I’ve always been curious about the world of electric trikes, and the Rad Power Bikes RadTrike has certainly piqued my interest. With its promise of a comfortable and stable ride, coupled with the convenience of electric power, it seemed like the perfect vehicle to explore my city.
Join me as I delve into the details of my experience with the RadTrike. I’ll discuss how it feels to ride, its range, and speed. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a newcomer to the electric vehicle world, this review is for you.
First Impressions: A Functional Trike with Room for Improvement
From the moment I unboxed the Rad Power Bikes RadTrike, I was immediately drawn to its bold color scheme and sturdy construction. While the gray paint job may be the only option, it certainly adds a touch of personality to the bike. However, I must admit that the overall aesthetics could be improved. The exposed wires and batteries give it a somewhat DIY look, which feels out of place in today’s market where many e-bike brands are offering sleek and integrated designs.
One of the standout features of the RadTrike is its wide wheelbase, which provides excellent stability. However, this also means that it might not fit through narrow doorways. If you’re planning to store it indoors, be sure to measure your entrances carefully.
The assembly process was straightforward, although I did encounter a few challenges. Putting together the middle frame required a bit more effort than anticipated, particularly when aligning the components. The handlebars were easy to install, as were the pedals and front light, which fit seamlessly into place. However, attaching the rear fenders proved to be a bit more time-consuming due to their design and proximity to the rear axle cover.
Design and Features: A Focus on Stability and Utility
The Rad Power Bikes RadTrike features a set of narrower 18×2.25” tires, which strikes a trade-off between stability and off-road capability. These smaller tires help the tricycle sit lower, contributing to a more stable and balanced ride on hard-packed surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and well-maintained trails. However, this lower profile does come with a downside: the impact of bumps is more pronounced, making it less comfortable on uneven terrain. If tackling soft dirt or sand is a priority for your adventures, you might want to consider a trike with wider tires, such as 4 inches or more, to better handle those conditions.
Despite the narrower tires, the RadTrike still offers a respectable weight capacity. It can accommodate a rider up to 325 pounds, plus an additional 60 pounds on the rear rack and 30 pounds on the optional front rack. This makes it a versatile option for carrying cargo or passengers.
The RadTrike’s versatility is further enhanced by its wide range of accessories. From rear baskets and trailers to waterproof storage bins and front racks, there’s something to suit every need. While these accessories can add to the overall cost, they are known for their high quality and durability.
Power and Range: A Reliable Performer
The Rad Power Bikes RadTrike is equipped with a 750-watt front hub motor, providing ample power to tackle hills and reach a top speed of 14 mph. With five pedal assist settings, you can customize the level of assistance to suit your riding style and terrain. Even in the highest pedal assist setting, the RadTrike maintains a comfortable and controlled ride, making it suitable for riders of all skill levels.
Rad has incorporated a clever design for the drive system. When pedaling, only the rear right wheel is driven, while the rear left wheel glides smoothly on bearings. This unique setup helps to prevent the trike from tipping over, especially when turning at slower speeds. Additionally, it reduces wear and tear on the drivetrain components, resulting in longer-lasting performance.
In terms of range, the RadTrike’s removable 48V 10 Ah battery offers a claimed range of 55 miles. While this is achievable under ideal conditions, a more realistic estimate for most riders is around 30-45 miles, especially when combining pedaling and throttle use. Factors like hills, wind, and payload can also affect the range.
The RadTrike’s battery is easily removable, allowing for convenient charging and even the possibility of carrying a spare battery for extended rides.
Braking Performance: Reliable and Versatile
The RadTrike’s braking system is a bit of a throwback, but it gets the job done. Up front, you’ve got a mechanical disc brake with a 180mm rotor, which provides solid stopping power and is paired with a motor cutoff switch that automatically stops the motor when the brake lever is pulled. This is a feature I really appreciated—knowing that when I pull that lever, the trike will stop moving under motor power gives me peace of mind, especially on downhill rides or when approaching intersections.
But then there’s the coaster brake on the rear, which feels like a bit of a nostalgia trip. While it’s nice to have the option to back-pedal to stop, the braking power doesn’t quite match the front disc brake. I found the coaster brake to be more of a backup—helpful in a pinch, but not something I’d want to rely on entirely for bringing the trike to a complete stop.
