Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru Electric Bike Review & Mods
Вставка
- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- I love my new 2020 Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru electric bike that I tow on my RockyMounts Backstage Swingaway Bike rack. In this electric bike review I show you why I chose this particular electric bike from Rad Power Bikes and review the components that are important to me plus show you some of the modifications. The RadMini is a folding bike; however I store it on my swingaway bike rack that works with fat tires from RockyMounts. Don't miss out on the Velosock that helps protect the RadMini as well.
★ Check out the Story Chasing Exclusive Members-Only Community: / @storychasing
★Products mentioned in this video:
VeloSock Bike Cover: amzn.to/2Lbt4CC
RockyMounts Backstage Swingaway Bike Rack: amzn.to/3fyfTKe
Kryptonite Bike Lock: amzn.to/3bNtOZu
Folding Steel Bike Lock: amzn.to/35GbyQo
Ibera 2 n 1 PakRak Panniers and Trunk: amzn.to/3frZYwN
Ibera Bike Rack: amzn.to/2SHX9OA
Left Handlebar Mirror: amzn.to/3cf83mq
Cloud9 Bike Seat: amzn.to/3bae8iJ
RadMini: www.radpowerbi...
Looking to transition to a full-time nomad, work remotely, and start a business on the road:
►8 Week Nomad Mentorship Bootcamp: Join →→ www.storychasi...
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality:
►Free Cheatsheet: storychasing.m...
►Blog Post with More details: www.storychasi...
★ Free Mini-Course on Expenses & Budgeting for Travel:
Get my full annual budget including personal expenses, a budget template for you, learn how to budget for your travels, and tips on saving money in your budget so you can start traveling sooner and live your best life.
►www.storychasi...
★ Tip Jar: www.storychasi...
★ My Favorite Gear & Equipment I Use
AT&T Unlimited/Uncapped/No Throttled Data Plan:
► www.storychasi...
All My Gear in one location for you to browse:
► www.Amazon.com...
Kitchen:
► Coconut bowls: amzn.to/2MP3sfd
► Handheld frother whisk: amzn.to/2W8rnL2
► Stashers Bags: amzn.to/2BXiTQp
► Minimalist Cold Brew Coffee Maker: amzn.to/2MIVW6L
► Thrive Freshcap Mushroom Powder: amzn.to/2JmJtUu
► Vitamix Blender: amzn.to/2PMPfQU
► Instant Pot: amzn.to/2PKOWG1
► Travel Berkey Water Filter: amzn.to/2RT5oYJ
► Favorite Instant Pot Accessory PIP: amzn.to/2wnDKHr
► Dash Compact Air Fryer: amzn.to/2EsdXDJ
► Best Coffee/Espresso Maker: amzn.to/2BXEx78
Van Gear & Fitness:
► SumoSpring Bumps: amzn.to/2D28qD6
► SumoSprings Front Coils: amzn.to/2CZTyVB
► Yoga Cards: amzn.to/2BEqvEn
► Magnetic Sliding Door Screen: amzn.to/36fCOVY
Camera Gear:
► My main camera Panasonic Lumix: amzn.to/2PKRjsz
► Sigma night lens: amzn.to/2N5C64h
► Gimbal: amzn.to/2Kw8bEL
► Drone: amzn.to/32KXOBN
► Audio Recorder and Mic: amzn.to/2DPqrEd
► Dash Cam/Action Cam: amzn.to/2KLndkI
► Second backup camera: amzn.to/2MIKjdy
► Best bendy flexible tripod: amzn.to/2P2D41U
► My phone wide-angle lens: amzn.to/2vEd5FP
► Favorite omnidirectional camera mic: amzn.to/2OWWYey
Travel Programs
► Join Xscapers: www.storychasi...
► Join Harvest Host: www.storychasi...
★ Season 3, Episode 39: Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru Review
★ How I Got Started
Hi, I'm Amber and in May 2017 I started this nomadic journey after selling my house and all my belongings to pursue this crazy dream of living out of my RV full-time and traveling all around North America.
After 1 year of traveling, I sold my 26 foot Winnebago Class C RV for a more nimble Class B Hymer Aktiv van. I couldn't have been more excited to continue my second year in a van that allows me to travel to more places and experience more in life.
