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I live in a very rural town with lots of back roads and bike trails, but biking those trails can be exhausting. When I had the opportunity to try out the Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus, I was excited to see how this e-bike would perform on paved roads, dirt roads, and trails. Affordably priced and featuring a decent battery range, this bike boasts a robust construction that could make it a great fit for heading into town or for exploring trails and dirt roads. I tested it out to see how well it performed.
The Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus shipped in one large cardboard box. The box had sustained some minor damage during shipping, but when I opened it, I found the bike had been packed so well that it wasn’t damaged. The bike was secured inside the box with additional cardboard packing and protective plastic wrapping.
The bike required moderate assembly. The handlebars, front tire, headlight, and pedals needed to be attached, and the wiring had to be connected. The owner’s manual included detailed assembly instructions, and there’s also an assembly video on the Rad Power website that walks you through the entire assembly.
I was pleased to see that Rad Power included a tool set with Allen wrenches, five wrenches, and a screwdriver. It’s recommended that you also have flat-side cutters, a pedal wrench, bicycle grease, a torque wrench, a shop towel, a bike pump, and “a strong friend” for the assembly process.
The first step, attaching the handlebars, was easy, thanks to the detailed instructions and diagrams. The second step, attaching the front wheel, was far more difficult. I read the instructions numerous times, reviewed the video about a dozen times, and spent nearly half an hour trying to determine how to follow the instructions, which didn’t seem to reflect the wheel assembly I had received. I finally called Rad Power’s support and was connected to help in less than a minute. That staff member immediately realized that I had received a newer wheel assembly and emailed me the correct instructions.
Once I had the right instructions, the rest of the assembly process was smooth. Attaching the front wheel was the hardest part, since it had to align with the bike frame and the brakes, but I managed to get it positioned correctly on the first try. All in all, the unboxing and assembly process, including my call to Rad Power, took about an hour and a half; it would have been much faster if I had the correct instructions from the start.
The Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus retails for $1,599. The bike ships within two business days. Shipping is free, though fees and restrictions may apply for bikes shipping to Hawaii and Alaska.
The throttle is mounted to the right handlebar and allows you to increase and decrease the bike’s electric power. I found that with a little practice, I was able to gently ease the throttle up to start the power without jolting the bike. When you let off the throttle or apply the brake, the electric power stops.
The Rad UI Remote also features buttons that you can use to set the power assist levels. The pedal assist features a cadence sensor built into the bike’s drivetrain; it detects how quickly you’re pedaling and then provides the assistance level you’ve chosen. Levels range from zero to five. If you brake while using the pedal assist settings, the power automatically resumes once you let off of the brake. I found this setting to be a little tricky to use; it creates more of a jolt than the throttle does, but also means that you don’t have to continuously hold the throttle while you ride.
This is a 7-speed bike, and it features separate up shift and down shift buttons. Getting used to using separate buttons for different shift functions was a little tricky, and I found the down shift lever was a little high up for the size of my hands. The bike shifts easily, though.
The Rad UI display is an LCD screen mounted on the center of the handlebars. It features a generously sized speedometer, that I found easy to see during my trips. It also includes a clock, wattage meter, and odometer.
The battery weighs 7.7 pounds and holds a charge great enough to travel about 25 to 45 miles. It features a monitor right on the top so you can keep an eye on the remaining charge, though there’s also a battery level monitor mounted to the left handlebar. The battery is easily removable, so you can charge it while on or uninstalled from the bike.
This bike features hydraulic disc brakes, which are suitable for use in varying weather, including in the rain. I found the brakes offered effective stopping power, even when I had the bike at top speed and stopped quickly on pavement. I never experienced any brake wobble or felt like I didn’t have enough braking power, and though I did ride through puddles and got the brakes wet, they never squealed.
Rad Power sells replacement semi-metallic brake pads compatible with this bike if you need replacement parts.
The ergonomic seat is padded and generously sized. While I initially found it comfortable, after about 15 minutes of use, I wished it had much more padding, especially when riding on trails. I will probably purchase a seat cushion to place over it for days when I plan to go on longer rides.
The 26 x 4-inch fat tires are suitable for road riding and trails. They provided excellent stability in deep sand, gravel, dirt, and large rocks. The tires are puncture-resistant, which is ideal if you’ll be riding trails. While I was worried that their thick design would make the bike difficult to pedal, I found that pedaling the bike was easy once I got it going.
The bike features an LED headlight that automatically powers on when you turn the bike on. It’s very bright and would certainly catch the attention of drivers when you’re riding in low light. Additionally, an integrated tail light has a brake light indicator, which captures the attention of anyone approaching you from behind.
The kickstand is big and beefy, and it’s just the type you’ll want if you’re out on trails in the woods. It’s very easy to move with your foot, but securely holds the bike up on deep grass, sand, and gravel. The thick kickstand foot doesn’t sink down into these materials, and it’s a great choice for this bike.
The battery locks into the bike, so you don’t have to worry about it possibly being stolen if you lock up your bike outside of a store. It’s very easy to unlock using one of the four included keys, and you can either charge the battery while it’s on the bike or unlock it and bring it into your home.
This bike is equipped with a front-suspension fork that acts as a shock absorber. I was able to take it out on rocky trails, but the bike remained pretty smooth even when tackling tough terrain. I was very impressed with the suspension, which also makes for a comfortable ride on pavement.
There’s definitely a learning curve to this bike. Getting started pedaling is harder than it is with your average mountain bike, likely due to the thick tires. However, once I got a little momentum going, the bike was very easy to pedal on pavement.
