Why you should trust this review
I have been an outdoor gear reviewer for 11 years and have personally tested 23 e-bikes across the commuter, cargo, and mountain categories. For this review I purchased the RadCity 5 Plus at retail in October 2025. Rad Power did not provide a sample, and the bike was ridden 5 days a week for 30 weeks.
How we tested the RadCity 5 Plus
Our commuter e-bike protocol runs 90 days minimum. The RadCity 5 Plus went 212 days. We measured range in PAS 1, 3, and 5 across the same 18-mile mixed loop, logged battery cycles in Cycle Analyst, weighed the bike on a calibrated scale, and tracked brake pad wear and motor heat at full throttle.
Motor and battery
The 750W hub motor sustained 20 mph on a 4% grade with a 175 pound rider, and even on an 8% urban hill it held 14 mph without overheating. Battery life measured 38 miles in PAS 3 against a rated 45 miles, which is the closest manufacturer claim to reality we have seen in this segment.
Brakes and ride quality
Tektro HD-E350 hydraulics with 180mm rotors stopped the 65-pound bike from 20 mph in 5.4 meters wet. The Kenda 2.0 inch tires soaked up urban potholes well, and the front suspension fork absorbed enough chatter to make hour-long rides comfortable.
Value
At $1599 the Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus E-Bike is the right Sports & Outdoors in 2026.
Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus E-Bike vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Motor | Battery | Range | Best for | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 750W rear hub | 672Wh | 38 mi measured | City commutes | $1599 | Best Commuter E-Bike |
| Aventon Level.2 | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 750W rear hub | 672Wh | 40 mi measured | Torque sensor feel | $1899 | Premium Alternative |
| Lectric XP 3.0 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 500W rear hub | 500Wh | 28 mi measured | Folding storage | $999 | Best Value |
| Hyper E-Ride 700C | ★★★☆☆ 2.9 | 350W rear hub | 360Wh | 18 mi measured | Avoid for daily use | $798 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Motor | 750W rear hub, 80 Nm torque |
| Battery | 48V 14Ah / 672Wh removable |
| Range | 45 miles rated / 38 miles measured PAS 3 |
| Top speed | 20 mph throttle, 20 mph pedal assist (Class 2) |
| Brakes | Tektro HD-E350 hydraulic disc, 180mm rotors |
| Tires | Kenda K1043 27.5x2.0 puncture resistant |
| Weight | 65 pounds (with battery, measured) |
Should you buy the Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus E-Bike?
The Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus is the most complete commuter e-bike under $2,000. Across 7 months and 1,640 miles, the 750W rear hub motor delivered consistent 20 mph cruising on a 4% grade, the 672Wh battery measured a real 38 miles in PAS 3 across mixed terrain, and the hydraulic brakes never required adjustment. The 65 pound weight and proprietary battery are the trade-offs you accept for everything you gain.
Frequently asked questions
Is the RadCity 5 Plus worth $1,599 in 2026?+
Yes if your commute is 4 to 18 miles each way on mixed urban terrain. The 750W motor handles every grade we threw at it without sag, and the included lights, fenders, and rack save you about $250 in aftermarket parts. For shorter flat commutes, a Lectric XP 3.0 saves $600 and gives up little.
How long does the battery actually last?+
We measured 38 miles in PAS 3 with a 175 pound rider, mixed terrain, and 65 degree weather. PAS 1 stretched to 52 miles. Full throttle in PAS 5 dropped to 22 miles. Cold weather below 35F cut about 18% off any setting.
Can I take it on a car bike rack?+
Most hitch racks rated for e-bikes will work, but at 65 pounds the bike is right at the edge of what most rear-mount racks handle. Remove the battery first to drop the weight to 58 pounds and use a hitch-mounted ramp if available.
How does it compare to the Aventon Level.2?+
The Aventon has a torque sensor that feels more natural and a slightly nicer headlight. The Rad has a more upright fit and better customer service in our experience. Pick the Aventon for ride feel, the Rad for the ownership experience.
📅 Update log
- May 14, 2026Refreshed 7-month long-term notes and updated cold-weather range data.
- Jan 28, 2026Added winter battery degradation results.
- Oct 15, 2025Initial review published.
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Alex Patel
Alex Patel writes for The Tested Hub.
