Rad Power Bikes RadMission 1 Review
Aimed at those looking to make quick and nippy commuter journeys rather than carrying heavy loads or making deliveries – the RadMission 1 from Rad Power Bikes is not just your typical electric commuter bike.
The single-speed bike has a sporty mountain bike design with treaded tires, flat handlebars, and a lightweight frame. The brand new product is one of the cheapest and lightest e-bikes available from Rad Power Bikes.
Also featured in: Best Single Speed eBikes
RadMission Specifications
| Brand | Rad Power Bikes |
| Model | RadMission 1 |
| Type | Electric, Metro, Commuter, Single-speed |
| Model Year | 2020-2021 |
| Price (USD) | 999 |
| Designed For | Urban, City, Commuting |
| Frame Types | High-Step / Mid-Step |
|
Frame Size & Recommendation
|
High Step (18″) – 5’7″ – 6’4″ / Mid-step (18″) – 5’2″ – 6’2″ |
| Wheel Size | 650b = 27.5″ |
| E-Bike Class | Class 2 |
| Max Speed | 20mph |
| Range (mi) | 20 – 45 |
| Motor | 500W – 50Nm |
| Motor Type | Hub motor |
| Battery | 48V 10.5Ah, 504Wh Samsung 35e Lithium NMC 18650 |
| Controller | 48V, 500W |
| Charger | 48V 2A, 100V-240V |
| Throttle | Half twist grip throttle |
| Display | Rad Power Bikes custom LED |
| Derailleur | Single-speed |
| Wiring | Water resistant connectors and wiring harness |
| Frame Material | 6061 aluminum |
| Front Suspension | Rigid |
| Rear Suspension | – |
| Brakes | Tektro Mechanical |
| Rotors (mm) | 180mm |
| Tires | 650b – 27-5″ x 1.95″ Kenda Kontact |
| Max tire width | 1.95″ |
| Saddle | n/a |
| Grips | Ergonomic leather imitation |
| Weight | 47.5 lbs / 48 lbs |
| Max weight (lbs) | 275 |
| Warranty | 14 Day Free Trial / 1-Year Warranty |
RadMission 1 Review
500W Motor
500W geared hub motor with 5:1 Planetary Reduction.
Single-speed / 27.5″ – 650b wheels / 500W / Weight: 48lb / 20-45+ mile range / Max capacity: 275lbs
The RadMission 1 is a powerful e-bike with a 500W motor to give you that extra boost on uphills or over long distances. The motor is controlled from a simple twist-grip throttle on the handlebar, with all details displayed by an accompanying LED control panel. Riders can also activate the integrated rear lights from the control panel for safer cycling at night or in bad weather.
Battery
Samsung 35e Lithium NMC 18650 battery
- 48V 10.5Ah 504Wh (Weight: 7lb)
- Range: 25-45+ miles
- Half – Twist Grip Throttle
- 12-magnet cadence sensing, crank mounted pedal-assist
Gearing
It’s ideal for commuters who want to get to work and back or pop around to the shops or friends without breaking into a sweat. The single-speed drivetrain is easy enough to pedal on flat roads, thereby reserving battery power for the hills. With pedal-assistance, a rider can cover up to 45 miles on a single charge of the 45V removable battery pack. If it does run out of power while riding, simply cycle to a destination with electricity to charge it.
- Gearing – Single speed, 16-50 tooth
- Flywheel – 16 tooth
Wheels, Tires & Brakes
The 27.5″ wheels and medium-sized Kenda puncture-resistant tires are ideal for fast urban cycling along country roads or city streets. However, they also work well on offroad dirt tracks through parks and fields if you’re the kind who likes to take shortcuts. They grip well on almost any solid surface and the Tektro mechanical disc brakes will have no trouble stopping the bike almost instantly, even in wet weather.
- 27.5″ double-wall, 36 hole aluminum rims
- Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, 180mm rotors front & rear
- Tires – 27.5″ x 1.95″ Kenda Contact – Especially made for eBikes. Equipped with reflective sidewall and K-Shield puncture-resistant liners. The narrowest tires at RadPower Bikes for the fastest riding.
