Lectric XP Trike vs. Rad Power Bikes RadTrike

Range Test Results:

Based on the higher battery capacity of the Lectric XP Trike (672 Wh vs 480 Wh), we anticipated that its range would exceed that of the Rad Power Bikes trike, but our results were not so simple.

Our Range Test evaluated the mileage and motor/battery efficiency of the XP Trike and the RadTrike. We rode each tricycle on our network of local bike paths until their batteries expired. A high-power (PAS 5) test yielded their minimum range, while a second low-power (PAS 1-2) test showed their maximum range potential.

In PAS 5, the XP Trike was able to surpass the RadTrike by a margin of nearly 15 miles; its success was likely due to the speed limitations of its Beginner Mode. As the XP Trike ships, its maximum speed is limited to 12 mph (users can unlock it to 14 mph later), thereby reducing the amount of power drawn from its battery.

The RadTrike’s higher speed (14 mph) and its motor’s higher nominal wattage likely reduced its range. Considering the magnitude of difference, however, we expect the XP Trike would still likely surpass the RadTrike had we tested it in its normal riding mode.

In the low-assist test, the RadTrike kept moving after the XP Trike ran out of steam, though the difference was only a few miles. Considering that the RadTrike is heavier and possesses both a more powerful motor and a smaller battery – and that the 5-6 mph speed of both trikes was similar – the Rad Power model proved to have better overall efficiency.

When speaking with current trike owners, we have found that most users tend to ride for distances of 10-12 miles at a time. As such, we consider both models to have a practical range for a variety of uses, be those leisure, errand-running, or exercise.

Ultimately, both trikes performed similarly when using their low assist settings, but a greater difference appeared when traveling at higher speeds. We expect that the difference would be less extreme with the XP Trike unlocked to its 14 mph maximum, but its results suggest that riding in Beginner Mode has the advantage of extending its mileage.

We expect most riders will operate their trike at higher assist levels. Therefore, the greater difference in results between max PAS tests takes precedence over the smaller difference between low-assist results. With its ability to travel longer distances at higher assist levels, we consider the XP Trike to be the most practical option for those needing the most range.

Lectric cleverly mounted a 500W hub motor between the XP Trike’s wheels, giving its ride a more natural and balanced feel.

A 750W front-hub motor gives the RadTrike a peppy but controlled feel, with a sense of being pulled forward.

Hill Test Results:

The XP Trike and the RadTrike both performed well in our Hill Test, with Lectric’s model proving slightly faster in the throttle test and Rad’s taking the lead in the pedal test. We tested both trikes at our standard location called Hell Hole Trail, where the paved path has a steep average grade of 12% over a third of a mile.

For this test, we unlocked the XP Trike to its full potential outside of the Beginner Mode it ships in; this increased its maximum speed from 12 mph to 14 mph.

This test highlighted two key differences between the trikes’ motors. The RadTrike uses a 750W front-hub motor while the XP Trike is equipped with a 500W hub motor mounted between the rear wheels.

At face value, the RadTrike’s motor appears more powerful, but it does not peak above its stated wattage. The Lectric’s motor reaches up to 1092 watts, giving it an edge in climbing power when relying solely on the throttle.

In the pedal test, the combination of our tester’s effort and the RadTrike’s 85 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque proved more effective than the 65 Nm from the XP Trike’s motor.

Ultimately, the difference of less than 10 seconds between both trikes in this test shows that each is a successful climber. We also tested the cargo-hauling capability of both trikes with their racks carrying their maximum capacity and found both models able to power uphill confidently under load. As such, we consider both to be equal in climbing ability.

In our brake test section above, we discussed the XP Trike’s hydraulic disc brake system and the RadTrike’s mechanical disc/coaster system; we preferred the XP Trike’s familiar feel and the included dual parking brakes, but riders used to coaster brakes may prefer the Rad.

As indicated by the results of our Range Test section above, the XP’s smaller 500W motor and larger 672 Wh battery showed better performance when moving at higher speeds than the Rad’s larger 750W motor and smaller 480 Wh battery.

We also preferred the slightly more natural feel of the XP Trike’s 500W motor; its placement between the rear wheels felt similar to a mid-drive, as opposed to the pulled-from-the-front feel of the RadTrike’s 750W front hub. This preference was minimal, however, as the trike’s power levels felt similar enough despite their differences in nominal wattage.

Similarly, the XP Trike’s motor resulted in better traction. While it did not affect the ride most of the time, the Rad’s front-hub motor could cause its front wheel to spin out. The Lectric’s central motor placement kept its weight balanced, and with a differential axle allowing both rear wheels to get power, the XP Trike had slightly better grip.

The RadTrike scored a win over the XP when looking at its drivetrain. While both trikes have single-speed drivetrains, the Rad uses a 42T chainring that does not ghost pedal as quickly as the smaller 36T chainring of the Lectric. This kept our pedaling active and engaged at higher speeds.

There were tradeoffs between the tire size of each model. On the one hand, the RadTrike’s smaller 18×2.25” tires helped the tricycle sit lower and feel more stable and balanced, but the impact of bumps was more pronounced. The XP Trike’s 20×2.6” tires felt more comfortable on bumps but raised its center of gravity and slightly reduced its stability.

The XP Trike’s knobby tires also grant it greater flexibility in where it can be ridden. While the RadTrike’s smooth street tires are well-suited to the vehicle’s role, the Lectric’s textured tread pattern allows it to ride on smooth, easy, multi-use trails in addition to paved surfaces.

We liked the RadTrike’s overall cockpit layout and feel – and the inclusion of a reverse throttle option – though it lost some points in our eyes due to the absence of a standard display with a speedometer. The XP’s display was basic but functional, and we appreciated the modulated control over throttle speed through the trike’s pedal assist system.

Another of the XP’s features we found appealing was its ability to quickly fold and become more compact for storage or transport. The RadTrike’s frame can split in half, but doing so requires tools and additional time, whereas Lectric’s folding frame can be broken down in seconds.

The XP Trike also has a slight edge in terms of carrying capacity. The two models share the same total payload capacity of 415 lbs, but the XP Trike can carry 15 pounds of additional cargo on its optional rear rack and five additional pounds on its optional front rack when compared to the Rad.

Overall, while we found much to appreciate about the RadTrike—and found some of its features (like the reverse throttle) more ideal—we feel that the XP Trike comes slightly better equipped.