★ National Geographic Quest
I'm on a personal quest to accomplish all of National Geographic 300 Scenic Highways & Byways. No time frame, just enjoy the journey and complete all 300.
Follow me on my journey and see my stats of completion and travel in each state. www.storychasi...
★ Music Credits: www.storychasi... (You get 2 months free and so do I!)
(FTC Disclosures: Some links I've provided I may receive a commission for referring the service or product and as an Amazon Associate/Influencer I earn from qualifying purchases at no charge to you. Any products/services I've referenced are only suggested if I've used and made the cut of "I love it". )
© StoryChasing - Create. Do. Live!
• Rad Power Bikes RadMin...
#radmini #radpowerbikesreview #electricbikes
![Fold It Up! // Rad Power Bike Folding and Storage // [EP 50]](/img/n.gif)
I've been trying to decide between the RadMini Step-Thru and the RadRunner Plus. Thanks for the info!
This is my first year as an ebiker and purchase a swagtron eb7. Now Im looking for another and I am sold on this rad mini. great review.
Good luck!
I have the same bike and bought the same Iberia bag and rack set up and mounted on my bike leaving the brake light where it was the only thing I had to change was I bought longer screws and was able to use all the holes on the bike with out changing anything or using ties, or buying longer wire for brake lite. Hope this helps. Oh and u can see my brake lite from behind. Thank you for the video it helped me choose my bike and what kind of bag set up to put on it. 😊
Very good review of a GREAT e-BIKE! I have the Radrover original, and I can't say enough good about it! It is a very high quality bike, ad I enjoy riding it as much as I can! I am 85 years young, and this bike gives my some very good supersize! I would recommend RADROVER e-bikes to anyone!
wayne owen 😀I couldn't agree more and thank you! How many miles do you have on yours now?
@@storychasing Only about 400 miles
Hi there! Was searching for back racks for a RadMini Step-Thru and came across your video. Then I ended up falling down the rabbit hole of some of your older videos...awesome work and cheers to you for fulfilling your dreams!
Question about how you modded the back rack...I'm thinking of getting the one you linked, but what else is needed? Does it fit out of the box, minus just needing to get new bolts? What different bolts are needed? I already found which cable extender I need for the light, but want to make sure I've got all the correct supplies needed for the rack installing. Thanks!
Thanks for all the bike rack reviews. We have a promaster and just got 2 rad minis and had found the Rocky backstage too, so was great help to see your video! I’d be interested in how you charge your battery on the road when you don’t have access to A/C power. Thanks!
★ Check out the Story Chasing Exclusive Members-Only Community: ua-cam.com/channels/1zd3YzKBOBsKW92gilw53Q.htmljoin
★Products mentioned in this video:
VeloSock Bike Cover: amzn.to/2Lbt4CC
RockyMounts Backstage Swingaway Bike Rack: amzn.to/3fyfTKe
Kryptonite Bike Lock: amzn.to/3bhxl1TFolding Steel Bike Lock: amzn.to/35GbyQo
Ibera 2 n 1 PakRak Panniers and Trunk: amzn.to/3frZYwN
Ibera Bike Rack: amzn.to/2SHX9OA
Left Handlebar Mirror: amzn.to/3cf83mq
Cloud9 Bike Seat: amzn.to/3bae8iJ
RadMini: www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radrover-step-thru
Looking to transition to a full-time nomad, work remotely, and start a business on the road:
►8 Week Nomad Mentorship Bootcamp: Join →→ www.storychasing.com/8weekbootcamp
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality:
►Free Cheatsheet: storychasing.mykajabi.com/create-do-live
►Blog Post with More details: www.storychasing.com/how-to-turn-your-dreams-into-reality/
Story Chasing 😀
Great presentation. The price seems to be right at $1299.00. I like your setup. I guess you needed a special rear rack for the trunk bag. The step thru might be my choice. Thanks for sharing this on UA-cam.
