When choosing an electric bike, it is important to consider various factors in order to find the one that best suits your needs. Some of the key factors to consider include the intended use of the bike, the size and weight of the bike, the range and power of the battery, the type and quality of the components, the overall design and style of the bike, and the price.
In this article, we will be comparing the ENVO D35 and the RadCity 5 Plus, two affordable electric bikes that offer a range of features and benefits. The ENVO D35 is a high-quality electric bike that is designed and engineered in-house by ENVO Drive Systems, a Canada-based company known for their innovative approach to ebike design. The RadCity 5 Plus, on the other hand, is produced by RadPower Bikes, a well-known name in the direct-to-consumer ebike market. In this comparison, we will be looking at the key features and differences between these two bikes to help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
ENVO D35 ELECTRIC BICYCLE
PRICE: $2,679 CAD - $2,099 USD
|
Weight |
22.5kg/48.5lbs |
|
Motor |
500W 60Nm geared hub motor |
|
System |
ENVO E-Assist System |
|
Battery |
460Wh Panasonic Lithium Ion |
QUALITY SCORE FROM 100
TOTAL SCORE: 85/100
RadCity 5 Plus
PRICE: $2,299 CAD - $1,999 USD
|
Weight |
29.0kg/64lbs |
|
Motor |
Rated 750W but limited for regulatory reasons |
|
System |
RadPower OEM |
|
Battery |
589-672 Wh |
QUALITY SCORE FROM 100
TOTAL SCORE: 75/100
ELECTRIC BIKE METRICS:
STYLE AND DESIGN
The ENVO D35 and the RadCity 5 Plus are both stylish electric bikes that offer a range of features and benefits. However, they have some key differences in terms of their design and components.
One of the main differences between these two bikes is their overall design and style. The ENVO D35 has a sleek and modern design that is characterized by its smooth lines and clean appearance. The RadCity 5 Plus, on the other hand, has a bulkier and more traditional design that may appeal to riders who prefer a more classic look.
Another key difference is the placement of the battery. The ENVO D35 uses a non-integrated battery that is mounted on the frame of the bike, while the RadCity 5 Plus uses a semi-integrated battery that is partially hidden within the frame of the bike. This can affect the overall appearance of the bike, as well as its weight distribution and handling.
Overall, both the ENVO D35 and the RadCity 5 Plus are stylish electric bikes that offer a range of benefits. The choice between them will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and priorities.
ERGONOMICS
The ENVO D35 offers a convenient range of sizes that cater to customers of different ages and genders, ensuring that they can ride comfortably. In contrast, RAD is only available in a single size, which may not be suitable for most people, resulting in an uncomfortable riding experience.
PERFORMANCE AND TORQUE
In the class 2 category of electric bicycles, both the ENVO D35 and the Radcity 5 Plus offer similar levels of performance and torque. While Radcity advertises higher power and torque, it may not be legal to ride that bike in some states in the USA due to regulatory reasons. This means that both the ENVO D35 and the Radcity 5 Plus offer comparable levels of performance and functionality, with the ENVO D35 potentially being a more practical option in certain states.
RANGE AND EFFICIENCY
Both the ENVO D35 and the RAD have similar ratings for their range, but the RAD has a slightly lower score due to its high weight and the low efficiency of its electrical system. .
CONTROL AND MONITORING
The ENVO D35 is equipped with a color TFT display that provides the rider with access to a range of parameter settings, monitoring features, visualizations, and self-diagnostics. This allows the rider to easily customize their riding experience and monitor their performance. In contrast, the RAD is equipped with a black-and-white display, which may be less user-friendly and offer fewer customization options. This is why the ENVO D35 receives a higher score for its user-friendly display and better customizability.
COMPONENT GRADE
Both the ENVO D35 and the RAD use good-grade components, but the RAD uses a 7-speed transmission and non-brand hydraulic brakes. This may not be as reliable or durable as the components used in the ENVO D35, which could affect the overall performance and longevity of the RAD. It's important for consumers to carefully consider the quality of the components used in a product when making a purchasing decision to ensure that they are getting the best possible product for their needs.
BRAKING PERFORMANCE
Both the RAD and the D35 are equipped with Hydraulic Disc Braking systems, which offer top-of-the-line braking performance. However, the ENVO D35 has a slight advantage because it uses branded brakes, which may be more reliable and durable than the non-brand brakes used in the RAD. This could improve the overall performance and longevity of the ENVO D35, making it a better option for those who need a high-quality electric bicycle.
Weight
Even when fully equipped with accessories, the ENVO D35 is one of the lightest electric bicycles on the market. This makes it easy to handle and maneuver, and it's also more portable than many other e-bikes. In contrast, the RAD is big and bulky, which may make it more difficult to handle and less portable. This is why the ENVO D35 receives a higher score for its lightweight design and ease of use.
SERVICEABILITY AND SPARE PARTS
The ENVO D35 and the RAD both use mechanical and structural components that are made from industry-standard parts that are widely available and reasonably priced. This means that they are easy to maintain and repair, and that replacement parts are readily available if needed. However, the ENVO D35 has a slight advantage because it has a modular design that makes its bike parts easily accessible and easy to service. This means that it may be easier and more convenient to maintain and repair the ENVO D35 than the RAD, which could be an important consideration for some consumers.
Access To Service Centres
ENVO has a more extensive physical footprint than RAD, with more than 100 dealers across North America. This means that customers have more options for accessing service centers, which can be convenient if they need repairs or maintenance for their electric bicycle. In contrast, RAD operates on a direct-to-consumer model, which means that they have a limited number of service centers. This could make it more difficult for customers to access repairs or maintenance if they need it, which could be a disadvantage compared to the ENVO D35. It's important for consumers to carefully consider their access to service centers when choosing an electric bicycle to ensure that they can easily get the support they need if they need it.
ACCESSORIES INCLUDED
Both the ENVO D35 and the RAD come with a range of accessories, including a rear carrier, fenders, a bell, and a light. However, only the ENVO D35 includes a seat post suspension and a USB port. These additional features may make the ENVO D35 more comfortable and convenient to use, and they could be an important consideration for some consumers.
TRANSPORT AND STORAGE
The RAD electric bicycle is heavy and bulky, which may make it difficult to transport and store. This could be a disadvantage for those who need to regularly transport their electric bicycle or who have limited space for storing it.
TRANSMISSION RELIABILITY
Both the ENVO D35 and the RAD are equipped with similar geared hub motors and transmission systems. Hub motors are generally considered to be very reliable because they are sealed and protected from the elements. They also have the advantage of being able to run even if the chain breaks, allowing the rider to continue using the electric bicycle and make it back home using the throttle.
Price
The ENVO D35 and the RAD are both in a similar price category, but the ENVO D35 is priced slightly higher due to its use of higher-grade components. This means that it may be more durable and reliable than the RAD, which could be an important consideration for some consumers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ENVO D35 and the RAD are both high-quality electric bicycles that offer good performance and reliability. However, the ENVO D35 has several advantages over the RAD, including its lightweight design, user-friendly color TFT display, and access to a wider network of service centers. It also uses higher-grade components and offers more customization options, which could make it a better option for some consumers. It's important for consumers to carefully consider their own needs and preferences when choosing an electric bicycle to ensure that they get the most suitable option for them.
