Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 Review: The Best-Value E-Cargo Bike Just Got Better
Editorial Team
2024-07-31The RadWagon 4 used to be a huge hit among families and small businesses looking for an affordable and sustainable way to move around.
Now that Rad Power Bikes has released the 5th generation, the RadWagon 5, we’re wondering if it’s going to achieve the same (or even better) success. At first glance, we’re inclined to answer positively.
The RadWagon 5 preserved the previous version’s rugged approach but stepped up the e-cargo game with a more powerful motor, better battery, higher safety standards, and more sophisticated accessories.
Let’s take a closer look at its main features, the biggest selling points and determine whether the RadWagon is still one of the best bang-for-buck electric cargo bikes on the market.
Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 Main Specs:
- MSRP: $2,399
- Motor: 750W (90 Nm) rear hub (28 mph top speed)
- Battery: 48V, 15 Ah (720 Wh)
- Range: 20-60 miles
- Drivetrain: Shimano Tourney 7-Speed
- Brakes: Hydraulic dual-piston disc brakes
- Tires: 20″ x 3.3″
- Weight: 86 lb
- Payload Capacity: 375 lb, 265 lb max rider weight
- Rear Rack Capacity: 120 lb
- Sizing: 4’11” – 6’3″ (150-190 cm)
Learn More on RadPowerBikes.com
Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 Full Review
The Rad Power Bikes RadWagon is the perfect electric cargo bike for families with kids or anyone else who needs a reliable and sturdy way of transporting up to 375 lb of stuff on a reasonable budget.
The brand new RadWagon 5 is outfitted with a 90 Nm motor and a 720 Wh battery, offering a 28 mph top speed and a range of up to 60 miles. This will meet and exceed the needs of most riders.
On top of that, this cargo e-bike is ready for some serious hauling with smaller but wider 20″ x 3.3″ wheels and tires, a fireproof battery pack, and city-friendly accessories like front and rear lights with turn signals.
What we like best is that the RadWagon 5 offers countless options for customizations, just like RadWagon 4, allowing you to outfit it for any mission.
However, at this price ($2,399 MSRP at the moment) it’s not a surprise that this e-bike also has some drawbacks, the biggest ones of which being the 86 lb weight and a slow 7.5h charge time.
Still, in our opinion, the pros far outweigh the cons.
Motor and Battery
The RadWagon 5 boasts an all new brushless, geared hub motor that produces 750W of power and 90Nm of torque, making it a better climber compared to the previous model.
It offers five levels of pedal assist and a Walk mode, plus a removable half-twist throttle.
The motor supports all three classes, so you can set the maximum speed up to 28 mph, or lower it down if you need to comply with e-bike laws in your area.
The battery has received a complete overhaul as well. The 48V 15 Ah powerpack comes with Safe Shield technology that coats each battery cell with fire-resistant resin, lowering the risk of e-bike battery related fires.
The RadWagon 5 also comes with a torque sensor instead of a cadence sensor that we’re so used to seeing on other Rad Power Bikes models.
As a result, the power delivery should be much smoother, and riding the bike should feel a lot more natural than before even when fully loaded.
Frame and Fork
The frame doesn’t hide any major changes compared to RadWagon’s previous version. It’s made from 6000 aluminum and comes paired with a 45 mm suspension fork that greatly improves the comfort and handling, especially when riding a loaded bike.
Thanks to the smaller diameter wheels, the frame itself sits lower than before, which makes it a lot more stable, but also easier to load.
The step-through height is around 21 inches, which is quite convenient for most riders. Unfortunately, only one frame size is available, but it fits riders between 4’11” – 6’3″ (150-190 cm) tall, which is a pretty solid height range.
The RadWagon 5 also boasts a telescoping seat post and BMX-style riser handlebars, so it’s easily adjustable to fit the entire family.
Drivetrain and Brakes
The drivetrain department leaves us a bit underwhelmed. We feel that Rad Power Bikes could have done slightly better and outfitted the RadWagon 5 with a better groupset.
This cargo e-bike comes with a 7-speed Shimano Altus rear derailleur, which is one of the lowest groups you can get from Shimano’s hierarchy.
