Anika Begay
Rad Power Bikes has announced a new, more affordable and lightweight e-bike for urban commuters who just want a simple, affordable way to get around. Called the RadKick, the new bike starts at $1,199, making it the Seattle-based company’s cheapest model yet.
And for those who prefer to avoid grease stains on their pant cuffs, the RadKick is also available with an optional belt drive instead of the traditional bike chain, a first for the company.
The low frame, integrated battery, and room for a myriad of optional add-ons on the front and rear racks could make this the ideal bike for those curious about trying e-bikes but perhaps put off by high prices or the thought of lugging an extremely heavy bike up and down stairs.
In a statement, Rad Power Bikes CEO Phil Molyneux said the RadKick was designed to fill a gap in the company’s lineup, identified with the help of customer feedback. That “missing piece,” Molyneux said, was a lightweight yet affordable e-bike to appeal to more price-conscious consumers.
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Image: Rad Power Bikes
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Image: Rad Power Bikes
The RadKick weighs in at a whopping 55 pounds, making it the lightest model you can get without sacrificing too much power and range, both of which are extremely important to Rad’s U.S. customers.
The RadKick comes in two configurations: a seven-speed with a traditional bike chain and a single-speed with a belt drive. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The seven-speed model is ideal for anyone who wants a little extra help when tackling big hills or prefers a more familiar riding experience, while the belt drive offers a smoother ride and requires less maintenance.
The addition of torque sensors, which adjust the motor based on how hard you push the pedals, could also help sweeten the deal for those customers interested in the belt-drive version. But you’ll have to pay a little extra, about $1,399.
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Image: Rad Power Bikes
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Image: Rad Power Bikes
Like the rest of the Rad range, the RadKick is a Class 2 e-bike, with a throttle-assisted top speed of 20 mph. The fully integrated 36V/10Ah battery provides enough juice for a range of up to 35 miles, which isn’t quite as far as some of Rad’s larger-battery sport bikes, but should be plenty for most commuters.
But the battery is also made from the company’s new heat-resistant epoxy resin and complies with UL standards 2849 and 2271. (Rad launched the new batteries earlier this year as part of an effort to push the entire e-bike industry toward safer, more flame-retardant materials.)
There’s a lot more to like about the RadKick
But the RadKick has a lot more going for it, including a 500W rear hub motor, an LCD display with USB-C charging port, hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear fenders, a rear rack with bamboo shelf, front suspension, and an adjustable stem to fit riders up to 5ft 8in or 6ft 10in.
It’s great to see Rad continue to innovate on the product front, even as market conditions become more challenging and commercial contracts become more difficult. The post-pandemic bike boom seems to be fading in some ways, and venture-backed bike companies are feeling the pinch. Rad has gone through several rounds of layoffs, most recently last week, and was forced to pull out of the European market to focus solely on the US.
And e-bikes are about to get more expensive, as tariff exemptions on Chinese imports into the U.S. expire, potentially causing further belt-tightening among major manufacturers. Amid all this, it’s good to see companies like Rad still committed to keeping their products affordable and introducing more people to the power of e-bikes in the fight against climate change.
