Ultimate urban electric bicycle: RadMini

The ultimate urban electric bicycle needs to be tough, compact and ready to haul cargo – tasks the new RadMini is built to handle with ease.

If the Brompton is a Morris Minor, the RadMini is the Hummer of folding bicycles. Fitted as standard, 4”-wide, all-terrain tyres more than soak up potholes, a folding frame makes multi-modal travel a breeze and heavy duty front and rear cargo racks put both Morrisons, and Morocco, within reach. With the bike fully laden with 50kg of cargo, powerful 180mm front and 160mm rear disk brakes with automatic power shutoff, stop you easily and shut off power to the motor even if the throttle is accidentally applied.

So what’s the rub? Well at around £1,000, it’s certainly not the price, but unfortunately for commuters in Britain who fancy trading their car for this tough and stylish cargo bike, its 750 watt 48 volt power system falls foul of current law that defines electric bicycles. It’s a ludicrous situation because the Radmini tops out at 20mph – a speed easily attained by a cyclist on a conventional road bike.

Radmini: Ready to ride

Unlike most bicycles on sale today, the Radmini comes equipped with a set of lights. The LED headlight runs directly from the battery pack and is controlled via a switch on the handlebars.

A large LCD screen on the handlebars displays battery charge, distance travelled, power consumption, and speed. Two USB charging ports allow you to charge your portable electronics while on the go.

radpowerbikes.com

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.

Up to 250W covered

When you compare cycle insurance for your electric bicycle, it is vitally important to check the small print. Almost every single pedelec or electric bicycle sold and in use in Britain today is rated at 250 W. However, some cycle insurers do not cover bikes over 200 W. Cycle insurance from the ETA extends its definition of a cycle to include any mechanically or electronically-assisted bicycle weighing less than 60 kg and with an output not exceeding 250 W /15.5 mph.

Battery theft

If the battery for your electric bicycle is secured with a key (as most are), or requires any type of tool to remove, then it is covered against theft by our cycle insurance policy. Get a quote

Utility bike folders

The term city friendly cargo bike can seem like an oxymoron. If you live in a dense urban environment, chances are you could find a use for full-size cargo bike and yet it’s unlikely you will have storage facilities for a trike.

The Cargo Node is a collaboration between folder specialists Tern and cargo bike gurus Extrabike that offers the prospect of car-free city living to a new audience. With the ability to carry a payload of 160 kg, big wheels and robust rear carrier, it’s a cargo bike in every sense and yet it folds down to one third of its size in only ten seconds.

The cargo bike fits inside a lift, car boot and can be carried into a flat on aboard a train without difficulty.

The cargo bike that folds..

The Tern Cargo Node will sell for the equivalent of £1,200 in America when it goes on sale next year. Prices in Britain have yet to be confirmed.