Rad, Lectric or Qualisports

[JMoto]

Alright, having option paralysis here since we can't see these bikes in person and need someone to slap some sense into me.

Important to mention, this would be for a kid so shorter and more stable is best, care about torque, not range.
Lectric XP Step Thru is only $900 *highest torque - seat might be too high? (no review of the ST from Court)
Qualisports Volador $1100 *lightest weight by far
RadCity $1500 *seems like a lot out there with great reviews *bigger wheels like she's familiar with

 

[BigNerd]

Rad and Lectric seem to have a good reputation and after sale support. Lectric is the best value.

 

[JMoto]

Rad and Lectric seem to have a good reputation and after sale support. Lectric is the best value.

And they have a military discount even. The other two don't. I wasn't sure if I should wait to see if Rad has a big black Friday sale or just go ahead and buy the Lectric since they take 3 weeks to get.

 

[wabaseballfamily]

And they have a military discount even. The other two don't. I wasn't sure if I should wait to see if Rad has a big black Friday sale or just go ahead and buy the Lectric since they take 3 weeks to get.

It‘s longer than that as we are still waiting. We were told we would get it before the end of October but no such luck. I’m thinking it will be at least 6 weeks to get it.

 

[JMoto]

It‘s longer than that as we are still waiting. We were told we would get it before the end of October but no such luck. I’m thinking it will be at least 6 weeks to get it.

Oh REALLY? On the phone today they told me 3 weeks! Interesting!!

 

[wabaseballfamily]

Oh REALLY? On the phone today they told me 3 weeks! Interesting!!

We were also told 3 weeks when purchased then inquired about our order a week later and was told 4 weeks. With that being said, we still are patiently waiting. We pre ordered for October.

 

[AHicks]

Rad has had pretty good Black Friday sales in the past. 200 or so if I remember right.

 

[JMoto]

Rad has had pretty good Black Friday sales in the past. 200 or so if I remember right.

They told me the BF sale this year is only on accessories. They're popular enough now they aren't feeling the need to discount anymore. Good for them, bad for us, lol

 

[AHicks]

They told me the BF sale this year is only on accessories. They're popular enough now they aren't feeling the need to discount anymore. Good for them, bad for us, lol

Anything's possible, but I wouldn't place too much weight on that comment. Their bikes have been selling out regularly for the last couple of seasons.....

AND, their competition have bikes that are getting better and better.....

 

[AHicks]

Charge up your crystal ball and have a look? Otherwise, though my bet is they will, we'll have to wait and see.

 

[Deleted member 4210]

Qualisports has best quality build, best controller and motor, and plenty of power. Lectric is worst on all fronts, including terrible welds, poor overall frame construction, and the torque ratings on paper have to be a lie, since I've ridden a couple brought in for repairs and they didn't accelerate or feel as powerful as several fat tire brands that have lower stated torque ratings.

The Dolphin also has a very strong MXUS motor, and with the higher quality sine wave controller on it, acceleration nearly feels like what you'd experience with torque sensing. Super quiet too. The battery is a very good size 14 amphour Samsung, and I have had reports from customers of 60 miles of range on theirs.

It's truly unfortunate people aren't getting a chance to ride these and compare side by side. Your decision would be a no brainier. This on line research and looking at paper specs can only take you so far. Have to see them in person, touch them, see construction, and above all RIDE them. The same watt and volt motor on various brands can and do all feel different. And fit is very important, especially on folders. Some have stems that make you feel uncomfortable, or seat posts relative to crank position that cause poor knee/leg/ankle position no matter the seat height.

 

[Deleted member 4210]

Rad has had pretty good Black Friday sales in the past. 200 or so if I remember right.

They probably don't need to, and their inventory or suppliers might not support it. Parts and components are in severe shortage for all these vendors. I just found out one bike shop near me has intentionally closed for next 3 months bc his bike supplier can't get him any bikes until next April. Bikes and Ebikes all use the majors like Shimano, sram, tektro, promax, and on and on. Battery packs are very hard to come by in the volumes needed by these OEMs. Rad has allegedly done over $250 million thus far this year. Do the math. That's a lot of Ebikes ! Do they really need a BF sale on the Ebikes themselves ? Besides these repeat sales for these same events every year are known to induce consumers into waiting for them. Does that help their business long term ?

This could be a good year to interrupt that habit some retailers bring on themselves. So many of your consumer goods retailers have gone under bc of this. Kohls is on the verge and now this year has finally decided to cut way back on their sales. Same with bed bath and beyond and many others. They learned the very hard way.

 

[JMoto]

Qualisports has best quality build, best controller and motor, and plenty of power. Lectric is worst on all fronts, including terrible welds, poor overall frame construction, and the torque ratings on paper have to be a lie, since I've ridden a couple brought in for repairs and they didn't accelerate or feel as powerful as several fat tire brands that have lower stated torque ratings.

The Dolphin also has a very strong MXUS motor, and with the higher quality sine wave controller on it, acceleration nearly feels like what you'd experience with torque sensing. Super quiet too. The battery is a very good size 14 amphour Samsung, and I have had reports from customers of 60 miles of range on theirs.

It's truly unfortunate people aren't getting a chance to ride these and compare side by side. Your decision would be a no brainier. This on line research and looking at paper specs can only take you so far. Have to see them in person, touch them, see construction, and above all RIDE them. The same watt and volt motor on various brands can and do all feel different. And fit is very important, especially on folders. Some have stems that make you feel uncomfortable, or seat posts relative to crank position that cause poor knee/leg/ankle position no matter the seat height.

Thanks for chiming in!
My local dealer didn't sell the Volador I'm after anymore due to lack of interest they said.

You mentioned the motor being strong. Their website says it can effortlessly climb an 18° hill. Our big hill problem is a half mile at 30.5°.... think the torque at only 40 is good if you're still on peddle assist? I'm not after throttle only, I just want hill help! Lol.

Looks like the Dolphin is the same frame with just a more powerful battery, worthy upgrade and it's still the lightest on my list. Oddly, Court measured totally different minimum seat heights. Must be due to the different battery I suppose.

Here's to fingers crossed for holiday sales!! I'll see if they offer a military discount at least.

 

[goldconch]

@JMoto this sounds like a very lucky kid.