Last fall, we added two electric bikes to our household, and we’ve been cruising around Chicago ever since. I’m sharing my honest review, plus all of the details about the exact ones we have.
We bought our Radio Flyer Via Pro e-bikes on November 6th, the day before my hip replacement surgery. (Because if I have a new hip, I might as well have a fun new ride, too, right?) While I was healing, Finn put the e-bikes together — and even though I didn’t get to ride mine until a warm day in February, I was instantly hooked.
Since then, our electric cargo bikes have changed our mornings, made school drop-offs easier, and brought so much joy to our everyday routines. In this post, I’m sharing:
- Why we chose the Flyer Via Pro
- The accessories we added (and love!)
- How it fits into city life with kids
- And our honest thoughts on what works — and what could be better
Whether you’re a fellow Chicagoan looking for a car alternative or just e-bike curious, I hope this Radio Flyer e-bike review gives you the inside scoop.
Why We Chose an E-Bike Over a Second Car
With our kids now at two separate schools in opposite directions, our peaceful morning walks were turning into 60+ minute commutes. We weren’t quite ready to buy a second car, but we needed a faster way to get around — that still felt active, outdoorsy, and fun.
That’s when we started looking into electric cargo bikes, and our friends, Mitch and Kelly, (from Kelly in the City) totally sold us on it. They also have two young kids in Chicago and they ride their e-bikes everywhere! I’ve always loved watching their family adventures from afar and thought it looked like a fun way to get around the city.
I had never actually met Kelly before, but we’d admired each other on social media for years. After a quick DM conversation, Kelly invited me over to try her bike last summer. After one test ride, I was sold! Now we’re in a little “e-bike enthusiast” group chat, and I’m constantly asking them questions about battery life, accessories, and what to do when you hit steep hills.
Going with Radio Flyer
Because Kelly and Mitch raved about their Radio Flyer bikes so much, I figured that was the first place to look when buying our bikes. Then, once I dug into Radio Flyer as a company, it became clear that it was the best bike brand for us.
- They’re a Chicago-based family business. Doesn’t get any more local than that!
- They’ve been around for over 100 years (Yep, that little red wagon legacy lives on!)
- They’re a Certified B Corp, which means they meet the highest standards for social and environmental performance.
- Their customer service team has a great reputation, and it’s easy to find replacement parts if you ever need them. Plus, the bikes come with a solid warranty period, which added some peace of mind.
- And honestly, you can feel that care in the build quality, design, and even the instruction manual — everything was thoughtful and easy to understand.
We wanted something reliable, safe, and built for everyday family life. Radio Flyer checked all those boxes and then some.
Also, this is NOT sponsored by them. These are my honest thoughts about our experience.
What We Bought
We ordered two Flyer Via Pro bikes:
We knew we needed more than just the bikes themselves to make this work for our family, so here’s a full breakdown of the accessories we added and love:
- Kid & Cargo Carrier Hoop (x2): This is a rear setup and holds both kids safely. We each have this on our bikes in case the kids want to split up and go with mom and with dad.
- Kid & Cargo XL Hauler: Finn has this on his bike. It encloses the bottom of the carrier so the kids’ legs are enclosed. Plus, it’s nice for holding backpacks, helmets, and even groceries!
- Kid & Cargo Canopy: This is on Finn’s bike for shielding the littles from rain, wind, or chilly days.
- Front Storage Basket: We each have one of these for bags, water bottles, and more.
- Side Mirror: After using the bikes without these for a few months, we realized we really need a bike mirror for safer biking.
- Phone Holder: If we’re going on an adventure and need directions to stay in the bike lanes, this comes in handy!
For Security & Safety
How It Rides (& Why We Love It)
Let’s talk about what it’s actually like to ride the Flyer Via Pro — because that’s the part that really surprised me.
First off, these bikes are fast… but not in a scary, out-of-control way. With the pedal assist system, you can choose how much help you want from the motor — from a light boost to a full-on, “please get me up this steep hill with two kids and a backpack” situation. I usually go with a pedal assist level of 3 to give me an extra boost.
There’s also a thumb throttle you can use to give yourself a little push without pedaling, which I love for quick starts at stop signs or traffic lights.
The top speed with pedal assist is about 20 mph, which feels just right for city riding. It’s fast enough to get where you’re going efficiently, but not so fast that you feel out of control. And when you’re carrying heavy loads (like two wiggly kids, a lunchbox, and a grocery run), it still feels super stable thanks to the low center of gravity and the sturdy aluminum frame. Plus, it has a hydraulic brake system, which is a must for reliable stops.
Battery Life, Charging, & Power
We’ve also been really happy with the battery life. On a full charge, we typically get anywhere from 30 to 50 miles, depending on how much assistance we’re using and whether we’re carrying heavy cargo. For us, that means a full week of school drop-offs, park runs, and errands, without needing to recharge. When it’s time to plug in, the lithium-ion battery charges in a few hours. It’s super simple.
Built-In Safety Features
As a parent, safety is everything, and this bike has a ton of thoughtful features that make me feel confident on the road:
- A rear brake light that comes on automatically when you stop.
- A bright front light for early mornings or cloudy days.
- Fat tires that make for a smooth ride even with potholes and bumpy sidewalks.
- A clear LED display showing speed, battery status, and your assist level.
It doesn’t feel like a bulky piece of machinery. Instead, it feels like a really smart, really capable bike that happens to have some electric magic built in. Honestly, I feel more in control on this than I ever did on a regular traditional bike. It’s intuitive, it’s safe, and it makes everyday life a lot more fun.
What to Consider (aka The One Downside)
Honestly, we’ve been really happy with our e-bikes. They’ve truly changed how we get around, but I do think it’s important to call out the one real downside: the price.
Between the bikes themselves and the additional cost of the accessories, this was definitely a bigger upfront investment than we were used to. It’s not exactly a budget-friendly purchase, especially when you’re outfitting two bikes for a whole family.
But here’s how we looked at it:
We weren’t ready to buy a second car, and this gave us a practical, environmentally-friendly way to handle transportation without jumping into that kind of long-term cost and commitment. Plus, we’ve saved on gas, car insurance, and parking — all of which add up fast in the city.
So yes, the price point is something to think about. But for us, the everyday ease, the build quality, and the sheer joy of riding with our kids made it more than worth it.
Oh, and I have one more small downside. The kickstand takes some getting used to! It’s a double kickstand (so it doesn’t topple over) and when the two kids are on the back it takes some muscle to get it on and off. Just something to note!
Final Thoughts on Electric Bikes
It’s safe to say these cargo e-bikes have quickly become part of our daily rhythm, and we’re just getting started.
Now that warmer weather is finally on the horizon, we’re feeling extra excited. We’ve already started a little family summer bucket list. It’s filled with parks and all the ice cream shops we want to visit and we’re planning to use our bikes to get to every single one.
There’s something about riding together that feels…special. Slower than a car, faster than walking, and just the right amount of adventure. The kids love it; we love it; and it makes everyday errands feel like a mini field trip.
So if you’re e-bike curious — especially as a city family looking for an alternative to a second car — I’d absolutely recommend looking into the Radio Flyer Via Pro.