radrunner lcd display free sample

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.

But here’s the deal -- while your LCD display is technically a screen, it’s not going to remind you about any meetings. It’s just there to help you get the most out of your ride.

To celebrate the launch of the LCD upgrade that"s now available for the RadRunner, here"s a quick guide to help you better understand your display"s features.

The liquid crystal displays (cool, right?!) on our bikes showcase all the important information you need while riding, from the amount of charge left on your battery to the number of miles under your belt.

You interact with the display using the three buttons on the "display remote" on the left side of the handlebar, which includes a mode button along with Up and Down arrows.

The wattmeter usually gets less attention than the rest of the display features, but it can be a handy way to get a sense of how much power is helping push you along.

Your LCD Get-Around System also makes it easy to answer that burning question about how fast you"re going. (To comply with speed regulations on any given trail, of course ...)

By far the most popular upgrade available, The Upgrade kit includes a new motor controller and new color display.  The combination allows you to finally unleash the full potential of the stock motor and battery.  This is THE upgrade kit your friends have been talking about.

The RadRunner is a compact mid-fat electric bike model that is launching in the US, Canada, and 29 European countries in September 2019! In order to comply with local regulations for Class 1 pedelecs, the EU version comes with a 250 watt motor and walk assist vs. full throttle mode… In short, you have to pedal for the motor to activate beyond 6km/h. That said, walk assist has been implemented in such a way that it will boost lower levels of assist while pedaling! Think of it like this, if you’re riding with assist level 1 but activate the twist mechanism, the bike will go faster, as if you were using level 2, 3, or 4 depending on how far you twist. Neat! I was very impressed with this feature because it adds a level of flexibility and control that many other European electric bikes lack, while still complying with local regulations. In most cases, the bike will be shipped out and require light assembly, but Rad Power Bikes does have a showroom in Utrecht, Netherlands where you can take test rides or pickup the bike fully assembled.

I’ve followed Rad Power Bikes since 2015, when the RadRover and RadWagon were the only bikes on offer, before any models were available in Europe! Since that time, the company has expanded internationally with the introduction of two Class 2 / L1e-A models called the RadRhino and RadWagon EU Version. The Class 2 / L1e-A products erquire licensing fees and a little plate be added to the bike frame… but that is not the case with the brand new RadRunner EU Version. It’s a standard Class 1 pedelec. Before we really dig in, I want to call out a more complete video review, which accompanies the US version of the bike here. I got to spend more time with that product because I was visiting the US headquarters in Ballard, Washington. However, having tried both bikes back to back (the US and EU versions), I want to acknowledge that there is a noticeable difference in power and climbing ability between the two. The EU version is weaker and slower… but it’s still fun and capable with some pedaling :) Given that all versions of the RadRunner currently use a single speed drivetrain, this may be a no-go for heavier riders or those expecting a lot of hilly terrain who only have access to the EU version. You’ll have an easier time with a multi-speed electric bike, and especially with mid-drive models that leverage gears to empower the rider as well as the motor. Anyway, Rad Power Bikes has been around for many years now and has demonstrated quality of product as well as high levels of customer service, perhaps we will see the EU version refined in the future, but the current loadout is still heaps of fun, versatile, and very affordable.

The RadRunner uses the same battery pack as the RadRhino and RadWagon EU Version. These models also share a complete line of optional accessories like racks and bags, that can be used to carry additional batteries, the charger, and other personal gear. And, there are specially sized fenders for the RadRunner, which are sure to come in handy during winter months… though they do not go quite as low as some commuter ebikes I’ve covered recently from companies like Specialized. There’s also an optional plastic console box with cover that really looks good and keeps weight low and center for improved balance and control while riding. The bike comes with integrated lights, and the rear light goes bright anytime you pull the brake levers. It even has a blinking mode, which is very unique and desirable for safety, at least to me. While it’s difficult to pin down exactly what type of bike the RadRunner is, you could use it for all sorts of riding. The compact size makes it easier to fit into elevators and apartments, the mid-fat tires make it stable and provide comfort as well as off-road capability, the optional passenger kit places a pad on the rear rack, a pair of pegs, and skirt guard so you can carry a passenger up to 120lbs! These are all great features, and yet this is also the most affordable e-bike model in the Rad Power Bikes lineup. It’s inspiring to see that the company not only went for something value-priced but managed to create something special and really useful and fun. I’m super impressed with the RadRunner, and while it does come with some trade-offs like no suspension, plastic pedals, a more basic LED console with limited readouts, and a single speed drivetrain, it’s still a very capable product, and feels like a real contender alongside the more expensive models. You might end up choosing this electric bicycle because you prefer its features or style, not just because it’s the cheapest.

