radrunner lcd display quotation

The LCD Display Upgrade provides additional information while riding, including Speedometer, Odometer, Trip Odometer, Average Speed, Max Speed, and Pedal Assist (PAS) levels 1-4. This replaces the stock LED display on the RadRunner, RadMission, and RadExpand.

The RadRunner 2 is an electric utility bike that attempts to do it all, but in trying to be everything to everyone it inevitably falls down. It will appeal to first-time buyers looking for an inexpensive electric bike for carrying luggage (or a second person), but range is relatively limited and optional accessories can push the price up quite a lot. Plus, taller riders will find the frame too small for comfort.

The RadRunner 2 is one such option, which starts at US$1499/£1349 and positions itself as a jack-of-all-trades rather than a dedicated utility bike, able to work as just about any kind of bike as well as being a capable cargo carrier. Its marketing even touts it as part of something new altogether, with a classic step-through ‘moped’ style.

Even on these merits, the RadRunner 2 is a slightly odd customer. First, and unusually, it is designed to fit a range of ‘average’ heights, those being 150cm to 188cm. This is to be applauded as many e-bikes in particular leave out the sub-160cm club, however it introduces a range of compromises.

Beyond the fit, what stands out about the RadRunner 2 is the battery, which sits behind the seat post. Years ago, that was generally accepted as the only place it could go, but these days most manufacturers embed the battery within the frame for a sleeker look.

The size of the battery along with the generally chunky design also bring another compromise: weight. At 29kg, the relatively diminutive dimensions of the RadRunner 2 belie its sheer heft. If you are a commuter, this might automatically mean looking elsewhere, particularly for those who take their bikes with them on public transport.

An interesting choice made with the design of the RadRunner 2 is the choice of tyres. Typically, different tyre profiles are for different kinds of terrain, with thin tyres being for the road and thicker tyres for off-road conditions. With this in mind, the RadRunner 2 is a road bike that has very thick tyres and so blazes a trail of its own. There are of course drawbacks to this, chiefly being that there’s a fair amount of resistance on asphalt.

It does mean that riding over cobbles is a little more cushioned, but it seems that ‘fat-tyre’ bikes are becoming more and more common on the road. Other electric bikes around this price deigned for on-road use might lack the versatility of the RadRunner 2, but they are easier to ride, especially when the battery runs out.

Another inclusion which might be considered as somewhat odd is the single gear system. Where a more typical option might contain at least a five or seven gear option, the RadRunner 2 is single speed (with a derailleur to tension the chain – something we’ve not seen before).

The display is clearly intended to save cost too. Where some e-bike displays show a variety of useful information, the RadRunner 2’s shows barely anything.

People looking for a budget load carrier likely won’t find this to be too much of an issue, but other bikes around this price have much better displays. (You can upgrade to an LCD screen for $95 / £85.)

It is possible to have the bike assembled on your doorstep following delivery as an add-on service, and it may be worth paying for the privilege. Although the more technically minded might find it not to be an issue, we found the RadRunner 2 relatively complex to assemble, with the fenders in particular proving difficult.

So what is the bike like to ride? This is of course the big question, to which the answer is: mostly fine. Though slightly non-descriptive as an answer, this means the RadRunner 2 is very average to ride.

If you are looking to use the bike with the highest power setting on to whizz to the shops and don’t plan on taking longer rides, the RadRunner 2 will suit you well. If you are looking for something to use for off-road riding or for longer road journeys, there are better alternatives.

With a quoted range of up to 88 km/45+ miles, range would seem to be a particular strength of the RadRunner 2. But of course the picture changes in the real world. Lots of factors can affect how many miles the battery will transport you, including the temperature, the ride load and the rider weight.

With these in mind, although the RadRunner 2 can’t reach anything quite like the quoted maximum length, we managed around 30km (19 miles) before the battery needed a recharge. This will be enough for many commutes, but those needing more endurance should probably look elsewhere. A full charge of the battery took roughly five hours to complete.

Starting at are the operative words here. As Rad Power Bikes is keen to point out, there are dozens of accessories you could buy, from front racks and baskets to kids’ seats and passenger grab handles, plus the LCD upgrade and passenger seat mentioned earlier. These can add significantly to the price, even if it is nice to have the options there.

I’m well aware that other reviewers have loved the RadRunner 2 (mainly in the US, it has to be said). For me, in the UK, this jack-of-all-trades is a master of none.

SEATTLE, March 26, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Rad Power® Bikes is setting a new standard in ebike innovation with the limited release of the RadRunner Plus, a feature-rich version of the brand"s groundbreaking electric utility bike that comes fully loaded with exclusive upgrades and accessories.

"The RadRunner Plus blends the accessible utilitarian design of the original RadRunner with an all-new collection of upgrades for riders craving a premium ebike experience," said Mike Radenbaugh, Rad Power Bikes" founder and CEO. "The result is a head-turning electric utility bike that makes it easier than ever to run errands across town or pick up a friend scooter style."

This upgraded ebike builds on the functionality of the RadRunner 1 with a 7-speed drivetrain and front suspension fork, two exclusive additions that allow riders to power over hills and conquer uneven terrain with ease. And, with the ebike"s signature Passenger Package included as a standard feature, riders can adjust the driver"s seat to their preferred height, slide back on the bench-style rear seat, or bring a passenger along for the ride. Drawing inspiration from vintage motorbikes and luxury cars of the 60s and 70s, the RadRunner Plus features a metallic silver and black paint scheme, espresso-colored seats and handlebar grips, and a bold new decal package.

In addition to these upgrades, the RadRunner Plus also comes standard with several accessories that add to its industry-leading value, including a full LCD display, front and rear fenders, and an all-new premium LED halo headlight. The RadRunner Plus also maintains many of the standout features of the base model, including 20-inch by 3.3-inch wide multi-terrain tires, a sturdy step-thru frame design, and a 300-pound (136 kg) load capacity, with an integrated rear deck that can carry up to 120 pounds (54 kg).

The RadRunner Plus will be available for pre-order in the U.S. for $1,699 USD (750W motor), in Canada for $2,299 CAD (500W motor), and in Europe for €1,599 EUR (250W motor), starting on March 26. For those who are ready to start riding now, the original RadRunner is available for $1,199 USD ($1,699 CAD, €1.199 EUR) online at radpowerbikes.com, radpowerbikes.ca, and radpowerbikes.eu.