So with all this discussion of the XP's low price point and shipping delays, I began to think to myself "what does the $500 difference between an XP and a Rad Mini/Stepthru buy you?" (XP now $999). So here are my thoughts about that:
- Reliable shipping. I purchased my Rad Mini on 5/12/19. Left the facility 5/14. Arrived in WNY 5/20. Rad Power Bikes does not do pre-ordering. They do not take orders unless they have stock. You can only make an actual purchase when they have stock to ship, so you're never in doubt about the money you've put on your credit card. This is also true of accessories; if there is no stock, you can't buy. Rather than waiting for your shipment to arrive, you're waiting for stock to be replenished. And if you join their mailing list and ask to be informed when that is, they tell you a few days in advance. I had to wait for fenders and a rear rack, but when they were in stock, same deal - easy shipping. I should note that both Lectric and RadPower use Shopify to handle their ordering. With the XP, your bike comes off the ship, sent to the 3rd party handler, sent to FedEx, and then off to you. The XP guys probably never personally handle your bike at all, which makes the fact that these bikes seem to arrive in very decent shape all the more fascinating.
- Customer service. Your $500 helps to pay the wages and benefits of their full service staff, as well as their investment in their new facility. I spent March-June in the Olympia area, so I had the opportunity to go up and see their new facility in Seattle's Ballard section. Very impressive. That's where I took my test ride. There were three people staffing the show floor, and at least another 5 that I saw back in what appeared to be the service section. And RadPower was clearly hiring more staff. Every time I sent an email for customer service, my issue was dealt with quite smoothly. I actually screwed up and ordered a set of Rad Rover fenders instead of Rad Mini fenders, and I tried to cancel my order within 30 minutes of placing it (which you can't do on line). One of the customer service supervisors noticed my email and my error, corrected it, and did not charge me a re-stocking fee or any other fee to cancel the order. They ate the return charges to have FedEx re-direct the package back to them. Lectric, as far as I know, has three employees, although someone did say they were hiring more. No employees and a small front office/storefront really cuts costs for them.
- Slightly better components. A 750 watt motor, 48V 14ah battery, front suspension fork, Kenda puncture-proof tires specifically designed for the RadMini, 180mm Tektro mechanical disc brakes, brake light function on rear taillight. The XP's components are not far off, but you do get the fenders and rear rack included.
So, is all that combined worth the $500 difference to you? Naturally, that's your call. For me, given my very particular situation, it's worth the wait to get the XP because I feel it will still do what I need it to do, and I could not afford another $1500 plus accessories (rack, fenders). But for those wondering why Lectric can offer the XP for so much less, consider all the factors above, and it might not be so surprising as to how they do it. You may have saved $500/600 in cash money, but you may be paying in time lost and aggravation.
The cup holders I bought came with rubber strips which I was glad to see. I will make sure I don't throw the tube away now after I change it.
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