Globe Haul ST Vs. Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus

Intro

Looking at the number of new cargo e-bikes released this year, 2024’s most popular e-bikes are likely to be those models meant to carry more than one person. What constitutes “more” can mean anything from a kid or two (or three!), to a week’s-worth of groceries. They are the ideal answer to how to park the car more and get more exercise, reduce our carbon footprint (combating climate change) and still get done all of the tasks.

The Specialized Globe Haul ST and Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus are two new entrants in the cargo e-bike category, and they both make compelling buys. And while they look similar, they have some notable differences, not least of which is a $500 difference in price, as of this writing.

These look surprisingly like many traditional e-bikes, especially in the commuter category. What makes them cargo e-bikes comes from a combination of weight capacity thanks to integrated rear racks, an abundance of mounting and gear options, and small wheels to keep the center of gravity low.

We’re comparing the Specialized Globe Haul ST and the Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus because they share a number of features including: nimble handling for urban environments, a hub motor for affordability, the ability to carry a kid and still mount a basket for groceries.

They are both exciting answers to the cargo e-bike question, but it’s fair to ask why someone might choose to spend an additional $500. We will answer that as well as look at the particular strengths of each e-bike.

Key specs of the Globe Haul ST vs. Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3

	Globe Haul ST	Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus
Class	2	2
Motor	700W	750W
Battery	772Wh	672Wh
Drivetrain	9-speed microSHIFT	7-speed Shimano Altus
Brakes	Hydraulic disc, 203mm rotors	Hydraulic disc, 180mm rotors
Notable features	Motorcycle-style kickstand

What we like about the Globe Haul ST:

• Up to 60 mi. of range on a single charge
• MIK-compatible rear rack allows buyers more options for accessories by not limiting them to ones made by Specialized, plus it has a payload capacity of 419 lbs.
• Torque sensor gives instant power and acceleration and makes the e-bike more responsive to the rider’s pedaling.

What we like about the Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus:

• Rad Power makes lots of accessories to customize the e-bike for the rider’s needs.
• High-rise handlebar allows for adjustable reach, and step-thru design makes it easier to manage for smaller riders.
• Integrated rear rack can carry a passenger thanks to a total payload capacity of 350 lbs.

Conclusion

An e-bike like the Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus or the Specialized Globe Haul ST can do all the things that a good commuter e-bike does, plus they can carry a kid and a load of groceries if necessary. This is the e-bike for the person who wants to do their work commute by e-bike, but doesn’t want to have to get in the car for absolutely everything else.

The Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus 3 is the latest iteration of the RadRunner model and it has improved upon the previous versions by increasing both how much and what the rider can carry. For the shopper on a limited budget, few cargo e-bikes can compete with the $2299 the RadRunner 3 Plus is currently priced at. The only hitch here is that accessories will run that cost up. Worth noting is that for the rider who wants a throttle, the RadRunner 3 Plus is the choice as the Globe Haul ST does not come with one.

The question becomes why someone would drop the extra cash for the Specialized Globe Haul ST. The Globe Haul ST has a number of features going for it. The presence of a torque sensor means that the motor responds to the rider’s input, making for a more seamless pedaling experience. The drivetrain offers two more gears (nine, rather than seven gears) covering a broader range, which gives riders a lower low gear for the hills. They pair the brakes (both use hydraulic disc brakes) with 203mm rotors, rather than 180mm rotors, giving the e-bike more stopping power, which is a pretty good idea if junior will be sitting on the back. The frame design positions the rear rack lower than the RadRunner 3 Plus does, helping to lower the center of gravity and improving the handling, especially when riding with a passenger. The Globe Haul ST also features many more mounting points for baskets and such, for someone who may want to do enough shopping to get through the week. The motorcycle-style kickstand makes loading this e-bike easier and it is unlikely to tip over while being loaded. Finally, the telescoping seatpost and the ability to raise and lower the stem make the Globe Haul ST better at accommodating both taller and smaller riders.

Like the RadRunner 3 Plus, the Globe Haul ST comes without baskets or passenger seat, so the buyer needs to be prepared to add accessories to make this e-bike the kid-ferrying, grocery-getting cargo e-bike that Specialized intends.

We think Rad Power Bikes has done a terrific job with the RadRunner 3 Plus. It is a far more versatile e-bike than its predecessors. The upcharge for the Specialized Globe Haul ST is just big enough to make buyers think twice and if it’s more than someone can spend, we get it. But for the shopper wondering if the extra money is justified, the answer is yes. We can’t imagine anyone would buy the Specialized Globe Haul ST and regret it, unless they had a second child.