Velotric Packer 1 vs Rad Power RadRunner Max Electric Cargo Utility 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
They score identically on Genius, so this comes down to whether you value the RadRunner's extra pulling power and range or the Packer's lower price, lighter weight, and higher payload capacity.
Buy the Velotric Packer 1
Buy the Velotric Packer 1 if you want the cheaper, lighter bike and plan to carry more weight in cargo or a passenger, not just hills, since it has the higher payload capacity.
Buy the Rad Power RadRunner Max Electric Cargo Utility Bike
Buy the RadRunner Max if you regularly climb or start loaded from a stop, since 15 Nm more torque and 9 extra claimed miles of range matter more to you than the $100 and 7 lb it costs you, and you want Class 3 speeds when you pedal.
The differences that matter
- Velotric Packer 1 costs $100 less.
- Rad Power RadRunner Max Electric Cargo Utility Bike pulls harder from a stop and on hills, by 15 Nm of torque.
- Velotric Packer 1 is 7 lb lighter, which you notice lifting it or carrying it up steps.
- Rad Power RadRunner Max Electric Cargo Utility Bike claims 9 more miles of range, though both figures are the manufacturer's optimistic "up to" number.
Who each one is for
Velotric Packer 1
Families and car-free errand-runners who need to carry real weight and want a throttle for pulling away with a loaded bike.
Rad Power RadRunner Max Electric Cargo Utility Bike
Families and errand-runners who want to move real weight around town and appreciate being able to ride on throttle power when they don't feel like pedaling.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Velotric Packer 1 | Rad Power RadRunner Max Electric Cargo Utility Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,199 | $2,299 |
| Motor (nominal) | 750W | 750W |
| Torque | 75 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Battery | 691.2 Wh | 672 Wh |
| Claimed range | 52 mi | 61 mi |
| Weight | 75 lb | 82 lb |
| Max payload | 440 lb | 420 lb |
| Motor type | hub | hub |
| E-bike class | Class 2 | Class 1-3 |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc Brake 4-Piston | Gemma Hydraulic GA-1000B (hydraulic disc) |
| Drivetrain | SHIMANO 8-speed | Shimano 8-speed |
| Tire size | (F) CST 26x2.4" (R) CST 20x3.0" | 20" x 3.5" |
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 Packer 1
What's good
- A 440-pound payload with enough headroom that you rarely bump against the limit, even with passengers and a full load aboard
- A throttle for pulling away under load, or for cruising along with no pedaling at all
- A 691Wh battery with an up-to-52-mile claim, enough for a week of errands between charges for most riders
What to know
- Velotric doesn't publish a peak wattage, so how much extra punch it has for steep, fully loaded climbs is hard to know from the numbers
- The front and rear tires are different sizes (26-inch up front, 20-inch in back), so you'll need to keep two different spare tubes on hand
Rad Power RadRunner Max Electric Cargo Utility Bike
What's good
- The 750W hub motor and 90 Nm of torque have no trouble getting a fully loaded bike off the line or up a hill.
- A throttle lets you ride on motor power alone, which is a real help when you're pulling away with a heavy load.
- Carries up to 420 pounds, enough for a passenger and a full load of groceries or gear.
What to know
- For $2,299 you're paying a fair middle-market price, and a few cargo rivals will haul about as much for a little less money.
Full Velotric Packer 1 review → Full Rad Power RadRunner Max Electric Cargo Utility Bike review →