Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Review: Modern and Feature-Packed E-Bike
The RadCity 5 is the brands’ most-advanced city-ebike with the latest possible technologies.
Besides the attractive design, line of specs and a price tag – we could even go as far and say that the 5th model is currently the best value hybrid/commuter electric bike on the market. This is mainly thanks to the efficiency of marketing by the Rad Power Bikes marketing team.
What’s there not to like about a bike that has seen 5 facelifts over time?
- Read also: Rad Power Bikes Radster Road Review
RadCity 5 Full Specifications
| Brand | Rad Power Bikes |
| Model | RadCity 5 (Plus) |
| Type | Electric, Hybrid, City |
| Model Year | 2022 |
| Price (USD) | $1,699 |
| Designed For | Urban, Commuting |
| Frame Types | Step-over / Step-thru |
| Frame Size | XR 17.5″ & ST 15″ |
|
Recommended Rider Height
|
XR – 5’4″ to 6’5″/ ST – 4’8″ to 6’0″ |
| Wheel Size | 27.5″ |
| E-Bike Class | Class 2 |
| Max Speed | 20mph |
| Range (mi) | 35-60 |
| Motor | 750W – 40Nm |
| Motor Type | 5:1 Custom Brushless Geared |
| Battery | 48V 14Ah (672Wh) Samsung 35e/Panasonic Lithium NMC |
| Modes | Intelligent 0-5 level pedal assists w/ 12 magnet sensors |
| Controller | 48V / 2amp |
| Charger | US standard 2.0 A smart charger |
| Throttle | Half-twist throttle |
| Display | Backlit LCD |
| Derailleur | 7-speed Shimano Altus |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Brakes | Hydraulic |
| Rotors | 180mm |
| Wheels | Double-wall aluminum, 36h |
| Tires | 27×2.0″ Puncture-resistant (Max width: 2.3″) |
| Kickstand | Heavy-duty aluminum, plastic foot |
| Saddle | Rad Power Bikes with lifting handle |
| Weight (lbs) | 64 |
| Max weight (lbs) | 275 |
| Warranty | 14 Day Free Trial / 1-Year Warranty |
RadCity 5 Plus Review
RadCity 4 vs RadCity 5 Differences
- Fork Travel
Reduced from 100mm to 50mm for better efficiency in urban environments. - Tire & Wheel Size
26×2.3″ tires are upgraded to larger 27.5×2.0″. - Brakes
The switch from mechanical to hydraulic disc brakes mean improved stopping power and better overall control. - Motor
The new geared hub motor on the RadCity 5 Plus is claimed to climb hills 40% faster than the RadCity 4. - Upgraded Display
The new backlit LCD is more functional, tracking stats in real-time and with a new watt-meter.
- More Range
Custom treaded tires and a new motor provide more range per charge than any other Rad Power bike, 11% more than the RadCity 4.
- Better Battery
The new battery design and integration make it easy to remove or put in. It also has a carrying handle and LED charge display added.
- More Comfortable
Lower standover height makes the 5 plus more comfortable for a wider range of riders.
Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus vs Ride1UP 700 Series vs Juiced CrossCurrent
| Brand | Rad Power Bikes | Ride1UP 700 | Juiced |
| Model | RadCity 5 Plus | 700-series | CrossCurrent S2 |
| Price | $1,699 | $1,695 | $1,999 |
| Class | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Motor | 750W Geared hub | 750W Shengyi – 60Nm | 750W Bafang (Max 1,300W) |
| Battery | 48V 14Ah – 672Wh | 48V 14Ah – 672Wh | 52V 15Ah – 780Wh |
| Weight | 65lbs | 62lbs | 59lbs |
| Derailleur | 7-speed Shimano Altus | Shimano Acera | 9-speed Shimano Altus |
| Brakes | Hydraulic, 180mm rotors | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Tires | 27.5×2.0″ | 27.5×2.4″ | 28×1.75″ |
| Weight Capacity | 275lbs | 275lbs | 275lbs |
| Fork | 50mm | 100mm | Suntour NCX |
| Est. Range | 20-45mi | 30-50mi | 65mi |
Buying Guide
About Rad Power Bikes
Rad Power Bikes has established itself as a leading manufacturer of electric bikes in the USA and is currently making its mark on the international market too.
The company’s mission is to sell bikes that can do everything at prices that everyone can afford. Their e-bikes regularly receive awards and notoriety from reviewers and quality standards due to their exceptional quality to price balance. This has lead to over 17,000 positive reviews across their range of e-bikes from real users.
Price: $1,699 Rad Power Bikes
Who Should Get the RadCity 5?
Because of its versatility and affordable price tag, the RadCity eBike has the potential to suit a wide range of riders. That being said, the cruiser style geometry and option to choose a step-through frame, make this bike especially appealing to those who want comfort and convenience on top of everything that is needed for a commuter hybrid.
With powerful, efficient electronics and a fully equipped build for urban riding, the RadCity step-thru most likely appeals to commuters, older riders, while the step-over model will appeal to anybody else who has diverse requirements for their bike.
RadCity 5 Plus Size Recommendation
XR (17.5″) Fits Riders – 5’4″ to 6’5″
ST (15″) Fits Riders – 4’8″ to 6’0″
Where Does RadCity 5 Thrive?
As mentioned above, the RadCity 5 functions best in urban environments where most of the journeys are on roads and bike paths. Additionally, it has the ability to tackle light trails and gravel paths too, thanks to the suspension and tire choices by Rad Power.
The inclusion of a rear rack allows users to carry cargo for commuting or running errands, though the RadWagon 5 cargo e-bike is still the best choice for that task. This is made easy thanks to the strong motor, kickstand, and powerful brakes which makes riding with a full payload safe and controlled.
There are a few standout features on this bike, especially when compared to the previous Rad City models which we will do in the next section.
What Do We like About RadCity 5?
For us, the hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, short-travel Suntour fork, sleek integrated battery design, puncture-resistant urban tires, and upright geometry are what make this bike jump out from the crowd. Additionally, the improved efficiency of the new model gives this bike a great range of between 35 and 60 miles, much more than any of the competition in this price range.
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