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What I learned a year after buying my first electric bike (RadRunner 1)

Last year CNET’s Logan Moy bought his first e-bike. After trying a handful of others and investing in some upgrades, he goes over what he added to it and some costly lessons he learned along the way. You can buy the products featured in this video here… RadRunner 1: Suntour SP12 NCX: Sunlite Cloud-9 saddle:…

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Last year CNET’s Logan Moy bought his first e-bike. After trying a handful of others and investing in some upgrades, he goes over what he added to it and some costly lessons he learned along the way.

You can buy the products featured in this video here…
RadRunner 1:
Suntour SP12 NCX:
Sunlite Cloud-9 saddle:
Hoobbii Rear Bike Basket:
Slime 1004 Tube Repair Sealant:
RadRunner Full Fenders:
Hollywood Racks Sport Rider Ebike Hitch Rack:
*CNET may get a commission from these offers.

What I learned from buying and riding my first electric bike:

More e-bike videos:

Follow @LoganMoy on Twitter:

0:00 – Intro
0:31 – RadRunner 1 + upgrades
1:30 – Lessons learned
3:45 – How I ride e-bikes
4:16 – Hitch rack

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119 Comments

119 Comments

  1. Logan Moy

    June 10, 2021 at 4:02 pm

    Thanks for watching! What else should I put in my emergency repair kit? Let me know!

    • Logan Moy

      June 10, 2021 at 5:51 pm

      @Jamel Deloach Ah whoops. I’ll add one now.

    • Logan Moy

      June 10, 2021 at 5:53 pm

      @cavemanvi What’s wrong with it? Has literally kept my tires full of air for months now despite how many thorns I continue to pull out of them. Plus, it’s not the tires that are the issue, it’s the inner tubes.

    • cavemanvi

      June 10, 2021 at 5:53 pm

      also hollywood racks are janky. for $800 id take my wheels off every big trip. its not at all a hassle to fold seats take tires off vs $800

    • Logan Moy

      June 10, 2021 at 6:11 pm

      @cavemanvi doesn’t seem janky to me, an actual user of one. I was doing exactly what you suggested for a while and actually damaged the bike and my car a bit. Having the rack has been way more convenient. And it’s $500, not $800. The hitch installation was $300 and that has more use than just the bike rack. No arguing it’s costly, but to me it was worth it. To each their own I suppose.

    • Funk Daddy

      June 10, 2021 at 9:03 pm

      You should add a Glock to your emergency kit

    • Adam Tomlinson

      June 11, 2021 at 2:00 am

      Small pen flashlight for the emergency kit.

    • Firikka

      June 11, 2021 at 10:08 am

      Bottled water (usually expires in 1-2 years) and small snacks that wont’t expire in a short amount of time in room temperatures. Also, some small first aid kit ***when*** you hurt yourself eventually.

    • Paul Osborne

      June 11, 2021 at 6:06 pm

      Logan Moy slime is only useful for pin prick punctures and it adds weight.. Use an old innertube cut it and use for a extra layer instead. Also in your emergency pack carry zip ties plus electrical tape.. Also on the controller there’s 2 wires coming out of the unit unconnect and this will derestrict the bike and makes it faster.

    • Logan Moy

      June 11, 2021 at 10:15 pm

      @Paul Osborne there’s no way 6 oz of slime weighs more than an extra layer of tube. Plus, that’s why there’s a motor. 🙂

    • Simon L

      June 11, 2021 at 11:49 pm

      headlamp, it’s much more practical than a flashlight and it will save you a lot of frustration when in needed.

    • So Cal Joe

      June 12, 2021 at 3:24 pm

      This isn’t an “emergency kit” as much as something one should carry on all rides, not just on long rides

    • Shamyr Taylor

      June 12, 2021 at 3:41 pm

      I was not aware of inner tube slime until watching this video and will check that out. 😎

      Personally I have always carried the traditional compact patch kit with the rubber patches and adhesive for emergency tube repair.

      Also consider adding a compact battery bank and phone charging cables to your kit. Nothing worse than being stranded with no power to charge your phone 😒

    • Brian MacKay

      June 13, 2021 at 12:37 am

      A folding baton, good for repelling dogs and some idiots in cars.

  2. SecretOfMonkeyIsland

    June 10, 2021 at 4:32 pm

    When you have to start adding weight to the bike for a emergency kit I’d start questioning if it’s worth just taking a motorbike or a car instead. Bikes are suppose to be light to cycle them and this extra stuff goes against that ethos, if it’s just for transport and not exercise take a moped or motorbike.