One of my favorite features on the RadTrike is the parking brake. It’s a simple thing, but when you’re stopped on a hill or loading groceries, knowing that the trike isn’t going to roll away on you is a big relief. It locks the wheels securely and gives you the confidence to park just about anywhere without worrying about it creeping forward or backward.
And speaking of moving backward, the reverse mode is a total game-changer. If you’ve ever ridden a trike, you know turning around in tight spaces can be a bit of a hassle, especially with that wider stance. But with the reverse feature, you can just back right out of tricky spots, no need to awkwardly maneuver. It’s a small feature, but one that makes the RadTrike that much more user-friendly.
Riding Experience: Gradual Power, but Quite the Workout
Starting out on the RadTrike without pedal assist was a bit of a reality check—it’s a heavy trike at 82 lbs, and without gears, pedaling felt like a bit of a grind, especially on flat streets. I can imagine for anyone with mobility issues or those simply looking for an easy, stable ride, that weight could become tiring pretty quickly.
Once I kicked on the pedal assist, I immediately felt the difference. The cadence sensor was super responsive—within moments, I could feel the motor doing its thing. At first, the power delivery was subtle, which I appreciated for navigating slower, steadier rides. It wasn’t overwhelming, just enough to give me a break from pedaling. But honestly, when I moved up to the higher assist modes, that’s when I really started to have fun. By the time I hit the fourth mode, it was like the trike woke up—there was a strong, noticeable boost that made riding a breeze, even over slightly rougher surfaces.
When I pushed it to the highest assist mode, things got a little wild. The trike surged forward with power, and suddenly, I was at top speed—around 14 mph. I’ll admit, I wasn’t really pedaling at this point; it was more like “ghost pedaling,” where my legs were moving, but the motor was doing all the work.
One thing that stood out was the comfort of the seat. Having a backrest made longer rides much more enjoyable, and I liked that you could adjust the seat height depending on whether you wanted to pedal or just throttle along.
Speaking of the throttle, Rad Power Bikes went with a half-twist throttle on this trike. Personally, I usually prefer a thumb throttle; it feels safer and more controlled to me. With a twist throttle, I’ve seen situations where older riders, or even just anyone not used to the design, might accidentally twist it when grabbing the grips, causing the trike to suddenly take off.
Extras That Enhance the Ride
The RadTrike comes equipped with a few thoughtful extras that really add to the overall experience. First up are the fenders. You’ve got one up front and two over the rear wheels, all with small rubber flaps at the bottom. These fenders do a great job of keeping dirt, water, and loose debris from spraying up as you ride, especially when you’re cruising on gravel paths or after a rainy day. It’s a small detail, but one that adds a lot to the practicality of the trike, keeping you and your cargo cleaner as you go.
The cockpit design on the RadTrike is simple and functional, which I really appreciate. The single brake lever and small display keep the handlebars uncluttered, making it easier to focus on the ride. The display itself, while compact, is easy to read and gives you all the vital information at a glance—battery level, pedal assist mode (PAS), and whether your lights are on or off. The buttons are well-placed and intuitive.
Both front and rear lights come standard, and they can be easily activated right from the cockpit. Just a press of a button on the display, and you’re ready to ride safely, whether you’re commuting home at dusk or navigating dimly lit trails.
Opportunities for Improvement and Practical Considerations
At 82 pounds (37 kg), the RadTrike is not exactly light. While it’s manageable for everyday use, transporting it can be a bit of a challenge. I tried folding the handlebars down and removing the seat post to fit it into my car, but even then, I needed an extra set of hands to help get it in.
One thing I found surprising is that the RadTrike doesn’t come with any baskets as standard equipment. Given the flatbed design at the rear, which seems perfect for carrying cargo, it feels like an opportunity missed. While you can buy baskets as accessories, including one as standard would make the RadTrike even more practical straight out of the box.
Another area where I think Rad Power Bikes could improve is their customer service. A phone line could help troubleshoot issues more quickly and give peace of mind to customers who might not be as comfortable with tech-based solutions. It’s a minor gripe, but one that could make a big difference for overall customer satisfaction.