Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step Review
- MSRP: $2,099
- Frame: Aluminium
- Wheels: Kenda Juggernaut 26″ x 4″
- Motor: 750W brushless geared hub motor
What we like about it: A comfortable and reliable hardtail electric fat tire bike.
What we didn’t like about it: The display screen brightness is a bit insufficient.
Rating (4.7/5)
The Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step provides a reliable solution for anyone seeking a dependable commuting and traveling tool. This hardtail fat tire electric bike combines durability, agility, and comfort to make every ride smooth and straightforward, whether on paved or unpaved surfaces.
With a powerful 750W brushless geared hub motor, a 672 Wh battery, a 60mm RST spring fork, and large 26″ x 4″ Kenda Juggernaut tires, the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step truly excels at climbing. It can be a reliable companion for anyone looking for a versatile bike.
Below, we’ll analyze the riding experience and specifications of the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step. If you want to explore more bike reviews, be sure to follow us.
Commuting Experience
Electric bikes can become the top choice for commuting for most people because they allow riders to reach their destinations quickly and effortlessly. Another significant advantage is their superior climbing capability. In this test, we mainly focused on these two aspects to evaluate the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step, simulating the commuting habits of people.
Comfort of Riding
The suitability of a bike is often judged by the comfort of the ride, and it’s usually the first impression for most riders. If the height of the bike makes the rider’s back and legs feel cramped or uncomfortable, it’s unlikely to become their commuting tool. Commuting is a long-term process, and it must be comfortable and easy to provide riders with a sense of security.
I liked the feeling of sitting on the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step. Its 26-inch frame is very rider-friendly for someone like me with a height of only 5’9″. The handlebars are raised, allowing me to sit with a relatively upright posture. This also provides me with a broader view.
Of course, this level of comfort is also thanks to the ergonomic saddle. It has a moderate thickness that takes good care of the rider’s buttocks without causing excessive heat and sweating. It features a central groove that allows for air circulation while cleverly dispersing pressure in the soft tissue area and providing more support for the sit-bone area, ensuring comfort.
Additionally, when gripping the handlebars with both hands, I experienced a level of comfort that I had never felt before. Unlike foam or silicone grips, the durable imitation leather ergonomic grips are not only soft and comfortable to touch but also offer excellent shock resistance. This becomes especially noticeable when there are obstacles in front of the wheels. It feels like wearing a leather glove, providing both grip and shock absorption.
A Natural Pedaling Feel
The comfortable riding experience has already made the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step a success, not to mention the natural pedaling sensation created by the 750W brushless geared hub motor. Most of my pedaling was accompanied by pedal assist. With electric assistance, my legs could quickly pedal several rounds, and I hardly felt any change in physical effort.
Although the maximum power of this 750W brushless geared hub motor is 750W, I found during testing that I rarely needed full power output; I could easily cruise on city roads.
It’s when you combine the Shimano Altus 1×7-speed transmission system with the motor that it truly maximizes its efficiency. The 42T wide-range gear ratio confirms this. As I press down with my right thumb, pedaling becomes easier, and the bike climbs faster. Most importantly, the entire process is very quiet, just like a regular bike.
Of course, to test its true capabilities, I also tried climbing hills using throttle-only mode. While it took a few extra seconds compared to pedal assist, the climbing speed was very steady. I closely monitored the climbing data displayed on the LED screen and found that when climbing a 12% grade with throttle-only mode, the average speed reached 9.8 miles per hour!
More Reliable Design
Matching the comfortable riding experience and natural pedaling sensation of the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step are its reliable designs.
First and foremost, we have to mention the 672-watt-hour downtube battery that powers the bike during all rides. A fully charged RadRover 6 Plus supports continuous rides of 25-45 miles. This should easily meet the daily commuting or travel needs of most people.
I appreciate the dual LCD screen design on this bike, which sets it apart from other electric bikes. There’s one on the left handle and one in the center. This makes it easier for me to access more riding information during my journeys, including battery life percentage, pedal assist level, average speed, maximum speed, current speed, mileage, and time. However, sometimes in bright sunlight, they may not be as bright.
Of course, the integrated lighting system is also essential, with standard LED headlights and an integrated tail light with a brake light. These are crucial aids for nighttime riding. Occasionally, when I ride this bike at night and encounter poorly lit sections of the road, I always turn them on, providing both illumination and ensuring my safety.