Driving the RadRunner is a custom tuned fat bike specific planetary geared hub motor from Bafang. The wide casing provides a sturdy bracing angle for the thick 12-gauge spokes while permitting a wider stator and magnet configuration inside. This allows the motor to deliver consistently high power without producing a lot of noise or being physically large (having a wider diameter). Notice how the motor basically hides behind the 180mm disc brake rotor on the left side? It’s a bit exposed from the right because of the single-speed drivetrain, but it blends in beautifully because the casing, spokes, and rims are all black. The motor is rated at 250 watts continuous output (in the EU) which is the upper legal limit. It’s fairly lightweight at ~8.7lbs compared to the ~10.5 pound gearless hub motors on the RadWagon and RadCity models, and it freewheels without any magnetic drag. It does not offer regenerative braking, but that’s not a big loss in my opinion because of the reduced weight and drag. Being spoked into a relatively small 20″ wheel, the hub motor gets a mechanical advantage for starting, climbing, and transporting heavy loads. In order to make pedaling feel comfortable for the rider, given the smaller wheels and single speed configuration, a large 52 tooth chainring was chosen. I think RAD did an excellent job creating a comfortable ride feel with this product, and was able to spec traditional 170mm crank arms because the fat tires elevate the bike more than comparable non-fat 20″ wheeled ebikes. The real trade-offs are increased weight and some additional friction and buzzing compared to a narrower, smoother tire. Thankfully, the ~7.7lb battery pack and quick-release front wheel are easily removable, so transporting the bike doesn’t have to be super difficult if you find yourself struggling with the 64+ pound base weight. You shouldn’t have a problem with chain derailments while riding or transporting the RadRunner because it utilizes an alloy chain guide and chain tensioner system in the rear. I asked about this design during our review prep conversations and discovered that the Sturmey Archer chain tensioner allows for a vertical mounting rear wheel vs. a horizontal sliding dropout, which can be tricky to align and keep straight under high torque pressure on electric bikes. There’s no slap guard on the chainstay, but this is less important with a single speed because the chain length is a lot shorter and the chain tensioner puts adequate tension to reduce bouncing… though you may hear a few tinking noises during some of our ride segments because the chain was touching the kickstand… which was a prototype and should be addressed in the final bikes.

Powering the RadRunner motor, display, and lights is a high-capacity Lithium-ion battery pack. Providing over 670 watt hours of capacity, this pack allows you to go further, use the throttle and high levels of assist more frequently, and climb more capably than a lot of competing products. Batteries tend to be one of the most expensive parts of electric bicycles, so it’s really impressive that such a nice one was chosen for the value-priced offering from Rad Power Bikes. Furthermore, this pack is cross compatible between all Rad Power Bikes models dating back to 2018 (which is everything that’s been available in Europe). The pack mounts securely to a plastic track that’s attached to the back of the seat tube with three bolts, and is secured with a keyed locking core. Notice how the battery is positioned towards the center of the frame at a relatively low point for improved balance and bike handling. It’s protected on the top and both sides by aluminum frame tubing, and blends in with the other black hardware. The battery pack has two fuses built in for safety, and is physically separate from the motor controller, which makes replacement and additional packs less expensive to purchase. Notice the little black box below the downtube (almost hidden behind the chainring), that’s the controller unit. At €500 per battery pack, you get a lot of bang for your buck here compared with €750+ for many competing offerings from leaders like Bosch, Yamaha, Shimano, Brose, and others. I also like the physical design of this battery, being smooth and rounded, though it does not include a handle or loop for secure carrying, and can be difficult to unlock and remove on this particular bike because of the tubing near the top. Transporting the battery (or additional batteries) is also important to consider, and this pack is fairly short and thick vs. long and skinny which makes it easier to stuff into trunk bags, panniers, and backpacks for extended rides. The only trade-off I noticed was aesthetics, with two black boxes tacked onto the frame here vs. an internally mounted battery or combined battery + controller. Rated at 48 volts and 14 amp hours, this pack offers a total of 672 watt hours, which is above average for this generation of ebike batteries. And, I’m told that it contains high quality Samsung 35E high capacity lithium-ion cells. The battery casing has an LED charge level indicator built into the top edge, allowing you to determine roughly how full it is whether it’s mounted to the bike or not, and you can charge the pack while mounted or separated from the RadRunner frame. To maximize the lifespan of this and other lithium-ion battery packs, I’ve been taught to store them in a cool dry location and avoid complete discharge. In fact, it’s best to stay between 20% and 80% and aim for 50% if you know you won’t be riding for an extended period of time. Extreme heat can also prematurely wear the cells and extreme cold will limit your range but not be as hard on the actual battery chemistry as prolonged heat.

