Rad Power Bikes has been in the ebike game for over 18 years, and for the first time, they’ve introduced a belt drive model to their lineup. The RadKick Belt Drive marks a clear departure from their heavier, more utility-focused models, prioritizing lighter weight and lower maintenance. No grease, no mess, better maneuverability—plus, at $1,599, it’s Rad’s most affordable torque sensing electric bike. Below is our full review, covering everything from the RadKick Belt Drive’s standout features and design to the performance and key considerations.
If this review helps you decide on the RadKick Belt Drive 1, using our affiliate link before you buy is a free way to support the work we do at Ebike Escape and makes content like this possible.
Rad Power Bikes RadKick Belt Drive 1 YouTube Review
Ryan, founder of Ebike Escape, has been riding Rad Power Bikes for over six years, ever since purchasing his first electric bike—a 2018 RadWagon. He also runs the RadOwners forum, a fantastic resource for anyone considering or already owning a Rad Power bike. Check out his comprehensive YouTube review to see the RadKick Belt Drive in action. The video includes a detailed walkaround covering its components and standout features, first-person riding footage to showcase its performance, and third-person shots where we highlight the pros and cons of this electric bike.
Rad Power Bikes RadKick Belt Drive: Key Features
Belt Drive for Low-Maintenance Riding
Featuring Dayco’s Power Carbon Belt that boasts 10,000+ miles of maintenance-free operation. No need to worry about lubrication or a mess on your pants—just hop on and ride. While it raises the price ($1,599 versus the 7-speed’s $1,399), the simplicity and quiet operation may well be worth it for riders looking to reduce upkeep and noise.
Affordable Torque Sensor
Torque sensors provide a more natural pedaling feel by adjusting motor power based on the actual force you apply while pedaling. This not only helps balance rider effort at both lower and higher speeds but also improves overall efficiency by optimizing battery usage. The RadKick Belt is Rad’s most budget-friendly torque-sensing model, enhancing the smooth, quiet experience of its single-speed drivetrain.
Lighter Weight, Easier Handling
Rad made deliberate trade-offs to bring down the overall weight of the RadKick Belt Drive. With any “light-er” weight ebike you have to give up motor and battery power. It’s not lost on us that 55 lbs is still heavy when compared to road bikes, but if you’re upgrading from a heavier electric bike, you will notice it’s far easier maneuver. Removing the top-load battery does drop the weight down to 49 lbs making it easier to lift onto a car rack. You’ll also benefit from less bulk when cruising, which can modestly improve range.
Fully Outfitted with Key Extras
Rad Power Bikes didn’t strip this ebike down to achieve a lower weight. You still get metal fenders, an included rear rack rated for 55 lbs, and front suspension (EXSHO 80mm travel fork) for tackling bumps. Other lightweight-focused brands often ditch these components to shave ounces, so keep this in mind if you’re shopping around—fenders, racks, and suspension can greatly enhance everyday utility and comfort.
New Color LCD Screen
Along with its more minimal design, the RadKick Belt sports a new small color LCD display that is mounted on the left of the handlebars. Despite being small, it is easy to read and features a USB-C charging port for your devices.
Frame and Design
The RadKick Belt boasts an IPX6-rated, low step-thru frame, offering extra water resistance for wet-weather rides. In our tests with a 6’0” and 5’5” rider, both found the geometry comfortable. It comes in one size, and while multiple frame sizes would be ideal, the adjustable stem and seat post offer decent flexibility. Meanwhile, the 2.25” Chaoyang tires strike a nice balance between cushioning and efficiency for city or suburban streets.
Specs and Components
Since the RadKick Belt Drive prioritizes a lightweight design, it comes with trade-offs in battery and motor size. Even so, the Mivice 500W motor delivers solid support, and we appreciate how quietly it operates. The battery, about half the size of Rad’s standard pack, features Safe Shield technology—meaning its power cells are potted to prevent fire from spreading between cells in the unlikely event of an issue.
Despite these compromizes, the RadKick doesn’t skimp on practical features. It comes equipped with integrated lights, a brake-actuated taillight, and hydraulic disc brakes for dependable stopping power. Below is a snapshot of what’s powering and outfitting this ebike.
Accessories
The RadKick Belt Drive includes a rear rack and front mounting points that are compatible with many of Rad’s awesome cargo offerings. We also sell high quality accessories at shop.ebikeescape.com. These are the accessories we recommend to take this electric bike to the next level.
Rad’s Shop
Carry up to 30 lbs with this stable head-tube-mounted rack. Use with the Small Basket, Large Basket, or Large Platform. Comes with a headlight extension cable for direct front mounting.
