The Rad Rover 6 electric bike carries enough power to run with the throttle feature, brings fat tires for comfort, and promises one of the smoothest riding experiences.
Does it stand up to these promises, or does it fall short?
Table of Contents
Rad Rover 6 Spec (Basics)
| MODEL: 2020
MOTOR & TOP SPEED
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BATTERY & RANGE
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CONTROLLER & RIDING MODES
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FRAME
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DRIVE-TRAIN SYSTEM
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BRAKING SYSTEM
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OVERALL WEIGHT & CARRYING CAPACITY
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TIRES AND SUSPENSION
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FEATURES
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Riding The Rad Rover 6: My Overall View
– This is a Class 2 e-bike that cuts out the pedal assist at 24mph (39 km/h) to stay within legal limits.
This range is legal in most US and EU countries; however, it will not be in any city in Australia unless it is on private land.
Read More: Electric Bike Laws – Things to Know Before Riding
– I think the frame doesn’t feel like a combination of parts but a single unit that works well.
– How well does it compare in terms of speed, handling, ease of use, safety, and overall usage? Well, I found the following.
Battery and motor power
– The moment I saw it, I was not overly surprised that the brand used a powerful battery, rated at 48V, 14Ah. It may not say much, but from what I tested, a full charge gave me a maximum of 50 km. I still believe it could give a bit more without being so optimistic.
– On the charging side, I got it to 100% in 5 hours, which is not the best but fine for a medium-sized battery.
– I liked the battery positioned in the low tube. This gave me enough stability when taking corners. Other models I have tested with batteries situated on the rear rack haven’t provided such control.
– I was hoping to see an improvement in terms of protection against water. This one was not waterproof.
– The huge rear hub motor (geared) was also very noticeable. 750 watts was a lot of power for my pedaling necessities, but it was so nice to have such power.
– As I have mentioned above, this motor will not be legal in many countries; keep this in mind.
Speed and battery range
– Being class 2, the Rover 6 impressed me with how quickly it got up to top speed, reaching 34 km/h. It actually felt too fast, but overall, the bike was stable, thanks to the thick tires.
– I did notice that using the highest PAS drained the battery quicker than I expected, somewhere around 1 hr. However, I covered around 30 km. I’m unsure if 85 km would be the maximum range; I’d say a bit less.
Ease of riding and handling
– This is a heavy model, weighing 74 lbs (34 kg). I mention this because even though I didn’t feel the weight when riding in pedal-assisted mode, I felt it heavy when riding without any power.
The tires
– The 26″ by 4″ Juggernaut fat tires were specially made for the Rover 6, tuned to specifications, and puncture-proof. I also liked how the bigger tires dampen cracks and unevenness on the roads, giving me a chatter-free riding experience.
The front suspension
– It was interesting to see this bike had an 80mm travel front suspension. Seeing this generous travel suspension is uncommon, but I was pleased to have extra comfort in my off-road experience.
– The adjustable suspension fork and the fat tires make this bike suitable for off-road riding. Since the suspension absorbs that, I got less feedback into my arms and minimal vibrations through my body.
Comfort and stability
– Like the Super 73 S2 e-bike, comfort is a big plus for this fat-tire electric bike.
– I have already discussed the adjustable suspension fork, so I won’t stress that here anymore. I didn’t mention earlier how comfortable the ergonomic grips were, especially for a sore wrist.
On the stability side, I was surprised at how balanced the system was. Its overall weight of 35 kg was not an issue.
Bike controls and intuitiveness
– It is common to see e-bikes equipped with Bafang tech and fitted with the Key-Disp LCD controller.
– In a nutshell, I found that basic readouts are present, but this controller can offer much more. If you want to find more details about its customization, I recommend watching the WildSyde Shadow vintage video.
The LCD gives you feedback on:
– Current speed;
– Bike battery power level; and
– Overall mileage.
How Safe Is the RadRover 6?
– The company offers hydraulic disk brakes with 180mm rotors for improved stopping distances.
– The grip throttle is on the handlebar’s right side, separated from the other elements, so you don’t mistakenly pull it when riding. This is probably one of the reasons they went for slightly bigger throttle controls here.
– I noticed the size of the front and rear lights. I think it is good to have a big front light with enough lumens, and this bike offered me this.
– It may not look like a safety aspect, but I believe that the big tires also offered great grip. I honestly felt very stable with the traction on soft ground.
Is It Worth Test Riding?
– It’s rare to find one of these models that ticks all the boxes, especially if it is going off the market.
– The motor is plenty powerful, showing no signs of strain when tested. That is another testament to the quality of the parts used for this model.
– I liked that it was fitted with one of the most versatile controllers. It is good to have many options to play with and more than usual readouts.
– It is good to have all the elements that can provide a good commuter experience; however, it is a bummer that this step-thru e-cycle is too heavy.
The Rad Rover 6 is definitely a strong competitor for other brands trying to cover the fat-tire e-bike market.
Images courtesy of RadPowerBikes