  3. nooboobtoob

    June 10, 2021 at 4:32 pm

    Maybe add a patch kit to that emergency kit

  4. jair romero

    June 10, 2021 at 4:50 pm

    Add a flashlight

  5. W4rH4wkXX

    June 10, 2021 at 4:50 pm

    Weezer +100 points ✅

  6. Luis

    June 10, 2021 at 4:50 pm

    That’s a hobby budget.

  7. Aron

    June 10, 2021 at 4:56 pm

    Try Lectric XP

    • Logan Moy

      June 10, 2021 at 5:08 pm

      There’s one on its way for me to review. 😉

  8. Seoul Glo

    June 10, 2021 at 5:18 pm

    Throw some zip ties in your emergency kit. They’re small and flexible, so you can fit a bunch of them. They come in handy if you need to tie something down or need to do a quick repair.

  9. Christian Hansen

    June 10, 2021 at 5:22 pm

    Hey son. Your seat is too high…

    • Logan Moy

      June 10, 2021 at 6:05 pm

      Hey dad. I’m tall and you should have full leg extension when you pedal. That said, I did have it a bit too high and adjusted a couple times while making this video. 🙂

  10. Navod Gunarathne

    June 10, 2021 at 5:23 pm

    Is he riding LA sewage tunnel 😊

  11. U.S.A.

    June 10, 2021 at 5:33 pm

    Looking for one that goes 100 miles an hour, a bicycle.

    • Wood Sculptor

      June 10, 2021 at 9:47 pm

      You’re talking about a ‘DIY’!!!

  12. Natalie Luli Weiss

    June 10, 2021 at 5:56 pm

    Which electric bike do you suggest for actual peddling [getting a ‘workout’] as well as the electric features?

    • Logan Moy

      June 10, 2021 at 6:19 pm

      Any ebike where you can control how much pedal assist you get from the motor will do for having an exercise option. My wife prefers a non-electric bike, so I keep it on low or no assist when I go riding with her. I really like Rad Power Bikes, but there’s so many great options.

  13. disciprine

    June 10, 2021 at 6:21 pm

    Bro… You don’t need to change the inner tube for ever puncture you can patch them…..

    • Logan Moy

      June 10, 2021 at 6:23 pm

      I did and it didn’t hold. Granted, I was probably using a cheap kit.

  14. James Dubben

    June 10, 2021 at 6:22 pm

    Tube patch. For that 2nd flat

  15. Mo Yang

    June 10, 2021 at 6:22 pm

    Personally, I would go the route of Juiced E-Bikes for a good utility e-bike. It does cost quite a bit more but you get a larger battery, a true 750w/1000w motor (Rad advertises 500/750w nominal motors that are in reality 250/350w motors that peak at 500/750w), and more bells and whistles like safety lights and features.

    One way to think about it is, you get a barebones 60% completed bike with Rad for super cheap and can Frankenstein DIY everything to your liking. Or get a 100% completed bike for a higher cost, but everything is already integrated into the controller and will operate seamlessly.

  16. bernie-beltran munoz

    June 10, 2021 at 7:22 pm

    I bought my Mazda 2002 for 700 so !! Yeah … no thank u !

  17. Ja

    June 10, 2021 at 7:31 pm

    it’s not ecological, also your methane gas is very dangerous

  18. EddiePotatoes

    June 10, 2021 at 7:34 pm

    How timely! I just got a HyperScorpion from Juiced Bikes. Got it delivered today. It’s my first e-bike. I also have an electric scooter. However, I wanted an e-bike for a while for running errands. The e-scooter is more for fun.

  19. AbuWafaa Wafaa

    June 10, 2021 at 8:13 pm

    Wait a minute … I can not see the engine of this bike.
    Where is it ?.

    • Logan Moy

      June 10, 2021 at 10:20 pm

      It’s in the back wheel. Check out the video I made last year about buying the RadRunner for more info about the bike itself:

    • Jorge Arana

      June 10, 2021 at 11:36 pm

      It’s somewhere near the rear wheel

  20. CCRob720

    June 10, 2021 at 9:55 pm

    Jerky &water !!!! you need snacks and water when you get in an accident.

  21. Jojo Mr

    June 10, 2021 at 9:57 pm

    Why you need to buy Innertube?
    You can Fix it on the spot !

  22. Stephen De La Rosa

    June 10, 2021 at 10:18 pm

    A small foldable lantern is also great to keep in the emergency kit. Changing a flat at night sucks.

  23. HitchSlappedUSA

    June 10, 2021 at 11:20 pm

    Thanks for this. I’ve been thinking about getting a ebike and this helps me make an informed choice.