I rode the bike on many surfaces, including flat and hilly pavement, a dirt and gravel road, and trails including dirt, tree roots, grass, gravel, deep sand, and large, somewhat jagged rock. I’m pleased to say that the bike performed very well on all of these surfaces, and the fat tires gave it a stable feel in conditions where I would normally be hesitant to ride a bike.
The gear shifters were initially tricky to learn; I’m used to turning a knob up and down to shift in either direction, but this bike features separate buttons for shifting up and down. However, the bike shifts easily. Initially the chain didn’t seem to be fully in gear, and there was some slipping, but that stopped after changing gears several times during my first ride.
Engaging the electric motor is very easy, thanks to the two control options provided. I initially thought I’d prefer using the power assist buttons, but found the throttle gave me more precise control, and I could quickly increase or decrease the power as needed.
I never felt like I didn’t have enough power. Even when using the lowest power settings, the bike easily climbed hills without strain or slowing down. The motor consistently maintained my speed, including on uneven trails. With a little practice, I was able to throttle the power on and off gently enough to apply a little power when I needed help climbing a mountain trail, then turn it off when I was able to pedal again.
Rad Power advertises that the bike can reach a top speed of 20 mph. I tested this on a flat, paved road and, according to the bike’s speedometer, it did reach and maintain 20 mph. That’s faster than I would typically feel comfortable going, and I found 10 to 12 mph on the roads to be plenty of speed for me.
I tested the bike for about a month, taking it out several times each week. During each ride, I started with a fully charged battery, but I also never found that I was close to running out of power, even when I spent about an hour riding steep mountain trails. Two battery charge readings—one on the battery and one on the handlebars—make it easy to monitor the remaining power. Riding on the road used even less power, and this bike seems to be highly efficient.
The battery recharge time depends on how depleted it is. It arrived partially charged, and was fully charged within three hours. I never rode more than about five miles at a time, and was always able to recharge the battery within about an hour.
The bike is a fairly smooth ride, even when navigating rough trails, thanks to the front suspension. I found if I almost jumped up and down on the bike at a standstill I could feel the suspension move up and down, doing an impressive job of absorbing shock. I never found that rocks or roots were particularly jarring.
However, the seat could use a significant upgrade. It’s somewhat large and padded, designed for comfort, but I found my seat bones became quite painful early on during each ride. I would be much more comfortable if the padding were essentially doubled or somehow made much softer.
Overall, I’ve been very impressed by the Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus. I didn’t encounter any real challenges or problems with the bike, and while learning to use it was an initial challenge, I quickly became comfortable with it and started to look forward to riding it.
The bike is well-designed and is overall easy to use, but there are different settings and controls to learn. The user manual does a good job of explaining its use, and includes lots of safety information and precautions.
With two power control options, you can somewhat customize how you want to use it. It’s versatile enough to be suitable for commutes on paved roads, but is also capable of handling more demanding settings, like trail riding and hilly terrain.
The wide tires give the bike extra stability, which I appreciated while I was learning to use it. The brakes provide a strong and consistent stop, even when coming down from high speeds.
Required maintenance is fairly typical of what your average bicycle would need. You can wipe down the bike frame with a clean cloth. The tire pressure needs to be maintained, and the owner’s manual suggests regularly checking the front wheel alignment and attachment, checking the brakes, and having the bike regularly serviced by a certified, reputable bike mechanic.
It’s advised to store the bike indoors, out of the rain. If the bike gets wet, you should dry it and apply an anti-rust treatment to the chain.
Rad Rover recommends that if you have to store your battery for a long period of time, you do so with it 40 to 75% charged. Storing the battery at very little to no charge can cause a permanent range decline or may cause the battery to not function.
The Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus is well-designed and feels like a quality bike. It’s sturdy and relatively comfortable to ride, and it’s smooth, even on rough surfaces. While it weighs 73.4 pounds, it’s still easy to wheel by hand while walking.
The frame’s step-through design makes it easy to get on and off of the bike, and though the frame is wider than that of a traditional mountain bike, I never found that I came close to hitting my knees on it. The bike puts you in a pretty comfortable and natural position, and I was balanced enough to stand up on the pedals while riding.
Additionally, the bike is solid. The frame feels rugged and durable, and the tires look like they’ll hold up to plenty of use. The handlebars are just a bit wide for my hands, but they’re in keeping with the bike’s overall rugged design. This is a bike that I would feel comfortable commuting on, even when traveling longer distances.
The Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus is a versatile e-bike that’s suitable for commuting, running errands, and exploring your local trails. Its range of 25 to 45 miles means you can use it to travel longer distances, especially if you’re willing to pedal part of the way. Its smooth ride makes it a great electric commuter bike, and Rad Power sells accessories, like racks, that you can purchase for extra storage.
This is a larger bike, and its size limits it to taller users. It’s recommended for riders standing 5 feet 7 inches to 6 feet 2 inches. At 5 feet 7 inches, I’m on the lower end of the range, but found the bike fit me comfortably with the seat on the lowest setting. This bike wouldn’t be a good fit for riders much shorter than I am.
Since the RadRover 6 Plus is affordably priced, it makes a good introduction to electric bikes. It’s user-friendly and relatively simple, so I could see it being a good choice for someone looking for a versatile bike that isn’t going to break the bank.
The Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus performed very well during numerous trips on paved roads, dirt roads, and trails. It features plenty of power and a top speed of 20 mph, making it a practical choice for commuting, running errands, and recreational riding when you want to explore local trails. With its rugged design and long range, this bike is a versatile choice and suitable for many riders. While its minimum recommended user height of 5 feet 7 inches is somewhat limiting, I think this bike would be a great option for many users looking for an affordably priced e-bike without sacrificing quality.
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