If you’re seeking a practical and eco-friendly mode of transportation for urban commutes or family adventures, an electric cargo bike proves to be an excellent choice. Among the most esteemed brands in this realm, we encounter Rad Power Bikes, an American company that has garnered numerous accolades, notably for its best electric cargo bikes.
Their newest model, the RadWagon 4, epitomizes high performance and spaciousness in the realm of electric cargo bikes, catering excellently to both families and professionals alike. Here, I present my comprehensive review of the RadWagon 4, the electric cargo bike manufactured by Rad Power Bikes.
100% customizable electric cargo bike. Supports 394lb load. Everything is height adjustable. 750W motor that handles big drops well. Hydraulic disc brakes. Lights, luggage racks. 2-year warranty.
Budget: $ | Speed: 20 mph | Range: 54 miles
My opinion on the RadWagon 4
IN SHORT, WHAT IS RADWAGON 4 WORTH?
✅ The pros
- Fully customizable cargo
- Supports a 250 lbs load
- 750W motor that handles heavy loads well
- 2-year warranty
- 45-mile range
- Good stability
- Low frame for easy step over
- Compact design with 22-inch wheels for better maneuverability
- Wide, grippy tires
- Easily adjustable for various rider preferences
- Very affordable price for a cargo bike
❌ The cons
- Slightly hard saddle
- Range reduced to approximately 30 miles when fully charged and using maximum assistance
- May experience difficulty on steep climbs when loaded
My opinion on the Rad Power Bikes electric cargo bike is highly favorable. Rad Power Bikes has excelled in providing a cargo bike comparable to Moustache’s Monday 20th at a third of the price!
I hope you enjoy our video showcasing the RadWagon 4 from Rad Power Bikes in action! 🙂
RadWagon 4 Assembly
The bike is delivered at your home, well-protected in a large cardboard box. Assembly is straightforward: just attach the handlebars, front wheel, and front mudguards, and you’re good to go!
Personally, I found the assembly process to be easy and quick, allowing me to hop on the saddle for my first ride in no time.
I’ve included the video of the RadWagon 4 assembly here just in case:
The RadWagon 4 features an aluminum frame with high-quality welds and large, stable 22-inch diameter wheels (resembling fatbike tires) that are 3 inches wide for a better stability. The telescopic seat can be adjusted in height to accommodate riders of various heights.
Why Choose the RadWagon 4?
During my recent urban getaway with the RadWagon 4, I rediscovered the pleasure of cycling through bustling city streets, all while having the capacity to carry far more than I had anticipated. Here, I’ll share my experience with you regarding this electric cargo bike.
Is the RadWagon 4’s Assistance Effective?
The 250W hub motor is powerful and responsive. It provides efficient, effortless assistance at speeds of up to 15 mph.
Similar to the RadRunner 2 (refer to our review), the RadWagon 4 bike features a start-up aid that propels the bike forward at 3 miles per hour, activated via an accelerator handle, along with walking assistance ranging from 2.48 miles to 3.7 miles. Extremely handy for initiating movement when loaded or starting on an incline, even with a heavy load.
The 5 assistance modes offer excellent flexibility, enabling adjustment of assistance levels based on terrain and load.
During my test of the RadWagon 4, I particularly appreciated assistance mode 3, which provides a perfect balance between assistance and battery conservation, even during slightly more challenging climbs (although the bike certainly doesn’t do all the work: yes, you still have to pedal 😂!). It felt like having a subtle invisible boost that made pedaling effortless, without feeling the load too heavily.
A Powerful Battery for a Cargo Bike
The RadWagon 4 is equipped with a powerful 672 Wh, 48 V, 14 Ah Samsung 35 lithium-ion battery, providing a maximum range of 54 miles, which is more than sufficient for a cargo bike capable of carrying heavy loads. Naturally, if fully charged and using maximum assistance (Mode 5), you can expect a range of around 31 miles.
Large Load Capacity
The RadWagon 4 is a longtail cargo bike with a maximum load capacity of 394lb, including 116lb on the rear rack alone, making it ideal for transporting two children or numerous items such as rear bike racks, bags, or any other cargo. The frame is long and spacious, ensuring excellent comfort and stability.
Safety Features of the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4
In the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable world of urban cycling, safety is paramount, and the RadWagon 4 is no exception. This electric cargo bike is equipped with sturdy mechanical disc brakes that ensure reliable and consistent stopping power, even in challenging conditions.
Whether you’re descending a steep hill or need to stop suddenly in heavy traffic, you can rely on these brakes to provide the safety you require.
Additionally, the wide, grippy V-tire tires offer excellent traction on various road surfaces.
Not to mention the integrated lighting and reflective strips on the tires, enhancing your visibility and enabling you to clearly communicate your intentions to other road users.
The Advantage of the RadWagon 4: It Is Fully Customizable
Various accessories are available to personalize this cargo bike, such as cushioned boards, running boards, cargo bags, and awnings to shield passengers from rain and wind.
Personally, I chose various accessories to make it the perfect cargo bike for transporting my children around town: a rearview mirror, a comfortable saddle, children’s seats, a metal frame for the rear area (referred to as a “Cabooze” by Rad Power Bikes) for the children to hold onto and stay safe, along with footrests for children.
Improved Stability and Excellent Grip
The RadWagon 4 is equipped with large wheels, a trademark feature of Rad Power Bikes. These wheels offer improved stability and excellent grip. Additionally, the wheels feature reflective strips for enhanced visibility, and an integrated rear brake light that is activated as soon as the brakes are applied.
Another advantage of this bike is its very low center of gravity, enabling greater maneuverability.
Comfortable and Easy to Use
The RadWagon electric cargo bike’s low frame facilitates easy step-over, a feature not present in all the cargo bikes we tested. The seating position is comfortable, although the saddle is somewhat firm. Moreover, the bike is user-friendly, thanks to its LCD screen which enables adjustment of electric assistance and provides battery status information.
My Test of the RadWagon 4 in Urban and Rural Settings
I opted for the RadWagon 4 in white, for a sleek and timeless appearance reminiscent of Tesla vehicles 🙂 During my urban test rides, I was pleasantly surprised by the attention the bike garnered; it’s clear that the bike captivates and piques curiosity.
Although compact, the bike offers ample space: I am 70″ tall and find the driver’s area spacious; it doesn’t feel cramped at all. The rear seats are also large enough to comfortably accommodate two children.
The 22-inch wheels provide excellent maneuverability, facilitating navigation through busy streets. The custom 3-inch tires, designed by V-tire, enhance the bike’s aesthetics while providing excellent grip and cushioning.
One of the features I particularly enjoyed during my test was how easy it was to adjust the bike for riders of different heights. Whether tall or short, the RadWagon 4 accommodates you comfortably, thanks to its telescopic seat post and tool-less adjustable handlebars.
Summary of Our Opinion on the RadWagon 4 from Rad Power Bikes
100% customizable electric cargo bike. Supports 394lb load. Everything is height adjustable. 750W motor that handles big drops well. Hydraulic disc brakes. Lights, luggage racks. 2-year warranty.
Budget: $ | Speed: 20 mph | Range: 54 miles
In conclusion, the RadWagon 4 from Rad Power Bikes is a high-performance, spacious, and comfortable electric cargo bike, ideal for families and professionals seeking a practical and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. It proved to be a reliable and comfortable companion for my urban adventures during this test.
Whether for carrying groceries or for a family outing, this electric cargo bike exceeded all my expectations. With its 394lb load capacity, efficient assistance, stability, and maneuverability, it ranks among the best electric cargo bikes currently available in this price range.