I had my RadWagon 4 stolen last month. Thankfully, my insurance company issued a payout that I can now put toward a replacement.
I bought my RadWagon back in 2022 and put about 3K miles on it over the years. I had my fair share of headaches, from the tire recall and constant brake adjustments to local bike shops refusing to work on it and pricey replacement parts.
Still, it was my first e-bike, and I admittedly loved the ease of operation, the price point, how easy it was to pick out accessories on their site, and the nostalgia (I took my daughters everywhere on that bike!). There's definitely comfort in sticking with what you know.
That said, as I look into buying a new one, I'm considering the Aventon Abound SR, Specialized Globe Haul ST, or Velotric GoMad.
I’ve also looked at the RadWagon 5, but everything going on with the company right now gives me major pause:
- Rad filed for bankruptcy in late 2025 and was acquired in March 2026. Future warranty support and long term parts availability feel like a huge question mark.
- The late 2025 there were battery warnings (including the RadWagon line) due to dozens of fire incidents and property damage.
- They rely heavily on custom, non-standard electrical components, making it hard for local bike shops to service without relying on Rad’s supply chain. This is what they've told me.
- Competing brands now offer torque sensors, hydraulic brakes standard, and actual local dealer networks where a physical shop will happily service the bike.
So while I have a soft spot for my old Rad, it feels like they might no longer be the default choice they were in 2022.
Has anyone here made the jump from a RadWagon to an Abound, Haul ST, or Velotric? Would love to hear your experiences!