Rad Power Bikes has sold over 750,000 electric bikes since 2015. We tested six models across commuting, cargo, off-road, and folding use cases to give you the most honest brand review available.
Rad's best-selling commuter. Comfortable upright position, integrated rack, and a step-thru frame make it ideal for city riding. Best for commuters who value comfort and practical features over speed.
Rad's iconic off-road fat tire eBike. Handles sand, gravel, snow, and city streets. The 750W motor and 4-inch tires give it serious all-terrain capability. Best fat tire Rad bike.
The long-tail cargo workhorse. Hauls kids, groceries, gear. Rear deck supports 150 lbs, with optional child seat and running boards. A genuine car replacement for family errands.
Rad Power's folding fat tire eBike. Heavier than the Lectric XP at 68 lbs, but the 750W motor and fat tires give it an edge in rough terrain. Best for Rad ecosystem fans who need a folder.
Rad's single-speed urban commuter. Minimalist design, lighter weight (48 lbs) and lower price make it appealing for flat-city riders who want something no-fuss. Not for hills.
Electric tricycle for riders who need stability. Massive cargo basket, 350-lb capacity, and a stable 3-wheel design. Ideal for older riders or anyone with balance concerns.
Rad Power Bikes was founded in 2007 by Mike Radenbaugh in Seattle, Washington, making it one of the oldest eBike brands in America. What started as a DIY garage project turned into a company that has sold over 750,000 electric bikes — more than any other eBike brand in the United States.
Rad Power's competitive advantage is their ecosystem. No other brand matches their depth of compatible accessories: racks, bags, child seats, fenders, running boards, and more. For cargo-focused riders and families using an eBike as a car replacement, this accessory depth is genuinely difficult to match.
Their dealer network of 1,000+ locations — including their own retail stores in Seattle, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. — means riders can test bikes before buying and get in-person service when needed. This is a meaningful advantage over purely direct-to-consumer brands.
Bottom line: Choose Rad Power if you need cargo capability, dealer support, or a step-thru frame. Choose Aventon if you want more speed, better design integration, or app connectivity. Both are excellent brands — your use case makes the decision.
Rad Power Bikes was founded in 2007 by Mike Radenbaugh in Seattle, Washington — making it one of the longest-running eBike brands in the US. They've shipped over 750,000 bikes and are widely considered the most established brand in the direct-to-consumer eBike market.
Yes — all Rad Power Bikes include a half-twist throttle in addition to pedal assist. The throttle allows riders to accelerate without pedaling, up to the bike's 20 mph top speed. This makes Rad bikes especially useful for riders who need occasional boost without pedaling (e.g., at intersections or on short hills).
Yes — Rad Power has 1,000+ dealer locations across the US where test rides are available. They also have their own retail stores in Seattle (multiple locations), San Francisco, and Washington D.C. Use the store finder on their website to locate the nearest location.
Rad Power offers a 14-day return window on bikes purchased directly through their website. Bikes must be in original condition. Note that return shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility and can be significant given the bike's weight. Their 2-year warranty covers manufacturing defects beyond the return window.