Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Review
The RadRover 6 Plus is the 2021 update of Rad Power Bikes’ best-selling flagship model — The RadRover 5.
In essence, this is a 26″ wheel hybrid electric bike. With fat tires, a 750W hub motor, 60mm front fork and assisted range of up to 45mi, it is quite a good companion for all terrains and user types.
The Rad Rover clearly demonstrates the careful thought and commitment to the improvement of Rad Power Bikes. With the 6 Plus, the company has taken the Rad Rover 5 to the next level.
This includes improvements to geometry from which the ergonomic design reduces fatigue, boosted performance on climbs, a more powerful motor, and various other component upgrades.
With the latest updates, the Rad Rover 6 Plus now delivers a superb ride quality for just $300 more than the previous model.
This model includes greater adjustability for smaller height range riders which leads to improved handling and a smoother feel, a beautifully semi-integrated battery, an updated LCD control panel, and the headlight and taillight automatically switch on with the bike.
Finally, the hub motor has been fine-tuned and now has more power output and is smoother on steep gradients, and mechanical disc brakes were swapped out for premium hydraulic brakes.
- Read also: Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail Review
RadRover 6 Plus Main Specs
From our careful review of the new RadRover 6 Plus, we are very impressed. This e-bike easily outperforms its $1,599 price tag, especially when compared to big-name brands.
Although there is an increase in price on the previous model, the updates easily justify the difference. It’s more comfortable, powerful, smoother, has better handling, improved look, and all-around better ride quality.
- Weight: 72.5lbs
- Range: Up to 45mi
- Tires: 26×4″ (Max width 4.5″)
- Brakes: Hydraulic, 180mm ceramic rotors
- Max payload capacity: 275 lbs
- Battery: 48V 14Ah, 672Wh
- Standard frame fits riders: 5’4″ – 6’2″
- Step-over frame fits riders: 5’2″ – 6’2″
Don’t miss out on the RadRover 6 Plus if you’re on the hunt for an affordable and versatile fat-tire e-bike.
RadRover 5 vs. RadRover 6 Plus: Main Differences
Brand | Rad Power Bikes | Rad Power Bikes |
Model | RadRover 5 / RadRover 5 Step-Thru | RadRover 6 Plus / RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru |
Type | Electric, Fat, Commuter | |
Model Year | 2020-2021 | 2021 |
Designed For | Urban, Light Trails, Commuting, Sand, Snow | |
Price (USD) | 1,699 | 1,999 |
Frame Types | Standard / Step-Thru | |
Frame Sizes | 5’4″ – 6’2″ | |
Wheel Size | 26″ | |
E-Bike Class | Class 2 | |
Max Speed | 20mph | |
Range (mi) | 20 – 45+ | |
Motor | 750W – 80Nm | |
Motor Type | Geared Hub | Brushless Hub motor |
Battery | 48V 14Ah, 672Wh Lithium NMC Samsung 35e (800 charge cycles) | |
Controller | 48V, 750W | |
Charger | 48V 2A, 100V-240V | |
USB Ports | USB port | Optional, sold separately |
Throttle | Half twist throttle | |
Display | Backlit LCD – Charge indicator, speedometer, odometer | Backlit LCD – Charge indicator, odometer, trip odometer, |
Display | pedal-assist levels, wattmeter, etc | pedal-assist levels, clock, etc |
Modes | 5 Pedal-assist with 12 magnet cadence sensors | |
Derailleur | Shimano Acera 7-Speed | 7-Speed Shimano Altus |
Wiring | Water resistant connectors and wiring harness | |
Frame Material | 6061 aluminum | |
Front Suspension | 80mm | 60mm RST spring, lockout & preload |
Brakes | Mechanical | Hydraulic |
Rotors (mm) | 180mm | |
Tires | 26×4″ Kenda Juggernaut, K-Shield puncture resistant liner | |
Max tire width | 4″ | 4.5″ |
Saddle | Velo Plush with lifting handle | Ergonomic seat with lifting handle |
Grips | Ergonomic leather imitation | Durable leather imitation ergonomic grips |
Weight | 69 lbs / 71 lbs | 72.5 lbs / 73.4 lbs |
Max weight (lbs) | 275 | |
Warranty | 14 Day Free Trial / 1-Year Warranty |
What Are the Main Upgrades on the RadRover 6 Plus?