  24. Trevor Different

    June 11, 2021 at 1:06 am

    Omg my bike got dirty going through water 🤦🏼‍♂️

  25. Paul Ho

    June 11, 2021 at 1:08 am

    Shout out, Prius C gang! I’m still leaning Segway Ninebot C80 though, because, you know, disabled.

    Also, consider gloves for the emergency kit.

    • Logan Moy

      June 11, 2021 at 2:03 am

      Oh nice! I reviewed that a few weeks ago (video on CNET). Really comfortable ride with cool security features!

    • Paul Ho

      June 11, 2021 at 2:08 am

      @Logan Moy I remember! I’m the one stuck in Orange County where it’s not safe to ride a bike, so the Segway would be a great option to get out of some questionable situations.

    • Logan Moy

      June 11, 2021 at 2:47 am

      @Paul Ho oh yea! Sorry didn’t recognize the name at first.

  26. Adam Tomlinson

    June 11, 2021 at 1:59 am

    Add a small penlight to your kit. Coast makes some good on a with lifetime warranty.

    • Logan Moy

      June 11, 2021 at 2:57 am

      Great tip. I actually carry a small Olight in my pocket most of the time. I’m really into EDC tech.

  27. Josh Higgins

    June 11, 2021 at 3:00 am

    E-bikes arent allowed on the paved bike trails in Southern California at least such as the santa ana river trail or the San Gabriel and Los angels river trails

    • Logan Moy

      June 11, 2021 at 3:44 am

      Really? I ride on those trails all the time and have never had a problem. Even ridden right past cops.

    • Josh Higgins

      June 11, 2021 at 5:06 am

      @Logan Moy

      And this is for the Santa ana river trail which also states no electric bikes among other things

    • Josh Higgins

      June 11, 2021 at 5:08 am

      @Logan Moy and also, i dont make the rules but as a cyclist who regularly rides the river trials i see the postings often. With that said, and in regards to the police, they probably have bigger issue to deal with unless an e-bike or whatever is totally reckless

    • Logan Moy

      June 11, 2021 at 1:32 pm

      @Josh Higgins pretty sure those signs are referring mostly to gas-powered motors. California state law states class 1 and 2 ebikes are allowed anywhere bicycles are as long as the motor doesn’t exceed 750w.

  28. Daniel Soto

    June 11, 2021 at 4:50 am

    I agree with all of it. I got the rad runner last year and had the same issues. Haven’t spent money on new seat or suspension as learned how to balance my contact points. I also use the green stuff and got the mudguards. I use it everyday in the winter and now I am using mostly regular bikes as I started to turn off the power in my rad so often that got my legs in shape to ride regular bikes uphill. I love the bike! Love the video review!

  29. ryeyoo

    June 11, 2021 at 4:59 am

    Electric tire pump is easily one of the best bike purchases I have made

  30. kevin couture

    June 11, 2021 at 5:00 am

    since this video about ebike, i thought there would be some mention of battery life, watt, charging time, distance but no it talks about inner tubes and bike racks

  31. Taylor Brost

    June 11, 2021 at 5:27 am

    Surprised about the flats, my rad runner has 1000 miles on it and I have never got a flat, however I always carry an emergency kit with a tube like you mentioned

  32. Eric Ling

    June 11, 2021 at 5:28 am

    The feeling of being a proud ebike owner. Great video!

  33. REGNARTS00

    June 11, 2021 at 6:02 am

    Never heard these items being referred to as tire slime or tire wedges.

    • Charles Quin

      June 11, 2021 at 11:37 pm

      Odd, I’ve only heard of those terms lol, I live in a biking town too

  34. Shermaine Callahan

    June 11, 2021 at 6:35 am

    Flat booty problems …

    • Logan Moy

      June 11, 2021 at 2:07 pm

      Haha exactly!

  35. Connect 4 Engineering

    June 11, 2021 at 6:52 am

    Do you have a normal pedal cycle?

    • Logan Moy

      June 11, 2021 at 2:06 pm

      Not since high school. I actually didn’t like biking until I got an ebike. My wife prefers a normal cycle though and we have fun riding together, me on a lower assist level of course.

  36. Da ve

    June 11, 2021 at 9:14 am

    Still expensive just get the kit and make it lite as possible

  37. Mohammed Mangera

    June 11, 2021 at 9:52 am

    A first aid kit could be useful

  38. Lawrence Fox

    June 11, 2021 at 11:46 am

    Oh yeah dude no fenders or luggage rack a no go ,like the wheel liner and slime info too bad tubes aren’t filled with waste or recycle styrofoam then slime and just slightest amount of air.

  39. Gary Korzelius

    June 11, 2021 at 1:26 pm

    Thank you! Good as always.