Expand your ebike’s cargo capacity with Rad’s Large Basket. Its roomy surface easily accommodates bigger, bulkier items and pairs perfectly with our Large Basket Bag, Large Basket Roll Top Liner, and Pet Basket Carrier.
Keep your gear secure using this stretchable cargo net. The plastic hooks attach anywhere on the net, letting you resize or adjust as needed.
Our Shop
Mounts with hook-and-loop straps, fits most 3.5×3.5×22 cells, and is flame-resistant. A waterproof liner, sealed construction, and roll-up closure ensure secure storage in all conditions.
Fully waterproof pannier that can withstand all the outside elements. It comes with a shoulder strap and an inside pocket for extra storage
Adjustable Side Loading Cage to fit bottles 2 1/4″ to 4 3/4″. Can be mounted as left or right handed. Keeps bottles secure and great for tight spaces.
Performance Tests
We put the RadKick Belt Drive’s 500w Mivice motor to the test, evaluating its performance with both throttle-only and pedal assist on flat terrain and uphill climbs. It was nice to see a name brand motor that we’ve tested a lot with other brands. As a Class 2 ebike, it’s limited to a top speed of 20 mph, whether using pedal assist or the twist throttle, no Class 3 override. While its front suspension and slightly wider tires provide some versatility, our focus was on how it performs in its most likely environment—commuting on pavement. That said, it’s still capable of handling light trail riding when needed.
0-20 mph Throttle-Only Acceleration Test
It isn’t a rocket off the line, but it is able to reach the advertised max speed of 20 mph without rider support. You can access the throttle even when pedal assist is turned off and it provides smooth, gradual acceleration. With a single-speed belt drive, you rely on a balanced gear ratio. You can always use the throttle for quicker starts, then ease into pedaling.
Pedal Assist Exploration
- PAS 1 carries you around 10-13 mph, ideal for relaxing rides.
- PAS 2 gets you closer to 13-15 mph; the difference from PAS 1 is modest.
- PAS 3 offers 14-17 mph, a more comfortable pace if you’re looking to cover ground quickly.
- PAS 4 nudges you up to 15-18 mph, likely the sweet spot for longer stretches of cruising.
- PAS 5 tops out around 20 mph, though maintaining that speed steadily requires a fast pedaling cadence.
Hill Climb Test (Throttle-Only)
Our Florida testing grounds didn’t provide super-steep hills, but we managed 16-18 mph on the longest incline we found. The RadKick Belt can handle moderate hills, but steeper inclines require a good amount of pedal effort. If you’re regularly tackling serious hills, the RadKick 7-speed cadence sensor version might be worth a look.
Hill Climb Test (Pedal Assist)
Like most single-speed ebikes, you need to keep those pedals moving for the torque sensor to feed enough power. PAS 1 and 2 feel underpowered on hills (8-9 mph), while PAS 3 reaches around 10-12 mph. PAS 4 and 5 provide meaningful boosts, hitting up to 13-18 mph, depending on the steepness. Again, the throttle can fill in the gaps if you bog down in lower assist levels.
Pros and Cons
Who This Ebike is For
The Rad Power Bikes RadKick Belt Drive is for riders seeking a low-maintenance ebike that’s easy to handle and maneuver. It’s ideal for flat terrain, offering a quiet ride with a simple single-speed drivetrain and a smooth torque sensor. The twist throttle adds convenience, making it easy to get moving without extra effort. If you ride in hilly areas or need higher speeds, the 7-speed Chain-Drive RadKick may be the better option.
Rad Power Bikes RadKick Belt Drive vs. RadCity 5 Plus: Lighter weight or Longer Range?
The RadCity 5 Plus is currently $1,299 and features a 48V, 14Ah battery and a 750W motor. Weighing 65 lbs, it provides more range and power but adds extra weight. It also uses a cadence sensor, delivering consistent motor support at the cost of a less natural pedal feel.
If you prefer a lighter ebike with a low-maintenance belt drive, the RadKick Belt is a better fit. For those wanting a 28 mph Class 3 option or a larger battery at a similar price, the RadCity 5 Plus may be the way to go. If carrying young passengers is a priority, the RadCity’s rear rack is compatible with Thule Yepp Maxi child seats.
Check out our full RadCity 5 Plus review to learn more!
Conclusion
Rad Power Bikes’ RadKick Belt Drive caters to riders craving a simpler, lighter experience, underscored by a belt drive, torque sensor, and easy handling. While it’s not the lightest ebike on the planet, it’s a refreshing pivot for Rad away from the “bigger is better” formula. The smaller battery keeps weight and cost down but may limit range for long-distance explorers. If you prefer less fuss and a breezier ride, the RadKick Belt might be the perfect match.
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