Camping With Electric Bikes! Our New Favorite RV Accessory | RV Lifestyle
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 29 авг 2024
- After a lot of consideration, Jennifer and I finally got E-Bikes. For some time, Rad Power Bikes (radpowerbikes.com) have been a sponsor on our RV podcast. We figured we really needed to try them so we knew what we were talking about. Besides, we are seeing more and more in campgrounds and the RVers we talked to have been raving about how much fun they are having with their E-Bikes.
Mike got the Rad City commuter bike and liked it so much, that he bought a step-through version of the same model for Jennifer. We promised that we'd show them in action and give you our thoughts. Here's the video that does just that! Needless to say, we plan to bring them on all our RV travels. And if you see us out there, we'll happily give you a test ride if you ask! They are a lot of fun!
SUBSCRIBE to our Channel to Get More RV Travel Videos and Tips: www.youtube.co...
See our LookBook of products we use in our RUclips videos - roadtreking.com...
To see master lists of all the products, apps, gadgets and gizmos that we mention on the blog, podcast or here on the RV Lifestyle Channel, go to roadtreking.com... We update the lists regularly as we try or hear about new stuff of interest to RVers.
Don't forget to like us on Facebook:
/ roadtreking
Join the Roadtreking community on Facebook:
/ roadtreking
Follow us on Twitter:
/ roadtreking
Watch More:
RV Tips & How-To's: • RV Tips & How-Tos
Best RV Trips: • Best RV Trips
How We Roll: • How We Roll in our RV
We're journalists Mike and Jennifer Wendland, and we travel the country in an RV doing RV travel videos about the RV Lifestyle. Please subscribe to our channel for more RV Lifestyle videos! We like to virtually take you with us and regularly do lIve reports from our RV travels and also post new RV videos a couple times a week. Pleas subscribe so you'll know when there's new content here.
DISCLAIMER: We often review or link to products & services we regularly use and think you might find helpful. To support the channel, we use Affiliate links wherever possible, which means if you click one of the links in this video or description and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation. Thanks for the support!
![Camping with an E-bike! [ Himiway D5 ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HmJ6ZWmSo6Y/mqdefault.jpg)
I've had the RadRover for 2 years now and have been from Washington state to Key West and many points in between and love it. I have C.O.P.D. and am able to explore all the parks and places I go with it. It give me exercise and if I get tired, I know I' m able to make it back to camp.
Liberating for certain. I'm not a copd sufferer, however, the ebike opens doors that haven't been budged since childhood! I am glad you found an ebike. I really do understand the benefits. Just like yourself! Bike on, Bill!
For those who don't or can't lift the bikes, a dirt bike rack with a ramp from the side works. I got one and I love it.
My wife and I both have Radmini ebikes. We also Rv with them. When folded they fit in the storage bay of our travel trailer. They also fit in the back seat of our pickup truck. Then we can drive to trails and pull out the bikes and just ride.
We just purchased a foldable electric bike for my wife, and we took it in to an excellent bike shop where they adjusted our seat and handlebar position - both very important. In a couple of your pictures it looked as though the saddles should be adjusted to point about the same angle DOWN as they are now set UP. Also as you were riding your knees should be nearly straight at the bottom of each stroke - you would need to raise the seat to achieve that. Happy peddling - we like your videos and find them very helpful! There are some excellent YT videos on the importance of good seat adjustment.
One tip for putting the bikes on the rack, Most people will try and lift the entire bike, Place the front tire on first and then you can use the leverage of the bike to life the rear tire into place. might make things easier. The bikes look like great fun!!
Wes Clay hi, just to say there is no ‘right way’ to have the height of your seat - even famous pro riders have what might be considered ‘too low’ seat height or ‘too high’.
I agree, the bike closest to the vehicle is more difficult to put on the rack. My Radwagon goes on the back rack. It's an easy task, if you pick up the front wheel first, put it in the slot, leaving the rear wheel on the ground. The front wheel pivots so you're not placing any stress on the front wheel at this point. Then, you get into position and lift the rear wheel and place it into the carrier slot. The Radwagon is the heaviest of all the Rad bikes, but I have managed by using this method, to load it by myself. Note: I have wires in my chest, from a triple bypass, 2 years ago. These bikes are great for cardio exercise in the pedal assist mode. Thanks for sharing.
