Our Radster Trail test unit, in the new Copper Red colorway. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
Electric bikes have come a long way in a very short amount of time. A whole industry has come into play in less than a decade, and people now have options that run the spectrum from affordability to opulence, bare-bones to teched-out, and cruisey to off-road beasts. At the risk of sounding cliché, there truly is something for everyone these days.
Once you try to load certain features in, the price can climb pretty fast. But after trying out the new Radster Trail ($2,199) from Rad Power Bikes, I have found a fat-tire electric bike that has both a reasonable price tag and a laundry list of features that puts it in a class of quality that would have you think it should be much pricer than what you get. The bottom line? This is an excellent bike with top-tier value and a reasonable price tag that makes this an ebike that is well worth the investment. Let’s dive into it a bit further below, and for more ebike options, here’s our guide to The Best Fat-Tire Electric Bikes.
First Impressions of the Radster Trail
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy setup | Bulky to store/transport |
| Long-range fire-safe battery | Long charging time |
| Tons of high-tech features | Front fender is a bit small |
Price: $2,199
Payload: 390 lb
Range: 65 miles
Class: 1,2, or 3
Right when the box arrived, I had to smile. The entire box was a mural that would be fun to keep if it wasn’t so large. And since it’s so large, it was a welcome surprise to see that Rad designed the box so that instead of sprawling open like other ebikes we’ve tested, it slides off and keeps everything neat as you unpack it.
Their packaging is done with intention and has a remarkable lack of disposable plastic and foam, something that has always been a point of contention when shipping large electric bikes. Instead, the majority of the packaging is recyclable paper and cardboard, showing that Rad Power Bikes seems to care about their impact on the environment. After all was said and done the amount of plastic was only a tiny fraction of the packaging materials.
All the parts to assemble are clearly labeled, leaving out the guesswork for a process that has been a huge pain in other electric bikes we’ve tested with incomplete or inaccurate assembly instructions. With the Radster, the setup process was simple and straightforward, going from packed to ready-to-go in about half an hour. The bike comes partially charged so you can ride as soon as it’s put together. Just make sure you take it out of transport mode which helps prevent it from turning on in shipment.
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The bike’s display uses a fob to unlock, enhancing security. Photo: Rad Power Bikes
Notable Features of the Radster Trail
Wheels and Build: The Radster Trail’s 26-inch semi-fat wheels are built to absorb the bumps and shocks of rough terrain, providing a stable ride without sacrificing speed. The entire build feels solid and reliable, and I never felt any clings or clangs to make me feel safety-conscious.
Torque Sensor: The bike has an integrated torque sensor to feel out your pedal strokes and respond accordingly. Just cruising? The motor hums along. Want to kick it up a notch? So, too does the motor, creating a responsive boost that doesn’t feel jumpy as in other ebikes I’ve tested.
New Safe Shield batteries ensure peace of mind against an ebike explosion. Photo: Rad Power Bikes
Battery Life and Range: The bike boasts an impressive battery range, offering up to 65 miles on a single charge. This is of course on the easiest possible settings on a flat surface, but it’s still impressive numbers nonetheless. I found I could easily get 20 miles on mountain roads with it, which is no small feat for a single-battery ebike.
Acceleration and Tech Features: The bike accelerates smoothly, avoiding the jumpy start found in some other ebikes. It includes advanced tech features such as integrated turn signals for safety, a fob-unlocked and easy-to-navigate screen, and a precise battery management system that displays the remaining charge time and mileage, enhancing planning and convenience. The battery also has Rad’s proprietary SafeShield tech, which prevents overheating and fires. Admittedly this is not a feature we tested, but the claims are there to ensure a safer battery in a time when you hear some crazy stories of battery blowups. At least it’s at the top of their mind.
Cruising uphill is a breeze thanks to the torque-sensing motor. Photo: Lindsay Gough//The Inertia
Drawbacks to the Radster Trail
Being that this is a full-sized bike, it’s more difficult to transport and store compared to a folding electric bike with 20″ wheels. Those style of ebikes are definitely more conducive to people without a truck for transport or a garage to stash the bike in. So for those living in the city, you might have a challenge in finding secure storage that is out of the way with a bike like this.
The included charger does take a while to get the battery up to full juice. It takes more than a few hours to get from 0% to 100%, so it’s best to plug it in overnight and not have to recharge mid-day. Overnight charging feels safer as well thanks to the upgraded battery. But given the bike’s massive range, keeping the battery topped off is not a huge concern unless you’re commuting from LA to San Diego. If that’s you, it might be easier to take the train.
The front fender could definitely be larger for those who ride rain or shine. I found it to not be super protective in the puddles and wet roads, which would be a bummer for those commuting to work. Ultimately this would be an easy aftermarket fix, but is definitely something to keep in mind if you will be riding wet streets or taking it through the mud with work clothes on.
Semi-fat tires and front suspension mean a smooth and easy ride. Photo: Lindsay Gough//The Inertia
Final Thoughts
The Radster Trail is an impressive new release from one of North America’s leading electric bike manufacturers. The solid frame and fast motor are the key selling points and is worth the price tag in itself. Add in some massive features such as a torque sensor, fob security, a safe battery, a weather-resistant build, and you have a bike that’s ready to go anywhere. It’s just as at home on dirt roads as city streets. You can use it as a city commuter thanks to the integrated headlight, turn signals, and sturdy rear rack, but it can also be taken out on the weekend for some fun thanks to the fat tires and impressive range.
For an electric bike in the $2,000 range, this is one of the best buys out there. Rad Power Bikes is at the top of the electric bike game for a reason, and this ebike just advances its position as a leader in the field as a seriously high-quality bike that is a ton of fun to ride.
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