RadRover 6 Plus is built around a similar platform as RadRover 5, but it comes with some significant improvements.
- Hydraulic disc brakes with ceramic brake pads
- 10 LED battery charge display
- Updated -futuristic & modern design
- Custom geared hub – increased hill-climbing capabilities & more power
- 26″ x 4″ (Max tire width: 4.5″ instead of the previous 4″)
- 60mm fork (Instead of the 80mm travel on the previous model)
- A more user-friendly control panel
- Fatigue reducing geometry
- Auto-on LED lights
It’s clear from these updates that the RadRover 6 Plus is significantly better than the previous model.
These changes have resulted in more comfortable, powerful, and efficient ride quality for a very similar price. Additionally, the bike handles better and looks much more refined than its predecessor.
RadRover Bike Accessories
Rad Power Bikes have a huge selection of accessories you can purchase from their online store. These accessories can be used to personalize your e-bike for almost any job you can think of. They also sell spare or replacement parts if needed.
On the online store, you can select an option to only display the specific accessories that fit on the RadRover 6 Plus. This helps avoid confusion while searching for the perfect items.
People Also Ask
Should RadRover 6 Plus be my first e-bike?
The RadRover 6 Plus would be an excellent first choice. It has all the features and components needed for versatility and comfort as well as being very user-friendly.
It’s easy to ride and control has plenty of power to take on tough gradients, and even comes in a step-through design for added comfort if needed. This is a great universal fat-tire e-bike for almost every type of rider.
Is RadRover 6 Plus good for commuting?
Yes, this bike works perfectly for commuters. It has plenty of range and power for any type of commute, it’s comfortable, and it is compatible with various accessories to make commuting convenient and easy.
Is RadRover 6 Plus good for fat bike touring?
Yes, the RadRover arrives with a basic touring setup of full fenders and integrated lights. However, it is compatible with many bike touring components from the online store including a rear rack, front rack, various sized baskets, Rad Power Bike pannier, and basket bags, cargo straps, and more.
Are fat e-bikes heavy?
Although in general fat-bikes and so the Rad Rover Bike weight can be quite high, the ride quality isn’t affected so much. With the RadRover 6 Plus, for example, the extra weight doesn’t matter because it is very powerful and has great handling and control because of the high-quality components and geometry.
Other Rad Power Bikes Models
RAD POWER | TYPE | MSRP $ | FRAMES | SPEEDS | TIRES | FORK |
RadTrike 1 | Tricycle | 2,499 | Step-through | Single-speed | 18 x 2.25″ | Rigid |
RadRunner 1 | Utility | 1,299 | ST & Standard | Single-speed | 20×3.3″ | Rigid |
RadRunner Plus | Utility | 1,799 | ST & Standard | 7 | 20×3.3″ | 80 mm |
RadWagon 5 | Cargo | 2,399 | Step-Through | 7 | 20×3.3″ | 45 mm |
RadMini 4 | Folding | 1,499 | ST & Standard | 7 | 20×3″ | 80 mm |
RadRover 5 | Fat Hybrid | 1,699 | ST & Standard | 7 | 26×4″ | 80 mm |
RadCity 4 | Hybrid | 1,599 | ST & Standard | 7 | 26×2.3″ | 100 mm |
Do the accessories and spare parts (like fenders) for the 6 fit the 5?
I believe they should fit, Thomas. But I’d contact Rad Power Bikes’ support just to be 100% certain.
Jury is in. Stay away from the Rad Rover6+ battery. It’s design is defective. There is no diode to prevent voltage fluctuation during charge leading to battery failure. The fuse that could have easily been available for replacement has been soldered into the battery casing making it impossible to fix…which means another $600 to replace it. Just look at social media and see all of the horror stories. Rad service is the worst now after laying off 163 employees the past year and having much of the company now controlled by outside investors. Sad but true.
Lights automatically switch on with the bike – does that mean you can’t shut them off if you are running the battery down?
Hey Robert, you can switch the headlight on and off by pressing a dedicated button on the left-hand display/controller. On older models, you can do that by pressing the Up Arrow and Mode buttons at the same time.
How much does a replacement battery cost?
Rad Power Bikes batteries cost around $450 – $550, although that’s definitely something not to worry about as their batteries are rated for 600-800 full charge cycles and there’s a 1-year warranty on the electrical components.
Wonderfully presented in all aspects. Will purchase a Rad Rover 6 Plus