Despite several indicators that Rad Power Bikes could be heading for closure soon, the brand announced the launch of a novel version of its cargo e-bike today, the “New RadWagon.”
“Meet the New RadWagon,” explains the company’s marketing material. “Our entry-level hauler, now with smoother stops, more range, and smarter features.”
Compared to the RadWagon 5, previously the most recent edition of Rad’s cargo hauler, the New RadWagon makes some interesting choices. The frame appears to have been recycled from the previous generation RadWagon 4, which was replaced by the RadWagon 5 in late 2024 after a series of setbacks, including a recall related to that bike’s wheels and rim strip.
A major criticism of the RadWagon 4 was its non-standard 22″ wheel size, which limited customers largely to replacement rims and tires from Rad itself. Now the New RadWagon appears to again adopt this non-standard 22″ wheel size.
The company touts the New RadWagon’s updated brakes and smarter features, which appear to include a switchover on the hydraulic brake provider from Tektro to Gemma, as well as an LCD display that now includes a USB-C charging port for the rider’s cell phone and the option to set a passcode that would prevent someone from starting the bike without knowing the code, effectively locking out thieves from operating the electronics.
The bike also boasts Rad’s SafeShield battery, a 48V 15Ah battery with potted cells designed to prevent thermal runaway and which is also certified to meet relevant UL standards. The battery came standard on the RadWagon 5, so its inclusion here isn’t exactly “new” other than that it wasn’t included on the RadWagon 4, which appears to be the foundation of this New RadWagon.
The last change appears to be offering the bike in a new teal color, as well as a price reduction down to just $1,799. However, the RadWagon 4 is still available in some of Rad’s retail stores at an even lower price of $1,299, which compares favorably the the RadWagon 5’s current price of $2,399.
The move comes as Rad Power Bikes faces an uncertain future. The brand announced late last year that it would be forced to close this month if it didn’t find a new buyer, amid mounting financial problems and an unprecedented battery safety warning from the CPSC claiming that a large portion of Rad’s batteries may pose a fire hazard – a claim which the company still rejects. Rad just closed two of its major retail stores and is now on its fourth CEO in the last four years after officially filing for bankruptcy last month in a move designed to give it a bit more time to find an 11th-hour buyer.
Electrek’s Take
I wish I could give you more inside information, but I’m having trouble reaching my last contact inside Rad after all of my others have since been let go. That in and of itself sends a particularly troubling message.
But just by looking at the bike launched today, it appears to be a rehash of the RadWagon 4, but with Rad’s safer battery (which is legitimately some really cool tech), hydraulic brakes, and a new display. I don’t really see much else that has changed here.
So perhaps this is a last ditch effort to move more parts off the inventory shelves? Or was it a move that had been planned all along and merely landed with less than optimal timing? It’s hard to say for sure. But as soon as we know more, we’ll be back here to share it.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments