RadRover 6 Plus: Rad Power Bikes' New User-Friendly E-Bike

Rad Power Bikes Launches Updated RadRover 6 Plus E-Bike

Rad Power Bikes, a leading manufacturer of electric fat-tire bikes, has recently introduced the newest iteration of its popular RadRover model. The enhancements incorporated into the RadRover 6 Plus reflect the company’s dedication to improving the riding experience, particularly for individuals who may not traditionally consider themselves cyclists but are seeking a more environmentally conscious transportation alternative.

These improvements have resulted in a price adjustment, with the RadRover 6 Plus now available for $1,999 – a slight increase over its previous version.

Focus on User Experience

“We are committed to developing bikes that are both powerful and dependable, inspiring confidence and offering ease of use,” stated Redwood Stephens, Chief Product Officer at Rad Power Bikes, in an interview with TechCrunch. “A complete redesign of the system was undertaken to create a new user interface featuring large, illuminated buttons and clear text.”

Stephens further explained that the power button is distinctly colored in “Rad orange,” making it immediately identifiable. The intuitive design extends to the power assist levels, utilizing prominent up and down arrows for effortless operation.

Targeting a Wider Audience

Rad Power’s primary objective is to encourage a shift away from automobile usage. The company’s customer base largely consists of individuals over the age of 50 residing in suburban or rural areas who desire an alternative mode of transport. Considering the bike’s weight of 73 pounds, it’s clear that ease of use is paramount – transporting it to a third-floor apartment would be challenging.

Company data indicates that these customers benefit significantly from larger lettering and symbols on their e-bikes, mirroring the size found on their mobile phones.

Recent Investment and Growth

In February, Rad Power Bikes secured $150 million in funding from investors including Morgan Stanley’s Counterpoint Global Fund and Fidelity Management & Research Company. This substantial investment, one of the largest received by a U.S. electric bike startup, is being utilized to facilitate global expansion, building upon the $100 million in sales generated in 2019.

Currently, with over 350,000 bikes in circulation, Rad Power Bikes is refining its direct-to-consumer strategy, integrating all aspects from vehicle design and durability to pricing, delivery, and packaging.

Streamlining the Customer Journey

“Essentially, we’re focused on minimizing friction throughout the entire product lifecycle,” Stephens elaborated. “This begins with the information available on our website, extends to the delivery of the bike in a box with a QR code linking to an unpacking video, and encompasses every step to ensure a seamless experience for the end user.”

Rad Power prioritizes a smooth customer experience so highly that its packaging and design engineers collaborate directly with the bike designers, ensuring the direct-to-consumer aspect is considered from the outset. No detail is overlooked.

For customers in North America who prefer not to assemble the bike themselves, a white glove delivery service, including complete bike assembly, is available.

RadRover 6 Plus: Key Improvements

The latest RadRover model is the first to incorporate hydraulic brakes and ceramic brake pads. This results in reduced braking effort and extended brake pad life with less maintenance required. The battery, designed internally, is now housed directly within the bike frame, allowing for convenient removal for indoor charging.

The frame has been redesigned to better accommodate riders of shorter stature, and the center of gravity has been lowered to enhance handling. The geared hub motor maintains the 750-watt power output of the RadRover 5, but the 6 Plus is reported to climb hills 25% more efficiently.

While suspension travel has been reduced from 80 mm to 60 mm, potentially limiting wheel movement, the spring preload is adjustable to accommodate varying rider weights and terrain conditions, according to the vehicle specifications.

The bike continues to feature front, rear, and brake lights, with the added benefit of automatic activation upon powering on the bike, as well as a new fender-mounted taillight.

Affordability: A Competitive Advantage

Despite its advanced features, the RadRover 6 Plus remains surprisingly affordable at $1,999, significantly less than some e-bikes priced upwards of $9,000. Stephens noted that he isn’t always certain why competitors’ prices are so high.

“We utilize state-of-the-art Panasonic or Samsung cells in our batteries, the same suppliers used by the electric car industry, resulting in larger capacity packs,” he explained. “Our motors and speed controllers are top-tier, and our bikes are known for their reliability. Many of our riders have accumulated over 10,000 miles on their bikes and continue to use them.”

Stephens believes that Rad Power’s integrated supply chain is a key differentiator. The company designs its bikes in-house, avoiding the purchase of off-the-shelf components from suppliers like Bosch.

“This reduces the number of intermediaries and minimizes markups throughout the manufacturing process,” he said. “Furthermore, our direct-to-consumer model eliminates retail markups.”

Rad Power operates manufacturing facilities in China, Taiwan, and Thailand, producing components based on the company’s designs at a large scale, contributing to cost savings. The company also maintains four retail locations and a network of certified bike shops for service and assembly.

Rad Power is on track to provide Rad Service access to 75% of its U.S. customers this year.