Rad Power Bikes Is Back

Good News for Beach Riders - Rad Power Bikes Is Back and the RadRunner Plus Just Landed at Beach E Biking

If you've been waiting to get your hands on a Rad, the wait is over. Rad Power Bikes is building and shipping bikes again, and the first RadRunner Plus of this new chapter just rolled into our shop at the Redondo Pier. We've unboxed it, built it, and taken it out on The Strand, and we're happy to report it's every bit the bike Rad riders know and love.

We know some of you have had questions since the company's shake-up last year. Let's clear those up, then talk about why the RadRunner Plus is the one we keep recommending to beach riders.

So what happened with Rad Power Bikes?

Here's the short version. Rad hit a rough patch and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December 2025. Since then it has come out the other side under new ownership. In early 2026, the brand was purchased by Life Electric Vehicles (Life EV), and it's back to designing, building, and shipping bikes across the U.S. The Rad name, the lineup, and the bikes you already know are all still here.

Even better for the long run: the new owners have talked about bringing more of Rad's assembly to the United States. For a brand this well known in the e-bike world, that's an encouraging next chapter.

Are the bikes still the same quality?

Yes. The RadRunner Plus we just received is built on the same proven design and components that made Rad a household name for e-bikes. Same sturdy frame, same reliable motor and battery, same ride. New ownership didn't change what's good about the bike.

And here's the part that matters most for you: we service what we sell. We're an approved service center for Rad Power Bikes, so whether you buy from us or just need a tune-up, warranty help, or a repair, our team has you covered right here at the Pier. You're not ordering from a website and crossing your fingers. You've got a local shop a few pedal strokes from the bike path.

Side by Side Comparison: RadRunner v. RadRunner Plus

What Both Models Share

Rad Runner Plus

The good news is that the core ride is the same either way. Both bikes have a 750W rear hub motor, a 20 mph top speed (Class 2), five levels of pedal assist plus a half-twist throttle, and the same 624 Wh Safe Shield battery that is UL certified. Both use hydraulic disc brakes, 20" x 3.3" all-terrain tires, a full-color display with a USB-C charging port and passcode protection, an auto-on headlight with an ambient light sensor, and an IPX6 weather rating. Both also fit riders from 4'11" to 6'2".

Riding the Coast on a RadRunner Plus

The Plus is a natural fit for the South Bay. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs from Redondo Beach all the way up to Santa Monica, and the Plus's 7 gears, suspension, and big tires make the stretches of sand-dusted path and seams in the pavement more comfortable.

A few things worth knowing before you plan a long day:

• Range depends on how you ride. Rad's estimate runs from 17 to 55+ miles per charge. Higher assist levels, passengers, cargo, hills, and headwinds all shorten it. The 16-mile South Bay Loop is easy territory, while a full Santa Monica round trip is the kind of day where a second battery earns its keep.

• Passenger comfort is real. The elevated seat and footpegs are designed so a friend can ride along securely, as long as you stay within the 350 lb total payload.

• Weather is not a problem. An IPX6 rating means it can handle heavy water splashes. The hydraulic disc brakes are designed for all-weather stopping.

Why we recommend the RadRunner Plus over the RadRunner

Both are great bikes, but around here, the Plus is the one that keeps winning people over. It comes down to comfort and versatility for beach riding.

The standard RadRunner is a fantastic, no-frills utility bike. The RadRunner Plus takes that same foundation and adds the upgrades that make a real difference on The Strand bike path:

• 7-speed drivetrain, so the ride back up the hill from the beach is easy, not a workout
• Front suspension fork that smooths out bumps, boardwalk cracks, and curb cuts
• Full LCD display for your speed, battery, and assist level at a glance
• Front and rear fenders, because sand and puddles come with the territory
• Premium LED headlight and brake light for those sunset rides home
• The Passenger Package, standard: a padded rear seat and foot pegs so you can bring a friend along

That last one is the clincher for a lot of our customers. Whether it's date night along the coast or giving the kids a lift to the pier, the RadRunner Plus is built to carry two in comfort. It's a beach cruiser, errand-runner, and second seat all in one.

Rad Runner in Classic Blue

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the RadRunner Plus if you want to carry a passenger, ride hills or mixed surfaces, plan longer coastal days, or simply want everything included from day one.

Choose the standard RadRunner if you mostly ride solo on flat paved paths, want the lightest and simplest option, and prefer to add only a few accessories. It is also $300 less at Rad's current pricing.

Not sure? Come try one.

Our first RadRunner Plus shipment of 2026 is here now. We're steps from the bike path at the Redondo Beach Pier so you can test ride it on The Strand before you decide. Not many shops can say that.

Stop by Building 129 at the Pier Plaza, call us at 310-546-1078, or email info@beachebiking.com. Come see why the RadRunner Plus has become a favorite for riders up and down the South Bay.