Another deal I could not pass up on eBay this time
- Thread starter usclassic
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fooferdoggie
Well-Known Member
only a good deal if nothing breaks that does not have parts available.
usclassic
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usclassic
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That is what I want to find out too.
stompandgo
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True, if you look at it from a retail standpoint. At $1300, $300 of that is shipping. A thousand bucks for a bike like this is a steal. The conversion guys don't worry about long term parts availability, they'll just figure out something else that will work. That's the way I'd look at something like this, a bike to ride and not worry about resale value.
Chazmo
fat-tire biker
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- Central Massachusetts
I’m not sure what there is to be “terrified” about, @gromike . There are lots of Rad bikes out there and keeping this running for a few years should be no problem, I would think. I am speaking from ignorance though as I don’t know how much interchangeability there is among their range of bikes. I guess it depends on personal expectations. I’ve certainly gone out of my way to keep my Juiced (R.I.P., October 2024) bike going, but I think a Rad bike would be easier.
gromike
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I was referring to numerous news articles about issues with some of Rad's batteries. Those articles ran for an extended news cycle and would tend to "terrify" the less informed, with the result of turning potential buyers away from Rad. This, along with Rad's other issues, would tend to lower demand for their bikes.
I, for one, am in the hunt for a Radwagon, so I personally would welcome lower prices.
usclassic
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Try to get a radwagon 5 as many of the issues from the version 4 have been improved considerably. Also tire size is standard 20 inch versus 22" odd ball size.
https://www.radowners.com/index.php
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usclassic
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A couple of things right off the bat the radwagon 5 has centerstand and the longer rear rack will accommodate the larger 27 gal tote box I just bought (under $10 from Walmart)
So instead of having three separate totes for 22 gal total capacity on the Aipas I can just use the one with 27 gal on the Rad yielding faster and easier grocery loading. Also I expect the torque sensor on the Rad will be smoother through the different PAS settings whereas the Aipas has a big jump from Pas 3 to 4 with no middle ground due to cadence sensor. Tires also will be quieter on the Rad though top speed will be 8-9 mph slower than the Aipas. I prefer a slower cadence when pedaling thus why I changed the Aipas to a 60 tooth front chain ring the Rad comes with 50 tooth stock but smaller diameter tires means higher rpm at speed. The high gear 11 tooth Rad vs 14 tooth Aipas may make a difference so a test ride will be needed to actually see how it plays out. Nice thing is the 30.4 mm upper seat tube matches the Aipas so I can simply switch my Books saddle with seatpost and all quickly from bike to bike. Finally the Rad comes stock with rear turn signals and lower center of gravity.
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usclassic
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On the other hand as the final flagship product from Rad Power should they go under and cease production it would become a collectable piece of history that is still fun to ride.
usclassic
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Chazmo
fat-tire biker
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That’s a nice sentiment, us, but I certainly wouldn’t count on any increase in value any time soon if that’s what you mean by “collectible.” For that matter, I’m not sure any modern e-bike will ever be worth much more that was paid for it. Just my $0.02.
usclassic
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gromike
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I already have my ebike museum piece, a pristine 2009 Giant Twist Freedom. The ride experience is phenomenal, like you don't even know it's motorized. Was about $2,200 new. Couldn't sell that thing new in the US for a quarter of that today -- too much bicycle, not enough motorcycle.
If I wanted to add a Rad to my ebike museum it would be a Radwagon 1. At least that is what I'm hunting for this winter. I would prefer less than 10 cents on the dollar of the price new. Wish me luck!
If I wanted to add a Rad to my ebike museum it would be a Radwagon 1. At least that is what I'm hunting for this winter. I would prefer less than 10 cents on the dollar of the price new. Wish me luck!
usclassic
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May the eforce be with you.....
but beware
Rad Power Bikes' lithium-ion batteries (models RP-1304 & HL-RP-S1304), including those for the RadWagon 4, pose a serious fire risk, prompting a CPSC warning in late 2025 to stop use immediately due to potential ignition and explosion, with many incidents occurring outside of charging, leading to property damage and bankruptcy for the company, which cannot afford replacements.
Key Details
- Hazard: Lithium-ion batteries can unexpectedly ignite or explode.
- Affected Models: Includes RadWagon 4, RadCity 4, RadRover 5, RadRunner 1 & 2, RadRunner Plus, RadExpand 5, and others.
- Battery Models: Look for RP-1304 or HL-RP-S1304 on the battery label.
- CPSC Action: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a safety warning in November 2025, urging users to stop using these batteries.
- Incidents: 31 fires reported, causing significant property damage.
- Company Response: Rad Power Bikes filed for bankruptcy and stated it couldn't afford a recall, advising hazardous waste disposal.
gromike
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- City of Dreams
On an older ebike the original battery would be, or should be, toast anyway.
The buyer's opportunity is finding a bike with a dead battery that the owner has given up on (and hopefully stored in a dry location.) Just need to find those garages where they sit.
The buyer's opportunity is finding a bike with a dead battery that the owner has given up on (and hopefully stored in a dry location.) Just need to find those garages where they sit.
