Radio Flyer Launches New 20 MPH Utility Electric Bike

Radio Flyer, a brand that has long been synonymous with childhood nostalgia, has spent several years dabbling in the e-bike space with a number of impressive offerings. Today, the company has officially launched its latest e-bike, the Flyer Flex.

No longer just known for its iconic red wagons, Radio Flyer’s Flyer Flex is just the latest in a line of e-bikes that have demonstrated the brand’s successful foray into the electric mobility market.

The electric utility bike segment has been booming for years, with these short-form cargo-style e-bikes offering plenty of room to carry gear or kids without taking up the same space as a larger e-cargo bike.

As a utility e-bike, the Flyer Flex seems to have been designed with versatility in mind, making it suitable for a wide range of uses, from daily commuting to family outings and hauling goods. Powered by a 500-watt motor, the e-bike can reach speeds of up to 32 km/h (20 mph) with either the throttle or pedal assist. The 48V 9.8Ah seat tube-mounted battery allows the bike to offer a range of 32 to 64 km (20 to 40 miles) per charge, depending on the level of assistance used, making it ideal for both short commutes and extended trips.

An included torque sensor means that for riders who can avoid the temptation of the throttle, responsive and natural pedal assist should make for a more enjoyable and less jerky ride than pedaling on most less sophisticated cadence sensor-based e-bikes.

The bike’s drivetrain has been tested to UL2849, which covers the entire e-bike and its systems, while the lithium-ion battery itself has been tested to UL2271, which specifically covers lithium-ion batteries.

The bike’s design accommodates different riding styles and uses, with a load capacity of 150 kg (330 lbs). Radio Flyer says this makes it a great choice for riders who need to haul groceries, kids, or just enjoy a leisurely ride around the neighborhood. The bike’s sturdy frame and ergonomic design prioritize comfort and stability, even when fully loaded, according to the company.

For sudden stops, the bike is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, which offer superior stopping power and less frequent maintenance than mechanical disc brakes. This feature has become a popular differentiator for mid- and high-end e-bikes, helping to ensure rider confidence and safety, especially in urban environments where sudden stops may often be necessary.

The bike also includes an integrated display that shows key information such as speed, battery life and distance travelled, keeping riders informed and in control at all times.

One of the many benefits of utility e-bikes is the ability to mount a wide range of accessories for different riding styles and use cases. While this is true of many e-bike manufacturers these days, Radio Flyer offers a wide range of accessories to carry everything from gear to kids.

The bike is also available in multiple frame sizes and color options, allowing riders to choose the model that best suits their style and body type.

The Flyer Flex is now available for purchase directly from Radio Flyer’s website. Priced at $2,299 USD, it follows the same general pricing trend that has kept Radio Flyer’s e-bikes slightly more expensive than many others in its category.

However, Radio Flyer also benefits from its long-standing reputation for quality and customer service, something that most new e-bike companies have yet to develop.

Electrek’s point of view

The company’s launch of the Flyer Flex represents Radio Flyer’s continued expansion into the electric mobility market. It’s not going to win on a dollar-per-watt basis, but I’ve never thought that was a fair way to judge e-bikes.

The only area that really surprises me here in a negative way is the small battery. A 48V 10Ah battery is quite small on a utility e-bike with a throttle. Any bike with a throttle will need a larger battery, as it simply draws more energy to ride it without pedaling. And if you load the bike up with cargo or kids, you will also need more battery. This is a below average battery on an otherwise above average e-bike.

That said, I’ve tested several Radio Flyer e-bikes in the past and have always been impressed with their quality. Their accessories are also very well designed, so I definitely feel like this is one of those “you get what you pay for” situations. If it weren’t for the rather small battery, I’d be more positive about this launch, but I still think it’s a very aesthetically pleasing option. Maybe they’ll come up with a larger battery option, and then I’d say this is definitely a winner.