Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 Review—New and Improved E-Cargo Bike with Modern Urban Features

If you have any interest in electric cargo bikes, you’ve probably heard or even owned the Rad Power Bikes’ RadWagon. If that’s the case, you’ll be happy to hear that the new and improved model, the RadWagon 5 is finally here!

The 5th generation of the ultra-popular, budget-friendly RadWagon cargo e-bike is built on the platform we all know so well but takes it a step further with some smart alterations and upgrades. 

The RadWagon 5 has a better fire-resistant battery, more powerful motor, turn signals, a higher maximum weight load, and a few more aces up its sleeve.

However, as expected in this price range, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, but we’ll tell you more about it below.

For now, make sure to keep reading to get the full picture and find out whether or not the RadWagon 5 is still one of the best-value electric cargo bikes.

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 Main Specs

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Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 Full Review

The RadWagon 5 is a longtail electric cargo bike with a pedigree that spans almost a decade, as the first model was released back in 2015.

Nine years later, the newest iteration is much better than the RadWagon 4, boasting a 750W geared hub motor with 90 Nm of torque, class 3 speeds, a fire-resistant 720 Wh battery, and torque sensors. 

This means that the RadWagon will have more power, a higher range, and a more natural ride feel thanks to the upgraded sensors. That’s good news considering this e-cargo bike now has an improved 375 lb weight limit.

This means that the Rad Power Bikes electric cargo bike can comfortably carry a couple of kids, a week’s worth of groceries, or supplies and other necessities for small businesses. It all depends on what your reason for buying the pickup truck of the e-biking world is.

Rad Power Bikes also improved the handling and stability by swapping the old 22″ x 3.0″ wheels and tires for smaller and wider 20″ x 3.3″ ones. This means that the bike feels more solid when loaded and is easier to load because it sits lower to the ground. 

But this information is just scratching the surface of what the new RadWagon 5 offers to the right buyer. 

Below, we’ll take a more detailed approach and give you the lowdown of all the most important features so you can make an informed buying decision.

Long-Tail Frame and Suspension Fork

The RadWagon 5 is built around a sturdy, long-tail aluminum frame available in a single size that fits riders between 4’11” and 6’3″ tall. 

The bike has a 375 lb total carrying capacity, whereas the rear rack can handle up to 120 lb. According to Rad Power Bikes, the maximum rider weight is 265 lb, which means that even heavier riders can enjoy what this bike has to offer. 

The 120 lb limit on the rear rack means you can safely transport up to two kids in child seats or pack an entire week’s worth of groceries and more. 

The biggest difference over the previous version is the addition of a 45 mm suspension fork. The previous version had a rigid aluminum fork, which means that the RadWagon is now a lot more comfortable, especially under heavy loads. 

Finally, due to the step-through design, the standover height is just 21 inches, so even short riders will be able to comfortably mount and dismount the bike.

750W Motor and Fire-Resistant Battery

The RadWagon 5 has sufficient power thanks to a refurbished 750W rear hub motor that now packs 90 Nm of maximum torque. Of course, you shouldn’t expect the riding experience to be punchy, especially if you’re carrying a lot of weight. But, you can be confident that you’ll get over most hills without pedaling too hard. 

The motor has a 28 mph top speed, so it supports all three classes, though it ships in class 2 configuration, featuring a 20 mph throttle. 

You can control the motor with five pedal assist levels, as well as a Walk mode that will help you push the bike up ramps and steep slopes. 

The battery has been completely revamped and now offers 720 Wh of juice, which translates to 20–60 miles of range, depending on how much assistance you use. 

The most exciting thing about it is the new Safe Shield technology that decreases the risk of e-bike battery-related fires by coating each battery cell in a fire-resistant resin. This prevents the fire from engulfing the entire battery if one of the cells malfunctions. 

This technology is pretty rare in the world of electric bikes, so it’s one of the things that sets new RPB models apart, including the new Radster Road and Trail models.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes and a Basic Drivetrain

Disc brakes are a must on all modern electric bikes, and hydraulic disc brakes are the preferred version. If you share this view, you’ll be happy to know that the RadWagon 5 now comes with a set of Tektro hydraulic disc brakes that offer a lot more braking power and control compared to the old mechanical disc brakes.

Even when loaded to the brim with cargo, the bike doesn’t struggle to slow down or come to an emergency stop thanks to its 180 mm rotors and dual-piston calipers.

On the other hand, the drivetrain didn’t experience a similar overhaul. The 7-speed Shimano Altus rear derailleur is pretty standard and a common sight on many e-bikes made by this brand. But, similar entry-level groupsets seem to be the industry standard on similarly priced e-bikes, so we can’t really call it a fault.

Customizable Accessories

Rad Power Bikes is known for offering a plethora of accessories that you can use to customize your e-bike. The situation is no different regarding the new RadWagon 5. 

Some of the extras you can retrofit to personalize your ride include small and large front and rear baskets, panniers, a locking cargo box, a caboose, a pet basket carrier, a deckpad and running boards, and so on. These accessories range in price from $50 to $200, which makes them averagely priced compared to offerings from other similar direct-to-consumer brands like Aventon, Lectric, or Ride1UP.

We’d love to see more stock accessories, but RadWagon 5 has a limited offering. Out of the box, it comes with a rear wheel guard, a dual-leg kickstand, and front and rear lights with rear turn signals. 

This is sufficient for most users to start riding and using the benefits of an electric cargo bike, but most will need to spend additional money to get the full experience. 

Updated Wheels and Tires

The choice of wheels and tires is particularly important on electric cargo bikes for several reasons—they affect stability, control, and ease of use. 

That is why Rad Power Bikes updated the new model of this bike with 20″ x 3.3″ tires, compared to the old 22″ x 3.0″ ones. This means that the tires are now smaller in diameter but wider.

As a result, the rear rack is lower, so it’s easier to load and unload cargo. Plus, the cargo has a lower center of gravity, which makes the bike more stable. 

Another feature improving the stability of the ride is the tire width. The new 3.3-inch-wide tires offer better control and comfort on rough ground, and more weight-bearing resistance. 

All in all, we think these are positive changes that will enhance your experience of using this e-bike and potentially extend its life span.

Final Thoughts About the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5

In conclusion, the RadWagon 5 is a top contender in the electric cargo bike market with a blend of modern features and thoughtful updates.

The enhanced motor, improved battery safety, and updated wheels collectively boost performance and reliability, making it a practical choice for those needing to transport heavier loads or tackle varied terrain.

While it does have some minor drawbacks, such as its weight and charging time, these are easily outweighed by the benefits it offers.

For those in the market for a versatile, budget-friendly electric cargo bike, the RadWagon 5 is a safe and logical option.

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