Radpower E-bikes

[steeliedrew]

I’m really considering picking up the RadRover along with a second battery. I’ve got a buddy with a Juggernaut HD Duo and two other buddies with Backou E-bikes and now I’m the odd man out. Haha.

Do any of you have real world experience with the RadRover? Especially in hilly terrain behind gates. I have zero interest in riding trails or off trail. Only on the logging roads to get in and out more efficiently, and packing out the occasional critter.

At $1,700 the hub driven 750 watt RadRover is less than half the price of a number of the bigger name brands that use mid drives. You can drop $5-$7k in a hurry on some of them. which is not in the cards this year.

So let’s here it. What do you have and how has it worked for you? Especially interested in the RadRover though.

Thanks,

Drew


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[3dvapor]

If it's really steep gravel roads I'd consider saving up for a mid drive.  I've owned biktrix and a backou.  Backou full suspension would be my choice.  Biktrix has terrible customer service when things go bad.  Even the mid drives will drain your battery quickly on a steep hill even if pedaling.  A rear hub has almost half the torque.   

[trophyhunt]

I have a Rambo roamer, 750 mid drive. On steep hills, my battery only gets me about 4 miles, pretty lame. I don’t recommend the Rambo, my rear hub broke after 34 miles. It wasn’t tuned from the factory, since it has been fixed and tuned, it’s been much better. But I still need two batteries to go up my 6 mile long hill.  Going down hill w a deer in my cart, completely ruined my brake system, had to get it all replaced.  Prob need better rotors??  Anyway, my cousin has had Radrover for years, and he loves his, no problems. Look at Bolton e bikes out of California, that guy knows his chit and they have a solid product, they actually test drive the bike before delivering.  They charge $100 for delivery but it’s quality! My Rambo showed up in a box that was all torn up, w bags ripped open and missing parts.  Bolton is cheaper than Rambo as well, I paid 3,200 for mine. There is a thread on here w more info, think it’s called “best ebike”. Or something like that.

[CP]

I've got the Rad mini.  The 20" tires really help with the hill climb.

[Crunchy]

Im on my second Radrover, just picked up a new one in April.  Took it to Oregon on old logging roads and got about 17 miles with 25% battery left.  I do wish it had a bit more power.  Takes about 7 hrs to fully recharge. 

[steeliedrew]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I’ve watched my buddy in his Juggernaut HD Duo with Prolly 70lbs of gear in a trailer go up pretty steep grades like it was nothing. One such grade is constant up switchbacks for a mile and a half or so to get up to the gate. He doesn’t even break a sweat. but he’s into that bike over $5k with the options he went with.


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[steeliedrew]

Im on my second Radrover, just picked up a new one in April.  Took it to Oregon on old logging roads and got about 17 miles with 25% battery left.  I do wish it had a bit more power.  Takes about 7 hrs to fully recharge.

That’s good to hear you went 17 miles and still had 25% left. Tons of variables that affect range though for sure though so I know results will vary. Did your first RadRover wear out eventually? Is that why you got a new one? How many miles did you put on it?

my buddy has a compact generator he got at Harbor freight. He can charge both of his Juggernaut batteries with 1 gallon of gasoline. I’m not sure how long it takes but I think it’s not more than a couple hours.

I’ll end up purchasing a second battery for sure.


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[Crunchy]

The battery for Rad takes a 2amp charger so it takes a lot longer to charge.  Not sure how many amps your friend's battery charger is.  The first one we had for 5 years and beat them up a bit.  Taking them in on the 20th to Rad to freshen them up.  Main issue with the old ones was that it would keep losing power because the battery bracket was worn out.  Hit too many jumps on it.  Would have to stop and bang on it to get it to reconnect.  It too needs a new battery because we only get about 12 miles on the old ones before they die.

[steeliedrew]

I’ll have to ask my buddy what his charger is rated for. most of the time it wouldn’t matter but there’s some multi day bike packing trips where a trip back to the truck to charge batteries could be a thing. And having to run a generator for 6 hours or so could be not so cool. 


