RadRover with no e-motor power and won't go backwards when pushed.

[cottersay]

Hi all!

My 2018 RadRover Electric Fat Bike turns on (display and light), but the motor supplies no power to the wheel either in pedal assist or through the throttle (the battery is fine). And when I try pushing the Rad backward, it's like the rear hub is locked. But I can pedal the bike (forward), but only through my own leg power.

Any thoughts on this problem? Thank you!

[73Eldo]

Did it run fine last time you used it? And how long ago was that? What does the display say or do when you try throttle or assist? That is assuming its got some sort of power meter normally.

[cottersay]

It ran great the last time I used it -- about a month ago. The display in normal, except that it shows zero watts even when throttle is turned to max or pedal assist is used.

[AZguy]

Best guess is that the motor itself is seized although it could also be the reduction gears (not that it makes much difference)

There's a freewheel that will disengage when the wheel moves forward but engages when rolled backwards (or the motor turns forward, same thing)

[73Eldo]

I too was thinking stripped gears but would expect a noise or some indication on the power meter that it was trying to spin.

[cottersay]

Yes. No noises at all when (successfully) pushed/pedaled forward, and no noises when attempting to push backwards.

[Rodney Bush]

Does your display have the capability to reset all parameters to default. Check the manual for the display to see if it can be reset.
A friend has a walmart fat tire bike that had similar symptoms, although throttle still worked. Checked several parameters thru the display and some were just wrong such as "battery indicator segments VS voltage value". Performed the reset per the display manual and away he went.....smiling again.
. It may be wise to document your current settings prior to...just incase it don't work.

[73Eldo]

Interesting theory. Seems plausible that something got jumbled.

[AZguy]

Easy enough to test whether this is electrical or mechanical... it's *extremely* easy to unplug a radrover motor... if nothing changes after that then it's mechanical and OP is most likely looking at new motor / wheel since it's well out of warranty...

[cottersay]

Thanks guys. Reset the bike as well as unplugged the motor. Nothing changes; the bike's motor still does not turn on, and the bike still can't be pushed backward.

[AZguy]

Then it's pretty much a near certainty that the motor has mechanical issues... you can try opening it up but afraid to say that high probability the motor is toast and will need to be replaced - another option might be to put a regular wheel without motor and put a mid-drive on? Dunno what it's worth to you though.. I got one of these back around seven years ago and it's not my favorite bike by far and to me at least throwing more money at it would not be on the plate... Contact rad and see what they say, they might give you a "deal" on wheel and motor...