Now, to be realistic, most people probably won’t do too much pedaling but will instead rely on the throttle to move forward, especially when riding uphill. Still, many RadWagon’s competitors have Acera, or even Alivio rear derailleurs with 8 or 9 gears, such as the Packer 1 e-bike by Velotric.
On the other note, we love the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. They do a great job of stopping this gargantuan and are a welcome improvement over the mechanical disc brakes found on the RadWagon 4.
Wheels and Tires
Rad Power Bikes decided to outfit the RadWagon 5 with smaller 20-inch wheels, which is a welcome change.
If you’re carrying a lot of additional weight, you want it to be positioned as low as possible because a low center of gravity translates to better stability.
On top of that, the smaller wheels also lower the standover height and the rear rack height, so the RadWagon 5 is easier to load and unload, as well as mount and dismount.
If you’re transporting kids, you want to lift them as little as possible to be able to put them inside the child seat.
The 3.3-inch tires are pretty wide and stable and handle the additional weight well. They also offer more dampening, so the bike feels more comfortable than before.
Accessories
When it comes to accessories, the RadWagon 5 definitely doesn’t come barebones, but we would love to see a few more stock e-bike accessories included.
The bike comes with front and rear lights, a dual-leg kickstand, front and rear fenders, a rear wheel guard, and an integrated rear rack.
While that’s not bad at all, you won’t be able to carry cargo without investing in a few other accessories. Some of the options you can choose from on the official website include front and rear baskets, hardshell and softshell panniers, a pet basket carrier, a deckpad for passengers, and a lot more.
Essentially, by spending another couple of hundred dollars, you can prepare your RadWagon 5 for any job, including transporting kids, doing grocery shopping, handling deliveries, and so on.
What Can Be Better on the RadWagon 5?
All things considered, Rad Power Bikes did a phenomenal job with the RadWagon 5. The new model bears resemblance to the previous version but offers several important improvements. However, it’s not perfect, nor do we expect it to be at the $2,399 price tag.
Firstly, the RadWagon 5 is heavy. It weighs around 86 lb with the battery, which is quite hefty. The battery can be removed, but that won’t make too much of a difference if you plan to lift it and load it in your truck, for example.
Secondly, the stock accessory package could be better. We’d love to see a deckpad over the rear rack as well as running boards for passengers. Unfortunately, you don’t get any of that, though you do get some great additions such as lights with turn signals and a very sturdy kickstand.
Another potential issue is the cost of accessories. While they’re not the most expensive we’ve seen from direct-to-consumer brands, a deckpad and running boards will cost you $200. A large front basket costs $120, a caboose costs $200, and a pannier costs $90. These expenses can quickly add up depending on what extras you need for your day-to-day tasks.
Finally, the 20-60-mile range is an accurate estimate by Rad Power Bikes, but it’s not impressive, nor is the 7.5h charge time. Plus, there’s no possibility to add a range extender, which some families and small businesses end up needing.
Other Rad Power E-Bikes We Have Reviewed:
- Rad Power Bikes Radster Review
- Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Review
- Rad Power Bikes RadTrike Review
- Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Review
- Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Review
- Rad Power Bikes RadRunner E-Bike Review
Who Should Consider Buying the RadWagon 5?
The RadWagon 5 is ideal for families, small businesses, and anyone in need of a versatile and reliable e-cargo bike. There are both cheaper and more expensive options out there, but the RadWagon offers an excellent balance between the price and the features you get.
With its powerful 750W motor, 720 Wh battery, and a payload capacity of 375 lbs, this bike is perfect for hauling groceries, running errands, or transporting kids.
The bike’s smaller, wider tires provide enhanced stability and comfort, while the hydraulic disc brakes ensure safe stopping power.
Although it’s on the heavier side at 86 lb and requires additional investment in accessories, its robust build and customizable options make it a practical choice for those seeking an eco-friendly and budget-conscious transportation solution.
If you’re looking for a dependable e-cargo bike that combines power, safety, and versatility, the RadWagon 5 is a standout option.
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