The key is taking the hook supports off the vertical rack and laying the center post flat to load on.
There is a very active Rad Power Bike community on Facebook...thousands of members. Rad bikes are a great value and a blast!
I bought two of the fat tire version for exploring when camping. We go in loose sand and very rocky trails and I am amazed at how well the bike and tires are holding up on the rough terrain. We go exploring on trails that I would not be able to do without the Rad Power Bikes just because I would tire out to soon. We will go on rides up to 20 miles round trip we always pedal some so have plenty of battery left in reserve. I bought mine on special 200 dollars off if you bought a pair. Great investment Love them.
My husband and I both have the gray city commuter style bikes. We love the RAD bikes. If I could buy again, I would buy the step through bike -- it would just be easier to get on and off! We live near Sleeping Bear Dunes and LOVE the paved bike trails throughout the park. Our knees would not be able to take pedaling a normal bike, and so, the pedal assist allows us to enjoy the trails without pain. We added fatter seats, water bottle holders and cargo bags (for bike locks, wallet, camera, snacks, phone, etc.). Funny thing, though, these bikes always seem to find a restaurant at the halfway point of our trips!
Price and weight?
$1500 each - about 65 pounds
Marlene Robinson 4
I have had many different brands of ebikes over the years and they are the "bees-knees" for scouting the area, running errands and checking out taht potential boondock site before you actually take your big rig down that iffy road. Get one if you can.
I'm not a RV'er but my 19" RadCity arrived yesterday. There is still ice on the ground here in Minnesota, but this weekend looks to be in the 50's. I really liked your review and I'm sure the folks at Rad Power Bikes appreciate it as well.
Mike, I have the same Hollywood rack, awesome rack! When loading your electric bike, try putting ONLY the front wheel in first.. When the front wheel is in the loop, then lift the rear wheel in the loop. That way you're only lifting 30lbs at a time. This works in the front rack as well, then load the rear bike. My Prodeco ebikes weigh the same at about 60lbs each, and both front and rear loopsets on the Hollywood rack are easy to load by myself, one wheel at a time. We love our ebikes, you can go so many more places.
Angela, The advantages of E Bikes are many. The bikes typically have 3 different options. Peddle, peddle assist and straight motor. I have the Rad Rover and absolutely love it. I take it on the back of my motorhome when traveling . In the mountain trails, the motor helps you climb with fantastic tork. I have taken mine on the beach many times and the motor helps so you dont get tired as quickly. Its great for sightseeing and avoiding traffic. The motor well help you get home at the end of the day if your tired. You still get all the exercise you want. I added pannier bags to mine and take it grocery shoppong and leave the motorhome parked back in a safe place. You will actually look forward to riding it. Just get a good lock. Avoid cable locks. I added an alarm to mine for about 25 bucks.
Good review. By the way, it would be a lot easier on your legs if you raised the seat to where there is just a little bend in your knee when the pedal is at the bottom.
Great video. You may want to look into getting a small ramp for putting the bike on the rack. They seem very helpful.
My RadRover Fat bike will be here in 2 days =))
How do you like it?
I just got my Rad step thru yesterday and am planning to take it with me when I take my RV out west. I live full time in Florida, but travel out west nearly every year. I got the pedal assist so I can go up mountains if I need to and I was so happy with how it crossed one of our high bridges without any effort. Like you, I am not looking forward to hefting my new heavy bike up onto my old fashion rack. (not the same one you got.) That, I haven't even tried yet, but it will be a must. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I ordered two Radcity stepthru bikes last week, wife and I can't wait to take them on our getaway next month .
👍Your bikes are awesome! Thanks for sharing the review. I love how active you guys are. 🤗💞🤗
Aregge camping Switzerland
My wife and purchased a Pair of Magnum folding bikes. They work great for Rving.
We absolutely love our Rad Power Bikes! We both have the City Step Through, which allows us to get on even when we have a bag or cooler in the back basket. We’ve taken them to the Keys, Flagler Beach, and love riding at Ft. Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach. Hopefully we’ll see you on the road sometime. We have a 30 amp plug in at our place if you ever need to spend a night on the road. We are five miles from I-75 just south of Gainesville, FL.
