Rad Power Bikes RadMission: won't power on, or all pedal assist lights flash (error 30)

Your RadMission won't power on, or every pedal assist level light on the LED display flashes. Rad's RadMission error 30 guide is written for exactly these two symptoms and calls the problem error 30. The short answer: a connector is loose, dirty, wet or damaged, or a part plugged into the system has failed. Reseat the battery tray, display and harness plugs, then unplug the rest one at a time.

Most likely cause

Rad's guide treats the fault as a loose or faulty connection to the bike's electrical parts, and its fix resets each connection in turn (Rad RadMission guide). Rad describes error 30 as a communication error on its LCD bikes (RadCity guide). The LED display has no number screen, so the flashing lights are how it reports the same thing.

Don't confuse this with a single flashing light. If only level 2 flashes, that is the LED version of error 24, a motor hall fault. See RadMission pedal assist level 2 flashing.

Other causes to rule out

• Dirty, damaged or wet battery or battery mount contacts. Rad says not to clean or repair them yourself: photograph them and contact support. (Rad guide)
• A failed motor, light, brake sensor, throttle or PAS sensor, found with Rad's unplug test. (Rad guide)
• A low or uncharged battery if the bike is completely dead. See e-bike won't turn on.

How to confirm

1. Turn the bike off, remove the battery and press and hold the power button to drain leftover power. Rad says to do this before every step.
2. Inspect the battery and battery mount contacts.
3. Battery tray connector: on the cable coming out of the bottom of the battery tray. Unplug, inspect, reconnect and test.
4. Display connector: untwist the metal part fully before pulling apart, then twist it back until secure.
5. Wiring harness connector: unplug, inspect, reconnect and test.
6. Unplug test, one at a time with the part left unplugged: motor (left chainstay, keep clear of the brake rotor), taillight, second taillight if you have a rear rack, left brake, right brake, throttle, headlight, PAS sensor near the bottom bracket.
7. If the lights stop flashing with one part unplugged, that part likely caused it. Photograph it and contact Rad.

Fix options

Reseat the connectors (easy)

Pull each plug straight apart, line up the internal notch and pins and any outside markings, press together without twisting, and replace snipped zip ties trimmed flush. Rad suggests wood blocks under the display if you flip the bike.

Replace the part the unplug test points to (moderate, through Rad support)

Brake sensors, the throttle, lights and the PAS sensor plug in. Never ride with a brake sensor unplugged, since it cuts the motor when you brake.

Replace the harness, display or controller (pro)

If every plug is clean and nothing changes the lights, Rad support or a shop should take over.

Parts

• Zip ties
• E-bike connectors
• Main cable (wiring harness)
• E-bike display
• Throttle, Brake cutoff sensor or Pedal assist sensor, only the one the test points to
• E-bike controller (pro only)

When to get a pro

Get help for bent pins, damaged or wet contacts, or flashing that stays after the full check. Rad warns that putting tools into connectors can cause permanent damage or injury. See Rad Power Bikes troubleshooting and when to call a pro.

Sources

• RadMission error 30 guide, support.radpowerbikes.com
• RadCity guide, support.radpowerbikes.com

Stuck after these checks? Find a shop near you.