RadCity 4 vs. RadCity 5 Plus: Which E-Bike Should You Buy?

Embarking on the electric journey of urban commuting, Rad Power Bikes introduces two formidable contenders: the RadCity 4 and the RadCity 5 Plus.

As the demand for efficient and eco-friendly transportation surges, these e-bikes stand at the forefront, promising enhanced features and reliable performance.

In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the nuances of RadCity 4 and RadCity 5 Plus, exploring their individual strengths, improvements, and the ultimate choice they present to riders seeking the perfect electric commuting companion.

Comparison Table Of Radcity 4 and Radcity 5 Plus

Feature	RadCity 4	RadCity 5 Plus
Motor Power	750W geared hub motor	750W geared hub motor
Top Speed	Class 2 (up to 20 mph)	Class 2 (up to 20 mph)
Battery Capacity	48V, 14 Ah (672 Wh) with Lithium NMC Samsung 35E cells	672Wh
Range	45 miles	50 miles
Ride Comfort	Comfortable and smooth ride	Super smooth and comfortable ride with 50mm suspension
Adjustability	Adjustable components for a custom fit	Lots of adjustability, available in step-thru and step-over
Included Features	Fenders, lights, and rear rack	Fenders, lights, rear rack, and other accessories available
Weight	63.3 lbs	64 lbs
Top Pedal Assist Speed	20 mph	20 mph
Price	Check Price On Amazon	Check Price On Amazon

RadCity 4

Introduction

The RadCity 4 electric commuter bike stands as a testament to the growing popularity of e-bikes in urban commuting. Designed by Rad Power Bikes, a brand known for delivering reliable and affordable electric bikes, the RadCity 4 has gained considerable attention for its practical features and commuter-friendly design.

Key Features

1. Motor Power: The RadCity 4 is equipped with a 750W geared hub motor, providing ample assistance for urban commuting and tackling inclines effortlessly.

2. Top Speed (Class 2): With a Class 2 rating, the RadCity 4 reaches a comfortable and legal top speed of up to 20 mph, making it suitable for city streets and bike paths.

3. Battery Capacity: The 48V, 14 Ah battery with lithium NMC Samsung 35E cells ensures a robust power source for extended rides.

4. Range (45 miles): Offering a range of 45 miles on a single charge, the RadCity 4 caters to the needs of daily commuters without frequent recharging.

5. Ride Comfort and Components: The bike boasts components geared towards comfort, making it suitable for longer rides.

6. Included Features: Fenders, lights, and a rear rack add utility to the RadCity 4, enhancing its functionality for daily use.

7. Weight (63.3 lbs): Weighing 63.3 lbs, the RadCity 4 strikes a balance between sturdiness and maneuverability.

8. Assembly Process: Assembling the RadCity 4 is a straightforward process, involving standard steps like attaching the front wheel, handlebar, seat, and seatpost.

Performance

1. Ride Comfort and Handling

The RadCity 4 delivers a comfortable riding experience with its design and components. The handling is intuitive, contributing to a smooth commute.

2. Motor Power and Acceleration

The motor provides ample power for acceleration and maintaining speeds, ensuring a swift and efficient ride.

3. Range and Battery Performance

With a range of 45 miles, the RadCity 4 proves reliable for daily commutes. The battery performance aligns with expectations, offering consistent power throughout the ride.

Pros and Cons

1. Pros
   • Enhanced ride comfort with suspension
   • Increased battery capacity and range
   • Multiple frame styles for added versatility
2. Cons
   • Slightly heavier than its predecessor.

Overall Verdict

The RadCity 4 emerges as a strong contender for urban commuting, offering a blend of power, comfort, and practical features. It caters well to the needs of riders looking for a reliable and affordable e-bike.

RadCity 5 Plus

Introduction

1. Overview

Building on the success of the RadCity 4, the RadCity 5 Plus introduces key upgrades and enhancements, elevating the riding experience for commuters.

2. Improvements and Changes

The RadCity 5 Plus brings notable improvements, addressing certain aspects for an even better urban commuting solution.

Key Features

1. Motor Power: Similar to RadCity 4, the RadCity 5 Plus maintains a 750W geared hub motor for effective urban commuting.

2. Top Speed (Class 2): The Class 2 rating ensures compliance with speed regulations on city streets and bike paths.

3. Battery Capacity (672Wh): With a battery capacity of 672Wh, the RadCity 5 Plus promises extended rides on a single charge.

4. Impressive Range: The RadCity 5 Plus boasts an impressive 50+-mile range, allowing for extended commutes without worrying about battery life.

5. Enhanced Ride Comfort: Featuring a 50mm suspension, the RadCity 5 Plus takes ride comfort to a new level, smoothing out bumps and rough terrain.

