the RadRunner is probably the bike that most embodies the ethos of this company. It’s approachable, practical and typically one of the most affordable electric bikes offered by Rad. What it lacked in style and panache it made up in pragmatic design for real world tasks.
That’s why it’s such a surprise to see the newest version, the RadRunner 3 Plus debut with an eye-brow raising price tag of $2300, making it the most expensive model they offer. In order to justify this price increase Rad has completely redesigned the RadRunner 3 and bolstered its more premium build with higher quality components than its predecessor. Does the new price justify the value? Read on for our full RadRunner 3 Plus review to find out.
Bike Specs
Price | |
Class | Class 2 |
Colors | Charcoal, Boss Moss Green |
Range | Estimated 25-45+ miles per charge (40-72+ km) |
Net Weight | 75.5 lb (with battery) |
Max Load | 350lbs |
Motor | 750W brushless geared hub motor, 64Nm |
Battery | 672 Wh |
Sensor | Cadence Sensor |
Throttle | Half-twist throttle |
Pedal Assist | Intelligent 5 level pedal assist with 12 magnet cadence sensor |
Gearing | 1×7 |
Display | Charge indicator, speedometer, odometer, trip odometer, pedal assist level, motor watts, headlight/taillight indicator, trip time, clock |
Charger | 48V, 2 Amp Rad Power Bikes smart charger, operates on 100V-240V AC power outlets |
Charge Time | 100% recharged in 6 – 7 hours |
Frame | Aluminum |
Tires | 20″ x 3.3″ Kenda K905 with K-Shield puncture protection and reflective stripe |
Brakes | Tektro® Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
Handlebar | Promax® Aluminum Alloy |
Brake Lever | Tektro Hydraulic HD-E350 |
Chain | KMC Z7, 132 links |
Crankset | 48T chainring; ProWheel Ounce Forged Alloy 170 mm crank length; square taper J.I.S.; dual-sided aluminum chainring guard |
Derailleur | Shimano Altus MD310 7sp |
Suspension | RST Spring Fork, 60 mm travel with preload adjustment and lock-out |
Saddle | Cushioned saddle with adjustable height backrest |
Seat post | 390 mm x 27.2 mm |
Pedals | CrMo axle, forged aluminum platform with reflectors, standard 9/16″ x 20 TPI threading |
Lights | Auto-on feature Front: Standard Rad Power Bikes LED headlight Rear: Integrated taillight with brake light |
Racks | Rear: Integrated, 120 lb (54 kg) carrying capacity |
Rider Height | 4’11”-6’2″ (150-188 cm) |
Fenders | Included, full coverage front and rear |
First Impressions of the RadRunner 3 Plus
The RadRunner 3 Plus by Rad Power Bikes stands out with its more appealing frame design and enhanced ride stability. The revamped frame not only looks great but also offers more attachment points for accessories, allowing customization to fit your needs perfectly. The 20×3.3 inch custom Kenda tires provided satisfying traction on the road, further enhancing the feeling of control without sacrificing speed.
The BMX-style wide grip handlebars provide a secure and comfortable hold, allowing your palms to rest flat and your elbows to maintain a relaxed angle. This design significantly reduces shoulder stress, ensuring stability and safety during high-speed descents and uphill climbs. Because of the wide grip positioning of your arms the RadRunner 3 Plus keeps your center of gravity grounded, offering a secure and enjoyable riding experience.
Main Specs: Motor, Battery, and Brakes
Under the hood, this ebike packs a punch with its 750W brushless geared hub motor, now 10% more powerful than before. This extra power provides improved torque response on steep hills. The bike also boasts a 7-gear Shimano drivetrain, offering versatility for hill climbing. Its 672Wh battery provides an impressive 25-45+ miles per charge, perfect for longer rides, and recharges in just 6-7 hours. Plus, the advanced Tektro® Hydraulic Disc Brakes ensure precise control and reliable stopping power, making your rides both safe and thrilling.
