This Week’s E-Bike News Headlines
Rad Surprises With A New(ish) Bike
Rad Power Bikes announced an unexpected update to the RadWagon lineup this week—not a revision of the RadWagon 5, but an upgraded version of the RadWagon 4, now positioned as the mid-tier option in the family.
The refreshed model includes a larger 720Wh battery using Rad’s SafeShield technology, new hydraulic Gemma brakes, and an updated display with password protection for motor activation. Rad also added a new teal frame color.
Outside of those updates, the bike remains very similar in look and spec to the RadWagon 4. The new model is priced at $1,799, while the RadWagon 4 remains available at $1,299 and the RadWagon 5 at $2,399.
Our Take: Rad has been navigating a difficult stretch. The company recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy while seeking a buyer, and two additional retail locations closed last week, bringing the total store count down to seven.
This RadWagon update was almost certainly in development long before recent headlines, but Rad is seeing it through. Is it a sign of forward motion? Possibly. We hope so, but the timeline for finding a buyer is getting tight.
This is clearly a better bike than the RadWagon 4, but time will tell if people are willing to get it now or wait till Rad’s future is clearer.
Aventon Introduces the New Soltera 3 ADV
Aventon has introduced an all-new Soltera—the Soltera 3 ADV—which is now the brand’s lightest e-bike at a reported 37 lbs. It features a singlespeed Gates belt drive, a 250W motor (500W peak), and a fully integrated 367Wh battery with a claimed range of up to 70 miles.
Other features include hydraulic disc brakes, integrated turn signals, four frame sizes, and three color options: Matte Storm Blue, Matte Midnight Black, and Sterling. Aventon is aiming for simplicity here, while breaking new ground with the lightweight frame design.
The bike is priced at $1,499.
Our Take: Nearly every major brand needs a lightweight entry, and this is a significant weight drop for Aventon—nine pounds lighter than the previous Soltera.
This model is tailored for casual riders, fitness-focused commuters, and cyclists who want something that still feels close to a traditional bike. The lack of a throttle and non-removable battery may deter some, but many will appreciate the 37 lb package and the more natural ride feel that comes with it.
Ananda Announces the M7000 Mid-Drive Platform
Ananda—one of the world’s largest suppliers of e-bike electrical systems—has unveiled its new M7000 mid-drive platform, which brings several notable improvements for riders and manufacturers alike.
The new moors include:
- M7600: Designed for aggressive eMTB use with technical climbing in mind; delivers up to 120Nm of torque and 850W peak power—high numbers for a 36V system.
- M7200: Built for urban and trekking applications, offering 100Nm of torque and 650W peak power.
- M7100: An entry-level commuter option with 85Nm of torque and 600W peak power, aimed at high-volume city bike projects.
A key highlight for brands is shared architecture: all three motors use a universal mounting bracket and unified system integration. That means reduced development time, simplified project management, and a consistent ride feel across multiple models.
The platform ships as a complete system—including motor, battery, controller, sensors, display, and optional IoT—designed to function smoothly as a single package.
Our Take: Ananda is a giant in the e-bike ecosystem, even if most riders don’t recognize the name. They power a lot of the motors, controllers, and displays found across the industry.
The new M7000 line brings solid performance numbers and a far more streamlined path for brands to build on. If this reduces design bottlenecks and gets new models to market faster, that’s a win all around. We’re eager to see which bikes roll out with this next-gen system.