Fat tyres...heavy duty pedalling over any distance, and a look at the tread or lack of it, says you made the right choice for general purpose use? Tip for the riding, if you want try it, for any distance pedalling, it is worth cranking the saddle height up to as much as you can stand, and just be able to tiptoe when standing. Why? Because you get more pedal effort for less hard work. You want your leg almost straight, and make effort to ensure the ball of your foot is the pressure point. Better exercise, more miles, less tiring! Thank you both for sharing the ebike experience though, wish you well on your travels. PS do you get teased as I have for having extensive mudguarding? It's just too sensible for some people. The ones with a big long muddy streak up their back and over their heads and down their faces, you will know them when you see them...!
WOW crazy thing we just ordered 2 rad city stepthrough bikes because we camp in Perdido or Gulfshores and we love to ride Pensacola to Navarre. You know the problem its a trek so just like you we will enjoy the nice long beautiful ride and make it back, head wind or not. Enjoy, hope to see yall there.
The rad bikes is what I call a perfect complete dream bike, nice reliable sturdy design.
Perfect couple! Enjoy your new bikes!
We just got our new Uberscoots. Weight is also an issue with them. They weigh about 70 pounds without the battery. But the smaller size attracted us.
Love the RAD, I know they are heavy. Only if you had someone who could lift one end for you...OH WAIT! I noticed Jennifer was no where to be found.
I've looked into the Rad bikes, and I'm so happy with your review. I may order one soon.
Thank you for the good quality video and good information. I bought my Radmini just over a year ago and still enjoying the fat tire and folding ability. The bike is about 60lbs with the battery. While the eBike solution is perfect for all ages, its especially useful for people that prefer to have pedal assist to help flatten the hills and give you the confidence to keep going and still have the ability to use 100% power if in case you get too tired. My question for you two is how do you secure the bikes at the park for your overnight stays? Cheers!
I recently purchased a RadCity bike and am VERY HAPPY WITH THE BIKE but not so enthused with their customer service. They do not (and have not for months) had any baskets to attach to those nice built in racks! Without the basket the rack is not nearly as useful. When I asked them when they might expect them back in stock they gave me the run around and told me to sign up for the newsletter so I would know when they had them again. Not my cup of tea, reading endless spam in hopes that someday they will get them back in stock, I thanked the very nice customer service guy but he couldn't let it go. He actually called me to explain why "We can't bend to every customers whim." All I wanted was a ballpark when they expected their shipment from China (like everyone else, it's all made in China) so I could decide if I should just look for something else. I would much rather use the baskets built for my bike, but... p.s. they aren't the only one's that are out of stock on the baskets from China, Ariel Rider (my wife's bike) is also waiting on baskets and racks from China, 3 months so far waiting on the rack ordered with her bike.
Yes, we also want the baskets and have been waiting since January!
Just a tip...Put a cloth or another piece of foam under the arm that pushes down on your bike frame top bar, as I have that platform bike carrier and the foam wore out real fast and now my bike has missing paint in that spot. BTW..Nice bike and great info
Great video. I have an electric Tern folder that has a 50 mile range and I love it!
I'm so glad you got the traditional men's bike, but nice bikes.
Check out Rocky Mounts Backstage Swing Away Rack. We use it with 2 e-bikes on Roadtrek and they swing to the side and you can open both doors.
I am looking to by the Rocky Mounts backstage swing away but I read the maximum weight ( my two mini are 8 pounds over the weight limit. ( with the batteries on) what do you do?
@@mstauter59 it is not recommended to leave battery on bike while transporting on rack and most ebike batteries weigh around 7-8 lbs. Problem solved.
Check out the one up hitch bikes....excellent and light weight
Thanks, I am shopping for one so your video was helpful.
Thule has an ebike carrier with a ramp, Easyfold hitch ramp. I bought it for my heavy cruiser pedal bike which was too much for me to lift alone. Now, I’m looking at ebikes. I did buy the Rackattach swing arm so we can open the rear doors of the sprinter. Neither is cheap but we are pleased with both. Now I’m looking for a bike cover for the rack if I travel with ebikes.
