Rad Power RadRunner Max Review

Rad Power Bikes has added to their RadRunner lineup with the most capable RadRunner yet, behold, the RadRunner Max. With a smooth torque sensor, Class 3 compatibility, and a bevy of new convenience features, the Max is a versatile and compelling option. Compatibility with a locking console box, a range extender, and an integrated wheel lock gives this bike some serious commuter convenience.

Ride

The RadRunner Max is significantly more capable and versatile than its predecessor. The ride quality has improved with an 80mm suspension fork and larger 3.5" tires, providing more cushion between you and the road. Rolling on 20" wheels, the bike has a compact look but a surprisingly refined and comfortable ride. Like the RadRunner 3, BMX-style handlebars and stem provide solid steering and stability, along with a relaxed, upright position. Past models featured a unique saddle that wasn't universally loved by our testers. Still, the new saddle is more traditional, with an ergonomic shape and sufficient width to distribute your weight comfortably, with the majority of it resting on it.

A low step-through and well-designed center-mount kickstand make getting on and off the bike simple. A 67.5-degree head tube angle keeps handling predictable, while steering requires minimal input. The 68-degree seat tube angle is slack enough that you can rest your feet flat on the ground and still maintain a respectable pedaling height. Just sitting on the bike, you can tell it's built for pleasure; ergonomics are excellent, and visibility is near ideal. The display is centered high on the handlebar, directly in your line of sight, and since the bike uses radar, the display is more helpful than ever. Our 5'1" tester was just as comfortable on the bike as our 6' tester. Rad recommends this model for riders between 4'11" and 6'2", but if you're near the extremes of these heights, check your inseam as Rad's guidance states an inseam of 25.75 - 37" will work for this bike.

Previous Next

We loved riding this bike; it's incredibly straightforward and comfortable. The 28mph top speed, higher quality drivetrain, redesigned 3.5" tires, and quality saddle quell almost all of my criticism of this model. The bike can be set for Class 1 (pedal assist to 20mph), Class 2 (pedal assist to 20mph plus throttle), or Class 3 modes (28mph assist, 20mph throttle), or California compliance Class 3 (28mph assist / no throttle). When riding in Class 3 mode, using both pedal assist and throttle simultaneously allows the bike to reach 28 mph with ease. It's unclear whether this is an intentional feature or a software flaw, but enjoyed commuting long distances at high speeds with minimal input. The 750-watt hub motor feels peppy, even when the bike is loaded to its maximum carrying capacity. Similarly, the bike's Gemma hydraulic brakes and 180mm rotors provided smooth, powerful braking and excellent modulation, laden or not.

Previous Next

In some ways, this bike defies categorization. It's not really a cargo bike, but the ability to carry a passenger, or a massive amount of gear, blurs the lines. With fenders, a sturdy rack, lights, and turn signals, the bike appears perfectly suited for commuting; however, it also weighs 83 pounds, which might be overkill for some commutes - and commuters.

After multiple discussions among our test crew, we arrived at the term' utility/pleasure bike.' While absent from the current lexicon of e-bike speak, this is the most utilitarian non-cargo bike we've tested. It is also one of the most pleasurable bikes to ride, especially for beginners. We put several people on this bike who had never ridden an e-bike so that they could experience the joy of assisted pedaling. Their comments differed, but their smiles were all the same.

If you're upgrading from another e-bike, you'll likely be impressed with the parts spec from Rad. A Shimano Altus drivetrain, equipped with an SL-315 shifter, performed flawlessly for our testers, and we appreciated the relatively wide range of the 11-34 cassette. ABS plastic fenders are durable and quiet, which was especially apparent when riding the bike on mixed surfaces, such as gravel or over road debris. The large onboard battery powers the bike's lights, so they'll never require charging. The headlight is sufficient for riding after dark, while the tail light features a brake light and turn signals. The bike is compatible with Apple Find My for easy tracking and can be locked and unlocked with a passcode or a clever key fob that Rad provides. Locking the computer doesn't lock the kickstand or rear wheel, as found on some Aventon models, but it does prevent the bike from providing power. Given the bike's weight, it's unlikely that someone would ride away on it, at least not very fast.

Previous Next

The Max has a relatively short (1,189 mm) wheelbase, which keeps the bike maneuverable and easy to park. Its length won't preclude it from fitting most bike racks, but its weight will. If your plans for a bike include carrying it up stairs or loading it into the back of a truck without a ramp, you'll likely want to look elsewhere. If you plan to ride the bike from home, its mass should be less of an issue.

Range

Rad gives the RadRunner Max a 14Ah Safe Shield Semi-Integrated Battery, which is housed on top of the bike's downtube. The battery has a 672 Wh capacity and is certified by ACT to UL 2271, making this bike compliant with most state-run e-bike rebate programs. The bike has a claimed range of 60+ miles, but these claims are generally optimistic, based on level ground and perfect conditions.

Our range test garnered 24.6 miles with over 1500' in elevation gain. This is a touch more than we got out of the RadRunner 3, likely due to less rolling resistance from the new tires. If this doesn't seem like enough range for your ambitions, the bike is compatible with a second battery that should increase its range by almost 50%.

