Used RadRover Fat Tire 2017 vs. New 2018?
- Thread starter Foxdot
- Start date
mrgold35
Well-Known Member
I have two 2016 Radrovers with around 2500 miles each on them. I use for work commuting and fun rides on trails. I also just picked up a 2018 Radcity Step-Thru back in May. Before ordering the Step-Thru, the wife and I rented the 2018 Radrover and 2018 Step-Thru at Newport Beach, CA, for a 3 hour test ride. We mainly wanted to see if the Step-thru would work for her at 4'11" because her 2016 Radrover is a touch too large. I rented the 2018 Radrover just to see what was different.
Conclusion, same at the 2016 with some minor changes to the 2018 like:
2018 Upgrades:
- new 14 Ah battery pack for longer range
- super low MEGARANGE 1st gear for steeper hill climbing (never had a need for 1st gear for hills or normal riding, usually 2nd+PAS 3 starting out)
- new mounting point below handlebars for the new front racks provided by Rad
- new and brighter headlight
- updated front spring suspension, not sure it is better or just a different look
- 12 PAS magnets on the 2018 compared to 6 for the 15/16 model. Provides quicker and smoother PAS engagement
- battery powered rear light standard
- you only need to turn the power on in one place with the MODE button for the 2018 compared to 15/16 having to turn on battery pack and then MODE button.
- you can lock the 18 battery pack in place and disable the power with the key for added security. Power is always on with 15/16 battery if you press the battery pack power button
- 1 year warranty from date of purchase by original owner
- felt like the handlebar and riser was updated for comfort (I added the Sunlite 0-60 degree adjustable stem for $30, 100% happy with that)
Same as the 15/16:
- Same powertrain and LCD screen with the exception of additional range of the 14 Ah battery
- Same feel accelerating with PAS and/or throttle on level ground or hills
- same mechanical brake parts and braking feel
- same 7 speed gearing and switch lever
- same 350mmX27.2mm seatpost and seat
- same Kenda tires
- same grips
- same USB port on LCD for charging
- no flash feature with headlights on any Radrover model year. I added an extra headlight that flashes for daytime work commutes
Downgrades:
- So far, there isn't a plug-n-play 48v/52v battery pack for longer range or more power you can upgrade for the 18 rover like you can with 15/16 rovers with Luna Cycle
- 2018 Rad is missing the two water bottle mount points on either side of frame near the handlebars. I think the 2018 only has the one on the downtube facing the ground opposite of the battery pack
- 2018 price increase because of tarriff
- the 15/16 battery pack had an additional USB port for charging. You can remove the battery and charge any USB device anywhere
Just double-check the the Radrover you are looking at is a 16 model or 16 model made in 2017. The 2016 and 2016 version made in 2017 are identical. Depending on when the 2016 was made, the early 16 (or 15) model could have the old PAS controller programming that was set for mph cutoff at certain PAS levels (my two rovers purchased in Sept/16 had this programming):
PAS 1: 4 mph
PAS 2: 8 mph
PAS 3: 12 mph
PAS 4: 18 mph
PAS 5: 20 mph
About late 2016/early 2017, Rad updated the PAS controller to watts cutoff at 20 mph (both rovers had controller issues and was replaced with the newer programming):
PAS 1: 75 watts
PAS 2: 175 watts
PAS 3: 375 watts
PAS 4: 550 watts
PAS 5: 750 watts
The 2015 model was the 1st year for the Radrover and there was some differences in the frame and I think some bike and e-bike components were different compared to 2016/2017? If it is the older 2015 or even an early 2016 Radrover, $1200 is priced too high for a 2-3 year old ebike. Most cars lose 20% the first year and 15-25% every year after depending on mileage/wear/tear. A used 100% stock 2016 Radrover might go for around $1000 or less in excellent condition and low miles and the 2015 under $850 in tip-top shape (I really don't know used ebike pricing, just a SWAG on my part).
