Rad Power RadRunner Electric Cargo Utility Bike vs Velotric Go 1
Two cargo / family e-bikes at a similar price, compared on the same normalized specs. Both scored by us, both reviewed in full.
The verdict
These are close on paper, but the Go 1's higher payload capacity and gearing justify its higher price for anyone using this as a real cargo or hilly-commute bike, while the RadRunner is the better buy if you just want a simple, cheaper hauler for flat ground.
Buy the Rad Power RadRunner Electric Cargo Utility Bike
Buy the RadRunner if you want the lower price and don't need gears: it's flat-single-speed, $200 cheaper, and its 750W nominal motor is the stronger continuous performer of the two.
Buy the Velotric Go 1
Buy the Go 1 if you'll actually load it up or ride hills: its 440 lb payload capacity beats the RadRunner's 320 lb by a wide margin, and the 7-speed drivetrain plus slightly more torque and battery make it the more versatile machine for that extra $200.
The differences that matter
- Rad Power RadRunner Electric Cargo Utility Bike costs $200 less.
- Velotric Go 1 carries 67 Wh more battery, which is the main thing that sets how far you get.
- Rad Power RadRunner Electric Cargo Utility Bike runs a 250W bigger motor on continuous power.
Who each one is for
Rad Power RadRunner Electric Cargo Utility Bike
Families and errand-runners who want to swap short car trips for a cheap, easy-hauling bike on mostly flat ground.
Velotric Go 1
Parents and errand-runners who want an affordable, stable way to haul kids and cargo around town instead of driving.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Rad Power RadRunner Electric Cargo Utility Bike | Velotric Go 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 | $1,699 |
| Motor (nominal) | 750W | 500W |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Battery | 624 Wh | 691.2 Wh |
| Claimed range | 55 mi | 55 mi |
| Weight | 65 lb | 65 lb |
| Max payload | 320 lb | 440 lb |
| Motor type | hub | hub |
| E-bike class | Class 2 | Class 2 |
| Brakes | Gemma Hydraulic GA-950E hydraulic disc | Hydraulic Disc Brake 4-Piston |
| Drivetrain | Single speed | SHIMANO 7-speed |
| Tire size | 20" x 3.3" | 20x3.0" |
Highlighted values are the better of the two where both brands publish the number. Where a spec isn't published we leave it blank rather than guess.
The short version on each
Rad Power RadRunner Electric Cargo Utility Bike
What's good
- The throttle takes the effort out of moving a heavy, loaded bike from a standstill, so you're up to speed without straining at the pedals.
- A 320-pound payload leaves plenty of room for a passenger, cargo, or a big grocery haul on top of your own weight.
- Hydraulic disc brakes give you confident stopping power with barely any effort at the lever, which counts when there's real weight on board.
What to know
- There's only one gear, so steep hills put the whole climb on the motor with no lower gear to drop into.
- Range runs short for a cargo bike, so this suits short daily loops far better than covering long distances.
Velotric Go 1
What's good
- A 440-pound total load limit means one bike can handle you, a kid seat, and a loaded grocery run all at once.
- A throttle lets you pull away from stops and crawl through traffic without pedaling, which really helps with a heavy load on board.
- Four-piston hydraulic disc brakes give you strong, dependable stopping power even when the bike is fully packed.
What to know
- On a steep, fully loaded climb the 500-watt motor is the weak spot, so expect it to slow noticeably as the grade gets steeper.
Full Rad Power RadRunner Electric Cargo Utility Bike review → Full Velotric Go 1 review →