    • Logan Moy

      June 11, 2021 at 2:04 pm

      Thanks Gary!

  40. Jay Jay

    June 11, 2021 at 1:56 pm

    Is the Radrunner 1 better than the Pedego Element?

    • Logan Moy

      June 11, 2021 at 2:02 pm

      I haven’t tried Pedego but just looking at the specs, it only has a 500w motor and is $500 more expensive than the RadRunner with a 750w.

  41. Howard Swing

    June 11, 2021 at 4:09 pm

    BLA BLA BLA nothing new here

  42. Jose Linares

    June 11, 2021 at 4:32 pm

    Please consider getting together with people knowledgeable about bikes in your area. They can teach you how to repair an inner tube without buying a new one. Also no matter how tempting it seems to think that a cushioning seat is better, do what the expert do and get a real bike seat.

  43. Zelda games

    June 11, 2021 at 4:34 pm

    Chain master link and chain link removal tool.

  44. Paul Osborne

    June 11, 2021 at 6:01 pm

    In your emergency pack put zip ties and electrical tape they can really help with emergency fixes like if your chain snaps for example or rear derailleur breaks.

  45. Happy Camper

    June 11, 2021 at 6:48 pm

    Love my RadRunner, glad you are enjoying yours!

  46. Dumitrascu Claudiu

    June 11, 2021 at 8:07 pm

    No suspension…!(?
    Your back will going to suffer!))

    • Logan Moy

      June 11, 2021 at 8:56 pm

      It’s not so bad now that I have a suspension seat post. I’ll probably upgrade to one with a suspension fork in the next year or two though.

  47. Beej

    June 11, 2021 at 11:22 pm

    Love my Aventon Sinch! But this video reminded me to buy a basket for it.

  48. Juan Castro

    June 12, 2021 at 12:12 am

    In my opinion, anything with a throttle is not a bicycle. Electric bike are pedalecs, the rest are electric moppeds/scooters/motorcycles… Shouldn’t be allowed on cycling lanes. 🤷‍♂️

  49. 6664420

    June 12, 2021 at 2:36 am

    $800 just to transport it? You’re trying to hard.

  50. AR 23

    June 12, 2021 at 3:15 am

    i had an ebike four 5 years a good one and you what I got FATTER

  51. mogeking56

    June 12, 2021 at 3:38 am

    So….. who are you talking to 🤓 most true blue bike riders already have this stuff

    • Logan Moy

      June 12, 2021 at 4:32 pm

      The other 100k or so people that have viewed this video and likely just got their first bike or ebike, or considering buying one.

  52. Janakpuri Prankster

    June 12, 2021 at 3:49 am

    U did not tell about price.

    • Logan Moy

      June 12, 2021 at 4:30 pm

      0:37, 3:10

  53. 52637837735556467662

    June 12, 2021 at 4:06 am

    Tire Sim is BS

  54. Cameron Webster

    June 12, 2021 at 7:26 am

    Electric motorcycle*

  55. john hunt

    June 12, 2021 at 10:24 am

    For $1,500? You can have it!!

  56. PersianPdiddy

    June 12, 2021 at 10:33 am

    I live on a hill with an incline of 17-20. Can this bike make it up that hill?

    • Logan Moy

      June 12, 2021 at 4:30 pm

      Definitely. I’ve taken it up some pretty steep hills with ease.

  57. emibulls

    June 12, 2021 at 12:43 pm

    Nice video. I’ve got an ebike as well. I definitely agree with the advice about having a service tech look over your bike when you get it. I didn’t do that, and I ended up breaking my chain on my second ride (due to the shifters not being adjusted property).

  58. Tyson Laakkonen

    June 12, 2021 at 1:47 pm

    this is the most informative, no bullshit pleasant video ive seen on rad runner. im almost in tears

  59. franksplace551

    June 12, 2021 at 2:21 pm

    Good info especially care for your tires!

  60. franksplace551

    June 12, 2021 at 2:23 pm

    For 1500 bucks they should add the better seat fenders and tire inserts!

  61. Jay Zenitram

    June 12, 2021 at 3:10 pm

    Price of rack installation? How hard is it to turn 4 screws?

    • Logan Moy

      June 12, 2021 at 4:28 pm

      Hitch installation (not rack), which requires welding to the underside of your car.

  62. Paul Vizard

    June 12, 2021 at 3:25 pm

    A $3 patch kit could have saved you a lot of money and time

  63. William OReilly

    June 12, 2021 at 3:56 pm

    Always carry a few band aids.

  64. rick n

    June 12, 2021 at 8:30 pm

    Can I add tire liners (tannus armour) AND the slime to a e bike? Any recommendations?