2015 Radrover:
2016 Radrover:
Conclusion, same at the 2016 with some minor changes to the 2018 like:
2018 Upgrades:
- new 14 Ah battery pack for longer range
- super low MEGARANGE 1st gear for steeper hill climbing (never had a need for 1st gear for hills or normal riding, usually 2nd+PAS 3 starting out)
- new mounting point below handlebars for the new front racks provided by Rad
- new and brighter headlight
- updated front spring suspension, not sure it is better or just a different look
- 12 PAS magnets on the 2018 compared to 6 for the 15/16 model. Provides quicker and smoother PAS engagement
- battery powered rear light standard
- you only need to turn the power on in one place with the MODE button for the 2018 compared to 15/16 having to turn on battery pack and then MODE button.
- you can lock the 18 battery pack in place and disable the power with the key for added security. Power is always on with 15/16 battery if you press the battery pack power button
- 1 year warranty from date of purchase by original owner
- felt like the handlebar and riser was updated for comfort (I added the Sunlite 0-60 degree adjustable stem for $30, 100% happy with that)
Same as the 15/16:
- Same powertrain and LCD screen with the exception of additional range of the 14 Ah battery
- Same feel accelerating with PAS and/or throttle on level ground or hills
- same mechanical brake parts and braking feel
- same 7 speed gearing and switch lever
- same 350mmX27.2mm seatpost and seat
- same Kenda tires
- same grips
- same USB port on LCD for charging
- no flash feature with headlights on any Radrover model year. I added an extra headlight that flashes for daytime work commutes
Downgrades:
- So far, there isn't a plug-n-play 48v/52v battery pack for longer range or more power you can upgrade for the 18 rover like you can with 15/16 rovers with Luna Cycle
- 2018 Rad is missing the two water bottle mount points on either side of frame near the handlebars. I think the 2018 only has the one on the downtube facing the ground opposite of the battery pack
- 2018 price increase because of tarriff
- the 15/16 battery pack had an additional USB port for charging. You can remove the battery and charge any USB device anywhere
Just double-check the the Radrover you are looking at is a 16 model or 16 model made in 2017. The 2016 and 2016 version made in 2017 are identical. Depending on when the 2016 was made, the early 16 (or 15) model could have the old PAS controller programming that was set for mph cutoff at certain PAS levels (my two rovers purchased in Sept/16 had this programming):
PAS 1: 4 mph
PAS 2: 8 mph
PAS 3: 12 mph
PAS 4: 18 mph
PAS 5: 20 mph
About late 2016/early 2017, Rad updated the PAS controller to watts cutoff at 20 mph (both rovers had controller issues and was replaced with the newer programming):
PAS 1: 75 watts
PAS 2: 175 watts
PAS 3: 375 watts
PAS 4: 550 watts
PAS 5: 750 watts
The 2015 model was the 1st year for the Radrover and there was some differences in the frame and I think some bike and e-bike components were different compared to 2016/2017? If it is the older 2015 or even an early 2016 Radrover, $1200 is priced too high for a 2-3 year old ebike. Most cars lose 20% the first year and 15-25% every year after depending on mileage/wear/tear. A used 100% stock 2016 Radrover might go for around $1000 or less in excellent condition and low miles and the 2015 under $850 in tip-top shape (I really don't know used ebike pricing, just a SWAG on my part).
2015 Radrover:
2016 Radrover:
CodyDog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Colorado
Is the 2015/16 band new (no miles) or used?
CodyDog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Colorado
Personally I would buy new. The price is too high for a 3 year old Rad Rover. Also, many upgrades have been made in the last 3 years to the Rover.
Think of it this way... You are basically buying a 3 year old battery. Rad upgraded the battery in 2018. No telling what current or future issues you can have with a 3 year old battery. Replacement batteries for this bike are $400 on the Rad website.
Think of it this way... You are basically buying a 3 year old battery. Rad upgraded the battery in 2018. No telling what current or future issues you can have with a 3 year old battery. Replacement batteries for this bike are $400 on the Rad website.
Last edited:
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