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[ridgefire]

I have had my Radrover for a year and a half or so and have over 2000 miles on it now. Large majority of the miles are from cruising logging roads. I upgraded the motor and controller from Bolton E bikes and it has more power than I will ever need. With the new controller you can crank it up to over 1600 watts. I have it set where the max power is approx 1100 watts and its perfect for how I ride. I had it cranked up to 1600 watts and was pedaling and hit 34.8 mph and was passing cars on Main Street in Monroe. I went on a 27 mile ride up around Wallace Lake last week and still had a little battery power left when I got back to my truck. The new 35 amp controller and 750 watt motor is roughly $500. My next purchase for it will be the 52v 21 amp hour battery from Bolton. I am still using the original battery.

[millerwheeler]

Look at there weight rating.  That’s why I went with a Rambo  once u have a pack and gear  weighs ya down more than u would think

[steeliedrew]

I have had my Radrover for a year and a half or so and have over 2000 miles on it now. Large majority of the miles are from cruising logging roads. I upgraded the motor and controller from Bolton E bikes and it has more power than I will ever need. With the new controller you can crank it up to over 1600 watts. I have it set where the max power is approx 1100 watts and its perfect for how I ride. I had it cranked up to 1600 watts and was pedaling and hit 34.8 mph and was passing cars on Main Street in Monroe. I went on a 27 mile ride up around Wallace Lake last week and still had a little battery power left when I got back to my truck. The new 35 amp controller and 750 watt motor is roughly $500. My next purchase for it will be the 52v 21 amp hour battery from Bolton. I am still using the original battery.

That’s good to hear that the upgrade worked out so well. I watched a video today on YouTube from a guy that goes by Citizen Cycle where he showed his results from installing that same kit. sounds like you’re getting some good mileage out of it too even with the beefier controller.

[ridgefire]

I watched the same videos and that's what got me to buy the Bolton upgrade.

[trophyhunt]

Damn, wish I’d have went w the rover or Bolton after reading this thread.  Bolton is the brains though when it comes to these bikes, I give him the edge.

[steeliedrew]

I watched the same videos and that's what got me to buy the Bolton upgrade.

How did you feel about the RadRover when it was stock? I’ll probably order one and an extra battery but leave it stock for this season. Then do the upgrades in the winter.

[steeliedrew]

FYI. They’re now out of stock on both colors. I signed up to be notified when more are available.

[opdinkslayer]

Take a look at the Aventon Aventure that’s in the same price point with better features.

[CP]

IMHO the drawbacks to Rad Bikes are:

They are underpowered.  Rad puts a hard limit of 750 Watts input to their motors on all their 750W bikes as far as I know.  The requirement for class #1, #2 and #3 ebikes is actually motor output of no more than 750W.  Most of the industry now plays pretty fast and loose with this requirement and markets 750-watt motors that have “peak” power well above 750W.

Rad bikes don’t have a rear suspension.  I’m pretty sure they are all hardtails. 

Rad brakes are weak, especially if you’re going to up the amps and/or you do a lot of downhill riding.

All that said, they make solid, well built, reasonably priced bikes and they have excellent customer service.   

[KFhunter]

I was looking at an ebike, it had internal hub gear shifting 5 speed, no derailer and a belt drive!

It was a 1000w mid drive

[steeliedrew]

I was looking at an ebike, it had internal hub gear shifting 5 speed, no derailer and a belt drive!

It was a 1000w mid drive

I’d like to see that thing. Sounds pricey though. Haha

[KFhunter]

I was looking at an ebike, it had internal hub gear shifting 5 speed, no derailer and a belt drive!

It was a 1000w mid drive

I’d like to see that thing. Sounds pricey though. Haha

Yes, pricy!

https://boltonebikes.com/collections/ebikes/products/warthog-mid-drive

[ridgefire]

After 2000ish miles of mainly gravel roads I have only had one thing brake on the Radrover. That was the kickstand. They do not have the best components on them but for the price point, I don't think they can be beat. If you do buy one I would look at the step thru model. They look to be easier to mount and dismount with a backpack on.

[CP]

I was looking at an ebike, it had internal hub gear shifting 5 speed, no derailer and a belt drive!

It was a 1000w mid drive

I’d like to see that thing. Sounds pricey though. Haha

Yes, pricy!

https://boltonebikes.com/collections/ebikes/products/warthog-mid-drive

For just a bit more $:

https://volcon.com/grunt-explore

[steeliedrew]

That Volcon is pretty sweet. too bad it wouldn’t really count for non motorized around here. Would be a good rig for states like ID though.


