Motor information, details, and top speed
Our ebikes are designed to give a rider the power they need to ride in many environments and at varying speeds.
Click on a heading below to learn more about the motors our ebikes use.
Power Output
All of our ebikes sold in the US have a powerful motor and can provide power on demand. The LCD display shows the current power output by the motor.Riders can use motor power in two ways: by pedaling with pedal assist level 1-5 selected (0-4 on models with an LED display), or by using the throttle.
Power is delivered to the rider in different ways, depending on which type of motor their bike model uses. Each motor is designed to complement the intended use of the different models. Take a look below at the motors used by Rad Power Bikes.
Motor Type
750W Brushless Geared Hub Motor
Models: RadCity 5 Plus, RadCity 5 Plus Step-Thru, RadRover 6 Plus, RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru, RadExpand 5, RadMini 4, RadMini Step-Thru 2, RadRover 5, RadRover Step-Thru 1, RadRunner 1, RadRunner Plus, and RadWagon 4
The geared motor provides about double the low-end torque compared to a direct drive motor, which is great for starting quickly and for powering up hills. Combined with the fat tires that come with the geared motored bikes, the bikes are powerful, sporty bikes that can handle riding off-road and through the urban jungle.
750W Brushless Direct Drive Hub Motor
Models: RadCity 4 and RadCity Step-Thru 3
The direct drive motor is more efficient at higher speeds and offers regenerative braking, which both provide for increased range. Combined with a robust suite of included accessories such as built-in rear racks and fenders, the RadCity 4 and RadCity Step-Thru 3 are efficient, powerful bikes ideal for commuting to work and long rides on the weekend.
500W Geared Hub Motor
Models: RadMission 1
The 500W geared hub motor provides 50 Nm of torque for a smooth, capable ride. Perfect for flattening your everyday hills.
Models sold in Canada are outfitted with a 500W motor. Click HERE to see all models sold in Canada.
Click HERE to read our post about ebike motors on The Scenic Route.
Regenerative Braking
Bikes outfitted with a direct drive hub motor have regenerative braking. It is active whenever the front and/or rear brake lever is applied, which flips an electronic switch, turning the motor into a brake. This feature recharges the battery pack when the brakes are applied while coming to a stop and traveling downhill.
Click HERE to learn more about regenerative braking.
Rad Power Bikes ebikes in the US have a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) without pedaling, which is the legal limit for street legal ebikes in most areas and in accordance with nationwide ebike laws.*
There is nothing that will physically prevent you from exceeding 20 mph when pedaling, but you will not receive any motor assistance once you exceed 20 mph, which is the legal limit in most locations for use on road.
For more information, check out Ebike Usage: Rules and Regulations.
The great thing about our ebikes is that they can be pedaled just like a traditional bike. By turning off the bike or switching the pedal assist level to 0, a rider can pedal and ride the bike, and can even shift gears when desired.
Pedaling an ebike without motor assistance may require a bit more effort to start than a traditional bike because an ebike weighs slightly more. However, that means your bike is equipped with a robust and powerful motor and a battery pack capable of propelling you forward whenever you choose!
Click HERE to learn how to use the motor on a Rad Power Bikes ebike.