{"id":75380,"date":"2024-08-07T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-07T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=75380"},"modified":"2024-08-07T10:00:00","modified_gmt":"2024-08-07T14:00:00","slug":"rad-power-bikes-launches-its-first-belt-drive-low-cost-e-bike-the-radkick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=75380","title":{"rendered":"Rad Power Bikes launches its first belt drive low-cost e-bike, the RadKick"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Rad Power Bikes announced its newest model this morning, marking the first belt-driven low-cost electric bike from the Seattle-based e-bike maker. Meet the new Rad Power Bikes RadKick<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The RadKick actually comes in two versions, one with a single-speed belt drive and the other with a 7-speed chain drive. Each is likely to appeal to different types of riders, though their relatively low prices are certain to win favor among just about everyone. With this new launch, Rad is shaking up the game.<\/p>\n

Priced at $1,199<\/a> for the chain drive and $1,399<\/a> for the belt drive, the RadKick helps return an entry-priced offering to the Rad lineup that has been missing since the sunsetting of the RadMission two years ago<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Rad described the new model as \u201cengineered to ride more like a standard bike while packed with the features and functionality Rad is known for.\u201d<\/p>\n

That means the bike is relatively lightweight (for a full-sized e-bike) at 55 lb or 25 kg, helping give it that more traditional-feeling ride. But make no mistake, this is still an e-bike. It packs a decently punchy but not overly powerful 500W continuous-rated rear hub motor. <\/p>\n

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That slightly lower power motor than we generally see from Rad matches the somewhat smaller battery, which is just a 360Wh unit on the RadKick. While the 36V architecture limits the battery\u2019s power compared to Rad\u2019s existing 48V batteries, the bike\u2019s 20 mph (32 km\/h) top speed doesn\u2019t require quite as much juice as faster e-bikes. <\/p>\n

And on the upside, the battery is part of Rad\u2019s new SafeShield line, which uses potting technology to make the batteries essentially fireproof. Plus, the batteries are certified for UL-compliance, as is the entire e-bike system including the motor, controller, wiring, etc.<\/p>\n

That smaller battery and motor combination certainly help bring the bike\u2019s price down, but that doesn\u2019t mean the company skimped elsewhere. In fact, there\u2019s still a surprising number of features to be found on the RadKick.<\/p>\n

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The handlebars host a color LCD screen complete with USB-C charging port and a pair of hydraulic brake levers for the dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes. The bars also sit on an adjustable stem, letting riders dial in their preferred handlebar height and angle. With the easy step-thru frame and adjustable handlebars\/saddle combination, Rad says the new RadKick should comfortably fit riders from 5\u20192\u2033 to 6\u20191\u2033 (157 to 185 cm). <\/p>\n

Other nice-to-see features include the right-side half-twist throttle, included fender set, front and rear LED lighting, bolt-on front axle for extra strength (no more tiny front axle skewer), front suspension, and an included rear rack with bamboo deck. <\/p>\n

I\u2019m personally not a huge fan of bamboo decks, which despite their attractive look, can sometimes get in the way of tying cargo down to the frame rails. In this case though, it looks like Rad kindly left enough of a gap between the bamboo and the rack\u2019s outer frame to allow us knot tyers to lash our cargo comfortably to the rack. And since the rack is rated for carrying up to 55 lb (25 kg) of cargo, it makes sense that riders will want to put some serious poundage back there.<\/p>\n

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