RadRunner 3 Plus vs RadRunner 2
RadRunner 3 Plus | RadRunner 2 | |
Price | ||
Color Options | 2 | 3 |
Payload capacity | 350lbs | 300lbs |
Fenders | Included, full coverage front and rear | Available for purchase separately |
Lights | Auto-on feature Front: LED headlight Rear: Integrated taillight with brake light | Front: Standard Rad Power Bikes LED headlight Rear: Integrated taillight with brake light |
Saddle | Custom Rad Power Bikes fully adjustable comfort seat | Moped-style saddle with extra padding, fixed angle, and integrated steel seat post |
Weight | 75.5 lbs | 65 lbs |
Standover height | 17″ (43.5 cm) | 16.5″ (42 cm) |
Handlebarheight | 42.5″ – 43.5″ (108 – 110.5 cm) | 42″ – 45″ (106.7 – 114.3 cm) |
Total Length | 72.5″ (184 cm) | 68″ (172.7 cm) |
Suspension | RST Spring Fork, 60 mm travel with preload adjustment and lock-out | Rigid steel fork |
Gearing | 1×7 | Single speed, 53-16 |
Brake System | Hydraulic disc | Tektro Aries caliper (MD-M300) |
The RadRunner 3 Plus sports a complete redesign, setting it apart from its predecessor, the RadRunner 2. The noticeable changes include added bottom tubing, extending to the seat tube, and a lengthened wheelbase by four and a half inches, enhancing stability. Additionally, the bike features added rails and tubing under the integrated rack, contributing to a sturdier build and increased cargo capacity of 350 lbs, compared to the previous 300 lbs. These upgrades, along with its high quality paint and improved components give the RadRunner 3 Plus a more premium feel, making it stand out among other Rad models I’ve ridden.
Test Rides
Riding the RadRunner 3 Plus was a thrill, both on city streets and light off-road trails. The 750W motor effortlessly tackled steep hills, while the custom-made Kenda K905 tires provided excellent traction, especially on pavement. What sets these tires apart is their car-like tread, ensuring a smooth ride without the drag experienced with larger knobbier tires like those on the Aventon Aventure and Magicycle Deer or similar fat tire ebikes.
The bike’s stability at speeds exceeding 30 mph downhill was impressive, with no discernible rattle or looseness in the bike’s stem. The front suspension adds a nice touch, enhancing the bike’s outdoor capabilities without compromising its city-friendly design. This bike strikes the perfect balance, making it an excellent choice for riders who appreciate both acceleration and stability in their electric bike adventures.
Pros
The RadRunner 3 is all about power and versatility. With a robust 750W motor, it’s a great hill climber, even with cargo. I’ve towed my 65-pound pitbull uphill effortlessly, thanks to its excellent low-end torque. The seven-speed Shimano Altus derailer makes hill climbing a breeze., The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes offer excellent control, a standard feature worth noting that is a major improvement on the previous RadRunner’s mechanical disc brakes
The revamped frame adds more attachment points for accessories, enhancing versatility. The broader, cushier seat is comfortable, and while upgrading is suggested, the baseline is impressive. Despite weighing 75 lbs I found this cargo utility ebike very maneuverable and easy to handle.
Beyond utility, the RadRunner 3 is a swift pavement cruiser. Its optimized tires provide excellent road traction, making it a top choice for speed, control, and a premium electric biking experience. Whether conquering hills or carrying cargo, this bike delivers solid performance, striking a balance between power and versatility.
Cons
On the downside, the RadRunner 3 Plus does have a few drawbacks. Its LCD display falls behind more advanced displays offered by competitors like Velotric, Vanpowers, and Aventon. Although it’s possible to change the speed limit to 25MPH, this feature is buried in the controller settings, and Rad Power Bikes doesn’t provide documentation on how to do this, making it less user-friendly.
We also wish the battery was concealed within the frame for a sleeker look. Additionally, the bike comes with paddle shifters instead of trigger shifters, which we find less intuitive. The BMX-style handlebars can only be adjusted to tilt forward or backward, limiting options for taller riders.
Lastly, the bike’s price tag of $2300, while justified by its advanced features and premium quality, represents a significant increase of $300 from the RadRunner 2 Plus, which might be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.
Final Thoughts
The RadRunner 3 Plus is a top-notch cargo utility ebike with premium features and versatility. Its redesigned frame, powerful motor, upgraded components and enhanced styling give this Rad bike the most premium feel of any in its fleet. While the price might deter some, the bike offers an exceptional riding experience for those valuing quality and performance. If you want a reliable and feature-packed cargo utility ebike, the RadRunner 3 Plus should be at the top of your list!