Just took my new RadTrike bike for its maiden voyage on a 17 mile paved rail-to-trail bike path - it performed excellently even in the turns. One issue I've noticed (because I have mobility issues and can't pedal much - yet) is that the battery will drain quicker than if you only depend on the throttle alone instead of power assist. No big deal as I had plenty of power to get me back (thus the extra battery just in case). I bought the large cargo carrier (and bag) for the back and medium basket for the front and I loaded up on all sorts of gear such as large first aid kit, the extra battery, water, food items, repair tools, fix-a-flat tubes, variable weather gear (which came in VERY handy due to changing weather conditions on the ride including RAIN) - overall, my first trial run went quite well. (I also had able-bodied individuals help me load the TRIKE on/off my truck which is helpful because it is quite heavy.) As my fitness level is a long-term program in the making, I will use my trike every chance I get. Helps with depression too - turn off the TV, get off the couch and out of the house! I put on a helmet (of course), reflective vest and a flag pole with a bright orange warning flag at the top (using special attachments - you want to be SEEN). I bought a smart phone carrier (actually use the classic iPod), hooked it up to a small external speaker device and listened to music and podcasts as I rode. Highly recommended especially for those with mobility, mental health, weight and cardiac issues. This will change your world around at your own pace. The price and design of this trike is well every single dollar I spent on it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
This is by far one of the greatest reviews I've ever seen for anything on UA-cam. Thank you so much for doing this. I feel like I've already own one of these.
Great review! Just bought one for my wife (I ride an Aventon Adventure 2) but my wife really wanted a trike. We love it! And we paid $2100…in Hawaii! Normally out here you add another $400 to prices we see online. Super happy with it!
Nice bike and great review. Looks like you’re allowed to ride on the sidewalks where your at, not something that we’re allowed to do where I am staying. This one looks like it has mounts for a front rack. I think I’ll wait until 1/13 before I make any decisions on whether and what to buy.
Def a sweet trike. However, my money went to the 'Lectric Trike' due to price/value, better quality components, excellent design & weight, and rear/mid-drive power with a differential like your car - while still maintaining a super-low center of gravity that literally turns on a dime. They both top out at about 14mph - but the Lectric rear-wheel drive does not spin out like front-wheel drive trikes.
I have my fingers crossed that lectric does a better job with their trike then rad did with this thing, get review as always love your content keep up the good work
I was excited when I heard about this, but I was really hoping for 2 wheels in front like a Bunch Bike, or a 2-wheeled cargo box bike like an Urban Arrow. Cargo box bikes are pretty expensive and I'd like to see more competition and innovation there.
Righty, cargo is very important. It has a low rack for mounting, say a basket. What I would like is a basket that has a seat our bench seat. More or less a trunk with a seat lid…
@@anthonyiocca5683 that would have been pretty cool, if they could make it safe enough. Maybe they'll make a Rad Rickshaw with a proper bench seat/trunk for two adults behind the rider.
I bet the price will come down quickly. The excitement over this introduction might have been the shortest of any product I know. Rad needed some industrial espionage at Lectric.
It is an interesting setup, and though some may question the rear brakes, it does eliminate a cable or hydraulic line from front to back. A hydraulic brake would have been nice, and a torque sensor even nicer, and the battery size has me scratching my head. However, I suspect the primary use of a trike would be for short errands and trips to the store, not group rides or excursions though the countryside. The Lectric XP Trike comes out at a much lower price point, AND with hydraulic brakes, but it's possible that Lectric is intentionally undercutting others at the loss of their own profits. One thing I can say is the Lectric save money on research and development. The Rad was designed from the ground up as a trike, while I have to say as an engineer that the Lectric was adapted to a trike version. Notice that most of the photos have the rider's foot hiding the drivetrain? That's because they pulled a hub motor out of the parts bin and used it, and you can even see the holes where the spokes are supposed to be. A rear differential is nice, but not complicated. I designed one in grade school. I can pretty much guarantee that the Lectric will have better traction in snow, but the Rad will be more maneuverable. Easy way to find out is to turn the front wheel completely sideways on both trikes, and hit the throttle. Thanks for the review, and it would be interesting to compare them side by side, especially with a hill climb. A long hill climb 😉
When you are not using the motor, do the pedals drive one rear wheel or both rear wheels?. Doesn't look like its a differential so perhaps a freewheel in each rear hub?.
