RadRunner 2 notes:

[sc00ter]

So my RadRunner 2 arrived and I unpacked it and set it all up. A few things to note since my last first gen RadRunner if anyone is interested:

At the current date (04/26/2025) this RadRunner 2 model is being closed out for $999 plus tax delivered. I feel slightly guilty because my local dealer sells Rad products but this model is squirrel proof so no need to let someone charge me to set it up. I do have to deal with the packing materials like the cardboard (recyclable) and the styrofoam (not sure).

This current version contains a bolt-on front wheel vs. the early skewer version.

This version also has a snazzy chain guard! No need to strap my pant leg on my commute BUT a weird side effect showed up. It's a PITA to drop the chain for rear wheel removal! I ended up just removing the newly and better designed chain tensioner.

The tires on this current version are a bit better than the tires on the first version. I still have Mr. Tuffy lime liners on order though.

Only accessories I ordered are: Fenders, a must have! Front rack in orange. BiKASE bar end mirrors that are good quality overall. Mudflaps for the fenders. Extra charger to leave at work.

I also transferred my SeatLock seat from my JackRabbit OG to the Rad and rummaged around for a drink holder.

I'm on the fence about getting a rear passenger kit for this RadRunner. The foot peg position stinks and the rear wheel axle has the power wire going in on one side, so no pegs. I do have an idea for pegs but discovered another weird issue. I've heard the rims have been swapped from a double wall to a single wall now. I still need to verify this.

This Runner will be my workhorse and live a hard life once I start commuting again. Will get pictures up later.

Oh, and it feels weird going back to a RadRunner after so many ebikes. I just like simple.

 

[BlackHand]

Hope you enjoy it! I was wondering if you went with the 2 or the newer 3. Pretty decent discounts on both right now, but hard to pass up under $1k

 

[sc00ter]

I need to post up some pictures but I ended up with a passenger seat kit. I used some GT fork standers for the pegs and they are much more comfortable for the passenger, and I can still pedal without interference! Yeah, I'm creative when needed! A few more notes:

The wheel reflectors are "Install them yourself" and are not worth the effort as they are overly complicated. Thanks for putting safety first Rad. Trust me, I'm checking the rim strips on this RadRunner. At least all the nuts and bolts were tight unlike most Lectric products.

I also got Rad's wheel/cafe lock. Its a knock-off Abus but the overall quality isn't terrible. Installing said wheel lock on a RadRunner 2 is an experience all itself. You have to mod the rear fender so that means removing the rear wheel. Then you get to blindly install 2 washers and try to re-thread a bolt that has LokTite on it. Oh, and repositioning the whole fender so the bolt holes line up. It was worth the trouble though.

My Mr. Tuffy liners are in (picking them up this weekend) so I get to remove the rear wheel again. I'll try to start commuting next week. The temptation to get the full display upgrade is there so I can track my miles ridden but I know how far my commute is, so I'm still on the fence.

Finally, so far, the programming seems different. Rad mellowed out the engagement so you don't get snatched, and no more ghost engagement when you stop pedaling or hit a bump.

Any questions ask away and I'll get the pictures up asap.

 

[sc00ter]

Passenger pegs:

 

[Biplaneguy]

I also got Rad's wheel/cafe lock. Its a knock-off Abus but the overall quality isn't terrible. Installing said wheel lock on a RadRunner 2 is an experience all itself. You have to mod the rear fender so that means removing the rear wheel. Then you get to blindly install 2 washers and try to re-thread a bolt that has LokTite on it. Oh, and repositioning the whole fender so the bolt holes line up. It was worth the trouble though.

My understanding is that the lock is made by Abus for Rad, with the Rad logo on it. On my Radster Trail the installation was much easier, no spacers and no fender mod.

 

[sc00ter]

My understanding is that the lock is made by Abus for Rad, with the Rad logo on it. On my Radster Trail the installation was much easier, no spacers and no fender mod.

Not sure of who makes the cafe lock. The box said Made In Taiwan. I know the better ABUS locks are still made in Germany. I'm not relying on the cafe lock as my main point of security. The quality is "good enough" for general locking. I have a LiteLok X3 for real security.

You got lucky with the ease of installation. I looked at a Radster Road and wasn't feeling it. VERY nice ebike for its price point, I feel that it actually surpasses its price point, but I can't get past torque sensors. Something in my brain can't grasp them, just not for my needs. I'm a cadence guy I guess.

 

[Biplaneguy]

I looked at a Radster Road and wasn't feeling it. VERY nice ebike for its price point, I feel that it actually surpasses its price point, but I can't get past torque sensors. Something in my brain can't grasp them, just not for my needs. I'm a cadence guy I guess.

I really like the Radster's torque sensor.

I'm not relying on the cafe lock as my main point of security. The quality is "good enough" for general locking. I have a LiteLok X3 for real security.

I'm in a rural area, so my main goal is to prevent opportunistic thieves. Not enough bikes around that I think thieves are prowling around with angle grinders or bolt cutters.

 

[sc00ter]

Opportunity theft is the worst! The cafe lock will be a very good deterrent. I have to lock my stuff in the garage, you slip up in my area and its gone! The crime has went down over the years as the rent goes up around me, but I still take all the precautions to prevent being a easy target as much as possible.

I'm still working on a way to lock the battery down. On the older shark style batteries all it takes to remove it is a common key blank. I don't think the local idiot kid thief would be stealing just a battery, but you never know.

Did you, Biplaneguy, get the Radster for commuting, exercise and/or just cruising around? I'm getting hyped up to start my work commute soon.

 

[Biplaneguy]

Did you, Biplaneguy, get the Radster for commuting, exercise and/or just cruising around? I'm getting hyped up to start my work commute soon.

Mainly riding around. Not commuting; I retired last week. My wife got a Zugo last year mainly to take on the camper. It's too small for me but it was fun to ride so I wanted a bike for myself. I've been enjoying riding the Radster around, about half on pavement and half on gravel forest roads