Are you looking for an affordable, lightweight, and comfortable e-bike for city riding and neighborhood frolicking? Do you want something that’s easy to handle, smooth on paved roads, and capable of tackling daily commutes or recreational rides without breaking the bank?
I’m Lisa at E-Biking Today and I’m reviewing the Rad Power Bikes RadKick—a low-cost, high-quality electric bike designed for urban commuters and casual riders. This Class 2 electric bike comes with pedal assist and throttle, a smooth 500W motor, and a solid range of up to 35 miles.
But will you Ride Rad on the 55-pound RadKick? Let’s break it all down—the benefits, pricing, and everything you need to know about this lightweight 7-speed e-bike.
1. Performance & Ride Quality
First, let’s talk about power and speed. The Rad Power Bikes RadKick is ideal for city and paved road adventures. Its 500W rear hub motor with 40Nm of torque, gives you the right amount of boost for urban streets and moderate hills.
I had no problem getting up hills. On pedal assist level 1, I worked hard and got great exercise. But, I quickly sped uphill by adding more power assist.
✔ Top speed: 20 mph—perfect for bike lanes and city traffic.
✔ Throttle + Pedal Assist—use the motor power how you want.
✔ 7-speed Shimano drivetrain—smooth shifting for all riding conditions.
With 27.5” x 2.25” tires, this bike is designed for efficiency on pavement—unlike bulkier fat tire e-bikes, which can feel sluggish on roads. The tall tires moved me across the pavement quickly.
Overall, the RadKick felt well-balanced and its cadence sensor helped carry me easily over my first 15 miles of paved roads.
2. Battery & Range
A commuter e-bike needs a dependable battery, and Rad Power Bikes delivers with a UL 2271-compliant, 360Wh Safe Shield Integrated Battery. That means it’s been rigorously tested and safety certified, unlike some cheaper ebike batteries on the market.
✔ Range—15-35 miles per charge
✔ Charge Capacity—Full recharge in 4-6 hours with the Rad Power Bikes 36V, 2A smart charger.
✔ Easy to remove—charge it on or off the bike.
To give you an idea what kind of range you’ll get, I rode exactly 15 miles and was left with a battery life of 60 percent. I primarily used pedal assist 1 and 2 but added in all levels and throttle usage for testing. Based on these numbers, I’d expect to get close to the maximum range.
However, your range depends on several factors such as rider weight, terrain, and use of pedal assist. Daily commuters and long-distance riders should test their range before riding to work and back on a single charge.
3. Braking & Safety Features
One of the biggest advantages of the RadKick is its hydraulic disc brakes (Gemma GA-950) with 180mm rotors. This gives you precise stopping power, even in wet conditions—a major upgrade over mechanical disc brakes.
Safety is also a priority, with:
✔ Auto-on 50 Lumen LED headlight for visibility.
✔ Integrated taillight with brake activation—alerts traffic when you stop.
✔ Full-coverage fenders—keeps water and road grime off your clothes.
These features make the RadKick a great choice for year-round commuting, rain or shine.
4. Comfort & Fit
A commuter e-bike should be comfortable for long rides, and the RadKick delivers with:
✔ An ergonomic, lightly padded flat touring saddle—I was actually surprised that it was comfortable since it doesn’t look very cushy.
✔ Adjustable 90mm stem—lets you fine-tune handlebar height. I was comfortable with its factory set angle, but when I adjusted the stem, I sat fully upright.
✔ Ergonomic rubber grips—comfortable and reduce hand fatigue.
✔ 80mm travel front suspension fork—improves ride quality by knocking out hard bumps and adjustable to fit your ride and comfort.
The e-bike’s step-over height is 17 inches, making it accessible for most riders. I’m 5’1” and fit comfortably on the RadKick, even though Rad Bikes says it’s for riders between 5’2” and 6’1”. Compare your inseam, reach, and comfortable seat height before deciding it will fit you correctly.
Another great benefit is this: At 55 pounds, this is one of the lighter electric commuter bikes, making it easier to lift or carry. Plus, removing the battery takes off another 6 pounds.
Here are some other details you need to know to decide if this is the best e-bike for you.
5. Gearing & Control
Unlike single-speed or belt-drive e-bikes, this RadKick gives you a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain. So you can:
✔ Shift easily before going up hills
✔ Ride efficiently at higher speeds, without over-relying on the motor and battery.
✔ Use 5 pedal assist levels for just the right amount of boost.
The half-twist throttle is another great feature. If you don’t feel like pedaling, just twist and go—it’s perfect for stop-and-go city traffic or quick acceleration at intersections. But keep in mind your battery range will sharply decrease when throttling. And be careful not to twist the throttle when you don’t intend to.
6. Display & Smart Features
The LCD color display makes it easy to track your ride:
✔ Speedometer – See your current speed.
✔ Odometer & Trip Time – Keep track of your total distance.
✔ Battery Life Indicator – Avoid unexpected shutdowns.
✔ Pedal Assist Level (0-5) – Adjust your motor boost on the go.
✔ Headlight & Taillight Indicator – Ensures your lights are working.
I wish the odometer reading, distance, and time could be seen on the front page. However, it’s not hard to push the button on the bottom of the display to see this screen. Besides, the built-in USB-C port is a bonus, letting you charge your phone or GPS while riding.
7. Build Quality & Accessories
For a budget-friendly electric bike, I appreciate that the RadKick doesn’t skimp on durability. You get:
✔ A strong aluminum frame—lightweight yet solid.
✔ Full-coverage fenders—essential for commuting.
✔ A rear rack with 55 pound capacity—perfect for cargo, groceries, or panniers.
And, it’s nice that the frame is less bulky than many electric bikes.
8. Who Is Rad Power Bikes RadKick For?
The RadKick is ideal for:
✅ Commuters – A practical, low-maintenance option for daily rides.
✅ Urban riders – Perfect on paved roads and city bike paths.
✅ First-time e-bike buyers – It’s Simple, reliable, and well-priced.
✅ Budget-conscious buyers – At $1,399, it’s one of the best values in urban electric bikes.
Who might want a different bike?
- If you need higher speeds (above 20 mph), consider a Class 3 eBike (but take a look at recent laws before making this decision).
- And, if you want off-road capability, look for wider tires and more suspension travel.
But for a solid, no-nonsense commuter e-bike, the RadKick checks all the boxes.
Final Verdict: Is The RadKick Worth It?
For $1,399, the RadKick delivers a great value:
✅ 500W motor with 20 mph speed
✅ Safe, UL-certified battery with up to 35 miles of range
✅ Hydraulic disc brakes & front suspension for smooth stopping
✅ Lightweight, city-friendly design
✅ Rad Power Bikes 2-year warranty for peace of mind
If you’re looking for an affordable electric lightweight bike, the RadKick is absolutely worth considering. Take a look at the RadKick 7-speed or slightly higher priced belt-drive model… and enjoy your ride!