Once the battery pack is charged, mounted, and locked, the bike is easy to power on and operate using a simple LED control pad, mounted near the left grip. The RadRunner is the only current generation electric bike product from Rad Power Bikes that I have seen with this more basic display, all of the others use an LCD readout with feedback about current speed, trip distance, time, and a other details. This is probably one area where Rad Power Bikes cut back to keep the price lower, and it’s not that much of an issue for me. The big thing I do wish they had included however, is a USB charging port, so I could use my smartphone to track speed, use my GPS, play music, and perform other actions while cycling. Sure, my smartphone has a battery of its own, but on long trips it would be nice to maintain that smaller battery by hooking up to the big ebike battery! There’s no USB on the display or the battery pack itself. What the display does show is a five bar charge level indicator (each light representing a 20% step), a 0-4 pedal assist level selector, and a lights indicator. Once you press the power button on the control pad, you can navigate using + and – to increase or decrease pedal assist power and top speed, but the twist mechanism is always active and always capable of supporting the bike up to a top speed of 7km/h on it’s own, or boosting the level of power that is selected as long as you’re pedaling. The European version has a top speed of 15.5mph (25km/h) based on the Class 1 framework for pedelecs, as mentioned earlier. And, you might notice that the – button has a little bike icon as well, and this denotes the walk mode feature that is almost redundant given the twist mechanism… It could be useful for activating if you’re walking on the left side of the bike vs. the right, where the half-grip twist mechanism is. Simply hold the – key down and the bike will slowly move forward to assist with “walking” if you’ve got the rack loaded or are pushing up a hill or out of a basement ramp (mostly a European thing I’m told). Walk mode can be useful if you get a flat tire, but that shouldn’t happen very often because the Kenda tires have K-Shield puncture protection built in. If you keep the tire pressure around 30 PSI, you’ll get efficient riding and avoid pinch flats, but I tend to reduce tire pressure for comfort, being a lightweight 135lb rider. I appreciate the highly sensitive 14 pulse sealed cadence sensor, mounted to the left side of the bottom bracket. This sensor is compact and probably very durable compared to some of the older exposed sensors (still used on the RadBurro). It’s not quite as responsive as a torque sensor, but the trade-off is that it doesn’t make you work as hard… you can simply turn the cranks gently and the motor will help out as much or as little as you prescribe using the 1-4 levels of pedal assist on the display and the twist mechanism. One final little complaint is that the orange LED lights built into the display panel don’t have a brightness setting, and could become too bright and annoying in dark settings. I’ve used masking tape to reduce the harshness of LED lights on other electric bikes because they felt distracting. While this display is not designed for removal, it did seem durable and could be swiveled to be readable or less bright depending on your reach preferences from the left grip. I noticed that Rad Power Bikes opted for a nicer threaded connector points for the display and other electronics while some competing value offerings go for basic press fit. I was told that the this and other parts can be replaced through the company, and are warrantied for one year as a part of the comprehensive warranty. I really like being able to activate the the lights through the display, and having two modes for the rear light (solid or blinking). Though, you do have to physically press a button below that light to change modes vs. using the display. Note that both brake levers have motor inhibitor switches built-in that cut power to the motor whenever you pull them and also activate bright mode on the rear light, whether the lights are on or not! The headlight is designed to be re-mounted to racks if you purchase them aftermarket, and Rad Power Bikes includes extender cables to make it easy. Note that if you do get a front rack and reposition the light, it will no longer point where you steer, because the rack is frame mounted for extra strength.

