#Red wagon bike full#
#Red wagon bike professional#

Operating the bike requires a couple of extra steps but also includes some nice extras. The battery casing is a generic “dolphin” style and the rear light doesn’t require extra wires as it would if it were integrated. I would prefer that all systems run off of one main battery and that there be only one on/off switch to make it fast and easy but this design still gets the job done and saves money. Same deal for the rear light, it’s independent from the main battery and runs on separate cells… if you turn it on but forget to turn it off while parking overnight you may come back to a non-functioning light in the morning. It’s not a huge deal but there is more potential for accidentally leaving the battery on which could drain its power. Getting back to the battery, one of the downsides I noticed is that you have to turn the pack on independent from the display console (so that’s two on/off steps). I did notice that when braking the rear tire can skid more frequently than on shorter non-cargo bikes because there’s less weight over the rear wheel.

The pack weighs about seven pounds and that weight is kept low and center for improved handling and balance. I like the mounting location of the battery here because it’s out of the way and somewhat protected by the frame. Check in on the battery every few months and fill it back up if power has been draining. To extend their life, store the pack in a cool dry location (avoid extreme heat and cold) and if you’re not going to be riding for a while leave the pack at ~50% instead of plugging it in. Inside are Samsung 29E cells that use a Lithium-ion chemistry aimed at being light weight and long lasting. Powering the motor and front light on the RadWagon is a high quality 48 volt 11.6 amp hour battery. The bike uses a sine wave controller that puts out up to 20 Amps and controls power in a smooth way. I noticed a quick disconnect point in the wire running to the hub motor which will make tuneups and fixes easier but there’s no quick release back here… just in the front. You can also completely disable the throttle using the red on/off button near the right grip.

#Red wagon bike full#

I love that there’s a throttle only setting (level zero) and that you can override assist at any time with full power using the twist throttle. The top speed of the bike is ~20 mph and you can operate in either pedal assist or throttle mode. Basically, with a larger and heavier bike like this the regen feature just lets you save wear on your brake pads and extend range slightly if you’re coasting down hills for part of your ride. Many people ask “can you pedal an electric bike to charge it” but that’s not really the point here given the 10% to 15% efficiency. Not having gears, this motor is able to offer regeneration as well as power but it also weighs more and isn’t as strong at low speeds.

#Red wagon bike professional#

You do get a one year warranty here and even though the company is relatively new I feel like they are well funded and operating in a professional manner.ĭriving the bike is a quiet and smooth 500 watt gearless hub motor. You will have to assemble parts of the bike on your own (or with the help of a shop) and cannot try it in person first which means the ~17″ frame may or may not fit your body perfectly (I’m ~5’9″ and it felt comfortable). The most impressive aspect to me is the price… which is enabled through the “online only” sales model that Rad Power Bikes uses. It’s built on a steel frame that helps to dampen vibration and features large Kenda tires and a Velo Plush saddle to smooth things out further. Compared with similar electric offerings from Yuba and Xtracycle the Rad Wagon is shorter in length and quite a bit heavier at ~75 lbs. But where it counts, things are done right and there’s a lot to appreciate including wood platforms on the rack and running boards, full length fenders, front and rear lights, oversized 180 mm disc brakes and a sturdy double legged kickstand. The Wagon emphasizes value and is one of the most affordable electric cargo bikes I’ve ever seen… To keep the price low a few components have been stepped down including the Shimano Tourney TX drivetrain, basic adjustable stem, independent rear light and cheap grips. The RadWagon is the second electric bicycle from Rad Power Bikes which started out with a fat ebike called the RadRover (crowdfunded through Indiegogo in early 2015) and has been working in the space since 2007.