Disclaimer:
Our customers often ask why we have not conducted independent reviews on our products so far. Envo Drive Systems has not yet leveraged those independent review channels since it has not entered the US market yet. This is because we have been overwhelmed with supplying Canadian customers during the pandemic, and focused more on keeping our five-star customer support and delivering on our current commitments.
That’s why the 3rd-party review initiative was put on hold, and Envo Drive Systems will consider that as soon as the situation gets better. Therefore, the following is not a 3rd-party review report.
Investing in a new electric bike is a tough decision. There’s so much choice just within Canada and so many factors to consider before pulling the trigger on the exact bike you’re looking for. There’s also been a surge in ebike popularity, which will lead to even more innovations and options going forward.
If you’ve narrowed down your options by choosing to buy an electric bike over a kit, you then have to look into different manufacturers. We’re going to compare two of the latest electric bikes on the market, the ENVO D35 2020 and the Radpower RadCity 4.
The RadCity is designed for commuting, so is suitable for first-time e-bike buyers who plan to ride to work. The $1,999 makes this one a popular choice for affordability. However, as first-time riders become experienced, they will have to spend more to upgrade to a higher-performance e-bike.
The ENVO is more of an all-rounder, designed with Canadian riders in mind. It’s also great for a first timer, but has the versatility to perform on trails for more experienced cyclists. The designers considered varied terrains and weather conditions, so the ENVO D35 can hold up to British Columbia’s steep hills, frosty rides home in Alberta, the Maritimes’ piercing wind and Ontario’s lengthy commutes. The LG Li-Ion cells are capable of running in -20c conditions with minimal loss of performance. This versatility is reflected in a slightly higher price tag of $2,479.
The ENVO also has a more efficient motor system for a 33% more torque and a higher performance from a lower-capacity battery. It is 7kg lighter, which on a bike makes a lot of difference for maneuverability. The RadCity has had to add 7kg of weight in a higher capacity battery to achieve the same speed as the D35.
All of the D35’s components are modular for easy maintenance and replacement. The sophisticated computer system also gives you access to lots of settings and self-diagnostics tools.
Something that cannot be experienced through writing is the controller response on the pedal assist and throttle, the stopping power in the hydraulic brakes, the sound and smoothness, as well as the ergonomic and aesthetic design aspects which make the ENVO a sleek 2020 design.
See Bike Radar’s breakdown of different bike types here. With our mix of e-bike friendly cities and endlessly explorable wilderness here in Canada, e-bikes are becoming more and more popular and it’s important to make an informed decision.
This will give you a sense of what to look out for when deciding on the best electric bike. We’ve done the research to make it easier for you to review both ebikes, although the decision is often tipped one way or the other by personal preference.
Comparison |
ENVO D35 2020 |
Rad Power RadCity 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Drive system | Geared rear hub No transmission involvement |
Shengyi Direct Drive Hub Motor |
| Battery capacity | 473Wh | 672 Wh |
| Single charge range | 50km Assist level 4 or 5 @32km/h, 120Km+ Assist level 1 or 2 | 40-72km+ |
| Battery life | 5 years | 5 Years |
| Battery replacement cost | 599CA$ | 719CA$ |
| Max speed ( regulated) | 32Km/h | 32Km/h |
| Max Torque | 60Nm | 40Nm |
| Total E-bike Weight | 22KG | 29kg |
| Max Motor Power | 620W | 500W |
| Gears | Shimano Acera 8spd max ration 48 to 11 |
Shimano SL-TX50-7R thumb shifter, 7-speed |
| Brake | Hydraulic disk Tektro 180mm | Tektro Aries 180 mm Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Wheel sizes | 27.5" x 1.95 | 26" x 2.3 |
| Power On Demand Throttle | Yes | Yes |
| Assistance | 5 Levels of assist | 5 Levels of assist |
| Brake Cut off | Yes | Yes |
| Regenerative Braking | No | Yes |
| Display system | Colour TFT display computer with Multi function Odometer, charge indicator, speedometer, trip odometer, pedal assist level, wattmeter, speed and power gauge, settings and self-diagnostics tool with troubleshooting. | Backlit LCD with charge indicator, speedometer, odometer, trip odometer, pedal assist level, wattmeter |
| Noise Level | Low | Low |
| Suspension | Seatpost and Front fork | Front fork |
| Included accessories | Speed ODO console 2A charger Head & tail light Rear Rack & Fenders Kickstand |
Speed ODO console, Charger, Puncture-resistant tires, Integrated brake light, Rear rack, |
Radpower bikes describes the RadCity range as the commuter’s dream and we can see why. It’s built for comfort on long rides and flatter terrain and with consideration to common road hazards like punctures.
The ENVO is more versatile, with additional suspension and tires designed for a varied terrain. In power and performance, the D35 is a standout. At 7kg lighter (think the weight of a tank of propane) you can feel the difference in torque and smoothness of ride between the two e-bikes. It’s suitable for beginners and won’t need to be upgraded in a hurry due to high-grade specifications designed to satisfy even the most experienced riders.
If you’ve found this comparison useful, we did a similar exploration of the ENVO D35 vs the Giant EXPLORE E+ 2 GTS blog post. Veteran bicycle and e-bike enthusiast Paul Brodie of Brodie Bicycles also did a deep dive on the ENVO D35 here.
Thanks for reading and if you have further questions about e-bikes, don’t hesitate to contact us. Any purchases through EBikeBC are fully supported through phone, chat and email channels.
