The Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail is an exciting addition to Rad’s lineup, packed with unique features and designed for off-road adventures. In this Radster Trail review, we’ll dive into the components, performance, and overall riding experience of the Radster Trail.
Watch our in-depth Radster Trail video with first-person riding footage:
Overview of the Radster Trail
When Rad Power Bikes first released the Radster Trail, it wasn’t the ebike many expected. Known for pioneering the fat tire electric bike space (aka 26″ x 4″), Rad has ventured into new territory with the Radster Trail. Its standout feature? The 27.5” x 3” wide tires, are a rare width on a full sized ebike. Let’s break down the specs and see what this ebike has to offer.
Pricing and Color Options for the Radster Trail
Rad Power Bikes strategically initially priced the Radster Trail under $2,000 to stay competitive in the market. Due to a recent tariff exception expiring, the price has now climbed to $2,199, putting it at the upper end of the price range for more affordable ebikes.
It comes in a striking copper red and a fur green. Both colors are equally appealing, making it a tough choice for buyers. We opted for the copper red for our review model instead of the fir green pictured below.
Key Features and Components of the Radster Trail
Tires and Suspension
- Tires: Kenda Havoc tires with brown sidewalls, sized at 27.5” x 3”. They provide stability and grip for off-road riding.
- Suspension Fork: SR Suntour hydraulic suspension fork with preload adjustment and lockout, offering 80mm of travel.
Brakes and Lights
- Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors for sure stopping power.
- Lights: 200-lumen headlight and brake-actuated rear light, both powered by the main battery. Turn signals are also included, a first for Rad Power Bikes.
Display and Controls
- Display: New color LCD with security features like RFID tags and a passcode option. It displays wattage, range, speed, and pedal assist levels. The display is among the easiest to use, even when navigating to the advanced settings.
- Controls: Shimano 8-speed trigger shifter, ergonomic grips, and a twist grip throttle.
Battery and Motor
- Battery: 48V, 15Ah semi-integrated battery, 1Ah higher than the previous semi-integrated battery with Rad’s Safe Shield technology, UL 2271 certified. The entire bike is UL 2849.
- Motor: 750W peak power with 100Nm of torque, engaged by a torque sensor for smooth power delivery. This is surely one of the highlights for those who have been longing for a more powerful Rad Power Bike.
Full Components List of the Radster Trail
- Frame: Available in two sizes (Regular and Large)
- Fork: SR Suntour hydraulic suspension fork with 80mm travel
- Tires: Kenda Havoc, 27.5” x 3”
- Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors
- Headlight: 200 lumens, powered by main battery
- Taillight: Brake-actuated, powered by main battery
- Turn Signals: Integrated into the taillight
- Handlebars: BMX-inspired, adjustable sweepback
- Grips: Ergonomic locking grips
- Throttle: Half twist grip
- Shifter: Shimano 8-speed trigger shifter paired with a Shimano Acera derailleur
- Battery: 48V, 15Ah semi-integrated with Safe Shield technology
- Motor: 750W peak power with 100Nm of torque
- Display: Color LCD with security features (RFID tags and passcode)
- Pedals: Plastic
- Kickstand: Rear mounted, sturdy
- Rack: Rear rack with 55 lbs capacity
- Weight: 78 lbs (69 lbs without battery)
- Max Rider Weight: 290 lbs
- Total Payload Capacity: 370 lbs
- Standover Height: 21” (Regular), 24” (Large)
Riding Experience with the Radster Trail
Sizing and Frame Design
The Radster Trail comes in two sizes, a first from Rad Power Bikes:
- Regular: Suitable for riders from 4’11” to 5’8″.
- Large: Suitable for riders from 5’7″ to 6’4″.
The smaller frame offers a 21” standover height, making it accessible for shorter riders. The large size has a 24” standover height. Both sizes feature a reinforced frame for added durability though keep in mind this does impact the standover height, particularly on the size large.
On-Road and Off-Road Performance of the Radster Trail
- Throttle Test: In throttle-only mode, the Radster Trail quickly reaches 20 mph with a smooth power curve.
- Pedal Assist: The torque sensor ensures a responsive and natural riding feel. In pedal assist level 5, it’s easy to maintain speeds of 24 mph or higher with minimal effort. 28 mph is achievable but does require more rider input with the torque sensor.
Off-Road Riding with the Radster Trail
The wider tires and front suspension make the Radster Trail capable on various terrains, from crushed gravel to grassy trails. Its handling is stable, and the ride is comfortable thanks to the ergonomic handlebars. It’s not nimble enough for single track but is more capable with the aggressive tread on the tires.
Comparison: Radster Trail vs. RadRover 6 Plus
The RadRover has long been a favorite in the fat tire ebike market, and comparing it to the Radster Trail reveals some interesting differences:
- Tire Size: The RadRover features 4” wide tires, which are great for a variety of terrains, including snow. The Radster Trail, with its 3” wide tires, offers a balance of off-road capability and better on-road performance due to lower rolling resistance. The 3″ wide tires also reduce weight – at least when it comes to the tires.
- Motor: Both models have a 750W peak power motor, but the Radster Trail’s motor has 100Nm of torque, providing a sportier and more responsive ride.
- Battery: The RadRover’s battery is slightly smaller at 14Ah compared to the Radster Trail’s 15Ah, giving the latter a slight edge in range. You also get Rad’s Safe Shield battery and a self-resetting fuse on the Radster Trail battery.
- Frame Design: The Radster Trail’s frame in size Regular is slightly more accessible with a 21″ standover height compared to 22.5″ on the RadRover 6 Plus step-thru. The standover height on the Radster Trail size large is 24″.
- New Features: The Radster Trail introduces new features like the color LCD display with RFID security, turn signals, and Rad’s Safe Shield battery technology.
- Weight: While you’d expect the Radster trail to be lighter, it’s actually heavier than the RadRover at 77.5 lb compared to 73.4 lbs (RadRover high step) and 72.5 lbs on the RadRover 6 Plus step-thru.
Both bikes are excellent choices, but the Radster Trail brings new innovations and a different riding experience that may appeal to those looking for a more versatile and modern ebike.
Radster Trail Review: First Impressions and Final Thoughts
The Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail is a welcome addition to the ebike market, offering unique features and strong performance. It’s an excellent choice for riders looking for a versatile ebike capable of handling various terrains.
If you’re interested in a more city-oriented ebike, check out our review of the Radster Road, which was released alongside the Radster Trail. For a complete list of our Rad Power Bikes reviews, visit our Rad Power Bikes Reviews page. Additionally, join the discussion and share your experiences on the RadOwners Forum at radowners.com.
What are your thoughts on the Radster Trail? Are these the features you’ve been waiting for? Share your opinions in the comments below, and thanks for reading!