Electronics
- Headlight – 40lumen. 230ft distance. Can be seen from 2+ miles away
- Integrated brake light – automatic activation when
- Water-resistant connectors and wiring harness
How to turn on the headlight on Rad Power bikes?
Push the UP (+) & MODE buttons together.
Frame & Fork
Aluminum frame & steel fork ebike
The RadMission electric bike is built on a 6061 aluminum frame with a rigid steel fork and mounts to attach a luggage rack and fenders. It comes in a standard ‘high-step’ model for tall riders (5’10” up) plus a mid-step model with a 28” standover height for shorter riders (5’2” up).
- 6061 aluminum. Semi-integrated 1-1/8″ straight steerer headset
- Rigid steel fork
Rad Power Bikes Frame Size Recommendation
Image source: RadPowerBikes.com
High-step frame – 31” standover – Great for riders between 5’10” – 6’5” / 178cm – 196cm
Mid-step frame – 28” standover – Great for riders between 5’2” – 6’2” / 158 – 188cm
RadMission 1 Accessories
Sold separately
Although the RadMission 1 is ready-to-ride out of the box, there’s plenty of customization that can be done around the bike. All of the accessories down below are compatible, if not specially designed for the RadMission metro ebike. There’s
- A kickstand
- Fenders
- Racks – Front, Rear
- Grips
- Pannier Bags
- Pedals
RadMission vs Roadster vs Propella
From the left: RadPower RadMission, Propella Single-Speed, and Ride1UP Roadster
The Roadster and Propella are both slightly lighter than the RadMission which has a larger 500W motor, providing more power for tough hill climbs or headwinds. The RadMission also has the longest range of the three bikes, allowing for longer commutes or days out in the saddle.
The Roadster and Propella have both got 700C tire sizes while the RadMission has 650b tires, and the Roadster and RadMission have similarly larger overall weight capacities. The Roadster also has lower-quality V-brakes rather than the mechanical discs on the other two.
As a more powerful Class 2 bike with the longest range and lowest price, the RadMission clearly offers the best value for money of the three eBikes. However, for the image-conscious, the Roadster does look the most stylish and the least like an eBike.
Related: Ride1UP Roadster V2 Review
| RadMission | Roadster | Propella | |
| Weight | 48 lbs | 33 lbs | 35 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 275 lbs | 275 lbs | 220 lbs |
| Motor | 500W, 50Nm torque | 350W, 40Nm torque | 250W |
| Battery | 504Wh | 252Wh | 250Wh |
| Range | 25-45mi | 20-30mi | 20-38mi |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc, 180mm | Dual Pivot V-brakes | Mechanical disc |
| Tires | 27.5″ x 1.95″ (650b) Kenda Kontact | 700x28c Kenda Kwest | 700x35c CST XPEDIUM |
| MSRP | $999 | $1,095 | $1,099 |
Conclusion — PROs & CONs
PROs
Rad Power Bikes’ newly designed 504Wh battery pack is 7lbs (3.1kg) lighter than previous batteries, which takes a significant load off the entire bicycle’s weight. Now, at only 50lbs (22kg), the RadMission 1 is far easier to carry up staircases or into buildings than other e-bikes.
The bike is currently on sale at the incredible introductory price of $999 – cheaper than almost any e-bike on the market! While there are a few other cheap lightweight e-bikes on the market, few have the same power and range as the Mission One bike.
- Simplicity
- Unbeatable value
- Made by a super-strong electric bike brand
CONs
The 500W motor on the RadMission 1 is smaller than Rad Power Bike’s typical 750W motor so the bike does have slightly less power. To help reduce weight and cost, the battery is also smaller but with the reduced power, it can cover approximately the same distance on one charge.
Due to the smaller lightweight frame and reduced power, the Mission One electric bike can’t carry passengers or large luggage like some of Rad Power’s other bikes. Also, with only a single-speed drivetrain, it may be difficult to cycle uphill at times when the battery has died.
Another considerable downside might be the estimated delivery time, which can turn some potential buyers away who need a bike right away.
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