Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 Vs Lectric XPedition

We’re family men and women ourselves here at BestElectricBikes.com, so we know firsthand how many families eyeing an e-bike purchase are increasingly turning to cargo e-bikes so that they don’t have to grab their car keys every time they need to run to the daycare or school. The Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 and the Lectric XPedition rank among the most affordable options in cargo e-bikes available. The two e-bikes bear some remarkable similarities including the 750W hub motors, the presence of a throttle, the 7-speed Shimano drivetrain and the ability to purchase a variety of different accessories to outfit these e-bikes to suit a family’s needs.

So let’s ask what is different between the two e-bikes. First, the RadWagon 4 is longer—79 in., compared to the XPedition’s 72 in. Most of that extra length is behind the rider, meaning that while both e-bikes have the ability to carry two kids, the RadWagon 4 will accommodate two kids for longer because as they grow, the amount of space each child takes up will grow, making the fit increasingly snug, which can result in squabbles even in the happiest families. There’s nothing quite like saying, “Don’t make me pull this e-bike over.” More room for tushies = more harmony.

Another notable difference is that while the XPedition is built with 20-in. wheels, the RadWagon 4 is built with 22-in. wheels. That difference has a few effects: First, the RadWagon will be more stable at speed and riders won’t be jostled as much each time the e-bike rolls over a bump, though these effects won’t be as great were the RadWagon 4’s wheels even bigger. The RadWagon 4 sports a much easier low gear (46 x 34t) than the XPedition (54 x 28t), even though the wheels are larger on the RadWagon 4. No matter how powerful the motor, it’s always smart to shift into a lower gear when going up hills to reduce strain on the motor.

Both e-bikes come in a single size, with a step-thru frame. Thanks to telescoping seatposts, both e-bikes should be able to fit a fairly broad range of rider height. Both e-bikes come with adjustable stems that allow the rider to increase or decrease the reach to the bar; worth noting for smaller riders is that the Lectric XPedition’s stem can be adjusted for a reach of only 17 in., making it a better choice for more petite riders.

Both the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 and the Lectric XPedition can handle significant loads. Rad Power Bikes lists the RadWagon 4’s total payload capacity at 350 lbs. and Lectric says the XPedition can carry up to 450 lbs. total, with up to 330 lbs. for either the rider or the rear rack.

Let’s dig into what we like about these two cargo e-bikes.

Key specs of the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 vs. Lectric XPedition

	Rad Power RadWagon 4	Lectric XPedition
Class	2	2
Motor	750W, 80Nm of torque	750W, 85Nm torque
Battery	672Wh	672Wh (Optional dual battery for 1344Wh)
Drivetrain	7-speed Shimano (11-34t)	7-speed Shimano (11-28t)
Brakes	Mechanical disc, 180mm rotors	Hydraulic disc, 180mm rotors
Notable features	Long integrated rear rack	Long integrated rear rack

What we like about the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4:

• Long-tail cargo bike carries two kids with ease and handles well when loaded.
• Rad Power offers a broad selection of accessories for carrying kids and other loads.
• Powerful 750W brushless, geared hub motor producing 80Nm of torque and drivetrain with 11-34t gear cluster has the power and the low gear necessary to get over hills even when fully loaded.

What we like about the Lectric XPedition:

• This is the most affordable cargo e-bike on the market.
• While the frame won’t fold like other Lectric e-bikes, the saddle can be lowered a great deal and the handlebar mast can be folded, making it easier to store and to transport in a vehicle.
• Stout 750W brushless, geared hub motor producing 85Nm of torque and 11-28t gear cluster gives riders the power and gearing necessary to take on hills.

Conclusion

For buyers who must stick with a budget, the Lectric XPedition deserves a hard look because it retails for more than $500 less than the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4. In addition to the range of baskets, bags and racks that work with all Lectric models, Lectric sells seven different accessories to help buyers outfit the XPedition for hauling kids, groceries and the like. In all, Lectric offers 19 different accessories for carrying people and gear.

Similarly, Rad Power Bikes offers a number of different racks, baskets and bags that will work with the full range of Rad Power models, as well as another seven products specific to the RadWagon 4. For the rider who wants maximum flexibility, though, Rad Power Bikes offers 26 different accessories, including canopies to shield kids from the elements.

The XPedition also deserves a hard look from anyone who has a need for range enough for high-mileage days because the XPedition can be purchased with a second battery. Our colleagues at ElectricBikeReport.com tested the XPedition with the double-battery setup and rode more than 60 mi. in PAS 1. By comparison, Rad Power estimates the RadWagon 4’s range as being 45 mi., possibly more, depending on the rider and terrain—a solid range in its own right.

As with each of our other comparisons, the question we have to ask is, if the Lectric XPedition is so good, why would anyone spend the extra money on the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4? The answer isn’t a simple matter of spend more if the budget permits.

So who should lean toward the Lectric XPedition?

• Those on a tight budget. Anyone who can’t find a way to drop more than $2000 outfitting their cargo e-bike will do best by focusing on the XPedition.
• Those with one kid. Anyone carrying a single child can probably do without the extra length in the rack on the RadWagon 4.
• Smaller riders. Wingspan, not just height, matters when it comes to e-bike comfort. The XPedition offers the potential for a shorter reach from the saddle to the bar than the RadWagon 4 does.

Who should lean toward the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4?

• Those who live in hilly places. For the buyer who will need to contend with steep hills, the lower low gear of the RadWagon 4 will make riding hills more pleasant and it will help the motor to last longer. E-bike motors can be burned out by riding steep hills in a big gear because it takes the motor to the limits of its performance. In time, riding like that will burn the motor out.
• Those with more than one kid. Even if the kids are small, children grow and they will outgrow the rear deck of the XPedition before they outgrow the rear deck of the RadWagon 4.
• Those who need maximum customization. Rad Power Bikes offers a greater assortment of accessories for both passengers and storage than the XPedition, giving it a greater capacity to accommodate a buyer’s specific needs.

Families considering a cargo e-bike can do worse than investing in either the Lectric XPedition or the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4. Either e-bike will give the buyer more options, greater flexibility than by buying a city or commuter e-bike. While we believe that the RadWagon 4 justifies its value, we also support not spending money that isn’t necessary.

With either e-bike, buyers will find more opportunities to make runs without the car, and more time on an e-bike makes for a happier day.