RadRunner Plus
When you think of an ebike, you might think of a bike that has been electrified. The truth is that this definition doesn’t do the product justice. In fact, ebikes are amazing for outdoor activities such as camping.
Ebikes can be used on all sorts of outdoor adventures, from leisurely mountain biking and exploring the trails to an epic road trip across the country.
In the modern world, it is not uncommon for people to get outdoors and enjoy nature. This is where ebikes come into play. They are a more dependable way of biking, especially when it comes to navigating trails that are more rigorous and rocky.
In this article we will take a look at three of the most popular electric bikes models. As the demand for e-bikes increases, competing brands continue to tweak their design to deliver a product as close as possible to an all-weather e-bike. A few bikes that stand out from the competition include:
These e-bikes are excellent for camping. They are built to conquer off-road terrains with ease while providing you with enormous haulage capabilities and hours of ride time.
I'll break down the functions and specifications of these e-bikes according to some important categories so you'll have a better idea of what you're getting with each of them.
Why E-bikes are Great for Camping
E-bikes are easily a better option than towing your car with an RV when it comes to camping. When you get to your campsite and want to explore the area, meet the locals, and take in the sights, an e-bike will get you to where you need to go. You'll save on fuel, you can access terrains that your car wouldn't, and you won't need to exert energy pedaling. If your electric bike's weight capacity is big enough, you can also take someone along on your exploration, or fetch firewood for the campsite, etc.
What To Look For When Buying an Electric Bike for Camping
The most important things to look out for when you need an e-bike for camping include:
Battery Size and Range
It all comes down to the volts and amp-hours. The higher these two specifications are, the more range you'll get out of your e-bike. Also, more powerful lithium batteries are heavier and add to the e-bike's overall weight.
Motor Power
Typical motors on an e-bike can have as low as 250 watts or as high as 900 watts. More watts means faster acceleration and speed, but it will also put a greater demand on the battery. So finding the right battery-motor compromise for your camping purpose is essential here.
Weight & Payload Capacity
How much do your camping gear and supplies weigh? Will you be carrying any of them on your e-bike? If you will, you need an e-bike built for heavy-duty cargo—like the RadWagon 4. Also, pay attention to the payload capacity of the rear rack versus the front rack and know if these fit your needs.
Sometimes the weight of the e-bike may rule it out as an option for you. So if it's light enough and can carry the weight you need it to, then go for it.
Portability
If you want something easy to pack and transport, you need to look at portability. Thankfully, several e-bike brands have foldable e-bike options. You can simply fold them and carry them in a tote with wheels or the back of your truck, etc.
Review of Our Recommended E-bikes for Camping
RadWagon
RadRunner Plus
RadRunner 1
Motor and Power
One of the things these e-bikes have in common is a powerful motor. They each boast a massive 750W motor that can provide massive torque and power than most regular geared motor hubs. This allows you to carry more weight on these e-bikes and take off easier from a stop.
Weight Limit & Net Weight
The RadRunner Plus and RadRunner 2 can handle a maximum weight of 300 lbs, while the RadWagon 4 edges them out at a payload capacity of 350 lbs. This means you won't have to worry about leaving any of your camping gear behind for fear of overloading the e-bike.
Build Quality
The frames of these e-bikes are made from solid 6061 aluminum designed in-house to prioritize durability, optimal function, and better weight distribution. This frame also makes it lighter and helps it dampen the effects of any bumps from the road.
For the RadWagon 4, the handlebars can be adjusted for reach, height, and angle, while the telescoping seat design—for all three e-bikes—can be easily adjusted for ride height. These adjustment features make these electronic bikes perfect for riders of significantly different heights. The RadRunner 2's seat adjustments allow for rider heights of 4'11" to 6'2". The RadRunner Plus accommodates riders of the same height profile, while the RadWagon 4 is ideal for riders that are 5'1" to 6'4" in height.
Suspension & Tire
All three electronic bikes have a custom-designed fat tire measuring 22 inches in diameter and 3 inches in tire width, giving the e-bikes a low center of gravity for improved stability and road grip. These tires have a patented tread pattern that equips them for pavement rides and off-road surfaces. They are also designed with puncture-resistant technology that boosts the tire's protection against punctures when you're out on a rugged bike trail or some other kind of rough terrain that comes with the camping experience.
Performance
If you're looking for ride simplicity, the RadRunner 2 is ideal, thanks to its single-speed drivetrain. The RadRunner Plus and RadWagon 4 come with a 7-speed drivetrain, making them perfect for tackling steep terrains with ease without exerting more pedaling power. The RadRunner 2 has an intelligent 4-level pedal assist, while the RadRunner Plus and the RadWagon 4 are fitted with a 5-level pedal-assist technology. These offer you significant room to choose how much pedaling effort you want to contribute while the pedal-assist technology amplifies your input. Of these electronic bike options, only the RadRunner Plus comes with a front suspension fork, making it perfect for absorbing bumps that come with rough terrains.
Other Features
Whichever option you choose, these e-bikes are loaded with features that contribute significantly to the ride experience. These include:
Pros and Cons of the Best E-bikes for Camping
RadWagon 4 Electric Cargo Bike
Main Features:
Pros
Cons
RadRunner Plus Electric Utility Bike
Main Features:
Pros
Cons
RadRunner 1 Electric Utility Bike
Main Features:
Pros
Cons
Are E-bikes Banned in National Parks?
This is a controversial issue and has been so for some time. The National Park Service allowed e-bikes in national parks in 2020, as these vehicles were generally governed the same way as regular bicycles. However, in 2021, the NPS gave authority to Superintendents to ban e-bike access to their specific park units if they believed it was negatively affecting park resources and visitors. So essentially, e-bike access may be viewed differently depending on the park you're visiting.
Are E-bikes Not Allowed on Trails?
Again, this depends on the federal and state laws applicable to any given location. Generally, E-bikes are allowed on specific trails, especially pavement surfaces. Natural dirt surfaces are more tricky. Also, e-bikes generally have more leeway for trails at least 5-feet wide.
What's the Best and Most Dependable E-bike for Camping?
The three e-bike options on this post are from Rad Power Bikes and represent the best e-bike options on the market for camping. They each have their selling points and advantages; it's up to you to decide which best suits your camping needs.
For instance, if you travel light and won't need to slug around much load during your camping experience, the RadRunner 2 has the lowest weight capacity, contributing to it being the lightest and most nimble of the three options.
If you are exploring rough and uphill trails and have to carry a few supplies, you'll want the RadRunner Plus. Its 750W geared motor hub, 5-level pedal assist, and front suspension fork make it the perfect compromise between power and ease of riding.
For those who love to explore with a lot of gear and tend to pick up a lot of stuff along the way, the RadWagon 4 is built for cargo without compromising speed and efficiency. Its 350-lb payload capacity means you can carry more weight while benefiting from the beastly power of a massive 750W geared motor hub with a 5-level pedal assist and a 7-speed drivetrain.