Loved you video and van setup. I bought a Rad Mini Step thru and the tried to install the Ibera rack, but I couldn't get it to fit. I see why you used a zip tie on the bottom hole near the disk brake because the screw that comes with the Ibera doesn't fit. Also I had a heard time getting the rest of it on and level. Had to return the ibera rack. Looking for bicycle rack that will fit the rad mini ST.
Excellent review! I totally want one now for my van🙂
You should! Go for it!
Thanks for this great video! I also like that you showed the bag. That's a super-flexible bag with a lot of utility!
Glad it was helpful!
@@storychasing I missed the name of the bag and rack??!!
Happy for you, great bike and options you added. I put all the options on my wish list. The only change I would make would be to lower the seat. I know you are to be straight leg for pedal power, with assist you might not need that. Being able to put your feet down while seated or close to that is safer especially on possible slides on dirt roads.
johnru1 Glad you liked it and found some future options for your bike. You're the second person that said that about the seat. I'll give it another whirl to see, but so far it's been fine.
Very polished little video.
Crystal Clark Sweet...glad you liked it.
Love the cover! I’ve ordered a new seat which should be here tomorrow. We love them!
Awesome! Thank you!
Congrats on your new bike. One suggestion - lower your saddle. Your leg extension is too much which is making your hips rock when you pedal - not good for your hips or lower back. Also, maybe try leveling your saddle - the angle that he is currently at could encourage you to slide forward putting extra pressure on your arms. Let me know if you have any questions. Keep riding!!
Traci Berry thank you. I did lower the saddle AND changed the angle. I had just installed the seat and hadn't adjusted the angle when I did the video. Thanks so much for the suggestions!!! Do you have a Rad?
Story Chasing No Rad. I have worked in a bike shop for over 21 years and have done many, many fits. Unfortunately, I was just laid off so that has just encouraged us to push forward with our dreams of traveling.
This was an awesome video! Thank you for linking all your gear. I am 5’2 and I feel like your bike seat is way too high! It would be for me anyway.
Great information! Thanks so much! All three videos were great!!!!
Glad you like them! You're so welcome Katy!
I just got this and it’s amazing, BUT!
I’m 5’11” 215lbs guy, will the cloud 9 seat be a good one for me? The original seat does actually hurt after a while of pedaling
Glad you're doing ok out there. Thanks for all the content and info on things.
Much appreciated
Wow great review Amber!
Thanks so much!
I'm interested to find out what modifications you needed to make in order for the Ibera bike rack to work on your Rad Mini. Was it a matter of getting the right machine screws & rear light extension cables or did it require more modifications on your part? Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your video! Does your bike comes with the knobby tires or is that an upgrade?
Hi amber. What light setup do you have on your hitch?
Love this review! I’m 5’2 looking for a bike too so I’m glad u mentioned this. What are your cons about the bike and how did it do on hills? Thank u so much !
All good
I am 6ft tall but thin and I am getting a 20 inch e fatbike--these things are pretty big and the full size ones are 90 lbs plus.Even these small ones are almost the size of a normal adult mountainbike.
How do you charge the battery when it runs out with the hymer ? Does the inverter handle the energy load? How long does a full charge take ?
She says 45 miles on a single charge.
SAMUEL FLOREZ 😀
MyYTChannel Thanks so much! ☺️
How is the VeloSock Bike Cover holding up? I have seen reviews that say the zippers do not hold up? Just wondering what you think after using it for a while.
Looks like a great bike set-up & ideal for you.
I think so too! Love it!
What is the name of the bag you recommended?
Nice video!
Great review! I need this bike in my life!
Where is Tiffany Imagine if we had this when we were at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta??? Game changer huh?
What kind of lock do you use when you go to the store? Do you bring the battery with you? I heard the Radpower batteries can be unlocked by any toothless key.
just got mine love it !
Did you buy the Rad Mini or did they give it to for a review? I am trying to lose weight and considering a ebike to get more healthy. Thanks!
Nice bike Amber! Your seat looks so high up for you.
Sharon H. It doesn't feel that way. I test fit it with my legs when pedaling to makes sure there's still a slight bend at the knee and not over extending. Maybe it's the camera angle? Not sure, but it feels okay when I'm on it.
@@storychasing I also think the seat is too high. At the right height the balls of your feet/toes should reach the ground. That way you don’t have to get off when you stop at a traffic light/stop sign.
