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Mar 06, 2024
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Rad Power Bikes announced several new e-bikes and among them is this new model, the Radster. This powerful and versatile e-bike comes in both road and trail versions to better suit riders’ individual needs, as well as two sizes to fit a broad range of riders.
The motor spec’d on the Radster Trail also offers a step up in performance compared to those found on other Rad Power Bikes models. This is a 750W brushless, geared hub motor that produces 100Nm of torque.
Even bigger news is Rad Power Bikes has introduced a new battery with what they call Safe Shield technology.
Where the Rad Power Bikes Radster Road received 29-in. wheels with 2.2-in.-wide tires, the Radster Trail comes equipped with 27.5-in. wheels with 3-in.-wide tires. Where the Radster Road rolls faster on the road, the Radster Trail gives riders better traction and control as well as more comfort when riding off-road.
Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail Spec Review: Bike Overview
Suppose for a moment that a buyer was having trouble deciding between one of Rad Power Bikes’ commuters, such as the RadCity 5 Plus, and one of their off-road models, such as the RadRover 6 Plus. The Radster Trail splits the difference nicely, with a wide tire that will perform well on unpaved roads and natural-surface trails, but still roll reasonably well on the road. We review the Radster Road here.
As we mentioned, Rad Power Bikes has introduced a new battery featuring their new Safe Shield technology. Safe Shield surrounds each of the battery cells with a thermally resistant resin. Should one of the cells become compromised, the resin protects against both corrosion and thermal runaway, absorbing the heat and helping it to dissipate so that other cells don’t become compromised.
Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail Review: Specs & Features
Frame and fork
Rad Power Bikes produces the Radster Trail in two frame sizes to better accommodate a broad range of rider heights. The semi-step-thru makes mounting and dismounting easier.
Total payload capacity for the Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail is 320 lbs. A rider can weigh up to 290 lbs. The rear rack can carry up to 55 lbs., and a front rack, if mounted, can hold up to 30 lbs.
To smooth unpaved roads and natural-surface trails, Rad Power Bikes equipped the Radster Trail with an 80mm hydraulic suspension fork. This combines a steel coil spring with oil damping to give it a smoother response.
In addition to the new Safe Shield battery being certified to UL 2271, the bike also carries UL’s 2849 certification for the electronics system.
Motor and battery
It’s hard to say if the bigger news with Rad Power Bikes is their new battery or the new motor on the Radster. Safe Shield technology is a terrific step toward making lithium-ion batteries safer. What riders will notice when they ride, though, isn’t increased safety, but better performance.
Now equipped with a 750W brushless, geared hub motor that produces a very stiff 100Nm of torque, the Radster Trail will offer terrific acceleration and improved climbing performance compared to many of Rad’s other models.
The 720Wh battery is estimated to grant riders a range of between 25 and 65 mi., depending on the level of assistance the rider selects.
Componentry
We’re not finished with the many features that make the Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail an exciting addition to their lineup. Spec’d on the off-road model is an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain with an under-the-bar trigger shifter. This new 8-speed drivetrain features a roughly 310 percent gear range (11-34t) to make hills more manageable.
Tektro hydraulic disc brakes are yet another great choice. They are paired with 180mm rotors to give the rider confidence for short stops and hard turns.
The Radster Trail comes equipped with a full complement of accessories, too. In addition to fenders, it gets a rear rack, kickstand and front and rear lights. The front light received an upgrade as well, to a 100 lux Spanninga unti that produces 200 lumens.
The handlebar on the Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail receives a little more rise and a little less sweep compared to the Radster Road, giving it a slightly more aggressive rider position to keep weight on the front wheel for off-road riding.
EBR’s Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail First Look Review:
There’s a middle ground between the classic commuter e-bike and the fat-tire models that have become so popular. While the big tires found on the all-terrain e-bikes feel very cushy and offer traction like a cat on carpet, the 27.5 x 3-in. tires on the Radster Trail require less power to accelerate up to speed, still offer terrific traction but provide better handling and easier maneuverability.
In yet another upgrade, the Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail comes with a security fob that owners will use to lock and unlock the electronics on their e-bike, increasing security for the rider.
Rad Power says the total weight capacity for the Radster Trail is 320 lbs. Up to 290 of that can be the rider. The rear rack can carry as much as 55 lbs., and an optional front rack can carry 30 lbs.
With the Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail, buyers don’t have to choose between an all-terrain model with fat tires best-suited to off-road use and a commuter that can’t handle off-road riding. The Radster trail comes equipped to handle riding all the roads while also offering its buyer greater safety and security.
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