The RadRunner is a cross between a moped-style e-bike, a short-tail electric cargo bike and an electric commuter bike. To some degree, it can serve any one of those functions and it can do it well.
This is the e-bike that, since we first reviewed the more premium RadRunner Plus version of it last year, we’ve pointed at most often for people who don’t really know what they want but know they want an e-bike. Its small tires, nimble handling and comfortable body position make it fun to ride; its stout rear rack — which boasts a 120 lb payload capacity and is actually an extension of the frame — makes it functional; and it’s just got this funky look that draws people in. It doesn’t really look like any other bicycle on the market, and it seems people are really drawn to that.
As the name suggests, this is the second iteration of the Runner. This version, according to Rad, sports an updated seat and tweaked handling. Those are relatively small adjustments that appear to be more refinement than change, which is a good thing considering the original Runner was a great bike.
The Runner 2 is built around Rad’s reliable Class 2 750W rear hub motor that’s powered by a 48V, 14Ah (672Wh) battery mounted behind the seat tube. There’s a throttle and four levels of pedal assist.
Like the old Runner, this version is refreshingly simple. It’s a single speed with 52t/16t gear ratio, a nice middle ground gearing that’s comfy on hills but can still comfortably spin at higher speeds.
The brakes are Tektro Aries mechanical brakes with 180mm rotors front and rear, and finally we’re seeing one of Rad’s OG displays on the handlebars. This is different from the dual displays we’ve seen on many of Rad Power Bikes’ new e-bikes we’ve reviewed, but frankly I like this one. It’s a little less cluttered and feels very utilitarian. It’s the type of display you don’t need a manual to figure out.
This spec sheet is like a master class in the fundamentals of making a utilitarian and affordable e-bike: Don’t make it complicated, don’t try to make it fancy and pick parts that are reliable, functional and will stand up to abuse.
