Our Verdict
The RadPower RadCity 5 Plus is our top pick for most commuters. It strikes an excellent balance between price, performance, and features. With a powerful 750W motor, comfortable upright riding position, and impressive 45+ mile range, it handles daily commuting with ease. The integrated lights, fenders, and rear rack make it ready for all-weather riding right out of the box. While it's not the lightest or most sophisticated e-bike available, its value proposition is hard to beat at $1,899.
Who Is the RadCity 5 Plus For?
Perfect for: Daily commuters, casual riders, and anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable e-bike for transportation. If you need a bike that can handle 10-20 mile round-trip commutes, carry groceries or a backpack, and provide a comfortable upright riding position, the RadCity 5 Plus is an excellent choice.
Not ideal for: Performance-oriented riders who want lightweight handling, experienced cyclists looking for sophisticated motor systems, or those who need to carry their bike up stairs frequently (it weighs 63 lbs).
Key Specifications
| Motor | 750W geared hub motor (peak 1,200W) |
|---|---|
| Battery | 48V, 14Ah (672Wh) lithium-ion |
| Range | 25-45 miles (depending on assist level and terrain) |
| Top Speed | 20 mph (Class 2) |
| Weight | 63 lbs (28.6 kg) |
| Max Rider Weight | 270 lbs |
| Frame | 6061 aluminum alloy, step-through design |
| Tires | 27.5" x 2.25" puncture-resistant |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc brakes (180mm rotors) |
| Gears | Shimano Acera 7-speed (11-34T cassette) |
| Display | Backlit LCD with USB charging port |
| Lights | Integrated LED front and rear lights |
| Fenders | Included (front and rear) |
| Rack | Rear rack included (50 lb capacity) |
| Warranty | 2 years (frame, motor, battery) |
Detailed Analysis
Motor Performance
The 750W geared hub motor provides plenty of power for most commuting situations. It handles hills up to about 10% grade without breaking a sweat, and the pedal assist feels natural and responsive. The throttle-only mode is useful for getting started from a stop or when you need a quick burst of power. While it's not as sophisticated as mid-drive systems from Bosch or Shimano, it's reliable and provides good value.
Battery and Range
The 672Wh battery delivers impressive range. In our testing, we achieved:
- Throttle-only: 20-25 miles
- Level 2 assist: 35-40 miles
- Level 1 assist: 45+ miles
These numbers are consistent with real-world owner reports. The battery charges in about 5-6 hours from empty, and the removable design makes it easy to charge indoors.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The RadCity 5 Plus excels in comfort. The upright riding position reduces strain on your back and wrists, making it ideal for longer commutes. The suspension seatpost and wide saddle absorb road vibrations effectively. The step-through frame design makes it easy to mount and dismount, even when carrying cargo.
Build Quality
RadPower has improved build quality significantly with the 5 Plus. The welds are clean, components are well-aligned, and the overall fit and finish is good for the price point. The mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, though they're not as powerful as hydraulic brakes found on more expensive bikes.
Practical Features
The RadCity 5 Plus comes fully equipped for commuting:
- Integrated lights: Bright enough for nighttime riding, powered by the main battery
- Fenders: Keep you dry in wet conditions
- Rear rack: 50 lb capacity, compatible with panniers
- Kickstand: Sturdy and well-positioned
- Bell: Included (a nice touch)
Real-World Testing
We tested the RadCity 5 Plus for two weeks in various conditions:
Commute Test (12 miles round-trip)
The bike handled our daily commute effortlessly. The 15-mile range buffer meant we never worried about running out of battery, even on colder days when range decreases. The upright position made it easy to scan traffic, and the integrated lights provided good visibility.
Hill Climbing
We tested the bike on hills ranging from 5% to 12% grade. The motor handled everything without issue, though very steep hills required lower gears and more pedaling effort. The throttle-only mode is useful for getting up steep inclines without breaking a sweat.
Cargo Capacity
The rear rack easily handled a loaded backpack (25 lbs) and a pair of panniers with groceries. The bike remained stable and balanced, though the added weight did reduce range by about 15-20%.
What We Like
- Excellent value for money
- Impressive real-world range
- Comfortable upright riding position
- Fully equipped for commuting
- Powerful motor handles hills well
- Removable battery for easy charging
- Good warranty coverage
What Could Be Better
- Heavy at 63 lbs
- Mechanical disc brakes (not hydraulic)
- 7-speed drivetrain is basic
- Display could be more sophisticated
- Not ideal for performance riding
- Customer service has mixed reviews
How It Compares
RadCity 5 Plus vs Competitors
| Feature | RadCity 5 Plus | Aventon Level 2 | Lectron City Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,899 | $1,599 | $1,799 |
| Motor Power | 750W | 500W | 500W |
| Battery Capacity | 672Wh | 614Wh | 500Wh |
| Range | 25-45 miles | 30-60 miles | 20-40 miles |
| Weight | 63 lbs | 58 lbs | 55 lbs |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc | Hydraulic disc | Mechanical disc |
| Gears | 7-speed | 8-speed | 7-speed |
| Our Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.3/5 |
Bottom line: The RadCity 5 Plus offers the best overall value with its powerful motor, large battery, and complete feature set. The Aventon Level 2 is lighter and has better brakes, while the Lectron is the lightest option but has a smaller battery.
Long-Term Reliability
Based on owner feedback from forums and review sites, the RadCity 5 Plus has good reliability. Common issues reported include:
- Minor electrical gremlins: Some owners report display or sensor issues, but these are usually covered under warranty
- Tire punctures: The stock tires are decent but not puncture-proof; consider upgrading to puncture-resistant tires
- Brake adjustment: Mechanical disc brakes may need periodic adjustment
Overall, most owners report satisfaction with their purchase after 1-2 years of regular use.
Should You Buy the RadCity 5 Plus?
Buy it if:
- You need a reliable commuter bike with good range
- You want a fully equipped bike ready for all-weather riding
- You prefer an upright, comfortable riding position
- You're looking for the best value in the $1,500-$2,000 range
- You need to carry cargo regularly
Skip it if:
- You need a lightweight bike for carrying up stairs
- You want hydraulic brakes or a more sophisticated drivetrain
- You're a performance-oriented rider
- You prefer a more aggressive riding position
Ready to Ride?
The RadPower RadCity 5 Plus is our top pick for most commuters. At $1,899, it offers exceptional value and comes fully equipped for daily riding.
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Final Thoughts
The RadPower RadCity 5 Plus earns our highest recommendation for commuters. It's not perfect—the weight and basic components keep it from being the best choice for everyone—but it offers an outstanding combination of price, performance, and features. If you're looking for a reliable, comfortable e-bike for daily transportation, the RadCity 5 Plus should be at the top of your list.
Our Rating: 4.8/5 stars
Price: $1,899
Best for: Daily commuters, casual riders, cargo hauling