Two commuter-focused eBikes on the market, the Denago Commute Model 1 and the Radpower RadCity 5 Plus are both intended to be used by urban riders for commuting to work or school, or running errands like picking up groceries.

The Denago Commute Model 1 offers more modern features and a sleeker design, but carries a $300 premium over the RadCity 5 Plus, as of this writing. Let's review the pros and cons and see if that price difference is justified.

The primary difference between the Radpower RadCity 5 Plus and Denago Commute Model 1 eBikes: top speed

The Denago Commute Model 1 is a Class III eBike, offering top speeds up to 28 MPH on pedal assist and 20 MPH on throttle. The Radpower RadCity 5 Plus, in contrast, is a Class II eBike, which tops out at 20 MPH on both pedal assist and throttle.

Higher Class III speeds are ideal for keeping up with traffic during your commute. This feature alone may justify a price difference between these two electric bikes for riders who want higher speeds. The difference can create a significant time savings, shortening your commute.

Radpower RadCity 5 Plus and Denago Commute Model 1 eBikes: what they have in common

The Radpower RadCity 5 Plus and Denago Commute Model 1 eBikes have some specs in common. Here are some features they share:

• Choice of traditional top tube or step-thru frame styles
• Integrated rear rack, fenders, and kickstand
• Lights
• Hydraulic disc brakes with oversized 180mm rotors
• eBike-rated tires with reflective sidewalls

Radpower RadCity 5 Plus and Denago Commute Model 1 eBikes - key differences

The Radpower RadCity 5 Plus and Denago Commute Model 1 eBikes have big differences in several important areas. These two models are more different than they are alike:

• RadCity 5 Plus only comes in a single size; the Denago Commute Model 1 offers two sizes to better fit riders of different heights.
• While both brands use 27.5" rims, the Denago offers significantly wider (2.6" vs. 2.0") tires. Wider tires offer more air volume, which adds comfort and control on rough streets.
• The Denago Commute Model 1 uses an upgraded 8 speed drivetrain vs. 7 speed on the RadCity 5 Plus
• The Denago Commute 1 includes a suspension seatpost for extra comfort, the Radpower RadCity 5 Plus uses a standard non-suspension seatpost.
• Denago Commute Model 1 uses a sleek, integrated battery; the Radpower RadCity 5 Plus uses a "camel-hump" style battery that makes it more obvious to others that you're riding an eBike.
• Radpower includes a slower 2 Amp charger, Denago uses a faster 3 Amp charger. This means less time waiting on your eBike to charge.
• Denago uses premium LG cells in the battery, Radpower does not disclose the manufacturer used for the RadCity 5 Plus battery cells.
• The Radpower RadCity 5 Plus carries a usual retail price of $1,999, as of this writing, it's available for $1,699 vs. $1,999 for the Denago Commute Model 1.
• The Denago Commute Model 1 display offers a PIN lock password for additional security, the RadCity 5 Plus does not.
• Radpower uses a twist-style grip throttle, while Denago uses a push thumb throttle. While these don't affect the actual functionality of the throttle mode, some riders might prefer one or the other.
• The RadCity 5 Plus includes active brake lights that light up when you squeeze the brake lever, the Denago Commute Model 1 does not.

Which commuter eBike should you buy?

For a difference of only $300, the Denago Commute Model 1 is a much better eBike than the Radpower RadCity 5 Plus in almost every way. When the RadCity is not on sale, both bikes are $1,999, and it's no contest. The Denago Commute Model 1 offers higher Class III speeds for riders who want to minimize time spent commuting, and can easily be adjusted to a lower top speed for casual riders.

One of the only areas in which Radpower has an edge is the active brake lights. While this is a nice feature, it isn't critical, and it's more than offset by the premium battery with LG cells, PIN lock security, faster charger, suspension seatpost, and upgraded 8 speed drivetrain on the Denago.

The Bike.com team is here to help you choose the best eBike for your needs. Call us at (877) 755-2453 to chat anytime.