Cargo Bike
Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5
America's most popular longtail cargo bike for good reason
$2,399
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86lbs
Weight
375lbs
Max load
90Nm
Torque
~39mi
Real range
720Wh
Battery
120lbs
Cargo
The Carryish Take
Bottom line: The RadWagon 5 proves that sometimes the most popular choice is popular for good reason — it's a reliable workhorse that gets families out of cars.
Best for
- Families with 1-2 kids under 8 looking to replace a second car
- Suburban parents doing school runs and grocery trips within 5 miles
- First-time cargo bike buyers who want proven reliability
- Households needing occasional heavy hauling without premium bike prices
Not for
- Budget buyers — the Lectric XPedition does similar hauling for $1,399
- Performance riders who want nimble handling and premium components
- Apartment dwellers who need to carry bikes upstairs regularly
- Premium seekers — the Tern GSD offers better ride quality for $1,000 more
Pros & Cons
What we like
- +720Wh battery delivers 35-50 miles of real-world range
- +750W rear hub motor provides strong hill-climbing power
- +375 lb total capacity handles two kids plus groceries
- +Widespread dealer network and parts availability
- +Class 2 rating keeps you legal on bike paths and trails
- +Proven track record with thousands sold nationwide
Watch out for
- –At 86 lbs, it's a beast to move without power assistance
- –Proprietary motor means you're locked into Rad's service ecosystem
- –Rigid frame transmits every bump directly to the rider
- –Hub motor provides less natural pedaling feel than mid-drives
Full Specifications
Motor & Power
- Motor
- Proprietary (Hub (rear))
- Power
- 750W nominal
- Torque
- 90 Nm
- Assist levels
- 5
- Throttle
- Thumb throttle
- Top speed
- 28 mph
- Class
- Class 3 (28 mph)
Battery & Range
- Battery
- Samsung 720Wh
- Voltage
- 48V
- Removable
- Yes
- Stated range
- 60 mi
Size & Weight
- Weight
- 86 lbs
- Max system weight
- 375 lbs
- Cargo capacity
- 120 lbs
- Wheelbase
- 50.7"
- Rider height
- 4'11" – 6'3"
Drivetrain & Brakes
- Drivetrain
- Chain — Shimano
- Gearing
- Derailleur (7-speed)
- Brakes
- Hydraulic disc — Tektro
Wheels & Comfort
- Front wheel
- 20in
- Rear wheel
- 20in
- Tire width
- 3.3"
- Tires
- Kenda
- Suspension
- Front suspension
Cargo & Family
- Layout
- Longtail
Safety & Security
- Integrated lights
- Yes
Extras
- Display
- Rad custom color display
- Fenders
- Included
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the RadWagon 5 compare to the Lectric XPedition?
The RadWagon has a bigger 720Wh battery (vs 672Wh) and better build quality, but costs $1,000 more. If you're doing 20+ miles regularly, the RadWagon's worth it.
Can I fit two kids on the back?
Yes, with the optional running boards and child seats. Total capacity is 375 lbs, so two kids under 8 plus gear works fine.
What's the real-world range with kids and cargo?
Expect 25-35 miles with heavy loads and hills, 40-50 miles with light cargo on flat terrain. The big battery makes a difference for families.
Is the proprietary motor a problem?
Rad has good parts availability and service, but you can't take it to any bike shop. Fine for most riders, but something to consider long-term.
If the Lectric XPedition is the budget champion and the Tern GSD is the premium pick, the RadWagon 5 splits the difference perfectly. You'd choose this over the XPedition for the bigger battery and better build quality, or over the GSD to save $1,000 while still getting serious hauling capability.