@@anthonyiocca5683 Lectric has just released a similar spec trike but for $1500 and its motor is behind the pedals. The combined pedal / motor then drives a differential hub to both rear wheels. Since RadTrike is $1000 more, a differential might be there for pedal power.
Good video my dude. This is good if you live in a retirement community in FL. Owning a trike in the past... the main problem is where are you going to store it? You really can not store it in the back of your garage because then you have to back your car up to get it out. Same thing if you store it in the front. You either need a dedicated spot for it or its own garage spot. Still they are lots of fun and maybe it is time to let go of that car.
We purchased this Vivi 27.5” electric bike and a Tentaquil 26” electric bike for our 13 and 14 year olds. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxUiL0GnyDjP32RJdd660sP8mZk4CRLTCJ The Vivi was much easier to put together. With the Vivi, there was a video link to assist with assembly which made the process easier to follow (we did put the handlebars on upside down, but it was a quick and easy fix). With the Tentaquil, the assembly was not as simple to follow, but after we messaged the company for an assembly video, it was easier and they did respond quickly. The other major differences were that the Vivi has a grip throttle on the right handle (like a motorcycle) and the Tentaquil has a push throttle that you use your thumb to activate. The monitors were also different, so if you’re looking for something specific in terms of changing the bikes functions, pay attention to what the monitor offers. We were really impressed with the overall quality and functionality of both bikes, but if you’re looking for more power and an easier assembly, definitely go with the Vivi!
Just went down to 1299, which is still way too much. Does kind of let you see what Rad's markups have been. Whenever you see a e review like. this, be suspicious of the reviewer's bias.
For one extra tire and single speed, are charging 1,300 more than a two wheeled e bike. Sometimes stuff don't add up right. Too much money sorry Rad . I like the company they need too rethink the suggested retail price.
It was tested up a long grade in another review and functioned really well. I also questioned that aspect, given that it's single speed. Apparently, Rad understood their front hub would have its work cut out for it and they got it right.
you would get a better E-trike ,with more power and a stronger body if you get an American Made Worksman E-trike ....i own a P.A.V. 3 model and it can carry 600 lbs....and it was cheaper then this one
I love that style (tadpole trikes) but the more complicated steering adds a lot to the price. If there was an affordable tadpole trike, I'd be on it immediately!
@@Electrek I just got a small trike in Vietnam, it has smaller wheels but the seat is bigger and slides back for additional seating. It is slower though.
Of the 4 ebikes I have owned, the RadTrike is by far the most disappointing. I discovered a design flaw during my first ride. The clearance between the pedals and the frame is insuffient. In order to pedal without having the heal of my shoe contnually catching on the back frame, it is necessary that I peddle using my instep opposed to the ball of my foot. A significanf flaw in a bike lauded for being designed from the "ground up". I discovered the second flaw after a week of riding. The back chain sprocket assembly has a sprocket that, instead of being part of the bar attaching it to the bike, is a seperate, moveable part using a simple hex bolt to keep it in place using friction between the bolt and the bar. An absurd design given the bar is subject to continual vibration that loosens the bolt making it necessary to tighten it repeatedly to prevent the chain from coming off. A purchase I deeply regret.
Kind of barebones design. I didn’t like the small 18” wheels. Short crank arms is a huge disadvantage. That trike might suite an elderly woman that wants to get out and about in the fresh air…
Great video, I'll soon be in the e trike market, but definitely not this one, it's not very pretty, lacks many features and the color options are very limited. Fortunately, price isn't an issue for me, so I'm looking at other options.
Lectric Trike is the better option and only $1500. Bigger tires, bigger motor, bigger battery and best of all both front and REAR hydraulic brakes. The rad power rear coaster brake is a joke.
Lectric really did a really great job with the price. The coaster brake is an odd choice for Rad, but at least it's zero maintenance and immune to rain. I think they did it to eliminate the brake line when the bike is taken apart. The Rad motor is bigger with more torque though. The Lectric does peak higher, but it can't be sustained.