I hope there manufactured and assembled in the USA? If not, that will be the future I Promise!
Thank you for your great review of these bikes. You convinced my husband and two bikes are on their way. My question is how do you secure your bikes while out rving? Do you always secure them on the rack at your campsite? What lock do you use when out site seeing? Thank you for your videos as we enjoy them immensely!
That’s RAD man ! You guys a great ! Go go go
This is great. I've always thought I would like to have an electric bike to go with my RV.
Not sure you’ll see this but I’m seriously considering the RadMini Folding Fat Bike. Since you have used the LTV Wonder RTB, I was curious if you thought the garage storage could hold two of these folding bikes? I so enjoy your videos, primarily because we are about the same ages and I prefer your take on things as opposed to some of the younger RUclipsrs (even though I think I’m subscribed to all of them). You have been extremely helpful as I begin planning my retirement.
Although this video is old, Great for my purpose. I know you must know that E- bikes are becoming more and more popular especially in RV community, but uall were ahead of the game 😉 sooner then most looks like or just us lol. I would be interested in a follow up on how you feel about this ebike now compared to some of the bikes that are in that price range or even lower now. Pros and Cons and if you've looked at any of the newer ones now, If it's had mechanical issues, yet how was it to get it fix because my understanding is there are propriety issues regarding regular bike shops or even E bike shops not being able get parts and fix these items on the bikes, unless it's a big name. How has this one that you have held up. Since this topic is getting so much attention I feel in our community, I'm sure a follow-up video wouldn't be a wasted video just for me lol. Thanks much !
Well done video. You must be professionals in public speaking and video making. The Rad does seem like a good buy.
Have recharged your batteries from the Roadtrek?
I'm waiting for the Brompton folding electric bike to become available in the USA next year. I think folding is the way to go - just carry it with you (folded) at your destination.
How do you recharge your electric bikes when boondocking?
Look at 1-up hitch carriers- much better quality - heavy duty & easily accommodate heavier ebikes
Did you end up getting the extension bar on the hitch, to swing the bikes out to the side? Also, do you by chance have a link to the one you mentioned/picked up? Thanks so much!!! Great video!!!
Go to " dicount ramps " they have an aluminum dual hauler 600#cap. for 2 motorcycles 260 bucks. Even comes with a ramp and does double duty for our dual sport motorcycles.So its a little overkill for ebikes but that can be good in my book.
That is what I have for my radrover and it works great!
Good review...Thank you...Have a blessed day..
I’m curious about driving in the rain with those bikes on the back. Seems the swirling water from the road could damage the electronics even when covered.
You answered my big question - how much do they weigh? Just looking at them, I thought they were 60-70 pounds. That’s out of the question for us, unfortunately. We have a Travato with the factory bike rack and we would have to lift them up to the window height. Ha ha Ha ha ha - ain’t gonna happen! We’re both in our 70s. My husband is 6‘2“, so he has an easier time, but when REI reopens, we’ll pay the extra money, get expert advice and assembly, and buy one of their ~32# ebikes.
But thanks for the review.
Well done review! Just enough info and good length.
And the prices are good too in my opinion these bikes have it all and I would have bought one emidiatly if I didn't live in Sweden.
We got 2 Lectric ebikes for van camping...ebikes are a real game changer, aren't they? Could you tell us about the swing arm you're looking at for the bike rack? Thanks!
Hey Mike. I’ve been looking at the Rad Rovers for us. We also have a Sprinter based RV. My question is about the Hollywood rack: Are you able to open the rear doors wit the rack mounted but not loaded with the bikes? Thanks so much. We love you channel.
The biggest issue with ebikes is the battery. You get ~1000 recharges from a high end battery before it needs to be replaced. Most will last about 2 years. Rad replacement batteries are $550.00. Just make sure you are aware of the true cost of ownership with ebikes. I like to keep my gear a long time and cost of ownership over the years is too high for me.
I want one, my husband is younger than me and huge bike rider, he leaves me in the dust and it is very discouraging to me.. I want to get in better shape but with the knee and back issues I just can’t keep up and need to go slower. I told him about these and he was against it. I’m thinking I will be getting one anyway, and he will be pleased I can keep up.
