2019 Rad Rover range / speed on throttle only

[iamjcl]

Wondering if owners of the 2019 RR might chime in with range / speed numbers when using throttle only, relatively flat ground. Want to get a minimum range figure (knees bad, cannot pedal as much as I'd like).

Can the Rad Rover, as heavy as it is, get past 20mph on level pavement? (I assume you have to program the display for a higher than "stock" speed allowed - I guess it leaves the factory set for 20mph, but not sure it can go faster than that even if the limiter is set higher?)

On level, mostly pavement, what kind of range can be expected (no pedaling at all) on a full battery?

This will give me worst case scenario.

Thanks!

 

[atariguy]

I have the 2018, but it will easily go 20 mph and above (if settings are changed) on throttle only. The furthest I have gone that way is about 12 miles, but I still had battery capacity to spare.

 

[iamjcl]

I have the 2018, but it will easily go 20 mph and above (if settings are changed) on throttle only. The furthest I have gone that way is about 12 miles, but I still had battery capacity to spare.

Great info - thank you. What kind of terrain were you on, and will it make it to 23-24 mph? How much capacity did you have left roughly?

 

[atariguy]

I'm going off of memory from commuting to work last summer. I haven't yet started up again this year (waiting for it to quit snowing and raining first!). It's a paved trail that's generally level, tending downhill somewhat over the span I ride (or uphill when going back), and I remember feeling like I could ride all the way to work and back (12 miles each way) if I had to (ie: forgot to charge), but I always charged it on arrival both directions anyway. I don't remember how high beyond 20 the changed settings will let you go, but it's only legal to go up to 20 where I live, anyway.

 

[Tars Tarkas]

You can do around 23-24 mph on level ground, maybe 25, but that can be affected by headwinds, your weight and cargo, the air in your tires, the age of your battery and probably half a dozen other things. Ditto on the range you'll get. You really just have to see for yourself how far you can make it. Watch the battery level and turn around not long after you get down to a steady 3 bars. 15 miles is probably a good bet, but, as they say, your mileage may vary. You might get 25 miles but I wouldn't try it in your situation without a Plan B to get back home.

TT

 

[OrTrek]

If on a bike path. My Radmini IF I rode throttle only - probably 20 miles. The battery is a beast. BUT - why? On streets - just get a Honda Metro or Ruckus. Same price, 100 MPG. As much fun. Faster.

 

[iamjcl]

If on a bike path. My Radmini IF I rode throttle only - probably 20 miles. The battery is a beast. BUT - why? On streets - just get a Honda Metro or Ruckus. Same price, 100 MPG. As much fun. Faster.

I want a bike, but those are cool little scooters.

 

[iamjcl]

You can do around 23-24 mph on level ground, maybe 25, but that can be affected by headwinds, your weight and cargo, the air in your tires, the age of your battery and probably half a dozen other things. Ditto on the range you'll get. You really just have to see for yourself how far you can make it. Watch the battery level and turn around not long after you get down to a steady 3 bars. 15 miles is probably a good bet, but, as they say, your mileage may vary. You might get 25 miles but I wouldn't try it in your situation without a Plan B to get back home.

TT

Ok thanks for the info on speed / range.

I guess peddle assist "feel" is subjective, but do you feel connected to the bike, and like the bike is helping you but not overwhelming you when you pedal?

I rode a Pedego Ridge Rider today (which has a somewhat sophisticated torque and cadence sensing PAS) and felt like it was very powerful but when I started pedaling, even on PAS1, it accelerated very quickly, and not really in proportion to my pedaling (or that was my take anyway, and I rode it for about 15 minutes). Seemed difficult to just casually pedal and maintain a constant speed. Power was abundant, but it felt like it wasn't really being governed by the pedaling very closely.

I guess you get used to any system, but am curious about the cut in / cut out "feel" of the RR in this regard.

 

[Alex M]

There is a simple modification for when you don't like cut in/out feel of PAS or feeling over- or under-whelmed. $50 programmable display KT LCD3, KT LCD8 (3 for monochrome, 8 for color). It changes power level on PAS.

 

[AZOldTech]

There is a simple modification for when you don't like cut in/out feel of PAS or feeling over- or under-whelmed. $50 programmable display KT LCD3, KT LCD8 (3 for monochrome, 8 for color). It changes power level on PAS.

Can you be more specific about "simple modification for when you don't like cut in/out feel of PAS"?? What exactly does the LCD3 or LCD8 changes to make that possible?

 

[Alex M]

It changes PAS output of the controller by setting parameter C14. Might have to replace the controller as well. Buying Bolton kit - $200? - would be a sure bet, though there are other/cheaper compatible controllers too. It doesn't allow to tune up the output smoothly though. There are only 2 settings for C14 - "higher" or "lower" than default PAS.

 

[JTK77]

The Rad Rover is powered by Bafang RMG06.

The max rpm of RMG06 is 325(n0)rpm and 290(nt)rpm at 48V.
However many people have proven that this motor is capable of 52V (aka 58.8V) and the actual current input will depend on the speed controller, so the actual speed will vary depending on the situation.
However the chart below will be a good reference.

Also in case you are wondering, here are definitions of differnt rpms (someone correct me if I'm wrong, I'm no engineer):
(n0)rpm = no load speed, the max rev of motor under no load
(nt)rpm = rated speed, the most efficient rpm of motor to produce max power

According to MTBR, the outer diameter of Kenda Juggernault is approx 29 to 31 inches depending on the width.
https://forums.mtbr.com/fat-bikes/kenda-juggernaut-26x4-0-4-5-a-938863-3.html

Just by doing the math based on the outer diameter of tires, I came up with these numbers.

@48v:
29 inch diameter: 25.0mph (@290(nt)rpm) 28.0mph (@325(n0)rpm)
31 inch diameter: 26.7mph (@290(nt)rpm) 30.0mph (@325(n0)rpm)

Here's the spec sheet I used to do the math: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/201...0.0&pvid=95bb301a-e9ac-40bb-bc83-6d0d28e8de96

You are absolutely correct. The only thing is that there are many version of RM G060. As the casing is interchageable and often labeled for custom needs it may not be proof the exact model.

 

[JTK77]

The Rad Rover's selling point is 750W motor and 80nm of torque.
Which completely matches with the version of chart that I used.

I know that there may be some variables, but I still think that chart is pretty good reference... or at least give you some rough ideas.

Yes. U are absolutely right.

 

[First Light]

I have gone 32 miles on my 2019 RadCity, throttle only (ie . no peddling) and all on level ground as I live in south Florida where there are no hills -16 miles out and 16 miles back. While coming back the last 4/5 blocks to my home I had one bar left and could only do 8 mph WOT.

 

[iamjcl]

I have gone 32 miles on my 2019 RadCity, throttle only (ie . no peddling) and all on level ground as I live in south Florida where there are no hills -16 miles out and 16 miles back. While coming back the last 4/5 blocks to my home I had one bar left and could only do 8 mph WOT.

That's impressive!

Battery was probably hating that kind of discharge though, but the Rad controller likely was helping keep you from going too deep.