Off-Roading
As a hardtail fat tire electric bike, the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step also delivers a satisfying performance on unpaved surfaces.
I like to take this bike for countryside rides and adventures near the town. Because it supports optional racks and baskets for both the front and rear, I couldn’t resist using them. Before each trip, I securely attach my luggage to the rear rack and place my backpack and water in the front basket, which is very convenient.
While this bike’s RST spring fork has a travel of only 60mm, it remains stable when the wheels roll over gravel roads. After all, the 26″ x 4″ Kenda Juggernaut tires have excellent traction and can handle most obstacles on the ground.
Of course, with such large tires, the shock absorption is superior to most narrower wheels. They effectively reduce the bumps on rough roads, preventing me from feeling fatigued on loose surfaces.
Specifications
We can make a basic qualitative assessment of the target user group for the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step based on its hardware and geometry. It’s well-suited for commuters, cruisers, and recreational riders seeking comfort and speed.
Firstly, the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step uses durable yet lightweight 6061 aluminum alloy for the frame and features internal cable routing to maintain a clean appearance.
Secondly, in the most crucial electric drive system of an electric bike, this model also incorporates a 750W brushless geared hub motor and a large-capacity 672-watt-hour downtube battery. This combination ensures that users have a natural pedaling sensation while significantly extending their riding range.
Furthermore, the 60mm RST spring fork with lockout and preload adjustment, paired with 26″ x 4″ Kenda Juggernaut tires, smoothes out all unpaved surfaces.
Lastly, the 7-speed Shimano Altus transmission system and Rad Power Bikes’ disc brakes are key to the bike’s successful performance. On one hand, they provide riders with more efficient gear ratios for climbing or riding, and on the other hand, they offer control and stopping power when needed.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Sturdy and durable 6061 aluminum frame for long-lasting performance.
- Elevated handlebar design for comfortable upright riding, providing added comfort.
- Powerful 750W brushless geared hub motor supports 5 levels of pedal assist, delivering smooth power output.
- Impressive 672Wh downtube battery powers the motor, display screen, and lights.
- Integrated lighting system enhances rider safety.
- Large Kenda Juggernaut puncture-resistant tires offer excellent traction and absorb ground vibrations.
- Reliable 7-speed Shimano Altus transmission system, paired with Rad Power Bikes approved aluminum alloy levers, provides added convenience.
What we don’t like about it?
- The display screen may not be bright enough in strong sunlight.
- The bike is somewhat heavy.
FAQ
- How much does this bike weigh?
Despite using 26-inch tires, this bike weighs 73.4 pounds. It’s not considered a lightweight design, but it’s within the normal range compared to similarly priced hardtail fat tire electric bikes.
- How long does it take to charge this bike?
Honestly, despite its good range, it takes 6 hours to fully charge.
- What height range is this bike suitable for?
Due to the 17-inch frame, it typically accommodates riders between 5’7″ – 6’2″.
Specs
Build
| Frame | 6061 aluminum alloyTire Clearance: 4.5″ |
| Fork | RST spring fork, 60 mm travel with lockout and preload adjustment, 277 mm steerer tube |
| Headset | Semi-integrated, 1-1/8″ straight steerer tube |
| Stem | 50 mm + 30º (15 mm rise) |
| Handlebar | Custom formed aluminum, 700 mm wide, 4″ rise |
| Saddle | Ergonomic seat with lifting handle |
| Seatpost | 390 mm x 27.2 mm |
| Pedals | CrMo axle, forged aluminum platform with reflectors, standard 9/16″ x 20 TPI threading |
| Grips | Durable imitation leather ergonomic grips |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | 7-Speed |
| Crank | 42T chainring, 170 mm crank length, dual-sided aluminum chainring guard |
| Shifters | 7 speed thumb shifter |
| Cassette | DNP 7-speed freewheel, 11-34T |
| Chain | KMC Z7 |
| Brakes | Rad Power Bikes approved hydraulic brake caliper |
| Brake Levers | Rad Power Bikes approved aluminum alloy levers with motor cutoff switch and adjustable reach (2.5mm Allen wrench) |
Wheels
| Rims | Double-wall aluminum alloy, 36 hole, Rim width: 75 mm |
| Spokes | 12-gauge stainless steel, black |
| Tires | Rad Power Bikes by Kenda Juggernaut 26″ x 4″, K-Shield puncture-resistant liner *tires received may not include branding |
| Disk Rotors | 180 mm front and rear |
Electric Components