I have a rad bike and you'll do just fine. Just start out easy till you get used to the different levels of pedal assist but it even has a twist grip throttle if you don't want to pedal at all.
@@mikeb1039 I have radrover and no roadie can stay with me! Nor can they stay with rad city at a constant 25mph.
Do you now have to leave your e-bikes at home now that you have acquired an LTV Wonder RTB? I have not found a way to carry 2 e-bikes (RadPower bikes) on a Wonder.
Where did you take the video? The white sand is beautiful and it's nice to see a designated bike lane.
Loved your video!! My father is trying to get one ( he’s 80 years old) how old are you guys? ( roughly?) just curious if it’s still like ... ( safe for 80 years old?)
I purchased the Rocky Mount e bike rack. It swings away to open the rear doors!
I'm sold.
How are the seats? are they comfortable for a 20 mile trip? I have a Prodeco tech e-bike. had to change the seat.
I have tried three different seat options, but I call them all six-mile seats. I start to get a bit sore at that point. It does help if you take breaks along the way.
I want a camper van with three electric bike charging with solar. One for my wife, daughter, and myself🙂
We just bought an e bike to take on our RV trips also. I'm looking at the same hollywood rack. it looks like its good but the simple Velco straps seem to be not very secure as a secondary safety measure. what do you think? most other racks have a more robust wheel strap.Thanks
please show how you tie up your step through bike with the hitch rack? thank you !!
Did i miss the part about charging...especially because they're camping?
Not in Alabama, you have to have an endorsement m on your license if you riding anything motorized eletric also
Great info y'all. Very nice.
Great Review! I was interested in Rad but decided on PIM Electric Bicycle, also based out of Seattle. Wanted the better components for the same price or less. I am looking for a better bike rack. Noticed you have the Hollywood on your B-van. How do you like it?
Thanks!
How do you mount 2 Rad Step-thru e-bikes bikes efficiently on the Hollywood bike rack behind the Chevy Roadtrek popular 210 with the rear spare wheel assembly in the way??
Camping with ebikes? Please tell us how you charge the batteries when you're not pluged in.
at least 220 ah batteries, at least a 300 watt invertor, at least a150 watt solar panel and plenty of sun, charging 2 batteries often could require more of all of the above especially if you want to charge the 2 batteries at the same time.
@@Peakwanderer 1600 watt generator.
For the price of those bikes you could get a nice used Honda motorbike that will last without a breakdown till the day you die.
A motorcycle defeat the purpose getting exercise.also an ebike ,the noise level is low so you hear your surroundings better and can carry a conversation easily while commuting.
I would recommend renting a electric 🚲.its a whole different experience
I sold my motorcycle and got ebike and love it. No registering or insurance.
Love my radrover!
Dop you still ride the ebikes?
Hmm..., I'm gonna have to try out one of those things. I assume there are places around somewhere where you can rent them?
I've never seen a rental place in any of our travels
Been eyeing Rad for when I hit the road later this year. Active owners group on fb is here facebook.com/groups/radpowerowners/ Rad's only store is in Seattle. But a recent fb post mentioned this independent shop in Newport Beach that has some rentals - www.sportsrentsonline.com/bicycle_rentals/electric_bikes -- likely there are others somewhere.
Only Seattle area unless someone else has very recently started renting them.
OK... that might help me convince Lynn to look into those. Glad you love them. Did you ever get the inflatable kayak you were thinking about? I’ve gone through 4 boats in 4 years trying to find the best RV boat and our new favorite RV toys are BOTE inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards. I bet you both would love them. Here’s a video of us interacting with manatees a little south of you on our new fun “things”. ruclips.net/video/mJ8ldu3m5xw/видео.html BTW a lot of the footage was shot with my iPhone X standing up. I know you were trying to justify that lately and I believe I heard you upgraded too. Geez, it’s strange how much digital family members know about each other isn’t it. See, I told you... you both are always on our radios as we travel down the road. Great looking bikes! Owen and Lynn
Your seat heights are too low, if you sit on the bike, put tour heel on the front of the pedal, when the pedal is at the bottom, with your leg straight, that’s the correct seat height, nice video.
