![]() This let me throw it in the cargo compartment of our SUV and take it upstate to visit family - a huge plus. Weighing in at 65 pounds, it may not be lightweight, but it is on the less heavy side of the e-bike scale (many Dutch bike-style and larger cargo e-bikes weigh 15 or 20 pounds more). Plus, the compact overall dimensions and short handlebar height of just 45 inches made it easy to store in my Brooklyn apartment and usable by the whole family. And the 18-inch frame size (it’s about equivalent to a small or medium traditional bike) and low standover height of just 16.5 inches mean almost anyone can ride it (it fits people from 4 feet, 11 inches tall to 6 feet, 2 inches tall, according to Rad Power Bikes). The RadRunner 2 makes a ton of sense as a do-it-all utility bike for a city dweller, letting me easily haul everything from groceries to packages to backpacks. We did have to pay careful attention to the handlebars, however, which had to be carefully mounted so as not to tangle the cabling. The entire bike took approximately 45 minutes to assemble. The RadRunner 2 was delivered safely in protective packaging, and the detailed instructions and included tool kit made it fairly simple to attach the wheels, handlebars and pedals. As a city dweller, I cut my teeth on the now ubiquitous electric Citibike, and once I realized how effortless it was to use pedal assist, I wanted one of my very own. The extra power on tap can make even the most reluctant or hesitant rider feel capable of getting anywhere on two wheels - quick. ![]() Hopping on an electric bike for the first time - or any time, really - is a ton of fun, and even transformative. While the nature of lithium-ion batteries means they can be unpredictable, steps must be taken to address safety concerns.Your CNN account Log in to your CNN account A common safety framework is essential for the industry’s growth and reputation. Phil Molyneux, CEO of Rad Power Bikes, acknowledges that the electric bike industry has much to learn about safety, particularly from the automotive industry. The introduction of the federal E-BIKE Act would require UL certification for electric bikes to be eligible for tax credits. UL certification has become mandatory in New York City, and it is expected that other municipalities will follow suit. The company believes that smaller companies may be using cheaper technology and lower-quality manufacturing, compromising safety. Rad Power Bikes is leading the charge for higher-quality components and safety standards in the industry. These factors can trigger a chemical process called thermal runaway, which leads to difficult-to-extinguish fires. Contributing factors include the popularity of electric bikes among delivery workers, who often purchase cheaper and lower-quality models, as well as the use of incompatible chargers and charging bikes in apartment buildings. In New York City alone, there have been 92 fires and 10 deaths related to defective electric bike batteries. The increase in electric bike fires has highlighted the industry’s heavy reliance on cheap components, especially from China. Compliance with UL 2849 and UL 2271 will ensure the safety of electrical systems and lithium-ion batteries in electric bikes. Rad Power Bikes plans to release new models that comply with UL standards. UL Standards and Engagement, a nonprofit organization that develops safety standards, including those for electric bikes, has seen its voluntary standards become mandatory in New York City. Rad Power Bikes, the largest electric bike manufacturer in North America, has announced that it will only produce bikes that meet UL safety standards following a series of deadly fires associated with defective electric bike batteries.
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