Electric cargo bikes are becoming the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way of moving people and goods around. Families, commuters, and businesses are adopting them to replace more traditional modes of transport. In this article, we'll compare two of the best: the Fiido T2 Longtail Cargo E-bike and the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon™ 5.
Understanding Electric Cargo Bikes
Before we go into the details of the Fiido T2 Longtail and Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5, let's talk about what an electric cargo bike is.
An electric cargo bike is versatile and practical. Its powerful motor makes carrying heavy loads possible, even uphill, thanks to the extra torque that smaller motors lack. However, the frame design is the most obvious difference between an electric cargo bike and a regular one.
You'll come across a few frame styles, but the long wheelbase design is the most common. This design makes room for a cargo rack over the rear wheel. Manufacturers usually offer a range of accessories for riders to tailor their bikes to their load-carrying needs. For example, additional racks, bags, panniers, child seats, and nets are often available. Another advantage of this extra length is improved stability when maneuvering a fully loaded bike.
The Fiido T2 Longtail Cargo E-bike VS the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon™ 5
Price
When making a purchasing decision, price is often the best place to start. Most people who buy an electric cargo bike do so for business or to manage their personal budgets. Therefore, affordability and value for money are important.
The Fiido T2 Longtail is priced at $1,499, significantly lower than the $2,199 price tag of the RadWagon™ 5. This suggests that the Rad Power option is a more premium product, but keep reading to see what you get from the cost of each bike.
Motor And Battery
Before you buy an electric bike, you need to know that the battery lasts long enough for your needs. Batteries with higher capacity allow you to ride further. However, it's worth noting that an e-bike's range will reduce when you carry more weight or if your journey has many uphill climbs.
The drivetrain also affects how far you can ride before recharging. These two bikes both have Shimano 7-speed drivetrains, so any differences are down to the battery and motor combinations.
The Fiido T2 Longtail has a 998Wh (DMEGC) 48V battery, giving you a range of about 68 miles (110km). In contrast, the RadWagon™ 5's 15Ah 720 Wh battery provides a slightly lower 68-mile (110km) range. Both are respectable, but if you carry lots of weight, the extended range of the Fiido T2 will give you more confidence in getting home.
Both bikes have powerful 750W motors, but the RadWagon™ 5 has 100 Nm of torque, but the T2 has 60 Nm. The higher torque makes hill climbing easier, but there's a trade-off with a shorter range.
Max Load Capacity
When you're in the market for an electric cargo bike, its load-carrying capacity is a major consideration. This is determined by the robustness of the frame.
With this in mind, the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon™ 5 can carry up to 375 lbs (170kg), including the rider. This makes it suitable for shopping, days out, and commuting. However, the Fiido T2 Longtaill can carry heavier loads of up to 440 lbs (200kg). Therefore, if you're heavier, regularly carry more gear, or have young children, the Fiido is the better choice.
Before you go through the checkout, browse the additional cargo-carrying options. Both Fiido and Rad Power offer a range of accessories for loading up your bike. The Rad Power has some great accessories, but the style of the Fiido T2 makes it more versatile.
Speed
Many people choose electric cargo bikes to replace car journeys, so speed is often a priority. It's great when your e-bike allows you to keep up with and pass traffic, and it's usually safer. However, if speed isn't at the top of your list, it's best to make your choice based on other features these bikes offer.
The Rad Power Bikes RadWagon™ 5 offers sufficient speed for commuting in inner cities with a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h). But if you prefer a little more, the Fiido T2 Longtail takes you put to 28 mph (45 km/h).
Brakes And Tires
Good brakes give you peace of mind that you'll be safe, especially when your bike is fully loaded. Both bikes have powerful hydraulic disc brakes. These work exceptionally well in bringing you to a halt and keeping you in control of your bike, even in the wet.
The Rad Power Bikes RadWagon™ 5's braking system provides smooth and reliable braking. However, the 4-piston hydraulic brakes on the Fiido T2 Longtail Cargo are superior. They are even more powerful, so they can cope with the bike's extra load-carrying capacity.
Tires make a difference to your riding experience. They considerably contribute to your bike's overall performance, efficiency, and handling characteristics.
Both bikes feature 20" wheels, which makes maneuvering more manageable than a bike with larger wheels. But the RadWagon™ 5's tires are 3.3" wide, while the Fiido T2's are 4". The T2's wider tires provide a larger contact patch with the ground, giving you more traction. They also allow you to confidently ride on loose surfaces like dirt, sand, and snow.
This doesn't mean that the RadWagon™ 5 has terrible traction. It's still an excellent choice for commuting and mellow off-road riding. But the wider tires of the Fiido T2 offer a little more versatility and security.
Conclusion: Fiido T2 Longtail Cargo E-bike Vs. The Rad Power Bikes RadWagon™ 5.
As you can see, both these bikes share a few similarities while offering unique advantages, depending on your needs. Both are great options for commuting and carrying cargo. However, the RadWagon has a more traditional frame design, while the Fiido T2 Ebikes is more utilitarian. This is complemented by its more powerful motor and longer range.
Before you decide which one to buy, carefully consider what you want from an electric cargo bike. It's best to assess your requirements, weigh the options, and select the electric cargo bike that best fits your needs and budget.
