The Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus is an electric commuter bike designed for city riding. It has a step-through and high-step frame option, making it accessible for different riders. This bike is meant for paved roads, bike lanes, and urban commutes. I’ve taken a close look at its design, performance, battery life, comfort, and overall usability. There are good things about this bike, but there are also some areas where it might not be the best choice for everyone.
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Design and Frame
The RadCity 5 Plus has a sturdy aluminum frame. It feels solid when riding, and the step-through version makes it easy to get on and off. The upright riding position is comfortable, especially for longer rides. The handlebars are swept back, so you don’t have to lean forward too much. This makes it a relaxed ride, but it might not be ideal if you prefer a sportier feel.
The bike has a front suspension fork with about 50mm of travel. It helps smooth out bumps, but it’s not designed for rough terrain. It works fine for potholes and small cracks in the pavement. The tires are 27.5 inches by 2 inches wide, with a tread pattern that provides decent grip. They’re puncture-resistant, which is helpful for city riding.
The rear rack is built-in and can carry up to 59.5 lbs. This is useful for carrying groceries, a backpack, or a child seat. The full-coverage fenders help keep dirt and water off your clothes. Overall, the bike is practical for daily use.
Motor and Performance
The RadCity 5 Plus has a 750W rear hub motor. It provides enough power for most urban rides. The torque is 58Nm, which means it can handle hills but might struggle with very steep ones. The bike has five levels of pedal assist, plus a throttle. The throttle helps when you need a boost without pedaling, like when starting from a stop.
Acceleration feels smooth, not too sudden. The motor gives enough power without feeling overwhelming. It’s good for steady riding rather than fast bursts of speed. The top speed is 20 mph with pedal assist or throttle. Some e-bikes go faster, but this is a reasonable limit for city streets.
The bike has a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain. This helps when riding without power or when using lower assist levels. The shifting feels reliable, though it’s not the smoothest I’ve tried. It’s fine for commuting but not meant for high-performance cycling.
Battery and Range
The battery is a 48V, 14Ah (672Wh) pack that sits on the frame. It’s semi-integrated, meaning it sticks out a little rather than being completely hidden. The design makes it easy to remove for charging. Rad Power estimates a range of 28 to 50 miles, depending on factors like rider weight, terrain, and assist level.
In real use, the range varies a lot. If you mostly use throttle or high assist, you’ll get closer to 28 miles. If you use lower assist levels and pedal more, you might reach 50 miles. Charging takes about 6 hours from empty.
The battery placement affects weight distribution. It’s positioned high, which makes the bike feel a little top-heavy. This isn’t a big issue for regular riding, but it’s noticeable when maneuvering at low speeds or lifting the bike.
Braking and Safety
The bike has hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors on both wheels. These brakes provide strong stopping power. They work well in different weather conditions, including rain. Hydraulic brakes require less hand effort compared to mechanical disc brakes, which is good for long rides.
There are integrated lights on the front and rear. The front light is bright enough for nighttime riding. The rear light also acts as a brake light, making it easier for others to see when you’re slowing down. These built-in lights are helpful because you don’t have to worry about attaching separate ones.
Comfort and Ride Quality
The upright riding position and swept-back handlebars make this bike comfortable. The suspension fork helps with small bumps, but it’s not as smooth as a high-end suspension system. The seat is wide and cushioned, but some riders might prefer swapping it out for something even softer. The grips on the handlebars are ergonomic, reducing hand strain on longer rides.
The bike weighs around 65 lbs, which is heavy. This is common for e-bikes, but it can be a challenge when moving it indoors or lifting it onto a rack. If you have to carry it up stairs, it might not be the best choice.
Display and Controls
The bike has a dual-display system. The main display in the center shows speed, battery level, assist mode, and trip data. There’s also a smaller left-side display with buttons for controlling assist levels and lights. The main display is clear and easy to read, but the left one can be hard to see in bright sunlight.
The controls are simple to use. You can change assist levels with the buttons on the handlebar. The throttle is also easy to reach. Everything feels intuitive after a few rides.
Weight and Load Capacity
The bike supports a maximum weight of 275 lbs, including the rider and any cargo. The rear rack can hold a decent amount, but adding too much weight affects handling. If you plan to carry heavy loads often, you might want to test how the bike feels with extra weight.
Pros:
- Comfortable upright riding position
- Strong motor with smooth acceleration
- Hydraulic disc brakes provide good stopping power
- Integrated rear rack for carrying cargo
- Built-in lights for better visibility
Cons:
- Heavy at 65 lbs
- Left display can be hard to read in sunlight
- Battery placement makes the bike feel top-heavy
- Not the best for very steep hills
- Suspension fork is basic
Who is This Bike For?
The RadCity 5 Plus is a good choice for commuters, casual riders, and those who need an e-bike for daily city use. It’s practical for running errands and comfortable for longer rides. The power and range are enough for most urban trips.
It might not be the best choice if you need to carry the bike often, ride on rough terrain, or want a very lightweight e-bike. The weight and battery placement make it less convenient for some situations.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus is a solid city e-bike. It has a comfortable design, good power, and useful features like hydraulic brakes and built-in lights. The range is decent, and the integrated rack makes it practical. It’s not the fastest or lightest e-bike, but it works well for daily use.
If you need a reliable electric bike for commuting or errands, this is a good option. Just be aware of its weight and how it handles on steeper hills. With a few small adjustments, like a different seat or grips, it could be even better for comfort. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done for city riding.