RadWagon 5 Review: Is This Fifth-Generation Cargo E-Bike Still America’s Best Value?

When I first laid eyes on the RadWagon 5, I’ll be honest – I was curious to see if RadPower Bikes could keep up with the increasingly competitive cargo e-bike market. The original RadWagon was immensely popular but was starting to show its age. After several years, it was time for a refresh. So the big question: does this fifth-generation cargo hauler still deliver the value that made RadPower one of America’s largest e-bike sellers? Let me tell you what I discovered after putting this $2,199 machine through its paces.

My Three Big Takeaways

After extensive testing, three things really stand out about the RadWagon 5: improved handling that’s better than most cargo bikes, a clear emphasis on safety, and solid quality-of-life features that make this a genuine car alternative (or second car replacement at minimum).

The handling improvements alone are worth talking about. RadPower equipped this bike with 20″ x 3.3″ tires and shortened the wheelbase by about 3 inches. This combination creates a better center of gravity and surprisingly agile handling – well, as agile as any 86-pound cargo bike can be. The new BMX-style handlebar adds to this improved feel, making it comfortable to ride whether you’re loaded with cargo or hitting those Class 3 speeds this bike is capable of.

Safety First – And It Shows

RadPower clearly prioritized safety with the RadWagon 5, and it’s evident throughout the design. We’re talking Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, better-than-average headlights and taillights, plus turn signals positioned where they won’t get covered by bags. The bike is also UL certified, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s market.

But here’s where it gets really interesting: RadPower’s new SafeShield Battery technology. Each battery cell is encased in resin as an extra safety measure against shock damage or thermal runaway risk. With e-bike battery safety becoming a major industry focus, it’s refreshing to see a company going beyond just meeting standards.

Performance That Surprised Me

Let me break down the specs first: we’ve got a 750W rear hub motor producing 90 Newton-meters of torque, powered by a 720 watt-hour battery with Samsung cells and UL2271 certification. The drivetrain is a Shimano Altus 7-speed with an 11-34 tooth rear cassette (nicely protected by a derailleur guard) and a 50-tooth chainring up front.

I’ll admit, I had doubts about whether this setup could handle Class 3 speeds effectively. I was proven wrong.

Speed Test Results

The RadWagon 5 ships as a Class 2 e-bike but can be adjusted to Class 3. Here’s what I found:

Class 2 Mode:

• PAS 1: 11.8 mph
• PAS 2: 15 mph
• PAS 3: 16.4 mph
• PAS 4 & 5: 20 mph (speed limited)

Class 3 Mode:

• PAS 1: 11.9 mph
• PAS 2: 16 mph
• PAS 3: 20 mph
• PAS 4: 23.9 mph
• PAS 5: 26.8 mph

What impressed me most was how well the seven-speed gear range worked with the torque sensor motor. Many cargo bikes leave you struggling around 20-22 mph when you run out of gears, but the RadWagon 5 kept me comfortable until nearly 25 mph. That 50-tooth chainring paired with the 11-34 tooth cassette is spot-on.

Real-World Range and Hill Performance

RadPower claims 20-60 miles of range, and my testing backed this up. On maximum power (PAS 5), I achieved 26.8 miles while maintaining a 17.9 mph average. On minimum power (PAS 1), I hit 48.25 miles at around 10.5 mph average speed.

That 27-mile result on maximum power is particularly impressive – I was expecting closer to an hour in the saddle but got nearly 90 minutes. This efficiency boost comes from the torque sensor system, which delivers power more intelligently than basic cadence sensors.

Hill Climbing Capabilities

On our standard hill test (a third-mile climb with 12% average grade), the RadWagon 5 delivered solid results:

• Throttle-only: 1 minute 26 seconds, 12.6 mph average
• PAS 5 with pedaling: 1 minute 17 seconds, 14.1 mph average

For an 86-pound cargo bike, this performance puts it in the upper half of performers. The motor stayed quiet throughout, and I never felt like I was pushing the limits of what it could handle.

Braking Performance – A Standout Feature

In my standardized brake test (20 mph to full stop), the RadWagon 5 achieved an impressive 18 feet 7 inches stopping distance. This was our second-best result at the time of testing, proving those Tektro hydraulic brakes are no joke. Even when loaded with cargo, the brakes felt controlled and confident.

Comfort and Utility Features

The step-through frame makes mounting and dismounting effortless – crucial when you’re dealing with a heavy cargo bike. The RST Guide suspension fork with 45mm of travel provides just enough cushioning without being bouncy or unstable. You can lock it out if you prefer a stiffer ride.

The telescoping seatpost offers 11 inches of adjustment, accommodating riders from 4’11” to 6’3″. The BMX-style riser bars with slight back-sweep feel solid and provide excellent control – much better than the adjustable stems found on many cargo bikes.

Cargo Capacity That Actually Works

With a 375-pound total weight capacity and 120 pounds on the rear rack, this bike can handle serious loads. Whether you’re hauling groceries, moving supplies, or carrying passengers (with the optional passenger kit), the RadWagon 5 delivers the utility you need.

RadPower offers an extensive accessory ecosystem: hard-shell panniers, a lockable top box, child seats, caboose bars with side rails, deck pads, and even pet carriers. The turn signals are cleverly positioned where they won’t get blocked by bags – a small detail that shows thoughtful design.

What Could Be Better

While I’m generally impressed with the RadWagon 5, a few areas could use improvement:

The 2-amp charger feels dated in 2024. A 3-amp charger would be much more practical for daily users who need to top up at work. The cable management could also be cleaner, though this falls into nitpicky territory.

Battery removal can be tight and requires some wiggling, which isn’t ideal if you’re frequently removing it for charging.

Value Proposition and Competition

At $2,199, the RadWagon 5 represents solid value in today’s cargo e-bike market. You’re not just buying a bike – you’re getting the backing of one of North America’s largest e-bike companies, complete with services like RadMobile (literally a bike shop in a van that can deliver and service your bike).

Who Should Buy This Bike?

The RadWagon 5 is perfect if you:

• Need a reliable cargo hauler for family duties or business use
• Want genuine car-replacement capability
• Prefer proven technology over cutting-edge features
• Value comprehensive customer support and accessory ecosystem
• Need Class 3 speeds for longer commutes

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

Consider other options if you:

• Prioritize maximum speed or range above all else
• Want the absolute lightest cargo bike possible
• Prefer boutique components throughout
• Need extremely long wheelbase for maximum cargo capacity

My Bottom Line

The RadWagon 5 successfully answers the question of whether RadPower can keep pace with modern cargo e-bike competition. Not only does it keep pace, but it finds several ways to stand out through thoughtful design choices, genuine safety improvements, and quality-of-life features that matter in daily use.

This fifth-generation product shows the benefit of iterative improvement over time. Rather than revolutionary changes, RadPower focused on refining what works and addressing real-world user needs. The result is a cargo bike that feels mature, reliable, and ready for whatever you throw at it.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars – An excellent cargo e-bike that delivers on its promises with only minor room for improvement.

If you’re in the market for a cargo e-bike that can genuinely replace car trips while providing years of reliable service, the RadWagon 5 deserves serious consideration. It’s the kind of bike that makes e-bike ownership feel effortless and practical.

Are you considering making the switch to cargo e-bike life? What specific use cases are most important to you – family hauling, business deliveries, or general car replacement? Let me know in the comments – I love hearing how different riders plan to integrate these versatile machines into their daily routines!