Rad Power Bikes RadRover Step-Thru 1 Ebike Review

In 2015, Seattle’s Rad Power Bikes launched its price-friendly electric bike company on the RadRover, an electrified fat bike that has helped establish Rad Power as a major player—and low-price leader—in the direct-to-consumer ebike category. As Cycle Volta reported in January, the company’s flagship bike has been rereleased in a step-through version.

While the new RadRover Step-Thru 1 and its older sibling the RadRover 5 both accommodate riders from 5-foot-4 to 6-foot-2, the raison d’être for the new model is to fit more riders, more comfortably, by removing the toptube and enabling riders to pedal and stand comfortably over the frame.

At 71 pounds, the RadRover is a beast that’s tough to maneuver at slow speeds, so this alteration is a significant improvement in handling and control. The functional difference between the new model and the flagship RadRover 5 high-step is best illustrated with this graphic from the Rad Power Bikes website, where the dark green bars indicate the range of leg lengths that can pedal and stand comfortably over its models of bike:

To put it another way, the standover height of the original RadRover is 30.5 inches, and on the new RadRover Step-Thru 1 it’s a full 10 inches lower, at 20.5 inches.

The RadRover Step-Thru 1 is a Class 2 electric fat bike with extra-wide 4-inch Kenda Juggernaut tires on 26-inch rims that give it the unique ability to roll over muddy, sandy, or snowy terrain. It ships directly to consumers, requiring about 60 minutes of unboxing and assembly. Alternatively, consumers in Velofix service areas can pay to have their bikes assembled.

While its design pedigree deems it appropriate for bogs, beaches, and tundra, most people who buy the RadRover Step-Thru 1 will use it for pavement and smooth trail riding, thanks to its plush feel and the reassurance of riding a heavy bike with fat tires. Its sturdiness and stability make it great for carrying cargo, including a briefcase, bikepacking gear, or groceries. It has a payload capacity of 275 pounds.

Rad Power Bikes’ brand promise is to deliver quality, affordable electric bikes, a goal it achieves in the RadRover Step-Thru 1 with the selection of a 6061 aluminum frame, a seven-speed Shimano Acera derailleur, a 750W Bafang hub motor, a 48V/14Ah lithium-ion rechargeable battery, and Tektro mechanical disc brakes.

None of these components are top-shelf, but they come together in a nice package with a great price on the RadRover Step-Thru 1, and the company still manages to include “nice-to-have” features such as a quick-release adjustable seat, a bell, a USB port, and puncture-resistant tire liners. The bike also comes standard with fenders, a headlight, and a brake-activated taillight.

As mentioned earlier, the key element of the RadRover Step-Thru 1 is the absence of its toptube, which is uncommon for a fat bike and gives it a bit of a nontraditional appearance, but in this case proves useful in making it fit the needs of more riders.

The initial ride feel of the RadRover Step-Thru 1 is at once reassuringly solid and slightly unwieldy. But once the bike gets rolling, handling improves. The wide tires and RST suspension fork confidently mask bumps and potholes, giving the rider a pleasantly comfortable experience.

On the first ride, the brakes squealed loudly until they were properly bedded in. Subsequently, they provided smooth but somewhat gradual-feeling stopping.

The RadRover’s rear hub motor is pedal-activated with five levels of assist, and there’s a twist throttle on the right side of the handlebar that activates at any speed, including from a dead stop. The estimated range of the Rad Power-branded battery is 25 to 45 miles per full charge, depending on total cargo load, terrain, and assist level selected. It takes five to six hours to charge the battery fully. During our rides, I utilized the highest levels of assist on hilly terrain, yet never experienced range anxiety.

Assist level selection is managed with easy-to-reach buttons on the left side of the handlebar. The bike’s LCD display unit is large and center-mounted and includes basic data such as current speed and watts, assist level, battery life, and odometer.

When the RadRover Step-Thru 1 hits its speed-assist ceiling of 20 mph, it feels as though a parachute has deployed to slow the bike. This sensation is somewhat characteristic of all Class 2 ebikes, but it was markedly noticeable during our test rides.

The upright riding position and significant weight of the bike is a factor in cornering and starting on hills. It’s also a bit tricky to maneuver the bike between the garage and sidewalk. This is where the throttle comes in handy, though it does take a bit of practice to master safe, smooth starts. The bike’s significant weight—which increases if racks are installed—also poses challenges for storage and transporting it safely.

Like all Rad Power Bikes, the RadRover Step-Thru 1 balances quality with affordability, which results in some trade-offs when it comes to spec, such as the selection of a hub motor and mechanical disc brakes versus a higher-powered mid-drive motor and hydraulic brakes. On the whole, it’s a sturdy and willing adventure partner that delivers a beefy ride.

The Rad Power Bikes RadRover Step-Thru 1 sells for $1,499. Accessory add-ons to enhance functionality—baskets, racks, and cargo bags—are sold separately and range from $39 to $119.

The RadRover Step-Thru 1 is sold via Rad Power Bikes' website and shipped for free direct to consumers. Alternatively, shoppers in Seattle and Austin, Texas, can visit one of the company’s showrooms to test-ride and purchase, and this year the company plans to add more retail locations as well.

To learn more about or to purchase the RadRover Step-Thru 1, visit radpowerbikes.com.