PS. Could be a bike design issue related to the position of the seat relative to the pedals. Also looks like the super high handlebars force you to put the seat higher than you would like.
Great review! I too have been researching Rad E bikes and they have just announced a new one now for $1,000. Great price for an ebike. I would prefer lighter weight and regular mountain bike width tires rather than the small fat tires. Any advice or comments for me on those ideas? Last but not least how hard is to load on the bike rack?
BTW I love following your videos as I am in the market for a Class B van preferably with 4 wd and twin beds or raisable loft bed like the Revel.
Christie O'Neil 😀 I load front wheel first and secure it and then back wheel and secure it. It's not difficult when you do it like that.
Just curious what brand is your rear rack.
Are you still happy with the rad mini? I am considering one but need a swivel rack. I will see if you posted where you got yours. Thanks.
Great video as I am shopping for a bike for my RV too! I put many of your accessories in my cart at amazon but your link for the kryptonite lock doesn't work. Please fix so I can order!
Being Human RV thanks so much for that and sorry about the link. I hope you enjoy your new bike. Here' the link: Kryptonite Bike Lock: amzn.to/3bNtOZu
Folding Steel Bike Lock: amzn.to/35GbyQo
Thanks for not only showing us your bike swag, but demoing it as well. I noticed the bike rack on your amazon link description shows the RockyMounts BackStage 2 is only rated for 60 lbs. The bike is more than that esp with all your accessories. Do you feel it unstable or feel it is something you need to worry about at all??
disregard, i just saw your informative rack only review. Thanks for the reviews.
Scot Lam 😀
Scot Lam 😀 oh good. Glad it helped.
This takes biking to a whole new level 😃 I love it ! 😘💞🦋🌹
Thanks for the review. Does the bike feel stable for you? Watched another review where the person mentioned it was less stable than a conventional sized bike. Wondering about your opinion.
Yes it does however I added hitch tighteners as well. I show it in the video related to this series: ua-cam.com/video/ue46iOXhYtE/v-deo.html
Where Did you purchase your bike rack that hold storage pack. Rad has been out of stock since February. Thank you
From Amazon. It's a Rocky Mounts. Link is in descirption box.
Great video! Thanks! Did you ride the Rover, or the Rover Step Through? My wife is 5' 1" and is considering whether she can handle the Rover Step Through. I'm a bit concerned about the durability/stability of the extending handlebar on the folding mini, but we haven't actually seen one. Do you have any stability concerns about your extending handlebar. (Does it seem stable if you lean into it while biking?)
I have the Radmini step through. I did ride the rover stepped through and for me it was too big with my height at 5’2. So far everything seems very stable to me I haven’t had any issues and I can control it better than the larger RadRover
Anyone know the true foldup measurements? My Jeep can accommodate 30” high. Thus looking for the true measurements. Can i fit two folded up in the back of a Jeep Grand Cherokee? Thanks
Ed Q Thanks! I'm not sure. It's still cumbersome folded up. How would you strap it to the back of the Jeep?
@@storychasing The thing is that if it can fit inside the trunk of his Cherokee, I am sure tons of bungee cords can do the trip to strap it down.
Have you finalized the connection of the two posts down well above the hub? If not, we have the same bike and same bike rack (the one on the back of your bike) and can walk you through the proper connection to one of the 3 (on each side of the bike) mounting points down by the hub. I know on the one side all 3 seem to be in use (1 for the rear fender and the other 2 for the shifter protector), but that is why you got extra and longer bolts from the bike rack manufacturer (Ibera). The connecting point you are using is for the bike rack sold by Rad. It sits too high for the rack you are using.
Thomas O I haven't yet, but I did buy the extra long bolts - they didn't send me any extra long ones. Which hole are you saying it needs to go into? hmmm I'll have to take a look.
How difficult is it to fold and re-set if you did want to store it in the van?
Tara Charney Hmmmm...don't know. I haven't tried folding the entire bike just the handlebar stem, but Scott has the same one and folds his with ease and stores under his bed.
