What’s new on the Rad Energy Bikes RadWagon 4?

Rad Energy Bikes made some large modifications on the RadWagon 4.

The obvious change is a redesigned body with smaller wheels. The wheels are each smaller diameter and wider, which means the bike doesn’t sit fairly as excessive and the tires have bigger air quantity to soak up extra highway shock or enhance dealing with on less-than-ideal terrain.

The brand new wheel dimension contributes to the only largest change within the really feel of the bike. Whereas using, the bike feels noticeably extra like a standard bike and fewer like a stretched cargo bike. A giant a part of that’s as a result of decrease journey top. The beforehand taller axles and bigger wheels meant the entire bike needed to sit increased, together with the rear rack and cargo. With the brand new smaller diameter wheels, the bike rides extra comfortably even with the rear rack loaded down with cargo or youngsters (extra on that in a second).

The one draw back to the brand new tire dimension is that you’re now locked into Rad Energy Bikes as your single tire and tube provider. This isn’t as large of a difficulty in terms of tires as some nitpickers will make it out to be. Most individuals don’t undergo a couple of pair of tires in a season. Nonetheless, you’ll need to choose up a number of spare tubes while you purchase the RadWagon 4 since your native bike store probably received’t inventory this 22″ diameter dimension. And punctured tubes have a behavior of popping up once we least anticipate them. So be ready and seize some tubes upfront.

Whereas the body and wheel redesign are the obvious modifications to the RadWagon 4, there are different smaller modifications that enhance the efficiency and utility of the bike.

The brand new geared hub motor replaces the earlier direct-drive motor. Each present 750 W, however the brand new motor is torquier but smaller. It’s going to probably run extra effectively and be a boon on hill climbing, although it does take away the beforehand out there regenerative braking function.

As we’ve discussed in the past though, regenerative braking on electrical bikes solely provides a small quantity of effectivity, and its bigger profit is often rising the lifetime of brake pads as a substitute of considerably rising vary.

The RadWagon 4 additionally obtained a brand new telescoping seat submit. Paired with the decrease body, it presents a variety of heights to suit riders between 5’1″ to six’4″ (155 to 198 cm). I’m comfortably in the midst of that vary and was pleased as a clam. A brand new adjustable handlebar stem additionally helps riders of various heights and arm lengths regulate the bike for the right match.

How does it journey?

As I discussed, the journey is healthier than ever because of the smaller wheels and redesigned body. The earlier RadWagon was already a reasonably good journey, however may really feel a bit gangly when the excessive rear rack was loaded down with an adult-sized passenger or plenty of cargo.

I discovered that whereas using the RadWagon 4 with out cargo on it, it principally felt like a typical e-bike throughout just about all eventualities outdoors of low-speed maneuvering. There’s no hiding that the bike is lengthy, particularly when wheeling it round your storage.

You also needs to observe that there’s no suspension on the RadWagon 4. I barely observed the shortage of suspension although, even whereas using on grass. The balloon-ish tires are nice for highway using and I even took some grassy shortcuts that the bike dealt with simply nice.

Whereas testing with a number of youngsters on the again, the brand new decrease design carried out nicely and stored me feeling tremendous secure. I additionally opted for the working boards (which at the moment are an adjunct) and the deck pads to ensure my nephews had a pleasant and cozy seat. There are additionally footpeg equipment if you happen to don’t need the added bulk of picket working boards.

Actually, there’s a really wide range of accessories that can be utilized to fully customise the RadWagon 4 and switch it into the right utility or cargo bike in your wants, from grocery purchasing to neighborhood carpool responsibility.

What concerning the electrical aspect?

The RadWagon 4 continues to make use of largely the identical tried-and-true electronics discovered on different Rad Energy Bikes. The 672 Wh battery is bigger than the business common and may web you between 25-45 miles (40-75 km) of vary relying on whether or not you go full throttle or wish to take it straightforward with modest pedal help.

Actually, the pretty customary battery throughout most of Rad Energy Bike’s lineup presents a pleasant benefit if you happen to occur to have a number of bikes. My brother-in-law rides a RadRunner and if I used to be planning a very lengthy journey, I may swing by his place and “borrow” his battery for a bit, doubling my vary. Rad additionally carries spare batteries, however what’s household for if you happen to can’t steal their stuff?

The motor is a lot highly effective and will get me as much as 20 mph (32 km/h) in much less time than I’d anticipate, particularly for an enormous bike like this. The torquey geared motor mixed with the upper torque from a smaller diameter wheel means the bike can speed up swiftly and make fast work of hills.

Last ideas on the RadWagon 4

Rad had a number of years to work on upgrades to the favored RadWagon platform and it looks like they actually nailed it.

A number of compromises had been made in shifting to a proprietary wheel dimension and casting off regenerative braking, however the small tradeoffs are drastically offset by the improved utility and rideability of the RadWagon 4.

At just $1,599, the RadWagon is a fully-capable electrical cargo bike that prices lower than some non-electric cargo bikes. I nonetheless don’t perceive how Rad Energy Bikes can construct such good e-bikes for such cheap costs, however I’m glad they’ve by some means discovered the magic method.

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