Cargo Bike
RadWagon 5
The budget longtail that doesn't feel cheap
$2,399
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86lbs
Weight
375lbs
Max load
90Nm
Torque
~30mi
Real range
720Wh
Battery
2
Kids
Carryish Scores
7/10
Overall
5/10
Hills
7/10
Cargo
7/10
Range
9/10
Value
7/10
Family
The Carryish Take
The Volvo wagon of cargo bikes. Not flashy, endlessly practical. Gen 5 added a torque sensor (finally — the old cadence sensor felt jerky) and the SafeShield battery uses resin-encapsulated cells for thermal safety. Class 3 speeds up to 28mph help you keep pace with traffic. At 88 pounds, plan on parking it where you ride it. You're not carrying this upstairs.
Bottom line: The RadWagon 5 delivers serious cargo capacity and power at a family-friendly price, making it the smart choice for budget-conscious parents ready to ditch short car trips.
Best for
- Families with 1-2 kids under 10 replacing short car trips
- First-time cargo bike buyers who want proven reliability
- Budget-conscious parents prioritizing function over premium features
- Suburban riders on mostly flat terrain with occasional hills
- Anyone wanting throttle power for quick grocery runs
Not for
- Mountain dwellers — the Tern GSD S00 has better climbing gears
- Premium seekers — the Yuba Spicy Curry offers superior handling
- Apartment dwellers — consider the folding Tern Quick Haul instead
- Heavy cargo haulers — 120 lb capacity limits serious hauling
Pros & Cons
What we like
- +750W hub motor with 90Nm torque climbs hills loaded with authority
- +720Wh Samsung battery provides 35-45 miles of real-world range
- +Class 3 speeds up to 28 mph keep you moving in traffic
- +Hydraulic disc brakes deliver confident stopping power at 86 lbs
- +Thumb throttle provides instant power without pedaling
- +RST front suspension smooths rough pavement and potholes
Watch out for
- –At 86 lbs, moving it without power assistance is a workout
- –Basic Shimano 7-speed drivetrain limits hill climbing efficiency
- –Proprietary Rad accessories reduce third-party upgrade options
- –20-inch wheels with 3.3-inch tires feel less stable than wider setups
Full Specifications
Motor & Power
- Motor
- Rad Power (Hub (rear))
- Power
- 750W nominal / 750W peak
- 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
- Real-world range
- ~30 mi (loaded)
- Charge time
- 6 hrs
Size & Weight
- Weight
- 86 lbs
- Max system weight
- 375 lbs
- Cargo capacity
- 120 lbs
- Length
- 78"
- Wheelbase
- 50.7"
- Rider height
- 4'11" – 6'3"
Drivetrain & Brakes
- Drivetrain
- Chain — Shimano
- Gearing
- Derailleur (7-speed)
- Brakes
- Hydraulic disc — Tektro
- Rotor size
- 180/180mm
Wheels & Comfort
- Front wheel
- 20in
- Rear wheel
- 20in
- Tire width
- 3.3"
- Tires
- Kenda
- Puncture protection
- Yes
- Suspension
- Front suspension
Cargo & Family
- Layout
- Longtail
- Max child passengers
- 2
- Child seat compatibility
- Thule Yepp, Rad Caboose
- Footboards
- Yes
- Rain cover
- Available separately
- Racks
- Rear
- Rack system
- proprietary
Safety & Security
- Integrated lights
- Yes
Extras
- Display
- Rad custom color display
- Kickstand
- double leg
- Fenders
- Included
- Included accessories
- Fenders, integrated lights, rear rack
What reviewers say
7.3/10 avgFrequently Asked Questions
How does the RadWagon 5 compare to the Tern GSD?
The RadWagon 5 costs $2,000+ less than the GSD S00 but gives up Bosch components, better hill climbing gears, and premium build quality. For most families, the RadWagon 5 delivers 80% of the functionality at half the price.
Can it handle hills with kids on back?
Yes, the 750W motor with 90Nm torque climbs moderate hills loaded. The 7-speed drivetrain limits efficiency on steep grades, but the thumb throttle provides instant power when you need it most.
How long does the battery last?
Expect 35-45 miles in real conditions with mixed pedal assist and throttle use. The 720Wh battery is removable for indoor charging and one of the larger capacities at this price point.
Is it stable with two kids on back?
The 20-inch wheels and 50.7-inch wheelbase keep the center of gravity low, making it more stable than many longtails. However, the 3.3-inch tires feel less planted than wider setups on premium bikes.
If the Tern GSD is a luxury SUV, the RadWagon 5 is a reliable minivan — it gets the job done without the premium price. Choose this over the Lectric XPedition for better build quality, or upgrade to the Yuba Spicy Curry if handling matters more than savings.