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[rickomatic]

My son and I have had Rad Rovers for a couple years now, along with a few of our hunting buddies. We use them deer and turkey hunting. They definitely help this old guy get back further than I otherwise could. They are also useful for bringing game out. We have, however, starting last year, run into a problem. As E bikes become more popular more and more areas are being closed to them. 3 days before last season's deer opener, the forest service put up "No Ebike" signs on most of the gates in the Methow area we hunt. You can still take in regular mountain bikes, and horses though. In my experience, Ebikes pose no more of a damage threat than horses or regular bikes. I've seen regular mountain bikes going a lot faster than our Ebikes.
Then, just a couple weeks ago, my son and his buddy each got $150 fines for having an Ebike behind a closed (not even marked) gate in NE Oregon. The gamey waited at the gate for TEN HOURS waiting for them to come out. What kind of waste of resources is that? Anyway, make sure you check the areas you hunt before you pull the trigger. The spandex crowd, and "this is my honey hole" crowd are butt hurt about Ebikes, and they're affecting their use.

[CP]

I don't think that the US forest service would put up "No Ebike" signs.  It goes against Federal classification of a bicycle.  If it's Federal land I would check with the forest service and make sure it's not just some Ebike hater putting up the signs. 

[steeliedrew]

I ended up picking up a RadRover 5 along with a second battery to have for longer bike packing type of trips. used it this last weekend for muzzleloader elk and it made getting in and out of my spot easier than ever. was able to get up hills that I never could before without pushing. The Rover isn’t a beast like some of them out there but it’s pretty dang impressive and a blast to ride. Hard to beat the price either. 

[rickomatic]

I don't think that the US forest service would put up "No Ebike" signs.  It goes against Federal classification of a bicycle.  If it's Federal land I would check with the forest service and make sure it's not just some Ebike hater putting up the signs.

We’ll be over there in a couple weeks. I’ll try to get a picture. It was real. We called the WDFW and they confirmed it.

[KFhunter]

I don't think that the US forest service would put up "No Ebike" signs.  It goes against Federal classification of a bicycle.  If it's Federal land I would check with the forest service and make sure it's not just some Ebike hater putting up the signs.

We’ll be over there in a couple weeks. I’ll try to get a picture. It was real. We called the WDFW and they confirmed it.

It needs to be challenged, or in time it could stand. 

BLM and other land managers do this stuff all the time, if no one challenges then it stands given enough time. 

[Sandberm]

Slight thread hi-jack incoming.

There are getting to be more and more senior citizens tearing around the Tri-Cities bike paths on E-Bikes. Fat ,Santa Claus looking guys aged 65-75 with the wives in tow. They speed all over the place, their Santa Claus bellies not being a problem with the e assist. Little bicycle helmets, perhaps a small dog in a basket on the front or back.

The other day the wife and i and the dog went for a walk in a nature area. Our walk took us back to the bike path which runs parallel to the freeway. There, lying in a heap, bloodied and knocked unconscious was one of these Santa Claus look a likes. It looked as best i could tell that he had over inflated his tires and the front tire had popped off the rim and jammed between the front forks. Like grabbing a handful of front brake he was down before he knew what happened. We called 911, not knowing if he was going to wake back up. He eventually did a few minutes after we found him,...thank God...no memory of his crash.

So you old guys and gals be careful out there on your whizzer bikes eh?

[GWP]

Yeah. One day in the future you will read the same thing, or maybe it will be telepathic by then, and you will realize, sadly, that they are discussing your age group. 🤪😂

[rickomatic]

Slight thread hi-jack incoming.

There are getting to be more and more senior citizens tearing around the Tri-Cities bike paths on E-Bikes. Fat ,Santa Claus looking guys aged 65-75 with the wives in tow. They speed all over the place, their Santa Claus bellies not being a problem with the e assist. Little bicycle helmets, perhaps a small dog in a basket on the front or back.

