RadPower RadCity 5 Plus Review Capable Powerful Heavy
RadPower RadCity 5 Plus Review: Capable, Powerful, Heavy Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Best Products > Toys & Games
Lifewire / Matthew S. Smith
Final Verdict A capable mid-range electric bike. RadPower’s RadCity 5 Plus is great for long commutes or hauling cargo. It has ample power and a relaxed ride. Just avoid carrying its bulky frame up a flight of stairs.
RadPower RadCity 5 Plus Review
This ebike has the power
By Matthew S. Smith Matthew S. Smith Writer Beloit College Matthew S. Smith has been writing about consumer tech since 2007. Formerly the Lead Editor at Digital Trends, he's also written for PC Mag, TechHive, and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on December 8, 2021 Tweet Share Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 4RadPower RadCity 5 Plus
RadPower What We Like Powerful motor Good battery range Many standard features What We Don't Like Very heavy Does not feel agile Mediocre brakes The RadCity 5 Plus is a capable and powerful electric bike for commuters who need to haul some cargo. View On Radpowerbikes.com 4RadPower RadCity 5 Plus
RadPower View On Radpowerbikes.com in this article Expand Design Performance Battery Life What’s New Price RadPower RadCity 5 vs Aventon Level Final Verdict Specs RadCity provided us with a review unit for one of our writers to test. Read on for their full take. The RadPower RadCity 5 is a mid-range electric city bike available for $1,799. Offering a powerful hub motor and many standard features, it will appeal to riders who want a relaxed, capable ebike that can haul groceries without a big impact on performance.Design Handsome and utilitarian
I like the RadCity 5’s look. It’s a handsome and utilitarian machine. The beefy rear rack, squared-off battery pack, and unassuming charcoal color create an impression of strength and reliability. The RadCity 5 comes with the rear rack, headlamp, tail lamp, fenders, and pedals included. This is the bike’s only configuration: additional accessories are available but sold separately. It’s great to see these features included. Lifewire / Matthew S. Smith This bike comes in just one size. The seat and handlebars are both adjustable to accommodate different riders. RadCity says it will fit riders between 5’ 4” and 6’ 5”. I’m 6’ 1” and found the bike comfortable. It’s a hefty beast at 65 pounds, more than any single-seat ebike I’ve tried in 2021. Lifting the bike up on a curb or up steps is a chore. Even lifting the bike to turn it around in a tight space, like a single-car garage, is awkward. This is worth considering if you have issues with back or joint pain. My knees aren’t the best, and I wouldn’t be eager to haul this bike up a few stairs.Performance Built with power
The bike is powered by a 750-watt hub motor connected to a 7-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain. This defines the bike’s character. The RadCity 5, like a truck or SUV, is more about power, torque, and acceleration than elegance, refinement, or agility. The bike’s weight, wide handlebars, and relaxed seating position make for a leisurely experience. This bike has grunt. The hub motor quickly responds to pedal movement and, at its top speed assist setting of five, will soon send you flying down the road at the bike’s maximum pedal-assisted speed of 20 miles per hour (any speed beyond that is up to you). A twist throttle provides on-demand access to torque. Lifewire / Matthew S. Smith However, this is not a bike for thrill-seekers. Its power is useful for hauling groceries home in comfort, not hauling yourself down a bike path at breakneck speed. The bike’s weight, wide handlebars, and relaxed seating position make for a leisurely experience. I wasn’t impressed by the brakes. The front and rear 180mm hydraulic discs are adequate on flat terrain but overmatched on downhill slopes and at high speeds. Coming to a halt in a hurry requires a mighty squeeze of the levers.Battery Life Great for quick commutes
The RadCity 5 has a 48-volt, 14 amp-hour battery, which works out to 672 watt-hours. That’s a large battery for an electric bike in the RadCity’s price range. RadPower promises up to 50 miles on a charge. If your commute is flat, and you don’t have an excessive need for speed, the battery will provide several days of use. Lifewire / Matthew S. Smith That proved true. My longest ride was just over 25 miles, during which I flipped the motor-assist level between two and three, and the battery still had well over half its charge left when I returned. Most commutes are ten miles or less. If your commute is flat, and you don’t have an excessive need for speed, the battery will provide several days of use before it needs to be charged. Riders who frequently top-up can easily handle unexpected errands without worrying about range.What s New A fresh look
The RadCity 5 Plus has a more attractive look and better LCD display than RadPower’s older RadCity 4, which is available for $1,499. The two bikes are similar in power, weight, and standard features.Lifewire / Matthew S. Smith
Price It adds up
The RadPower RadCity 5 Plus starts at $1,799. The model I tested came with several accessories, including an $89 front basket and a $19 cell phone clip. RadPower offers a variety of utilitarian optional upgrades such as mirrors, baskets, and wheel locks.RadPower RadCity 5 vs Aventon Level
Dozens of bikes compete with the RadPower RadCity 5, but the Aventon Level is the most notable. The Level lacks lights in its standard configuration but has a higher maximum pedal-assist speed of 28 miles per hour. It’s available in three different frame sizes and has a short, straight handlebar configuration that’s more agile yet less relaxed. The two bikes are similar in price, power, weight, and battery capacity.Final Verdict A capable mid-range electric bike. RadPower’s RadCity 5 Plus is great for long commutes or hauling cargo. It has ample power and a relaxed ride. Just avoid carrying its bulky frame up a flight of stairs.