Runabout 2
- Motor
- 1040W peak
- Battery
- 780Wh
- Range
- up to 55 mi
- Top speed
- 20 mph
$1,799.00
- Free US shipping
- 2-year warranty
- Free returns on faults
Runabout 2
Wild Green
$1,799.00
The Roots Rider Runabout 2 is a step-through cargo electric bike built around one number: a 13.8-inch standover height. You walk into the frame instead of climbing onto it. Behind you is an integrated rear rack rated for 100 lb, which takes a crate, panniers, a passenger seat or a child seat without an adapter. It is the bike we recommend for the school run, the grocery run, and for anyone who has stopped enjoying swinging a leg over a saddle.
Runabout 2 specifications
| Battery | 52V 15Ah Samsung cells, 780Wh, removable and lockable, UL 2271 certified |
|---|---|
| Claimed range | Up to 55 miles per charge, pedal assist, manufacturer test conditions |
| Standover height | 13.8 in — the lowest in our range |
| Rear rack | Integrated, rated for 100 lb |
| Total payload | 350 lb, rider plus cargo plus passenger |
| Tires | 20 x 4.0 in Kenda Cursor fat tires |
| Frame | Step-through cargo frame, long wheelbase |
| Colours | Wild Green, Antracit, Pink, Cream, Black, Water Blue |
| Certification | UL 2849 bike, UL 2271 battery |
| Accessories | Front basket, rear crate, passenger seat, backrest and footrests, sold separately |
| Charge time | About 5 to 6 hours from empty on the supplied charger |
| Assembly | Arrives about 85% assembled, tools included |
13.8 inches is the whole argument
Most fat-tire e-bikes ask you to lift a leg over a saddle at around 30 inches. The Runabout 2 asks for 13.8. That is the difference between a bike you use and a bike you look at in the garage.
It matters if you have a hip or knee that objects, if you are shorter, if you are wearing work clothes, or if you are getting on and off twenty times on a delivery round.
What the rack actually carries
The rear rack is welded into the frame rather than bolted on afterwards, which is why it is rated for 100 lb rather than the 25 to 55 lb typical of an accessory rack.
Six colours, and they matter here
The Runabout 2 comes in Wild Green, Antracit, Pink, Cream, Black and Water Blue. This is the bike in our range people choose by colour, because it is the one they will be seen on every day rather than at the weekend.
There is no mechanical difference between them. Cream and Pink show road dirt fastest; Antracit and Black hide it.
Who the Runabout 2 is for
Buy it if
- You carry a child, a passenger, or the shopping.
- Swinging a leg over a saddle is uncomfortable or awkward.
- You are shorter than average and want a bike that fits properly.
- You want the rack built into the frame, not bolted on.
Look elsewhere if
- You need it to fold — the Rebel 2 folds and also steps through.
- You want 28 mph — the Cheetah 2 is Class 3.
- You ride rough ground — the Cougar has front and rear suspension.
- You want maximum range — the Cheetah 2 Pro carries 1440Wh.
In the box
- Runabout 2 electric bike, about 85% assembled
- 52V 15Ah Samsung battery and charger
- Two keys for the battery lock
- Pedals, front wheel, handlebar hardware and the tools to fit them
- Manual and UL certification paperwork
The front basket, rear crate, passenger seat, backrest and footrests are sold separately. Fit the passenger seat before the first ride if you plan to carry someone — it is a ten-minute job, not a roadside one.
Runabout 2 questions, answered
How low is the step-through on the Runabout 2?
The standover height is 13.8 inches. You step through the frame rather than swinging a leg over it, which is why it suits riders with limited mobility, shorter riders, and anyone carrying something.
How far can it go on one charge?
The 52V 15Ah Samsung battery is rated for up to 55 miles of pedal assist under the manufacturer's test conditions. Carrying a passenger or a loaded rack will reduce that noticeably — plan on 30 to 38 miles fully loaded.
How much can the rear rack carry?
Up to 100 lb on the integrated rear rack, within a 350 lb total payload. It takes panniers, a crate or a passenger seat without an adapter, because the rack is welded into the frame.
Can it carry a passenger?
Yes, on the rear rack with a passenger seat fitted, within the payload limit. Fit the footrests as well so your passenger has somewhere to put their feet, and check your local rules on carrying passengers.
Is it suitable for an older rider?
It is the bike we recommend most often for that. The low step-through, the upright position and the wide saddle are the three things that matter, and this bike has all three. Owners in their seventies write to us about it regularly.
Is it certified?
Yes. UL 2849 for the bike and UL 2271 for the battery.
Does it fold?
No. The Runabout 2 is a rigid cargo frame, which is what allows the 100 lb rack rating. If you need a fold, look at the Rebel 2, which steps through as well.
Range, speed and payload figures are the manufacturer's published specifications, measured under their test conditions. Your results will differ with rider weight, terrain, tire pressure, temperature and assist level. Roots Rider is operated by GHRAM LLC, Wyoming.
Shot by owners, not by us
Real Runabout 2 bikes, real driveways
No studio, no lighting rig. These photos were taken by the people who bought this bike and attached to their reviews.
Free US shippingShips from our California or New Jersey warehouse
Free returns on faultsDefect, transit damage or wrong item: we pay, you do not
Ships in 3 to 5 daysTracking by email the moment it leaves the warehouse
Talk to a humanghram.llc@gmail.com · +1 929-325-0497