When it comes to electric bikes, the Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus isn’t the lightest, fastest, or flashiest, but it’s one of the best for those who want a solid, reliable ride. It’s extremely comfortable, gives you a good view of traffic, and its design makes it easy to add accessories. Additionally, during testing for this Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus review I found that the bike’s motor is quite powerful and its battery offers enough range for all but the longest trips.
Add to that lights, fenders, a rear rack, and plenty of mounting points, all for a reasonable price, and you have the best electric bike for most people.
Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus Review: Price and Availability
The Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus went on sale in September 2021 (when we first reviewed the bike) and was originally $1,799. As of 2024, its regular price is $1,999, though it’s regularly discounted. You can also take a look at our Rad Power Bikes promo codes to see if you can reduce the cost.
The RadCity 5 Plus is available in two configurations: a walk-through model and a walk-through model. I had the opportunity to ride both and found them equally comfortable. Rad Power says the step-in model is best for riders 4’8″ to 6′, while the step-in model is best for those 5’4″ to 6’5″. The step-in model is available in carbon , white or orange, while the step-through model only comes in charcoal.
As someone who is 6 feet tall with a 32-inch inseam, I found the step-in model to be too compact for my taste, but it was much easier to get in and out of than the step-in model, especially when I had a child seat in it. the rear luggage rack.
Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus Review: Design
While not as aesthetically clean as the now-defunct VanMoof S3, the RadCity 5 Plus has a nice, robust family feel.
In both versions, a large removable rectangular battery partially protrudes from the down tube; While it would look sleeker if it were flush, it’s not a deal breaker. My biggest quibble is the mess of cables that run from the handlebars to the main body of the bike; While they are perfectly organized, there are so many that it can seem like a real jumble.
Rad Power includes as many mounting points as you could ask for: above the front fork are four bolt holes for a front basket, and the bike also comes with a rear rack, to which you can attach a child seat, panniers, and more.
In the center of the handlebars is a small LED display that shows your current speed and how much power the bike’s rear hub motor is delivering. Next to the left handlebar is a smaller screen that shows what level of assistance you’re using, as well as whether the bike lights are on.
Two buttons to the right of the screen let you adjust the assistance level and turn the lights on and off. While being able to see what this screen displays is less crucial than the main screen, I wish it were a little brighter, as it was difficult to see in direct sunlight.
The RadCity 5 Plus’s partially discharged battery locks into place with a key and is easily removed. A small battery meter on the top end shows you how much power is left. The bike comes with front and rear lights, and fenders also come standard, a nice touch. To top it all off, there are the hydraulic brakes that responded very well.
Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus Review: Performance
This is a nice bike. While strolling around my neighborhood, I appreciated the RadCity 5 Plus’ beach cruiser-style setup, which allowed me to take in everything around me. It’s also useful if you’re traveling around town and need to be alert for cars.
The bike’s front shock absorbers helped smooth out the bumps in the road, but my son still asked me why the road was bumpy.
The leatherette grips were incredibly comfortable, with just the right combination of padding and grip; The palms of my hands felt as good after my walks as before.
The RadCity’s pedal assist engaged very quickly and smoothly, as did the throttle. The RadCity 5 has a conventional Shimano 7-speed shifter which was quick, but I often found myself in too high a gear after stopping and trying to start pedaling again; I quickly learned to twist the throttle on start-up to accelerate quickly.
Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus review: Battery life and range
Rad Power says the RadCity 5’s 48V, 14Ah (672Wh) battery, combined with redesigned tires, give this bike 11% more range than the RadCity 3, its previous generation commuter bike. which costs $1,599 and has an advertised range of 45 miles.
The range, of course, depends largely on a variety of factors. After about 20 miles of riding over somewhat hilly terrain (mostly with a 27-pound toddler on my back) using the highest assist level and occasional throttle, I had used 50 to 60 percent of the throttle. remaining battery.
Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus Review: Competition
The RadCity 5 Plus competes with many other urban-style electric bikes in the $1,500 to $2,000 price range. There are too many to list here, but to give just a couple of examples, you could also consider the Charge Bikes City or the Aventon Pace 500.
For $100 less, the Charge Bikes City offers similar performance, but has some features, like folding handlebars and pedals, that make it better suited for apartment dwellers. It also has fenders, lights and comes with a rear luggage rack. However, the rear frame of the RadCity 5 can support more weight (up to 275 pounds) and has more mounting points in the front.
The Aventon Pace 500 ($1,500) also advertises a range of 40 miles and a top speed of 28 miles per hour, although accessories, such as fenders, lights, and a rear rack, are sold separately.
Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus Review: Verdict
While Rad Power calls this e-bike the RadCity 5 Plus, it’s also great for the suburbs. It is very comfortable to ride, offers a lot of power and has a series of comforts and accessories that make it very versatile, which is why it is at the top of our list of the best electric bicycles.
Those who live in smaller spaces may prefer the Charge Bikes City or even a folding bike like the Brompton Electric. If space is less of a concern, the RadPower RadCity 5 Plus should be at the top of your list, and if you want to haul a lot of cargo (or your kids), the RadRunner 3 Plus is also one to consider if you’re looking for a great ride. in general.