You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
What we sayin'?
I've been looking around a bit at entry-level ebikes for my sister who has some mobility issues, and came across these.
Can't decide if they look pretty mega, or maybe a bit rubbish. It's a thin line. As a fatbikeist, I quite like the chunky aesthetic.
They do a cargo version and several others which are all quite different looking. The price seems pretty good for what they are. They use a Bafang system but presumably the ones with suss forks are going to be a bit low-rent.
Do they use a throttle? Is that UK legal?
What we sayin'?
The Europe models don't have a throttle, I don't think, and other specs differ, so check that.
I'm seriously thinking of getting a Radwagon 4 to replace my Kona Minute to carry kids and my wife could use it too. Amazing value compared to a Tern GSD for example. Even where you can see they've cut costs - hub motor, cable brakes - the price is still less than you'd expect. 22" wheels is a bit weird though.
Until recently I think all their models had 750W motors which were 1Le-A class and therefore had to be DVLA registered and treated as a moped, but there is a new Radwagon shipping in September which has a new 250W motor which is regular e-bike classification in europe. The price is amazing, competing with conventional cargo bikes rather than the e-cargo lot which are 2-3 times more.
Got a slight hint from forums and facebook that reliability of the motors might not be all that, which could be the upshot of the price point - but then you can find people complaining about anything on the internet. 2 year warranty though.
Yeah and if the motors are Bafang, then I guess you could replace them 'relatively cheaply'..
there is a new Radwagon shipping in September which has a new 250W motor which is regular e-bike classification in europe
The ones on the site there are all 250w I think. Though I think they're all out of stock so maybe as you say, September release is a different motor power.
The Europe models don’t have a throttle, I don’t think, and other specs differ, so check that.
It says something about a 'Half twist power assist'.
Also, I used to call my Berlingo the #Radwagon, so this is like a sign from God or something.
they have a new EU compliant Tern GSD rival (but lots cheaper):
https://radpowerbikes.eu/products/radwagon-electric-cargo-bike?variant=32469828141149
Low step through never gets old on a utility bike. Male or female. Doesn’t matter.
With the singlespeed gearing on that bike (which does look a bargain) you'd need to be pretty sure it didn't run out of charge 'cause it'd be a lot of work getting it up a hill without assistance.
^^ Yeah looks like they're all 250W now which is cool.
Just got a 2nd hand Kona Ute (not E) for the school run, otherwise would be very tempted to pre-order a RadWagon.
Looks like the twist assist gets you off the mark - having ridden my Ute loaded up with shopping getting started is the hardest bit about riding it.
Twist Power Assist
Half grip twist power assist up to 6 km/h without pedaling
That sounds like walk mode, which lots of legal (I assume) ebikes have.
So, I just pre-ordered a Rad Wagon. I'll report back what it's like. The discount for pre-order ends tomorrow. Also was able to split payment over 3 months without interest.
Sweet. Be interested to hear what they're like.
Maybe I live under a rock, but I'd be very wary of 22" tyres on the Rad Wagon 4, not a + size I've come across before.
Yeah,I think Kenda made them especially.
22" is a new school BMX size, plenty of options.
Some great prices - Bafang stuff has plenty of DIY support with all the internals parts available.