Previous Next

Power

As with many bikes in this category, the Max features a 750W motor built into the rear hub; however, unlike previous models, it isn't limited to Class 1/2 speeds. The extra speed is a welcome addition, making the bike quicker, more convenient, and more versatile. Riding the bike up a steep grade, it accelerated to 19.0 mph and then fell to 16.4 mph as the grade increased to 9%.

The bike feels so stable that 20 mph doesn't feel fast enough, so we love riding this bike in Class 3 mode; it's finally fast enough. On flat ground, you're not exactly bending light, but the bike reaches 20 mph in 7.1 seconds. On the dyno, the bike generated 42Nm of torque and 1000 watts at peak power.

Interface

The new centrally mounted display is a giant leap forward for this bike. Gone is the strange double display and awkward ergonomics of the old RadRunner. The new high-contrast, full-color display has a viewable area of 3" x 2" and features a graphical layout that is reminiscent of other new Rad Power bikes. Your current speed is displayed at the center of the black screen in white numbers, while the current pedal assist setting is shown just below, highlighted in orange. The top of the screen displays the percentage of remaining battery and remaining range, and below it, a green bar that represents a graphical depiction of your range. The top corners of the screen show an odometer and power meter that display the motor's output. This all comes together to allow you to glean your ride data at a glance. It all feels intuitive, well laid out, and aside from the large screen size, relatively basic. That is until you start riding..

The sides of the screen pack a high-tech surprise from the bike's built-in radar sensors. When a car or cyclist is approaching from the rear, the bike detects that and your display flashes a warning. An icon appears, indicating which side they're approaching from, and the delta between your speed and theirs is displayed next to it. Something like a digital mirror, it took us about two rides to push aside any skepticism we were harboring about the technology. The visual heads-up works up to 100 meters out, and when a vehicle is detected, the Spanning HALO+ rear light starts flashing rapidly, even when the bike's lights are off.

You interact with the bike through an updated 6-button remote. The power button is positioned forward and can be activated with an index finger, while the top of the remote features buttons that are easily controlled with your thumb. At the top of the remote are the left and right turn signals, and below are standard plus and minus buttons for the pedal assist settings, as well as a menu button that allows access to the bike's settings. The bike features an ambient light sensor that automatically turns the lights on and dims the screen in low-light conditions, and it remembers your settings from the last ride. The LED headlight produces 450 lumens in standard mode and 750 lumens in high beam. You can also set it to flash for daytime use. All in all, it's an incredibly well-integrated light and radar setup that increased my feelings of safety throughout testing.

As with other new Rad Power bikes, a UL-certified 672Wh Safe Shield battery nests into the downtube. The battery has a row of LED lights and a button that allows you to check its state of charge when it's not mounted to the bike or the bike is powered off. The charge port is located at the top of the battery, protected by a rubber cover that provides an IPX6 ingress protection rating, allowing it to withstand all conditions except water immersion. New for this model is USB-C charging, which allows you to charge your device while riding, enabling you to use your phone for navigation.

Previous Next

Assembly

For most people in the United States, the RadRunner Max ships directly to your doorstep. There are some exceptions where Rad maintains brick-and-mortar stores that offer test rides and sell assembled bikes. For the rest of us, the bike arrives in an artistically styled cardboard box and requires a few steps before you can get out to enjoy the ride.

Once the packaging is removed, the handlebars, front wheel, kickstand, and pedals need to be installed. While none of the assembly tasks are technically complicated, the bike is quite heavy, so having an extra set of hands may be helpful. Once the center mount kickstand is mounted, you can rest the partially assembled bike on its supports and finish the assembly. You'll install the headlight and front fender, charge the battery, and inflate the tires to finish the process. The entire build took us about 25 minutes, and topping off the battery took only a few more minutes. Charging from empty with the bike's 2-amp charger takes 7 hours.

Rad Power ships the bike with a Quick Reference Guide and a manual that outlines the assembly steps. If you're a visual learner, you can view a step-by-step assembly video on their website. All the necessary tools are included, and the process can be completed by almost anyone willing to follow a few simple steps.

Should You Buy the Rad Power RadRunner Max?

We're delighted with the simplicity, user-friendliness, and ride quality of this bike. Its appearance is quirky but wildly functional. The bike is comfortable, convenient for errands, powerful enough to tackle hills, and can haul up to 420 pounds. The ability to add a second battery, haul a passenger, or add cargo racks sets this bike apart from its competitors. All of this versatility doesn't come without a downside, and that is the bike's weight. Weighing over 80 pounds means you'll be hard pressed to get it up a flight of stairs or find a bike rack capable of hauling it. If your plans don't involve lifting the bike, you'll be rewarded with an awesome bike that delights with its easy-to-use tech and smile-inducing ride.

What Other E-Bikes Should You Consider?

There are some similarities between this bike and the Specialized Globe Haul ST, but the Haul ST is a bit more expensive and has far more expensive accessories. It also lacks the iOS Find My capabilities and cool radar. If you need a bit more room, the Rad Power RadWagon 5 is among our favorite cargo bikes. The RadWagon is a longer version of this bike and will challenge your assumptions of what you can accomplish on a bike. If you're on a budget but want a compact bike with more utility than most, the Lectric XP 3.0 is a great bike and a great value.