6. Adjustability and Frame Styles: The availability of step-thru and step-over frame styles adds versatility and accommodates different rider preferences.

7. Included Features: In addition to fenders, lights, and a rear rack, the RadCity 5 Plus comes with additional accessories, enhancing its utility.

8. Weight (64 lbs): Slightly heavier than its predecessor, the RadCity 5 Plus weighs 64 lbs, a consideration for those prioritizing portability.

9. Assembly Process: Similar to the RadCity 4, assembling the RadCity 5 Plus involves standard steps for attachment.

Performance

1. Ride Comfort and Handling

The 50mm suspension contributes to a smoother ride, especially over uneven terrain. The overall handling maintains the RadCity reputation for a comfortable urban commute.

2. Motor Power and Acceleration

The RadCity 5 Plus maintains strong motor power for swift acceleration and reliable speeds, enhancing the overall commuting experience.

3. Range and Battery Performance

With an upgraded battery, the RadCity 5 Plus delivers a commendable range, meeting the demands of daily commutes.

Pros and Cons

1. Pros
   • Enhanced ride comfort with suspension
   • Increased battery capacity and range
   • Multiple frame styles for added versatility
2. Cons
   • Slightly heavier than its predecessor.
   • Higher price point compared to RadCity 4

Overall Verdict

The RadCity 5 Plus emerges as a commendable upgrade, addressing certain areas for improvement and delivering an even more comfortable and versatile commuting experience.

Head-to-Head Comparison: RadCity 4 vs. RadCity 5 Plus

Motor Power and Acceleration

The RadCity 4 and RadCity 5 Plus share a common powerhouse—a 750W geared hub motor, ensuring efficient urban commuting. Both models deliver ample power for acceleration and maintaining speeds, providing a swift and enjoyable riding experience.

Verdict: Tie. The identical motor power makes them equally capable of navigating city streets and conquering inclines.

Top Speed (Class 2)

With a Class 2 rating, both the RadCity 4 and RadCity 5 Plus adhere to legal speed limits, reaching a comfortable 20 mph. This feature makes them well-suited for urban environments and bike paths.

Verdict: Tie. Their matching Class 2 ratings ensure compliance with speed regulations, offering consistent performance in varied settings.

Battery Capacity and Range

While the RadCity 4 features a 48V, 14 Ah battery with a 45-mile range, the RadCity 5 Plus steps up with a 672Wh battery and an impressive 50+-mile range. The RadCity 5 Plus outshines its predecessor in terms of extended rides without worrying about recharging.

Verdict: Advantage RadCity 5 Plus. The enhanced battery capacity and range provide a notable advantage for those seeking longer commutes.

Ride Comfort and Handling

The RadCity 4 delivers a comfortable ride with intuitive handling, making it suitable for daily commuting. The RadCity 5 Plus takes this a step further with a 50mm suspension, ensuring a smoother experience over uneven terrain.

Verdict: Advantage RadCity 5 Plus. The suspension adds an extra layer of comfort, enhancing the overall ride quality.

Adjustability and Frame Styles

Both models offer versatility with multiple frame styles—step-thru and step-over for the RadCity 5 Plus. This feature caters to different rider preferences and body types.

Verdict: Tie. The availability of multiple frame styles in both models ensures riders can choose the design that suits them best.

Included Features

Fenders, lights, and a rear rack are common features in both models, enhancing their utility for daily use. Additionally, the RadCity 5 Plus comes with extra accessories, further elevating its functionality.

Verdict: Advantage RadCity 5 Plus. The additional accessories contribute to a more feature-rich package.

Weight

The RadCity 4 weighs 63.3 lbs, while the RadCity 5 Plus is slightly heavier at 64 lbs. Both models strike a balance between sturdiness and maneuverability.

Verdict: Tie. The marginal weight difference is unlikely to significantly impact the overall riding experience.

Assembly Process

Assembling both the RadCity 4 and RadCity 5 Plus involves standard steps such as attaching the front wheel, handlebar, seat, and seatpost.

Verdict: Tie. The assembly process is straightforward for both models, catering to users with varying levels of mechanical expertise.

Winner of the comparison?

If you prioritize an e-bike with an extended range and enhanced ride comfort, the RadCity 5 Plus emerges as the winner in this comparison. The RadCity 5 Plus excels in these aspects with its larger battery capacity, impressive 50+-mile range, and the addition of a 50mm suspension for a smoother ride over various terrains.

However, if your primary considerations include a slightly lighter weight and a more budget-friendly option, the RadCity 4 remains a strong contender. It offers reliable performance with a 45-mile range and a balanced weight of 63.3 lbs.