| Motor | 750W brushless geared hub motor, 5:1 planetary gear reduction. Stated wattage is the manufacturer’s rated power capacity. Actual power- to-ground wattage is under 750W to ensure ebike regulatory compliance and may vary on riding conditions. to-ground wattage is under 750W to ensure ebike regulatory compliance and may vary depending on riding conditions. |
| Battery | 589-672 Wh |
| Remote | Backlit LCD with charge indicator, speedometer, odometer, trip odometer, pedal assist level, clock, and more |
| Charger | 48V, 2 Amp Rad Power Bikes smart charger, operates on 100V-240V AC power outlets |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Drivetrain | Motor | Battery |
| Aventon Aventure | Click view | 1 x 8 | 750W (Sustained), 48V Brushless Rear Hub Motor | Removable Internal Lithium-ion 48V, 15Ah (720Wh) with LG cells |
| IGO Electric Core – Extreme 3.0 | Click view | 1 x 8 | 500W geared brushless hi-torque rear hub motor | 48V/576Wh lithium battery |
| Himiway CRUISER | Click view | 1 x 7 | 750W brushless geared hub motor | 48V 17.5Ah Samsung/LG lithium battery |
| Denago Fat Tire Top Tube eBike | Click view | 1 x 7 | Bafang H550 rear hub, 48V, 750W | 921.6 Wh battery, LG 21700 cells |
Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step vs. Aventon Aventure
For those who expect a quick full charge, the Aventon Aventure might be more appealing. It comes equipped with a 48V 3 Amp fast charger, which can recharge the Removable Internal Lithium-ion 48V, 15Ah (720Wh) battery with LG cells to full capacity in just 4-5 hours. What’s even more attractive is that it’s priced lower than the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus.
However, the Aventon Aventure has slightly less range compared to the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus. Especially at speeds of 20 miles per hour, its assist range is only around 27-33 miles.
Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step vs. IGO Electric Core – Extreme 3.0
Speaking of range, the IGO Electric Core – Extreme 3.0 appears to offer less value for money. While it has reduced the bike’s weight to 67.7 pounds, its 576-watt-hour removable battery only supports a maximum range of 34 miles. This could be a significant drawback for a fat tire electric bike. What’s more, the IGO Electric Core – Extreme 3.0 features a hub motor with a maximum power output of only 500 watts. This might not be great news for riders who need to tackle steeper hills.
However, for those who enjoy mountain challenges, the IGO Electric Core – Extreme 3.0 has more to offer. It increases the tire size to 26” x 4.5” inches and the front travel to 75mm. Therefore, compared to the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus, it excels on rough terrain.
Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step vs. Himiway CRUISER
For budget-conscious riders, the Himiway CRUISER offers more versatility. With a 750W brushless gear motor, this bike can provide riders with speeds of up to 25 miles per hour and a maximum range of up to 60 miles. Therefore, for those who are passionate about traveling deeper into the mountains or on gravel paths, it will be quite accommodating.
However, users of the Himiway CRUISER may need to exert more pedaling effort compared to Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus users. Because its motor is not as powerful as the latter, it can sometimes feel a bit less stable. Therefore, if you expect a more comfortable and effortless journey, the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus is better suited.
Learn More: Is Himiway CRUISER Worth Buying? – [Himiway CRUISER Review]
Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step vs. Denago Fat Tire Top Tube eBike
The Denago Fat Tire Top Tube eBike offers an incredible bang for your buck. Priced at just under $1,800, this hardtail fat tire electric bike comes equipped with a Bafang H550 rear hub, 48V, 750W motor, and a 921.6Wh battery, along with hydraulic disc brakes. This is undoubtedly an exciting combination.
We must also acknowledge that the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step falls slightly short in terms of value compared to the Denago Fat Tire Top Tube eBike. However, if you prioritize riding comfort, then choosing the former is also a suitable option. In our review, we found that the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step’s geometry is more conducive to pedaling, and it excels in the saddle, handlebars, and other details compared to the Denago Fat Tire Top Tube eBike.
Summary
For anyone looking for a comfortable commute, leisurely cruising, or daily transportation, the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High Step is a viable choice. With a powerful motor, wide tires, and a reliable front fork, it’s destined to bring you joy on both paved and unpaved roads. At the very least, you can enjoy your travels in comfort.
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