Rad Power Bikes Review – Love at First Ride

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Seattle is a bikeable city. To some Seattleites that’s an obvious statement. There are dedicated bike paths galore here. But like other transplants who are shocked to see the steep hills that surround some of the Emerald City’s most popular neighborhoods, I shared in the bewilderment. I wasn’t much of a bike rider before living here I must admit, but living in a densely populated neighborhood with coveted parking spots makes you consider the benefits of a life that’s less car dependent. But the hills! I would look at the 18% grade inclines that surrounded my apartment and I could feel phantom pains in my quads. Then came the Rad Power Bike: Rad City 3.

I came into the bike by luck and happenstance. A family member who lived in the city was moving overseas and didn’t have anywhere to store their bike and it just so happened I was in the market. I was a little apprehensive of an electric bike. Especially one covered in stickers not of my choosing. Is it dangerous? What’s the difference between this and a moped? The thousands of Lime bike riders making risky moves in traffic had maybe soured my taste to the idea, but I was willing to give it a shot.

It was love at first ride. The first thing I noticed was I was still working up a sweat, which—let me be clear—is good. I wanted transportation and exercise, and to work those two things together I had to bring it into a realm of difficulty I could handle. The bike has a zero-five power system controlled by a little button panel near the left side of the handlebar. Simple: up for more pedal assistance and down for less. The settings and speed are reflected on a small but easily readable LCD monitor. I found for most flat areas, zero (no assistance) to one is more than appropriate. Something to remember is that these bikes weigh more than a traditional bike to accommodate a battery, motor and all the necessary wiring. Not to mention anything you’re hauling in your panniers. So, the lowest power setting seems to just balance out the extra weight and equal what I would consider a normal amount of effort. The real “power” comes when you start to test out some inclines. My fears of being stuck on a hillside fighting gravity were quickly squashed. While I still had to work for it, the most difficult hills on my route were possible with the battery assistance turned up. I was confidently commuting in no time.

An e-bike, I came to realize, lets you choose how much you want to exert in any given ride. On your way to the office and don’t want to be sweaty in the conference room? Put the bike on three and enjoy the ride. On the way home and feel like getting some exercise? Turn off the battery and save it for the big hills. The Rad City 3’s battery has a fairly long life span (50 miles per charge) and I found that using it this way didn’t require a lot of charging. My 14-mile round trip commute only requires 1–2 charges a week. With a top speed of 20 MPH, which I rarely hit unless going downhill, I feel in control and like I can keep up with some traffic when on the road. In the case that you are going full speed and need to stop quickly, have no fear. The brake levers have motor inhibitors that shut the power off when braking to help bring you to a stop swiftly and safely.

I was not the first or second owner of this bike, so I decided to take it by the local Ballard Rad Power Bike location to get it checked out and to get some more information on the model I was riding. I spoke briefly to one of the sales reps about my bike parked outside and asked if there was a service I could pay for to get a full safety check. While the sales rep’s reply was yes, he told me to hold on and he would be right outside. He kindly showed me around my bike and told me about the features. (Even though it was two models older than the one they currently sold on the floor, he was aware of what my bike had to offer). To name a few: cadence-sensing pedal assist for smooth feeling acceleration, an extra acceleration boost via a twisting throttle control on the right side of the handlebar, a USB port on the controls panel for device charging while riding, a “walk mode” in case you are pushing your bike with a heavy load attached and need a little assistance, and regenerative braking that uses the kinetic energy built up when stopping to give a little power back to the battery. Also, some great safety features including the ultra-bright LED headlight, the option to have a flashing or solid brake light, and a lockable battery that helps prevent theft.

The sales rep then brought out a few tools, made some quick adjustments and tightened some bolts for me and left me with the confidence that my bike is in sound condition. He didn’t charge me a dime but told me to come back if I had any questions or if I wanted any upkeep services done which they offer on location. Everything from a brake pad replacement to a full bike wash. You can even test drive new bikes around the neighborhood at this location. They’ll let you borrow a helmet and everything at no cost so you can be sure before you buy. Safe to say it was pretty Rad.

Relinquished from rush hour gridlock and on to some beautiful bike paths, my commute to work became a way to fit in time outdoors and a workout when I’d otherwise be sitting on my behind. Plus, there’s a certain childlike joy in zipping around on two wheels. For those medium distance trips around the city (too far to walk, too short to drive) it’s indispensable. It’s safe to say that more than once I’ve considered dumping the car and making the Rad City 3 my main transport.