Sorry, but again like you I am Disappointed. When I first heard that Rad was Designing a Trike I got very excited! Again I am a 72 Yr old man with diabetes and extreme problems standing up without assistance. This bike was such a letdown. Thank for your honesty…
We purchased this Vivi 27.5” electric bike and a Tentaquil 26” electric bike for our 13 and 14 year olds. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxUiL0GnyDjP32RJdd660sP8mZk4CRLTCJ The Vivi was much easier to put together. With the Vivi, there was a video link to assist with assembly which made the process easier to follow (we did put the handlebars on upside down, but it was a quick and easy fix). With the Tentaquil, the assembly was not as simple to follow, but after we messaged the company for an assembly video, it was easier and they did respond quickly. The other major differences were that the Vivi has a grip throttle on the right handle (like a motorcycle) and the Tentaquil has a push throttle that you use your thumb to activate. The monitors were also different, so if you’re looking for something specific in terms of changing the bikes functions, pay attention to what the monitor offers. We were really impressed with the overall quality and functionality of both bikes, but if you’re looking for more power and an easier assembly, definitely go with the Vivi!
Just took my new RadTrike bike for its maiden voyage on a 17 mile paved rail-to-trail bike path - it performed excellently even in the turns. One issue I've noticed (because I have mobility issues and can't pedal much - yet) is that the battery will drain quicker than if you only depend on the throttle alone instead of power assist. No big deal as I had plenty of power to get me back (thus the extra battery just in case). I bought the large cargo carrier (and bag) for the back and medium basket for the front and I loaded up on all sorts of gear such as large first aid kit, the extra battery, water, food items, repair tools, fix-a-flat tubes, variable weather gear (which came in VERY handy due to changing weather conditions on the ride including RAIN) - overall, my first trial run went quite well. (I also had able-bodied individuals help me load the TRIKE on/off my truck which is helpful because it is quite heavy.)
As my fitness level is a long-term program in the making, I will use my trike every chance I get. Helps with depression too - turn off the TV, get off the couch and out of the house! I put on a helmet (of course), reflective vest and a flag pole with a bright orange warning flag at the top (using special attachments - you want to be SEEN). I bought a smart phone carrier (actually use the classic iPod), hooked it up to a small external speaker device and listened to music and podcasts as I rode. Highly recommended especially for those with mobility, mental health, weight and cardiac issues. This will change your world around at your own pace. The price and design of this trike is well every single dollar I spent on it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
As someone who struggles with balance, the M340 has given me the freedom and independence to get around without worry.
This is by far one of the greatest reviews I've ever seen for anything on UA-cam. Thank you so much for doing this. I feel like I've already own one of these.
Great review! Just bought one for my wife (I ride an Aventon Adventure 2) but my wife really wanted a trike. We love it! And we paid $2100…in Hawaii! Normally out here you add another $400 to prices we see online. Super happy with it!
Lectric won already and when they finally come out with a 750w version of their XP line it'd game over.
Lectric just released info on their trike and it's starting at $1499. I think Rad may be in trouble.
Lectric by far a much better value and components. How far like $1000
100% go with lectric.. I'm the rad mini4 and rad wagon owner.
Rad trike is now $1299, no wonder no one buys at $2500 because it’s extremely overpriced at $2500.
Andrew. Mors
Nice bike and great review. Looks like you’re allowed to ride on the sidewalks where your at, not something that we’re allowed to do where I am staying. This one looks like it has mounts for a front rack. I think I’ll wait until 1/13 before I make any decisions on whether and what to buy.
Def a sweet trike. However, my money went to the 'Lectric Trike' due to price/value, better quality components, excellent design & weight, and rear/mid-drive power with a differential like your car - while still maintaining a super-low center of gravity that literally turns on a dime. They both top out at about 14mph - but the Lectric rear-wheel drive does not spin out like front-wheel drive trikes.
Rad seems to exist to make Lectric look good.
$1499 ! Definitely buy it !
Selling my rad wagon... For lectric trike
So true!
that rear right wheel was wobbling hard!
Lectric trike at $1500 ? No way they can maintain that $2500 pricing
I have my fingers crossed that lectric does a better job with their trike then rad did with this thing, get review as always love your content keep up the good work
Lucky for you Levi from Lectric posted a picture of him on the new lectric trike.
Waiting for your review on the Lectrik e-bike. Think they may be eating a rad’s lunch.
I was excited when I heard about this, but I was really hoping for 2 wheels in front like a Bunch Bike, or a 2-wheeled cargo box bike like an Urban Arrow. Cargo box bikes are pretty expensive and I'd like to see more competition and innovation there.
Righty, cargo is very important. It has a low rack for mounting, say a basket. What I would like is a basket that has a seat our bench seat. More or less a trunk with a seat lid…
@@anthonyiocca5683 that would have been pretty cool, if they could make it safe enough. Maybe they'll make a Rad Rickshaw with a proper bench seat/trunk for two adults behind the rider.