Great video I go wild camping mostly and spend about 6 months on a trip how do you recharge when off-grid?
A small 750 watt, at most, inverter works fine, pure sine wave NOT required, the cheaper mod sine wave ones work great. For a bit more money you can source a direct DC to DC voltage converter, which will take the RV's 12 VDC and convert it up to the required ebike's charging voltage. It will do this at a greater efficiency (DC to DC) then a AC converter taking the DC from the RV battery, making AC, to run the AC charger, which then produces DC!
Do you accumulate a lot of road dirt with them on the back of your van?
I have the RAD mini and the Hollywood rack too. what is the extension arm you are talking about that will "swing away" and allow you to open the rear doors? thanks.
I saw this swing away exte tion on a friend's van and plan to add it to mine - bit.ly/2CFN0XB
Maribeth P We have one made by Wilco in Southern California but there are others.
I think you may be talking the swing away arm that brings the entire assembly out and away from the vehicle. It swings out like a door. I've seen them but don't know where you can get them. The Hollywood rack has a pivot point, where you pull a pin and the rack drops down, towards you and closer to the ground, as shown in the video. I've used this a couple times with my Tahoe, but not with the truck. I suggest two people when doing this operation.
You guys are in Navarre!
build a light weight strong - ramp - and roll them into RV
That price is outstanding! 😆
Animals Animals , that remark makes me wonder where your values are, seem ridiculously high, and a ripp-off to me.
Rad doesn't ship to Hawaii.
How do you carry your Rads on you Unity FX?
Adjust your seats so that they are level and then you can raise them a bit. The way that you have them now is just wrong.
I got my new basket! (finally)
Great! We need a couple on ours!
Right! I remembered you were waiting also, so thought I should let you know they are IN STOCK! ;) @@RVLifestyle
Other than having hub-motors, nice bikes. It was just like when you were a kid once you got on and started peddling an ebike wasn't it? If money isn't a big problem I suggest you get BaFang 750w center-drives and a pair of Rohloff Speed-hubs. You will need to learn how to shift through the gears but the torque to way better not using a hub-drive. So much easier to ride and with common sense will last forever. You are talking an upgrade of over $2K per bike but well worth it. A dynamo hub or two would keep the cameras, cells, GPS, and subsequent power pack charged as you ride. Some panniers and a couple hammocks or air mattresses. All this will allow you to park and secure the RV and take some longer rides and overnighters. Nights under the stars. The more you guys travel the more nights out on the bikes. Stay safe.
None of my business, but you both have your seats way too low.
How much are you getting paid to do this basic commercial?
Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life no man comes to the father except by me John 14:6
Someone should invent a bike to charge our RV battery
So what is the benefit of an electric bike? Biking is a dual tool, transportation and exercise. I am missing the purpose other than it's something new. Thanks for the expected response.
Guess if you don't see the benefit, nothing I can say will convince you. It IS transportation and it IS exercise (albeit less than if you have no assist).
They allow you to go longer distances and traverse roads with bigger hills that you would probably not do if you had a regular peddle bike. Remember, as you get older, those little hills don't seem so little anymore. I know my wife and I have turned around on rides because there were just to many hills and they wore us out. If we had electric assist bikes, we could have went much further. Hope that helps.
Angela Williams we are the largest electric bike shop on the West Coast our shop slogan is fun and freedom the biggest Demographic of people that come into our store are baby boomers and for them riding an electric bike is like finding the fountain of youth you should see the smile on their face when They come around the backside of the building after a test ride every single time
Electric bikes are for those that are close to giving up, but haven't quite given up yet!!! lol Basically a ridiculous expense.
I don't agree. I am an avid cyclist and there are many hills where I live. The electric bike allows me to bike further and faster. I have no intention of giving up. This is just more fun.
Nice commercial.
I have an electric donkey 🧐🤨😋
Old folks bikes! I wouldn't be caught dead riding one of these. There are so many better ebikes out there that are in the same price range.
You ride along in that thing and don't move a muscle and then you're too freaking lazy to ride a normal bike???