A fellow or strong gal might be able to pick it up and put in van, tho not me!!! I couldn't even pick it off the ground 70lbs lol when I test road it. 5'3" and out of shape ;( Tho the option is a bike rack and even a ramp, or place the front wheel first in the rack and then the back wheel. The folding aspect is simple. You can also fold and somehow put in a 50 gallon tub tbd lol from Lowes and push up the ramp into van ;) 'Looking forward to mine in Oct for my 66 BD! I'm ordering up all the accessories now so I'm ready when it arrives ;)
I like that bike.. very interesting.. thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it Shawnee.
Now that you have used them for a while, how do you like your haffney mirrors?
Bob Gould 😀 no complaints at all. Nice.
nice bike how far have you rode it at one time i know the specks but in real life
richard mcconahy 😀 Most I've ridden in one day so far, mountain biking, is 10ish miles. I've ridden a total of around 50ish before I needed to recharge the battery. I try to pedal a lot.
I have the Rad Rover and have been looking for a cover that works behind the rig. Does the cover have a slit for the rear wheel strap? Is it big enough for the Rad Rover? Thanks
Yes it does have a slit at the bottom at the top and on the side for all kinds of configurations. It does fit the Rad Rover, but it's pretty tight.
What's the name of that pack rack? Model # perhaps? Looks great! Where did you pick that up at?... Thanks
Steve Supalla 😀 Oh, it's in the description of the video or the pinned comment so you can grab the link. Hope that helps.
Would you still recommend that bike rack even with the modifications needed? And if so, what parts do you need for the modifications?
Luke Thomas Absolutely recommend it. There's no modifications really needed for the rack - it just depends on your set-up. For my van I needed the magnetic trailer lights which I got at Auto Zone, the hitch tighteners at Etrailers, but you can find the same one on Amazon, except Amazon said it would be 3 weeks before they shipped it due to COVID. Oh, and the 8" hitch extender came from Etrailers as well. Hope that helps.
Hi thanks for getting back to me! I actually meant the rack on the back of the bike for the bag!
How fun! I’ve been looking for years but to many choices.
Pamela Lopez There's some great options out there. I'd love a lighter bike for sure, but I just love the power assist options.
Ugh! Now I need to adjust my budget. I want one of these! LOL!
KelleyTexas lol.....It's a lot of fun Kelley!
Me too from San Antonio!
Great choice!!!
T S Thanks so much! ☺️ Do you have one?
No not yet. I sold my home and was going to travel for a year and hadn’t even bought a car yet. I got caught in the pandemic in a motel and rent a car
Hard to buy and register and test drive during this or get a new domicile. I sold in mass and am just finishing taxes today etc( also delayed by corona)
Then choosing a rig
But have gained pandemic weight so love the idea of good exercise and help when needed , security with locks, protection from dust and a good bag to carry groceries! All great thoughtful choices:)!
Also since I’m 5’8 may choose a different model but am new to evokes so am inspired:)
Looks so fun!
The Calvin Chronicles definitely is!
Very organized!
Enjoy!!
Sharon Anspach Its been so much fun so far. Now I just need a helmet.
Helmet?
thanks for sharing your bike. I am considering a ebike to lose weight and get more healthy. I am a school teacher so I can not spend a ton of money. Thanks!
Can carry a ton of groceries?
Perfect!!!
Kim Spencer thanks
Thinking of getting one for my wife.
Shawps I hope she likes it. It is fun.
Nice setup for bike but I do have one question that is where is your helmet you go down in that dirt hit a rock. Don't have to go looking for stay safe stay strong stay healthy god bless and enjoy life ✌❤👨🍳🎅🚌'S
Chef Santa's CulinaryTravels Dang you gotta notice that huh??? lol I don't have one yet. Still researching what I want but I will for sure get one.
This is how to do a proper review
Pedro Fernandez Thanks so much! ☺️
Your seat still looks too high for you. Take it down some. Can the handlebars also telescope down, I can't tell?
YeshuaRules It was..I had to adjust it :)
Helmet and shoes lower tire pressure
imtonedeaf1 😀
"sit bones" hah
Perry that's what it's called. :)
I would not buy another RAD power bike if my live depended in it. And I think their customer service sucks a big one.