I bet the price will come down quickly. The excitement over this introduction might have been the shortest of any product I know. Rad needed some industrial espionage at Lectric.
I'll wait for the Lectric trike
EXCELLENT review! thanks!
That rear right is wobbling all over the place! What did you do to it, Micah?
@Electrek.co. I am in Europe. Am I actually eligible for anything?
It is an interesting setup, and though some may question the rear brakes, it does eliminate a cable or hydraulic line from front to back. A hydraulic brake would have been nice, and a torque sensor even nicer, and the battery size has me scratching my head. However, I suspect the primary use of a trike would be for short errands and trips to the store, not group rides or excursions though the countryside. The Lectric XP Trike comes out at a much lower price point, AND with hydraulic brakes, but it's possible that Lectric is intentionally undercutting others at the loss of their own profits.
One thing I can say is the Lectric save money on research and development. The Rad was designed from the ground up as a trike, while I have to say as an engineer that the Lectric was adapted to a trike version. Notice that most of the photos have the rider's foot hiding the drivetrain? That's because they pulled a hub motor out of the parts bin and used it, and you can even see the holes where the spokes are supposed to be. A rear differential is nice, but not complicated. I designed one in grade school. I can pretty much guarantee that the Lectric will have better traction in snow, but the Rad will be more maneuverable. Easy way to find out is to turn the front wheel completely sideways on both trikes, and hit the throttle. Thanks for the review, and it would be interesting to compare them side by side, especially with a hill climb. A long hill climb 😉
Wait until you see the new Lectric trike for $1000 less.
Mikee looks like the rear right wheel needs to be trued up!
Ngl I love passing up non-electric bikes on my ebikes and scooters :)
I test rode a Rad Trike and was very disappointed on it.
My main complaint was the seat. Very uncomfortable.
nice idea but in Canada we are only allowed to have 500 what e bikes
Lectric has already made this rad trike obsolete. D'Oh!
Lectric doesnt include reverse and they said they didnt see the need for it.?
Thanks for posting yes price too high for me
Would like to know how this compares to a Worksman eTrike?
When you are not using the motor, do the pedals drive one rear wheel or both rear wheels?.
Doesn't look like its a differential so perhaps a freewheel in each rear hub?.
I think this is a bare bones design. They are trying to keep the cost as low as possible, while providing a useful product…
@@anthonyiocca5683 Lectric has just released a similar spec trike but for $1500 and its motor is behind the pedals. The combined pedal / motor then drives a differential hub to both rear wheels. Since RadTrike is $1000 more, a differential might be there for pedal power.
Good video my dude. This is good if you live in a retirement community in FL. Owning a trike in the past... the main problem is where are you going to store it? You really can not store it in the back of your garage because then you have to back your car up to get it out. Same thing if you store it in the front. You either need a dedicated spot for it or its own garage spot. Still they are lots of fun and maybe it is time to let go of that car.
Letting go of the car is what I have been contemplating…
I see most buying this putting in a suspension seat post.
We purchased this Vivi 27.5” electric bike and a Tentaquil 26” electric bike for our 13 and 14 year olds. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxUiL0GnyDjP32RJdd660sP8mZk4CRLTCJ The Vivi was much easier to put together. With the Vivi, there was a video link to assist with assembly which made the process easier to follow (we did put the handlebars on upside down, but it was a quick and easy fix). With the Tentaquil, the assembly was not as simple to follow, but after we messaged the company for an assembly video, it was easier and they did respond quickly. The other major differences were that the Vivi has a grip throttle on the right handle (like a motorcycle) and the Tentaquil has a push throttle that you use your thumb to activate. The monitors were also different, so if you’re looking for something specific in terms of changing the bikes functions, pay attention to what the monitor offers. We were really impressed with the overall quality and functionality of both bikes, but if you’re looking for more power and an easier assembly, definitely go with the Vivi!
This trike is now on sale for $1899 does that make a difference?
Just went down to 1299, which is still way too much. Does kind of let you see what Rad's markups have been. Whenever you see a e review like. this, be suspicious of the reviewer's bias.
Left axle nut LOLz . wonder if Rad will be dropping price since Lectric be like "IN Yo FACE !" 💥🏀
Check ot 3score they are comming out with reverse
2500 is out of date, they will not sell many. There focus group are retired Floridians.
Is there a differential on the rear axle?
