RAD Electric Cargo Bike

RAD Made Me Glad

Advanced middle-age has many perks.  More financial freedom to explore and travel.  That is RAD. Typically less drama amongst friends.  That is RAD. A significant emotional and intellectual database of great learning experiences. That is RAD.  The few down-sides are it seems to get harder and harder to stay active, keep the LB’s off the mid-section, and spending the entire day on the couch watching football is almost non-negotiable.

RADWagon Electric Bicycle
photo taken with the new LG G8X smartphone

Today, the fun folks at RAD POWER BIKES were blasting through Las Vegas and staged a demo-ride at the Silver Springs Park in Henderson. I had been researching electric bikes as a hopeful alternative to get me riding a bike more.  Being over-weight and advanced middle-aged are not pre-requisites for an electric bike but the majority of test-drivers today were advanced middle-aged and 50% were like me, extra LB’s.

There are a gillion YouTube vids with reviews on a variety of bikes, but the RAD Powerbike folks seem to be taking the “simple menu” approach.  Their bikes could be considered on the upper-end of an entry level bike based on componentry and the basically have one price of $1500 for most of their bikes.  They ship direct to your home and pretty easy to assemble yourself with just basic tools and wrenching skills.

RADRover Electric Bicycle
photo taken with the new LG G8X smartphone

Their RadRover model is probably their best seller and I was mostly interested in that model.  I am pretty clear on what my usage would be and I was concerned that the “fat-boy” tires might be overkill for most of the urban riding I would probably do.

The  RadRunner is another super popular model  and the RadMini rocks because it easily folds up and you can put in the trunk of your car.  In fact, as I was researching Rad bikes, a neighbor I do not know rode by me and I chased him down to ask him about the bike.  He was a younger, athletic guy and he uses this as a regular work commuter and for trips to the market.  The ONLY thing he was not excited about was the special size of tires.

RADCity Step-Through Electric Bicycle
photo taken with the new LG G8X smartphone

The more practical RadCity certainly does not look as macho at the RadRover, but I was curious to it’s ability to ride moderate off-road and dirt. For the Demo Day, they only had the RadCity-Step-Thru which I rode. This bike model seemed the most practical for my needs and it would be a toss-up if I did the step-through version or the regular RadCity.  The Step-Through looks a little girly to me but it is certainly easier to get rolling.

Lastly, I drove the RadWagon and it was a RAD WAGON.  Really pretty darn cool.  If I had kids or I lived in a dense city like Portland, this would be my #1 choice.  The center-stand was a bonus feature and the power was plentiful to get up and rolling at 20mph in under a minute.

With the lower price point, your probably get what you pay for.  From my neighbor, he has expressed the customer service folks are responsive and no problems standing by their warranty.  Spending $3500 for my first electric bike vs. $1500 becomes a no-brainer.   I think 2020 will usher in me owning and riding a RadCity – I will come up with my own handlebars and other farkles, but, for 15 benji’s, it seems way better than going to the gym.

If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good. – Dr. Seuss

I have owned my RadRover 5 for a little over a month.  GOOD times, great bike.  Below are some more current images….

RB Profile

ABOUT ROBERT BAKER

I have been shooting for $$ since 2000 opening my shop with a Nikon D1.  I am primarily interested in shooting adventure lifestyle and travel with a host of my  day-to-day clients being within the industrial sector.

Many of my editorial stock photos have been published in all major news outlets, with my primary focus is distributing my images on a client-by-client basis to ensure their branding is unique and compelling.

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