Pros:This is one of, if not the best low-priced electric bike I’ve ever reviewed… I knew Rad Power Bikes was working on something designed to be affordable, but they also created something really unique and functional, the RadRunner is super fun and capable in a wide variety of terrains and applications, even with a passenger aboard

I love that the RadRunner has a derailleur guard to protect the chain tensioner and motor power cable on the drivetrain side of the bike, especially since they ship direct and the box could get tossed around a bit on the way

In my experience, there are many wave style step-thru bike frames that feel flexy, but Rad Power Bikes designed the RadRunner with a section of top tube and big metal gusset to nearly eliminate frame flex, I like how the tubing also surrounds the battery pack to some degree, for additional protection

The RadRunner only comes in one frame size and the reach is pretty short, it might feel small to taller riders… even with the seat raised all the way up

Basic LED display only shows your approximate charge level, assist level, and lights indicator, so you won’t be able to track trip distance or measure your current speed, I also feel like the orange LED lights could be too bright and even annoying at night… but that’s just a minor complaint and a layer or two of masking tape could dim them if you ever feel distracted or bothered

Many car and bus racks have a hanging style rack for bikes, and to use that with the RadRunner you might need to buy a crossbar adapter… which is compatible, as long as you aren’t using the optional cargo box

Aventon updated its outstanding Level e-bike to have a smoother ride and added visibility. A new torque sensor delivers power to the rear hub motor more evenly than the previous generation bike. The Level.2 has a more natural and intuitive feel when riding. The integrated lights and a smaller, easier-to-use display help make one of our favorite commuter e-bikes even better.

With the Radrover 6 Plus, Rad Power has made a fat tire e-bike that is comfortable to ride on pretty much any terrain, from urban streets riddled with potholes to off-road paths with rocks or snow. Updated display and hydraulic disc brakes make the RadRover 6 Plus substantially nicer to ride than its predecessor.

Lectric"s XP 2.0 has a striking appearance for a folding e-bike. The 3-inch-wide tires mounted on 20-inch wheels and an industrial-styled aluminum frame help get you places traditional folding bikes can"t access. And with folded dimensions of 37" x 18" x 28", the XP 2.0 can be stored in places non-folding e-bikes won"t fit. An integrated battery hides in the frame and powers the 500-watt hub motor. This provides up to a claimed range of 45 miles. A seven-speed drivetrain provides gearing for varied terrain, and there’s a throttle to let you zip along pedal-free. It includes a suspension fork and a large and legible LCD screen. The bike ships as a Class 2 e-bike but can be upgraded to a Class 3, increasing its maximum speed to 28mph.

The singlespeed RadRunner is designed to haul cargo and is nimble enough to outrun your deadlines. The step-through, moped-style frame has mounts for front and rear racks (whose options include baskets, bags, insulated bags, platforms, panniers, and more). You can buy a center console to add a third storage option (the battery is mounted behind the seat tube to free up space for it). A double kickstand keeps it upright so you can load all that cargo without fear of the bike tipping over, and there’s an integrated taillight that lights up when you hit the brakes.

Beneath all this utility is a solid e-bike, too. The 750-watt rear-hub motor has enough torque to take you and all your stuff up hills and across level pavement at a comfortable 20 mph, and the wide 20-inch Kenda K-Rad tires balloon out over rough pavement and rocks, allowing you to take the RadRunner (and whatever you choose to put on it) almost anywhere. If you live in a hillier area, opt for the RadRunner Plus model with a 7-speed drivetrain for $1,900.