Rad Power Bikes RadTrike: error 30 or battery light flashing with a full battery

Your RadTrike's battery is charged, but the Rad UI Remote shows a single flashing power bar, or error 30, and the trike won't ride. Rad's RadTrike error code page explains that error 30 can show up this way, looking like a low battery warning, and says that if the battery's own charge indicator shows enough charge, you should treat it as a connection error. The short answer: a loose or dirty connector somewhere between the remote, the harness and the controller. Rad's RadTrike 1 (2022) connector check guide walks through each one.

Most likely cause

A communication fault between the Rad UI Remote and the controller, usually a connector that has loosened or picked up moisture or dirt. (Rad)

Other causes to rule out

• An actually low battery. Check the battery's own charge indicator first.
• Error 31, a power fault at start up, often from holding the power button over six seconds or a stuck button. (Rad)
• Error 25, which shows if the hand brake is held at power on. (Rad)
• Damaged, dirty or wet battery terminals. Rad says not to use a damaged battery. (Rad)

How to confirm

Rad's order, checked one at a time with the battery out, then the battery back in to test:

1. Rad UI connector, the first plug on the remote's cable. Green inside, four pins.
2. Battery connector or connectors under the trike, between the battery tray and the controller behind the pedals. Black, two pins. There may be two if an extension is fitted.
3. Front wiring harness connector behind the neoprene cover. Black, ten pins.
4. Rear wiring harness connector on the cable to the controller. Black, eleven pins.
5. Isolation checks, leaving each unplugged while you power on: pedal assist (yellow, three pins), the two motor connectors (one above the front wheel motor, one near the bottom of the frame), taillight, rear accessory port, the front brake motor cutoff connector (red, two pins, not the brake cable itself), throttle, headlight and front accessory port.

At each plug, pull straight apart, look for moisture, debris, dirt, damage or bent pins, then line up and press together.

Fix options

Reseat the connectors (easy)

Rad lists flat side cutters, a 2.5 mm hex key, a Phillips screwdriver, a camera and zip ties. Re-secure cables with new zip ties without crimping them, and do a pre-ride safety check.

Replace the faulty part (moderate, with Rad support)

If the error clears with one part unplugged, note which and contact support. If you find damage, photograph it and contact support before replacing anything.

Battery replacement

If the battery itself is damaged, Rad says not to use it, to recycle it under local rules and to get a replacement. Never open it. See e-bike battery care.

Parts

• Zip ties
• Replacement cable, accessory or battery, only as Rad support directs

When to get a pro

Get help if a connector or the battery is damaged, if the brake cutoff or throttle plug looks wrong, or if the error persists after every connector. See check brake cutoff and throttle and Rad Power Bikes error codes.

Sources

• RadTrike error code page, support.radpowerbikes.com
• RadTrike 1 (2022) connector check guide, support.radpowerbikes.com

Stuck after these checks? Find a shop near you.