Nope, only the Lectric Trike
needs to be geared. at least 7 gears. being a single gear and 16 inch tires you have to peddle like crazy all the time
Perfect
For one extra tire and single speed, are charging 1,300 more than a two wheeled e bike. Sometimes stuff don't add up right. Too much money sorry Rad . I like the company they need too rethink the suggested retail price.
Got to make that new CEO salary somehow.
Hill performance?
It was tested up a long grade in another review and functioned really well. I also questioned that aspect, given that it's single speed. Apparently, Rad understood their front hub would have its work cut out for it and they got it right.
Got mine under 1700
you would get a better E-trike ,with more power and a stronger body if you get an American Made Worksman E-trike ....i own a P.A.V. 3 model and it can carry 600 lbs....and it was cheaper then this one
and it has a much better seat then this one also
Rad is nuts with that $2500 price. They must need it more than customers do, right?
Interesante. Para pensarlo.
Two wheels should be in the front, not the back. It’s safer and less likely to flip.
I love that style (tadpole trikes) but the more complicated steering adds a lot to the price. If there was an affordable tadpole trike, I'd be on it immediately!
@@Electrek I just got a small trike in Vietnam, it has smaller wheels but the seat is bigger and slides back for additional seating. It is slower though.
$1,699 today for this trike, October 30, 2024. Quite an adjustment. Made in China, of course.
Of the 4 ebikes I have owned, the RadTrike is by far the most disappointing. I discovered a design flaw during my first ride. The clearance between the pedals and the frame is insuffient. In order to pedal without having the heal of my shoe contnually catching on the back frame, it is necessary that I peddle using my instep opposed to the ball of my foot. A significanf flaw in a bike lauded for being designed from the "ground up". I discovered the second flaw after a week of riding. The back chain sprocket assembly has a sprocket that, instead of being part of the bar attaching it to the bike, is a seperate, moveable part using a simple hex bolt to keep it in place using friction between the bolt and the bar. An absurd design given the bar is subject to continual vibration that loosens the bolt making it necessary to tighten it repeatedly to prevent the chain from coming off. A purchase I deeply regret.
Kind of barebones design. I didn’t like the small 18” wheels. Short crank arms is a huge disadvantage. That trike might suite an elderly woman that wants to get out and about in the fresh air…
1st.
Trikes are more fun when you can ride sitting in a very low position
i want one
Rad shipping these huge bikes with crappy breaks is a lawsuit waiting to happen.
Great video, I'll soon be in the e trike market, but definitely not this one, it's not very pretty, lacks many features and the color options are very limited.
Fortunately, price isn't an issue for me, so I'm looking at other options.
Wow
Lectric Trike is the better option and only $1500. Bigger tires, bigger motor, bigger battery and best of all both front and REAR hydraulic brakes. The rad power rear coaster brake is a joke.
Lectric really did a really great job with the price. The coaster brake is an odd choice for Rad, but at least it's zero maintenance and immune to rain. I think they did it to eliminate the brake line when the bike is taken apart. The Rad motor is bigger with more torque though. The Lectric does peak higher, but it can't be sustained.
Sorry, but again like you I am Disappointed. When I first heard that Rad was Designing a Trike I got very excited! Again I am a 72 Yr old man with diabetes and extreme problems standing up without assistance. This bike was such a letdown. Thank for your honesty…
Bmx bars shit ya finally
I hate trikes with two wheels in the rear. They are too unstable on a turn to be fun. It is a recipe for disaster.
all your Links are broken damnit
junk
Black Friday 1299.00.😊
We purchased this Vivi 27.5” electric bike and a Tentaquil 26” electric bike for our 13 and 14 year olds. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxUiL0GnyDjP32RJdd660sP8mZk4CRLTCJ The Vivi was much easier to put together. With the Vivi, there was a video link to assist with assembly which made the process easier to follow (we did put the handlebars on upside down, but it was a quick and easy fix). With the Tentaquil, the assembly was not as simple to follow, but after we messaged the company for an assembly video, it was easier and they did respond quickly. The other major differences were that the Vivi has a grip throttle on the right handle (like a motorcycle) and the Tentaquil has a push throttle that you use your thumb to activate. The monitors were also different, so if you’re looking for something specific in terms of changing the bikes functions, pay attention to what the monitor offers. We were really impressed with the overall quality and functionality of both bikes, but if you’re looking for more power and an easier assembly, definitely go with the Vivi!