RadWagon vs. KBO Ranger: Which is the best cargo eBike for you?

If you’ve been looking for a cargo eBike, you’ve probably seen two eBikes over and over again: the Radwagon vs. KBO Ranger. Which is better? Keep reading to find out!

If you’re in the market for an electric cargo bike, you’ve probably come across the RadWagon 4. In our RadWagon 4 Review, we called it the mini-van of eBikes – but in the best way possible. However, in our KBO Ranger Review, we were pleasantly surprised. Who, which is right for you? The RadWagon or Ranger? Keep reading to find out more.

RadWagon 4 vs. KBO Ranger: What’s the difference?

The main difference between the KBO Ranger and RadWagon 4 is the size, price, and battery life. The RadWagon 4 is larger (with more cargo space) but the KBO Ranger is smaller, less expensive and has a better battery life.

Let’s meet the eBikes

Both of these eBikes are great eBikes, in general. The RadWagon 4 is the most well-known name in cargo bikes, so let’s start with it.

RadWagon 4: The Quick Overview

Rad Power Bikes have been synonymous with electric bikes for years, but the RadWagon 4 may not be what people think when they hear “electric bike.” The RadWagon 4 is, in my opinion, the minivan of electric bikes.

If you are looking for a practical vehicle that can carry plenty of stuff, I suggest checking this cargo bike out! The RadWagon 4 has many features that make it perfect for hauling gear, including a spacious cargo area, a powerful motor, and a comfortable riding position.

Where the RadWagon excels is hauling a couple of mini-humans (AKA Kids) in the back Caboose, what Rad Power Bikes call the rear storage accessory that holds kids.

Over the summer, we rode this bike every day to the pool with both kids in the back and all the snacks, towels, and toys in the front basket. Our kids loved the quick ride and my wife loved not having to pull the kids in a wagon.

Read all about Rad Power Bikes in our Rad Power Bikes Review and RadWagon 4 Review.

Now that we’ve looked at the RadWagon 4, let’s turn our attention to the KBO Ranger.

The KBO Ranger

The KBO Ranger is a new electric bike from KBO. We’ve reviewed other KBO eBikes: the KBO Hurricane, KBO Breeze and Breeze Step Through. The Ranger is their first foray into the Cargo ebikes market.

The KBO Ranger is a great option for those looking for an electric cargo bike that doesn’t feel like a cargo bike. The Ranger has many of the features that make cargo bikes great, including a powerful motor and large cargo area, but it also has a few unique features that set it apart from the competition.

First, the KBO Ranger has a low step-through frame and center kick-stand that makes it easy to get on and off the bike, even when loaded down with gear. Second, the Ranger comes standard with a built-in rear rack.

We tested the Ranger with the Rear Rack and found it to be a great option for those looking for an electric bike to use for commuting or running errands. We’ll talk more about the differences next, but the biggest difference is the length of the rear rack and the overall battery life.

The biggest differences between the RadWagon and Ranger

The come down to the size of the rear rack, battery life and the price. Let’s dive into all the differences in detail.

The Rear Rack And Overall Size

The KBO Ranger is smaller overall than the RadWagon 4. It’s about 9 inches shorter and most of that difference in length comes from the rear rack. The Rear Rack on the KBO Ranger is about 7 inches smaller than the RadWagon.

If the Rear Rack space is your biggest concern, then look at the RadWagon 4.

Carrying Kids

The RadWagon 4 carries our two kids – 3 and 5 at the time of writing this, without a problem. The Caboose, as RadWagon calls it, perfectly adjusts to the kids and keeps them safe in the eBike.

It even adjusts to the size of the kids, as needed.

The KBO Ranger will also have their version, of the Caboose, call the Fence, that we’ll test when it comes out.

While the KBO Ranger can carry 1 kid easily, I don’t think it’s large enough for 2 kids, with the shorter length.

Another small thing: rear wheel protection

Another small difference is the RadWagon 4 has plastic in-between the rear wheel and the legs of any riders on the back of the RadWagon.

This make sure little feet don’t accidentally get caught in the spokes and is one more safety feature to keep kids safe on the RadWagon 4.

The KBO Ranger also has a similar protection, but it’s the frame around the wheel and doesn’t offer 100% protection like the RadWagon does. I don’t like the way the plastic looks, but I’d be worried about little feet.

Battery Life

While the Ranger is smaller overall, it weighs about the same as the RadWagon. That’s because of the larger battery. The Ranger is semi-integrated, so it provides a sleeker design.

The RadWagon has a 672 Wh battery while the Ranger Battery is 840 Wh. This translates into a range roughly 15-20 miles longer than the RadWagon.

The winner here is clearly the KBO Ranger.

Price

The KBO Ranger is listed $1,699. The RadWagon lists for $1,999.

Right off the bat, the KBO Ranger is a better deal – if you are OK with the smaller frame.

However, it’s even a better deal when you consider everything the Ranger comes included with: mainly the running boards. The Running boards are a $99 option on the RadWagon. Really making the RadWagon about $400 more expensive.

Once again, if you are OK with the smaller rear rack – the KBO Ranger is a better deal.

The only other thing to consider: the brand

I, personally, have had no problems with the different KBO Bikes we’ve tested. However, Rad Power Bikes is a much larger brand.

In fact, they are one of the largest eBike brands in the United States. That may (or may not) be important to you. They have their own retail stores and partner local bike shops.

I’d also be less concerned about getting a replacement battery that works with Rad Power Bikes than KBO. Once again, that is not a concern right now as you can buy replacement batteries for both brands today.

Final Thoughts: RadWagon vs. KBO Ranger

Both the KBO Ranger and RadWagon 4 are great bikes and it all comes down to the price, rear rack size and battery.

There are pros and cons for each electric bike, and frankly, you can’t go wrong with either.

In this article, we’ve covered the differences between two bike models and how they might suit different needs. The KBO Ranger is a smaller overall size than the RadWagon 4 with some trade-offs in carrying kids or battery life. It also has an entry price of $1,699 while the RadWagon costs $2,100 equipped in the same fashion.

So, which electric cargo bike should you buy? That depends on what’s important to you.

If price is your number one concern, the KBO Ranger is a great option. But if you want a little more versatility and room for larger items on the back rack, go with the RadWagon 4.

No matter which bike you choose, you’re going to have a lot of fun carrying whatever you need – whether it’s kids, groceries, or just yourself on a leisurely ride.