  65. lary angel

    June 12, 2021 at 8:41 pm

    Wow

  66. NINETENDOPE SAITAMA

    June 12, 2021 at 8:43 pm

    Buy a mid drive which has already puncture protected ebike tires. Upgraded seat, pedals and grips to ergo one.

  67. captainchau

    June 12, 2021 at 8:45 pm

    seems like its still not a value proposition if you want to replace your car for short errands. Has anyone done the math on that? How long would you have to use your ebike for + how often, to make it worth getting as a cheaper alternative than running to the grocery store or wherever in your car?

  68. David Nunes

    June 12, 2021 at 10:49 pm

    I’m good with out it . I use own a electric scooter/bike and it was 2016 it only had 70 miles and it took 5 hours to get full charge .

  69. TheMonemone2

    June 12, 2021 at 11:36 pm

    Doesn’t your bike come with K shield puncture resistent tires? Even with that, your tube got punctured a few times?

  70. Brian MacKay

    June 12, 2021 at 11:37 pm

    I know you like your ebike, if you haven’t checked out BISTRO EBIKES since you said you will buy another. It comes with everything you actually need, fenders, rack that holds 80 lbs , horn, Brake light, front and rear lights, it is a heavy duty frame that folds as does the stem and handle bars so it fits in the trunk of your car or SUV, heavy duty welded kick stand and IT’S MADE IN AMERICA, its $2000 fully assembled with a full 3 year warranty. Also BUZZRACK makes a 2 bike ebike carrier for $329 Amazon, just like the Thule that cost $700. I ride mine every day and love it, I recently had a knee replacement and the ebike helps me when I need it. The only thing I added was a drink holder and saddle bags. It’s top speed is 28 mph legal in Florida. GREAT VIDEO

  71. Brian MacKay

    June 12, 2021 at 11:37 pm

    I know you like your ebike, if you haven’t checked out BISTRO EBIKES since you said you will buy another. It comes with everything you actually need, fenders, rack that holds 80 lbs , horn, Brake light, front and rear lights, it is a heavy duty frame that folds as does the stem and handle bars so it fits in the trunk of your car or SUV, heavy duty welded kick stand and IT’S MADE IN AMERICA, its $2000 fully assembled with a full 3 year warranty. Also BUZZRACK makes a 2 bike ebike carrier for $329 Amazon, just like the Thule that cost $700. I ride mine every day and love it, I recently had a knee replacement and the ebike helps me when I need it. The only thing I added was a drink holder. mirrors and saddle bags. It’s top speed is 28 mph legal in Florida. GREAT VIDEO

  72. Paul Eckerson

    June 12, 2021 at 11:43 pm

    I won’t buy a Rad product. The server is non-existent. Mine came with the wrong rack and no kickstand. I’ve owned a vbike for 65 years. Never bought one that didn’t have a kickstand.

  73. MrJupiter65

    June 13, 2021 at 4:05 am

    I have truly truly enjoy this series. I have learned so much from you. I live in San Francisco in a studio apartment a very small studio apartment. I’m trying to find a way to store my bike in my room without breaking my lease. Holes in the wallet etc. If you have any ideas or any way to point me please let us know. Thank you so much for all the hard work you do it is appreciated.

    • Logan Moy

      June 13, 2021 at 4:56 am

      Thanks for the kind words! Seems like a folding ebike would be perfect for you. Check out the Swagtron EB5 Pro. Under $1000 and very compact.

  74. Creepy Chris

    June 13, 2021 at 8:10 am

    Hate u. Watched the whole video to hear about the expensive carrying rack and didn’t realise you meant the car one 😂 I was like why is this shopping rack so expensive

  75. Matthew Coles

    June 13, 2021 at 1:07 pm

    Thank you very good information to know as im thinking about my first purchase

  76. i erit

    June 13, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    Logan: Will I ride it often enough to be worth it?
    Me: How long until it’s stolen?

  77. Timo Ba Ta Na

    June 13, 2021 at 3:28 pm

    You should have a tire Guage too

  78. Cris C

    June 13, 2021 at 5:53 pm

    Probably a bit of a first aid kit could be added

  79. Ross Burton

    June 13, 2021 at 7:35 pm

    Every single review has said the seat it comes with is total garbage. You’d think rad would revisit it at some point but haven’t. Super disappointing

  80. Brian Orlov

    June 13, 2021 at 9:38 pm

    I enjoyed your video. We have (2) RAD bikes and love them. I would buy a tube patch kit at your local bike shop and throw it in your bag. Also if you buy lock and security items for your bike, that definitely adds to the expense. RAD Bikes are a great value and so fun to ride.

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