Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Max vs Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5
Two of the cargo e-bikes in our best cargo e-bikes: rad power, velotric, aventon, lectric, tern & more comparison, lined up spec by spec. Every figure comes from the manufacturer pages linked below, and the scores use the same published formula as the full ranking.
Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings, which come from the published scoring formula. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.
Best for: 420 lb payload, 90 Nm, Class 1–3
Check price at AmazonBest for: Longtail with a 720 Wh battery and 90 Nm
Check price at AmazonSpec-by-spec comparison
Green marks the better published figure. "Not listed" means the manufacturer doesn't publish it.
| Spec | Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Max | Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rated motor powerThe motor's nominal (rated, sustained) output as the maker states it, not the higher peak figure. Peak figures appear in each bike's notes. A bike whose maker publishes only a peak figure scores as the lowest rated figure in the category. | 750 W | 750 W | 15% |
| Battery capacityBattery capacity in watt-hours. Where the maker lists only volts and amp-hours, we multiply them (for example 48 V x 15 Ah = 720 Wh) and say so in the product's notes. Larger batteries generally go farther under the same conditions. | 672 Wh | 720 Wh | 15% |
| Claimed rangeThe maker's own maximum range claim, usually in the lowest assist level. Real range depends on rider weight, hills, wind, temperature and assist level, so treat it as a comparison figure, not a promise. Where a maker gives a span, we use the top of it. | 60 mi | 60 mi | 15% |
| Top assisted speedThe highest assisted speed the maker lists, including settings unlocked in the app or display. 28 mph is the Class 3 ceiling, so anything above it scores the same as 28 mph. | 28 mph | 28 mph | 10% |
| Payload capacityThe maker's maximum load for rider plus cargo. Where the maker gives a gross vehicle weight instead, we subtract the bike's weight and say so in the notes. | 420 lb | 375 lb | 25% |
| Bike weightLighter bikes are easier to lift, carry upstairs and ride with the motor off. A weight published without the battery is not comparable, so it shows as Not listed. | 82 lb | 86 lb | 5% |
| Motor torquePeak torque in newton-metres as the maker states it. More torque helps on hills and when starting with a load. | 90 Nm | 90 Nm | 10% |
| Hydraulic disc brakesYes when the maker lists hydraulic disc brakes. They generally need less hand force than mechanical (cable) discs. | Yes | Yes | 3% |
| Water resistanceThe water digit of the IP rating the maker lists for the bike (the second digit, so IPX5 and IP65 both count as 5). Where only the battery or motor carries a rating, we say so in the notes and leave the bike rating blank. | IPX6 class (powerful jets) | IPX6 class (powerful jets) | 2% |
| Motor | 750 W, 90 Nm | 750 W, 90 Nm | info |
| Battery | 672 Wh | 48 V 15 Ah, 720 Wh | info |
| Range | 60+ miles | 60+ miles | info |
| Class | 1, 2 or 3 | Not listed | info |
| Brakes | Gemma hydraulic disc | Tektro hydraulic disc | info |
| Water rating | IPX6 | IPX6 | info |
| RidePick score | 7.0/10 | 6.6/10 | 100% |
Where each one comes out ahead
Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Max
Better published figure on: Payload capacity, Bike weight.
What we like
- Top motor torque in this comparison (90 Nm)
Watch out for
Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5
Better published figure on: Battery capacity.
What we like
- Top motor torque in this comparison (90 Nm)
Watch out for
Verdict
On published specs, the Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Max scores higher (7.0 vs 6.6). Specs don't capture sound character or feel, so weigh the pros and cons above too.
- Choose the Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Max if this sounds like you: 420 lb payload, 90 Nm, Class 1–3.
- Choose the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 if this sounds like you: longtail with a 720 Wh battery and 90 Nm.
- Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Max: Rad Power Bikes: RadRunner Max
- Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5: Rad Power Bikes: RadWagon 5