Velotric Go 1 vs Rad Power RadWagon Electric Cargo Bike
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
The RadWagon is branded as the cargo hauler but the Go 1 actually carries more weight, weighs less itself, and scores higher on Genius, so unless you need that extra continuous motor power specifically, the Go 1 is the better buy for less money.
Buy the Velotric Go 1
Buy the Velotric Go 1 if you want the lighter bike (65 lb vs 76.7 lb), the higher payload capacity (440 lb vs 350 lb), the better brakes (4-piston vs 2-piston hydraulic), and $100 back in your pocket, with identical 65 Nm torque to the RadWagon.
Buy the Rad Power RadWagon Electric Cargo Bike
Buy the RadWagon if you specifically need its bigger continuous motor output (750W vs 500W) for sustained hauling or hills, and you're fine trading away payload capacity and $100 for a slightly larger battery and a few extra miles of range.
The differences that matter
- Velotric Go 1 costs $100 less.
- Rad Power RadWagon Electric Cargo Bike runs a 250W bigger motor on continuous power.
- Velotric Go 1 is 12 lb lighter, which you notice lifting it or carrying it up steps.
Who each one is for
Velotric Go 1
Parents and errand-runners who want an affordable, stable way to haul kids and cargo around town instead of driving.
Rad Power RadWagon Electric Cargo Bike
Parents and errand-runners who want to swap short car trips for bike trips on mostly flat-to-rolling terrain.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Velotric Go 1 | Rad Power RadWagon Electric Cargo Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,699 | $1,799 |
| Motor (nominal) | 500W | 750W |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Battery | 691.2 Wh | 720 Wh |
| Claimed range | 55 mi | 60 mi |
| Weight | 65 lb | 76.7 lb |
| Max payload | 440 lb | 350 lb |
| Motor type | hub | hub |
| E-bike class | Class 2 | Class 2 |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc Brake 4-Piston | Two-piston hydraulic disc (Gemma Hydraulic Disc GA-950E) |
| Drivetrain | SHIMANO 7-speed | 7-speed Shimano (1x7) |
| Tire size | 20x3.0" | 22" x 3" |
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
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.
Rad Power RadWagon Electric Cargo Bike
What's good
- Carries up to 350 pounds, enough for two kids plus a week's groceries on the extended rear deck
- Big 720Wh battery with a strong claimed range, enough to string together school runs, grocery trips, and a park visit before you plug in
- A throttle lets you ride up to 20 mph without pedaling, a real help on hills and for keeping a loaded bike moving
What to know
- The 65 Nm of torque is about average for the class, so a long, steep climb with a full load pushes the motor near its limit
- The 22" x 3" tires are an unusual size, so tracking down replacements takes more hunting than a common 20" or 26" wheel
Full Velotric Go 1 review → Full Rad Power RadWagon Electric Cargo Bike review →