Rattan Pathfinder ST vs RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru

Rattan Pathfinder ST vs RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru

When we released our exciting new e-bike, the Rattan Pathfinder ST, we also published a blog post comparing our new-to-market, top-of-the-line e-bike to one of the most well-established and best-known brands in the field. If you haven't seen this piece, or just want to refresh your memory, you can find it here: Rattan Pathfinder ST vs RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru.
Since releasing the Pathfinder ST, we've received a lot of great reviews, and many commentators in the e-bike space are raving about how it's going to quickly rise to be the best in its class! We're truly grateful for the compliments we've received on our newest, most high-tech product, but upon watching these reviews, we found many of these commentators and testers comparing our Pathfinder ST to another e-bike which we knew about but hadn't delved into in great detail. That e-bike is the RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru, and seeing as we produced a comparison piece for what we saw as the Pathfinder ST's biggest competitor, we only find it fitting to do the same for the e-bike that many knowledgeable and independent voices in the e-bike space see as its most direct competitor.

Winning Specs

Feature
Rattan Pathfinder ST
RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru
Charger
48V 3A
48V 2A
Brakes
Hydraulic
Hydraulic
Display
LCD Display
LCD Display
Sizes
2 (Step-thru & High-step)
1
Gears
7
7
Top Speed
Adjustable to 28 mph
Adjustable to 20 mph
Changes Class?
Yes (Class II and Class III)
No (Class II only)

Stats

Feature
Rattan Pathfinder ST
RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru
Motor
750W (1200W Peak)
750W
Battery
15Ah 720Wh
14Ah 672Wh
Pedal Assist
5 Levels
5 Levels
Throttle
Yes
Yes
Top Speed
28 mph
20 mph
Range
40-65 miles per charge
25-45 miles per charge
Size
2 Available
1 Available
Weight
77 lbs (with battery)
Not provided
Carrying Capacity
400 lbs
No
Gears
7
7
Lights
Integrated front and rear lights (with brake light function)
Integrated front and rear lights (with brake light function)
Display
LCD Display
LCD Display
Price
$1,099
$1,599
When looked at straight up and down, just at their basic stats, what will stand out to most people is the difference in battery capacity, the difference in range, the variety of available sizes for the Pathfinder ST, and the price difference. With both e-bikes having advantages over the other when it comes to their basic stats, it does make one wonder why one is nearly 50% more expensive than the other. The answers lie under the proverbial hood of each e-bike.

Electrical Differences

Feature
Rattan Pathfinder ST
RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru
Comments
Battery
15Ah (720Wh)
14Ah (672Wh)
The Pathfinder ST's slightly larger battery capacity means it can travel further on a single charge.
Charger
48V 3A Fast Charger
48V 2A
The Pathfinder ST's fast charger means less time charging and more time on the trail.
Motor
750W 48V Brushless Rear Hub Motor (1200W Peak)
750W Rear Hub Motor
The Pathfinder ST's higher peak power may provide better performance on hills.
Pedal Assist
5 Levels of PA
5 Levels of PA
Both bikes offer 5 levels of pedal assist, which is now somewhat of an unofficial industry standard.
LCD Screen
LCD Display
LCD Display
Both displays show necessary information such as battery charge level, odometer, pedal assist level, speedometer, and real-time power output.
Lights
Integrated front and rear lights (with brake light function)
Integrated front and rear lights (with brake light function)
Both bikes have their lights wired through the frame, keeping things tidy. Both feature brake light functionality.
In terms of electrical components, the Pathfinder ST seems to have a slight edge with its larger capacity battery and faster charger. However, both bikes are quite similar in other aspects, offering the essential features riders need.

