RadWagon 5 Cargo E-Bike is Perfect for Families

A workhorse. A pack mule. Call it what you want, but the RadWagon 5 is purpose-built for carrying kids and hauling cargo with ease. With smarter components, better safety features, and a refined design, the RadWagon 5 is a big step forward and succeeds in being a practical, family-friendly electric cargo bike.

RadWagon 5 Cargo E-Bike Gets Upgraded

The fifth-generation RadWagon received a major facelift with several significant upgrades to enhance the ride. Compared to the RadWagon 4, this newest model changes the battery location, swaps oddball-sized 22” wheels for conventional 20” rims, and introduces hydraulic disc brakes. There’s also a suspension fork for added cushion, a torque sensor, and a UL-Certified battery pack. With a largely unchanged frame shape, the RadWagon 5 is generally more refined and fixes a lot of what held back the previous version.

Versatile Kid-Carrier & Cargo-Hauler

As Rad Power Bikes’ dedicated cargo e-bike, the RadWagon 5 is built around practical hauling and transport needs. The extended rear platform can fit two child seats, as well as running boards and seat pads for older passengers. Riders can install large panniers and a front cargo basket to easily carry tons of stuff.

The brand offers plenty of accessory choices and the RadWagon 5 is compatible with popular child seats. During testing, I added a kid carrier and wasn’t even close to maxing out the bike’s 375 lbs. payload capacity, increased from 350 lbs. Of the RadWagon 4. And for a more compact utility option, I recently reviewed the new RadRunner Max.

RadWagon 5 Rear Hub Motor

The RadWagon 5 is powered by a 750W rear hub motor, now outfitted with a more responsive torque sensor rather than a cadence sensor. The motor can produce up to 90 Nm of torque and features 5 pedal-assist modes, including a half-twist throttle. The e-bike ships as a Class 2 model, but can be configured as Class 1 or Class 3, depending on your preferences and local e-bike rules. Most Rad Power bikes top out at 20 mph, but this e-bike can assist up to a zippy 28 mph.

UL-Certified Battery

Battery quality and safety are top priorities for e-bike riders more than ever these days, and the RadWagon 5 stays up to date. The large 720 Wh battery meets the UL-2271 safety standard and the bike’s entire electrical system is certified according to the UL 2849 standard, too. And that’s on top of Rad Power Bikes’ SafeShield battery technology to prevent malfunction or fire risk.

The big change on this version is the battery location from the downtube to behind the seat tube. That new spot is a bit more hidden and achieves a more streamlined look which I appreciate. Unlike some other cargo e-bikes, there’s no option for a dual-battery setup, but that’s not a dealbreaker for me. In testing, I reached nearly 65 miles from full charge when using minimal throttle which is excellent.

RadWagon 5 Drivetrain and Wheels

On the mechanical side of things, the RadWagon 5 rolls with a standard Shimano 7-speed drivetrain. It’s not a premium groupset, but gets the job done, but may require a little more maintenance than higher-end gearing. The chainline is also quite long— typical for a long-tail cargo bike— and a pulley wheel could be a nice addition to prevent chain slap or any accidental snagging. The best update, though, is the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with large 180mm rotors for controlled and powerful braking, a must-have for heavy and speedy e-bikes.

Rad Power returned to the more traditional 20” wheel size after fitting the previous generation with a funky 22” wheelset that makes swapping tires and replacing tubes more difficult. The Kenda 20 x 3.3” tires have a medium tread pattern for all types of riding, all without going overboard into fat tire territory. The wide tires and 45mm suspension fork provide a comfortable and smooth ride.

The one-size frame fits riders between 4’11” to 6’3″ and is available in metallic blue and black color options. The step-through shape allows for easy on and off. The central kickstand was a bit hard at first, but then required less effort to use. 

Bright Lights and the Right Tech

Rad Power has included awesome turn signals at the back of the bike, increasingly visibility and communication with other riders and motorists. I’m a big fan of that bit of fun safety tech and the headlight is super bright, coming in at 200 lumens. The rear light is large and bright and there’s a  quality color display on the handlebars.

Who is the RadWagon 5 E-Bike For?

The RadWagon 5 has plenty of tough competition in a crowded market for entry-level and mid-tier cargo bikes. Similar models from other brands include the Lectric Xpedition, Aventon Abound, Velotric Packer 1, and more premium Specialized Globe Haul.

RadWagon 5 E-Bike Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent cargo accessory options and space
• 375 lbs. payload capacity
• Hydraulic disc brakes & torque sensor
• UL-certified battery with solid range
• More common 20” wheels

Cons

• No dual-battery option
• Basic 7-speed drivetrain
• Heavy and not as nimble as smaller cargo e-bikes

Overall Impression

The RadWagon 5 E-Bike ($2,399) feels like Rad Power’s most polished cargo bike yet. With its upgraded brakes, torque sensor, safer battery system, and more practical wheel size, it fixes many of the quirks that held back the last version. It lacks a dual-battery option, but for families or commuters looking for an affordable, reliable, and versatile cargo hauler, the RadWagon 5 delivers a lot of value and capability without breaking the bank.

Related E-Bikes We Have Tested in the Tetons

1. RadRunner 3 Plus E-Bike
2. Radio Flyer Flex Cargo E-Bike
3. Fiido T2 Long Tail Caro E-Bike