The other day the wife and i and the dog went for a walk in a nature area. Our walk took us back to the bike path which runs parallel to the freeway. There, lying in a heap, bloodied and knocked unconscious was one of these Santa Claus look a likes. It looked as best i could tell that he had over inflated his tires and the front tire had popped off the rim and jammed between the front forks. Like grabbing a handful of front brake he was down before he knew what happened. We called 911, not knowing if he was going to wake back up. He eventually did a few minutes after we found him,...thank God...no memory of his crash.

So you old guys and gals be careful out there on your whizzer bikes eh?

Yea, if that old guy had only been younger, because everyone knows only old Santa Claus farts crash their bikes.
Oh, and I resemble that description.  But, the chihuahua isn’t allowed to go hunting with us.

[MR5x5]

I don't think that the US forest service would put up "No Ebike" signs.  It goes against Federal classification of a bicycle.  If it's Federal land I would check with the forest service and make sure it's not just some Ebike hater putting up the signs.

Ran into Specific "No E-bike" designations on US Forest land signs above Chelan a couple weeks ago.  Not very prevalent for sure, but it is starting.

[steeliedrew]

I don't think that the US forest service would put up "No Ebike" signs.  It goes against Federal classification of a bicycle.  If it's Federal land I would check with the forest service and make sure it's not just some Ebike hater putting up the signs.

Ran into Specific "No E-bike" designations on US Forest land signs above Chelan a couple weeks ago.  Not very prevalent for sure, but it is starting.

I wonder in cases like that if that’s a blanket ban on all E-bikes or just those that are bigger than 750watts? I can’t see why they would be banned. They’re no more intrusive than a regular mountain bike, and if ridden on the same logging road, what’s the difference? I’m just speaking in terms of riding them on FS roads. I have zero intention of using mine on trails. It’s a tool to cover ground, and maybe help to get an animal packed out quicker if you’re successful.


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[CP]

I don't think that the US forest service would put up "No Ebike" signs.  It goes against Federal classification of a bicycle.  If it's Federal land I would check with the forest service and make sure it's not just some Ebike hater putting up the signs.

Ran into Specific "No E-bike" designations on US Forest land signs above Chelan a couple weeks ago.  Not very prevalent for sure, but it is starting.

Did they have the FS logo on them? 

[CP]

There's a lot of fake signs out there.

[steeliedrew]

There's a lot of fake signs out there.

Haters…


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[hunthard]

I would much rather have an ebike pull up to me on a landing than a truck.

[steeliedrew]

I would much rather have an ebike pull up to me on a landing than a truck.

100%. To your point, I’ve been 7+ miles in before on a gated road on my mountain bike only to be passed by two guys on e-bikes. Did I get mad? Nope. My thought on the matter…I guess I better save money and buy one.  And I now own an E-bike. problem solved. Haha. I’m keeping the mountain bike around though due to certain private timber companies that specifically say no E-bikes under their access rules. 


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[MR5x5]

I don't think that the US forest service would put up "No Ebike" signs.  It goes against Federal classification of a bicycle.  If it's Federal land I would check with the forest service and make sure it's not just some Ebike hater putting up the signs.

Ran into Specific "No E-bike" designations on US Forest land signs above Chelan a couple weeks ago.  Not very prevalent for sure, but it is starting.

Did they have the FS logo on them?

Yes, absolutely.


https://www.trailforks.com/region/echo-ridge-16257/?activitytype=1&z=11.1&lat=47.91743&lon=-120.01678


Primary Trail Type: Cross-Country
eBikes Allowed: No
Shuttleable: YES
Land Status: National Forest
Land Manager: USFS Chelan Ranger District

[CP]

I don't think that the US forest service would put up "No Ebike" signs.  It goes against Federal classification of a bicycle.  If it's Federal land I would check with the forest service and make sure it's not just some Ebike hater putting up the signs.

Ran into Specific "No E-bike" designations on US Forest land signs above Chelan a couple weeks ago.  Not very prevalent for sure, but it is starting.

Did they have the FS logo on them?

Yes, absolutely.


https://www.trailforks.com/region/echo-ridge-16257/?activitytype=1&z=11.1&lat=47.91743&lon=-120.01678


Primary Trail Type: Cross-Country
eBikes Allowed: No
Shuttleable: YES
Land Status: National Forest
Land Manager: USFS Chelan Ranger District

Well that sucks.   I hope it doesn't spread.