Mechanical Differences

Feature
Rattan Pathfinder ST
RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru
Comments
Brakes
Hydraulic (180mm front and rear)
Hydraulic
Both bikes opt for hydraulic brakes, which is a safer choice for these heavy and fast e-bikes.
Gearing
7 Gears
7 Gears
Both bikes offer 7-speed gearing systems, giving riders plenty of flexibility for various terrains.
Suspension Fork
Remote Lock-out Suspension Fork
RST spring fork, 60mm travel
The Pathfinder ST's remote lock-out feature may give riders more control.
Frame
Aluminum
Aluminum
Both bikes use aluminum frames, a common choice for e-bikes balancing strength and weight.
Mechanically, both bikes offer high-quality components. The Pathfinder ST's remote lock-out suspension fork might give it an edge for some riders.

Physical Differences

Feature
Rattan Pathfinder ST
RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru
Comments
Frames
Standard and Step-Through
Step-Through
The Pathfinder ST offers two frame options, potentially suiting a wider range of riders.
Sizes
2 Sizes Available
1 Size Available
The Pathfinder ST's size options may make it easier to find the right fit.
Fenders
Full coverage front and rear
Full coverage front and rear
Both bikes offer fenders to protect riders and the bike from elements underneath.
Battery
Semi-integrated
Semi-integrated
Both bikes use a semi-integrated battery design, balancing aesthetics and functionality.
Tires
CST, custom 26" x 4.0" with reflective stripe
Kenda Juggernaut 26" x 4"
Both bikes use wide, off-road capable tires for stability and comfort.
Cargo
Optional, sold separately
Optional, sold separately
Offers optional cargo accessories, potentially increasing utility.
In terms of physical design, the Pathfinder ST offers more choices, including frame styles and sizes. This may make it more suitable for a wider range of riders with different body types and preferences.

Real World Range Test

We've put the Pathfinder ST to the test under real-world conditions to give you a better indication of its performance. For this test, we rode on 80% flat terrain with a rider weighing approximately 180lbs. Riding the Pathfinder ST solely using the throttle at 20 MPH gets you 27 miles of range! Considering that throttle exerts more from the battery, the range only goes higher from there as you move down the pedal assist levels.

Reasons To Love Rattan

In an ever-growing market, it's difficult to find a brand that will continue to roll with quality and rider assistance, one that values longevity and persists in its efforts to make the riding experience last longer than the ride. Here's how Rattan promises to change the way you experience the world on two wheels:
  1. Over 1,000 authorized dealers that offer quality service & test rides
  2. 2-year warranty that protects you and your e-bike for the long road ahead
  3. TUV Certified Safety Standards to ensure your e-bike and its components are efficient and safe
  4. Innovative App (future plans) featuring in-depth riding metrics
  5. Group Rides around the country that promotes connectivity and a good time
  6. Eco-Friendly Sustainable Packaging
  7. FREE fast shipping on all e-bike orders

All in All

After comparing the Pathfinder ST side by side with the RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru, there are many similarities between these two products. But, as we keep mentioning, you must delve underneath the proverbial hood and see what things are like when it comes to the electrical, mechanical, and physical aspects of these e-bikes. Looking past the basic stats and delving down deeper tells you more about these e-bikes, the processes they went through in design and production, and, in reality, this is where true value is calculated.
It is clear, and we say this as humbly as possible, that the Pathfinder ST has outclassed its rival in many details. Just the idea that, like any regular bike on the market, it is available in a variety of frame sizes to suit every person who wants to ride it comfortably. While the RadRover may have some advantages, the Pathfinder ST charges quicker and comes at a more competitive price point.
Another great point to consider is that the Pathfinder ST can be tuned down to a Class II e-bike with a few simple button pushes, or even a Class I if you want to manually and quickly remove the throttle control. This increases the variety of available terrain for you to ride because most trails which allow e-bikes only allow Class I, with some allowing Class II, and very few allowing Class III e-bikes.
Lastly, considering that the Pathfinder ST is priced nearly $500 less than the RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru, it undoubtedly offers more bang for your buck. For riders looking for a high-performance, versatile, and reasonably priced e-bike, the Rattan Pathfinder ST is an incredibly attractive option.