Radpower Bikes Radrunner 2

What happens if you cross a BMX with a cargo bike and add an electric motor? You get this wild and excellentvalue compact bike

The rise of e-bikes has brought a host of new manufacturers to the market, and many of them are happy to go their own way regarding design. One example is Radpower Bikes, whose Radrunner 2 is a compact electric bike unlike any other.

It includes Bmx-like elements matched to a frame that also contains nods to smallwheeled utility bikes. Add massively upright bars, enormous go-anywhere tyres and passenger-carrying options, and you have a bike that lives up to its radical name.

Yet despite the freak power styling, the Radrunner benefits from many practical touches, including a host of cargo bike-like features. Key among them is a substantial built-in rear rack that can be used for panniers or a child’s seat. There’s even an accessory pillion passenger support if you want to give a friend a lift. And if you run out of space at the back, there’s the option to fit an additional front cargo shelf.

The frame is built from aluminium to keep weight down, although the complete bike comes in at a chunky 29kg so it’s a good thing there’s a 250W motor mounted in the rear wheel. This is especially true as its single gear means pedalling the Radrunner 2 could quickly get tiring.

Thankfully the power comes from a meaty 672Wh battery, so you shouldn’t ever run short. It’s a great feature to see on a bike at this price and, if you keep it topped up, the simple drivetrain means you’ll reduce maintenance in the long run.

As you’d guess from looking at it, this isn’t a bike without eccentricities. For one thing, its moped-style saddle will almost certainly need to be exchanged for something more ergonomic. Still, this additional expense notwithstanding, extras including a twin-leg kickstand, integrated lights with braking function and mudguards, which all help to mark the Radrunner as exceptional value.

 £1,449

 radpowerbikes.co.uk