The RadCity 5 Plus, an updated model of the RadCity Plus with premium amenities, was unveiled today by Rad Power Bikes. Rad claims that it is its most powerful attempt to make a bike that can replace a car, and they’ve certainly made a compelling case.
Rad Power Bikes has taken its original commuter but added a lot of new features, which appears to be a pattern for the brand. At $1,999, these features should give the RadCity Plus a compelling option. It appears to be a pattern for Rad, as they recently announced the RadRover 6 Plus, which follows in the footsteps of the RadRover. The RadCity 5 Plus costs $1,999, however the RadCity 4 & RadCity Step-Thru 3 are both $1,599 right now. Is the RadCity 5 Plus, therefore, worth the extra cash? Let’s get started with our RadCity 5 Plus written review, or watch our full video review.
What you will see here?
Price and availability
This Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus came on the market in September 2021 for $1,799, and it comes in two colors: charcoal and white.
A step-through, as well as a step-over model, are both available for the RadCity 5 Plus. Both are equally comfortable. The step-through type is recommended for riders who are 4’8″ to 6′ tall, whereas the step-over is recommended for those who are 5’4″ to 6’5″ tall.
The step-through type was a little too compact for my liking at 6 feet tall with a 32-inch inseam. But it was significantly easier to get on and off than that of the step-over version.
Design
The RadCity 5 Plus does have a solid, sturdy familiar feel to it. Even if it isn’t as cosmetically pleasing as the VanMoof S3.
A huge detachable rectangular power pack protrudes partially from the downtube in both versions; although it would look better if was flush, it’s not a dealbreaker. The confusion of wires that reach from the handlebars to the main structure of the bike is my major gripe; while they organize well, so many that it can look like such a jumble.
Rad Power comes with a plethora of mounting options, including There are four bolt holes next to the front fork for a front basket, and the bike also includes a rear rack for attaching a kid seat, panniers, and other items.
A small LED display in the center of the handlebars displays your actual speed and the amount of power produced by the bike’s rear hub motor. A tiny display beside the left handlebar shows the level of assist you’re utilizing as well as whether the bike’s lights are turned on.
Adjust the level of assistance and turn the lights on and off with two buttons just on the right of the display. While seeing what this screen was showing is less important than seeing what the main display is showing, I did wish it was a little brighter because it was difficult to see that in direct sunlight.
The partially flush battery of the Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus is secured with a key and easily removed. A little battery meter on the top end displays the remaining charge. The bike comes with head and taillights, as well as mudguards, which is a great touch. Hydraulic brakes, which were extremely responsive, topped it all off.
Performance
This is a fun bike to ride. The Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus beach cruiser-style layout let you truly take in everything as you ride about your neighborhood. It’s also useful if you’re cycling in a city and must be aware of oncoming traffic.
Although the front shock absorbers on the bike help to smooth out bumps in the road.
The faux-leather handgrips were wonderfully comfortable, with just the proper amount of padding and grip.
The RadCity’s pedal-assist and throttle both came on fast and smoothly. The RadCity 5 features a speedy Shimano 7-speed shifter. You will quickly learn to twist the throttle when starting to rapidly get up to speed.
Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus New hydraulic brakes
Hydraulic brakes replace the usual mechanical brakes on the new RadCity 5 Plus, providing the greatest stopping power when coupled with ceramic pads. The brakes will have a lighter touch than cable-actuated hydraulic disc brakes thanks to customizable levers and an ergonomic design. We’ve been trying the RadRover 6 Plus, which comes equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, which is a unique feature. In comparison to the non-Plus Rad Power Bikes’ models, it’s also the update you’re most likely to like.
Battery life
The battery is now semi-integrated, slipping directly into the frame for a considerably more streamlined look. Its 10-LED display on the battery’s top should also help you keep track of the battery’s charge. The RadCity 5 Plus uses the same battery also as RadRover 6 Plus. But it’s considerably easier to install and remove. It’s a better design than the slide-on shark’s batteries used on previous Rad Power Bikes models, which can be difficult to remove at times.
It’s worth noting that the Plus models’ batteries can no longer be switches-off. This means you can’t prevent someone from starting the bike while the battery installs. When locking up your E-bike, we recommend removing the batteries. Specifically, if you live in areas where bike theft is widespread.
Suspension
The Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus suspension has 50 mm of travel and a tool-free spring preload adjustment system to modify fork stiffness for different circumstances. When compared to other RadCity models, this has half the travel. But if you’re riding in the city, the 50mm should suffice. As we previously noted, the tweak to the front fork was probably intended to help modify the geometry of a bike to accommodate larger riders. The fork is also e-bike-specific, as it complies with EN-15194.
Custom tires
The newly revised tires increase the range by 11%. It allows riders to go from 28 and 50 miles on a single battery charge, according to Rad Power Bikes. It comes with 27.5′′ puncture-resistant tires with a 2′′ width, which is a narrower designs tire for commuting. Other RadCity models currently have 26′′ x 2.3′′ tires, thus this is a new tire size for Rad Power Bikes. The RadCity 5 Plus, like earlier versions, has reflective sidewalls for better visibility in urban areas.
Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus Custom Geared Motor
For the RadCity 5 Plus, Rad upgraded its motor, allowing it to climb hills 40% faster. You impress at how well the RadCity5 Plus climbs if it is like the RadRover6 Plus. It has a 750-watt maximum motor that fine-turns for city riding by Rad’s experts. We’re looking forward to getting our hands on one so we can demonstrate how effectively it climbs hills.
Competition
In the $1,500-$2,000 price bracket, the RadCity 5 Plus competes with several other commuter-style electric bikes. There are many too much to list here, but the Charge Bikes City and Aventon Pace 500. Two examples, to mention a few.
The Charge Bikes City offers comparable results for $100 less, but it has a few features that make it better suited to apartment dwellers, including folding handlebars and pedals. Mudguards, lights, and a rear rack are all included. The rear rack of the RadCity 5 on the other hand, can hold more weight (up to 275 pounds) and has more front mounting points.
The Aventon Pace 500 ($1,500) likewise boasts a 40-mile range as well as a top speed of 28 miles an hour. Albeit fenders, lights, and a rear rack are available separately.
Conclusion
This electric bike is called the RadCity 5 Plus by Rad Power, but it’s also perfect for the suburbs. It’s a pleasure to ride, has plenty of power, and has a variety of features and attachments that make it adaptable.
For those who live in cramped spaces, the Charge Bikes City or even a foldable bike like the Brompton Electric or GoCycle G4i+ may be preferable. If you’re looking for the greatest electric bike overall. The Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus should be at the top of your list if space isn’t an issue.
