$3K & under budget for Cargo eBike - Rad Cargo 4 Best (and only) Choice?

[zbike4wife]

Hi,

I'm looking for an e-bike for my wife to take ~4 mile and under trips, relatively flat elevation >100ft elevation, and (this is key) be able to take 2 kids on the back. We don't need any crazy bells and whistles and again, I don't think mileage or use will be extreme, but something which is decent enough quality that it doesn't break in 6 months would be good ;-)

Other than getting some ridiculous deal off Craigslist or Nextdoor, is the Rad Wagon 4 my best bet in terms of getting a new bike?

Thanks in advance!
Zach

 

[zbike4wife]

Thanks Timpo - why is the VoltBike Kodiak better? Better braking & battery performance?

 

[zbike4wife]

And sorry what's the difference between a Mid-Drive and the Rad Wagon 4 set up? (laymen's terms please ;-))

 

[zbike4wife]

OK thanks - seems like the brakes and the mid-drive (pedal assist) vs. geared drive - are the two main differences. I'm sure there are other differences in components, but those are the two main features that you're aware of when actively riding the bike.

 

[zbike4wife]

Thanks - any thoughts on the Yuba Electric Boda Boda?

There are so many options - buying a car is WAY easier! My wife is focused on a torque sensor bike based on her test riding a Tern GS0 today (probably not a great move given our budget ;-) - she loved the feel of that bike - is there anything that's similar in terms of type of ride (torque based, etc.) albeit at more than 1/2 the cost

Thanks!

 

[Dewey]

any thoughts on the Yuba Electric Boda Boda?

Yuba are great and offer loads of family accessories. An alternative to a bodaboda might be to consider converting a Yuba Kombi pedal bike that has 24” wheels, with a torque sensing kit motor like a geared hub motor and bottom bracket torque sensor from Grin Tech, or a TSDZ2 mid-drive that has both a torque PAS sensor and a throttle. The bare bike is $1200, Grin Tech hub kit, torque PAS, and battery probably $1300, or a TSDZ2 motor kit and 48v battery probably $850, that would leave you plenty for Yuba accessories.

 

[AHicks]

As you are a total newbie, let me offer one thought. It's the fact that many (most?) bike shops will refuse to work on anything they didn't sell. If you decide to try a mail order bike, generally YOU will be doing all of, or at least most of, the required maintenance. This will consist of some minor assembly as the bike comes out of the shipping box, to adjusting things like brakes and shifting derailleurs, to fixing flat tires later on. These will be no big deal for those with some tools and mechanical ability, or even for those determined to learn. For others though, stuff like this is something they prefer to avoid.

Point being, get a plan if you need to, ahead of time. Talk to local bike dealers to get an idea of their policies. Maybe ask them if they would be willing to assemble the bike for you and take care of it afterward. Assuming they are up for the challenge, how much would they charge?

An ace in the hole for many. There's a big franchised mobile bike service available in many areas called Velofix (velofix.com). They're a great option when available in your area.

Best of luck!

 

[zbike4wife]

Thnx everyone for your recos. Went with the RadWagon 4 and to your reco AHicks - found a local shop to assemble and provide service as needed at reasonable rates (and could use Velofix - available in my area - if need be).

Final question - any alternatives to the RadWagon 4 Deckpads which are out of stock and seemingly won't be in for awhile? Need two for my two kids to ride on the back....Thanks again!

RadWagon 4 Deckpad

Packed with supportive foam, the the RadWagon 4 Deckpad lets you give your Radwagon electric cargo bike passengers a cushioned, comfortable ride. Pairs well with Deckhand handlebars.

www.radpowerbikes.com

 

[indianajo]

Thanks - any thoughts on the Yuba Electric Boda Boda?

There are so many options - buying a car is WAY easier! My wife is focused on a torque sensor bike based on her test riding a Tern GS0 today (probably not a great move given our budget ;-) - she loved the feel of that bike - is there anything that's similar in terms of type of ride (torque based, etc.) albeit at more than 1/2 the cost

Thanks!

I have a yuba bodaboda which I bought unpowered for $1900 with 2 panniers, 2 leg stand, front basket. It came perfect. After 6 hours at 4.5 mph & 120-140 bpm September 2018, I added electric drive. DD at first, now geared hub drive. The only issues with the bodaboda, I hated the seat and broke a fender with my foot. I have ~6500 miles on it. I get about 2000 miles per $26 Kenda smoke tire set, and about 4000 miles per front brake pad. I get about 5000 miles per chain. I love the cable pull brakes, they work almost as well in the rain as when dry. Considering the number of complaints about yuba on brand forum (1 about the seat) yuba is buying a different class of steel & aluminum than Rad is. Look at the complaints about Rad on the brand forum known problems thread. I also like the 26" tires, I can't miss all the potholes & valve holes in the road in this town.
Yuba now comes with a shimano steps mid-drive which can be pedaled unpowered without drag. In 2017 they had Bosch which drug unpowered like a boat anchor, so I didn't consider it. Exercise is necessary for old men, just not 6 hours of extreme exercise at a time. My geared hub drive doesn't drag unpowered, which is how I ride it 80% of the time.
If you are loading kids in a car seat or later on the padded shelf, the smaller rear wheel yuba models like mondo & combi may be advantageous. Note my yuba came with guards on the rear wheel to keep young fingers from being pinched. It also has bosses designed in the frame to mount the front basket, which allows me to balance my load. A frame mounted basket doesn't have to be steered. Two kids on the back, you can still put a diaper bag & day care lunch on the front basket. Or groceries on the way home. I use mine for shopping, 60 lb per week average, 80 sometimes. I don't drive a car anymore.
And way above Radwagon 4, 26" or 20" tubes can be bought at the grocery, and tires at the LBS. 22" tires like on the radwagon come from radwagon. Only, as far as I can see.
I don't know any cargo bike with a torque sensor, but check the category, models change all the time. Torque sensor is the flavor of the hour. I hated PAS with my add on kit; too fast in level 1, accerated too fast. I deleted the pickup and use throttle only.
Happy shopping.