Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Review: A Versatile Folding E-Bike for Commutes and Adventures

The Rad Power Bikes brand is known for making game-changing urban commuter bikes. Their latest addition, the RadExpand 5, is an electric folding bike with versatile fat tires that appeals to commuters and adventure enthusiasts alike.

The RadExpand 5 boasts a powerful rear hub motor, excellent battery life, and a long list of practical accessories. All of this makes it a worthy competitor to other best-selling models in the folding e-bike category, such as the Ride1UP Portola, Aventon Sinch.2, and Lectric XP 3.0.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve deeper into RadExpand 5’s practical design, advanced features, and the overall value that set it apart in the competitive e-bike market.

RadExpand 5 Main Specs:

• MSRP: $1,599
• Motor: 750W hub, 20 mph max speed
• Battery: 672 Wh
• Drivetrain: 1×7-speed
• Range: 45+ Miles
• Wheels: 20″
• Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes
• Weight: 62.5 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 275 lbs
• Sizing: Height – 4’10” – 5’10” / Inseam – 24.5″ to 32.25″
• Folded dimensions: 29H x 25W x 41L”

 

RadExpand 5 Full Review

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The Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 is a versatile e-bike suitable for daily commutes on smooth city streets and light off-road adventures. Its 20-inch robust fat tires improve comfort on pavement and ensure grip on gravel and dirt roads.

The key features include a silent and powerful 750W rear hub motor combined with Rad Power Bikes’ standard 672 Wh battery. This setup will give you plenty of power for climbing and a decent 45+ mile range per charge.

The Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 blends a silent, powerful 750W motor and a durable 672 Wh battery with 20-inch fat tires for unmatched comfort and grip, making it an ideal e-bike for both city commutes and light off-road adventures.

Of course, the foldable frame simplifies storage and transportation, though the 62.5 lb weight is a limiting factor in this regard. Those needing to carry this bike frequently might struggle to do so for longer distances.

Though high weight is not uncommon in the folding fat e-bike category—the Aventon Sinch.2 weighs 68 lb, the Ride1UP Portola weighs 60 lb, and the Lectric XP 3.0 weighs 64 lb.

Let’s take a closer look at some of RadExpand’s main features, to determine if this is the right choice for you.

Frame Geometry and Sizing

The RadExpand 5 is built around a 6061 aluminum alloy frame, which is the standard material used on ebikes in this price category.

It’s characterized by upright frame geometry and a relaxed riding position, which makes it a good choice for all types of riders, including seniors. In addition to that, the handlebar position is fully adjustable, so you can tweak the fit to suit your particular height and build.

One slight concern is the fact that only one frame size is available, suitable for riders between 4’10” – 5’10” tall (24.5″ – 32.25″ inseam). That means that riders on the far end of this range might struggle a bit more to find the perfect fit.

When folded, the 29″(H) x 25″(W) x 41″(L) dimensions mean that the RadExpand 5 is compact, but not super-small. Therefore, you can fit it inside a larger car trunk and store it in your garage, but you’re not exactly getting a Brompton.

Motor and Battery

If you’re already familiar with Rad Power Bikes’ models, the 750W rear hub motor and 672 Wh battery won’t be new information for you.

This is the standard combo on almost all bikes offered by this USA brand, which means that it has proven itself in real-world situations.

With its 750W rear hub motor and 672 Wh battery, the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 offers a reliable and time-tested combination, providing up to 45 miles of range and a 20 mph assisted top speed, ideal for diverse riding needs.

The 750W rear hub motor is operated with four pedal assist levels and a throttle, allowing you to reach a 20 mph maximum assisted speed.

The 672 Wh battery is not integrated, it sits flush against the seat tube, but it offers a 45-mile maximum range per charge if you stick to low pedal-assist levels and minimal throttle use. This is a decent range, and about the same as you can get from other best-sellers in the category.

Components

When it comes to the mechanical components, such as the drivetrain gearing and brakes, the RadExpand 5 justifies its entry-level label.

This affordable e-bike sports a low-tier Shimano 7-speed rear derailleur and mechanical disc brakes, which will get the job done, but leave something to be desired in terms of shifting performance and braking power.

It wouldn’t be fair to be overly critical of this setup considering the low $1,599 price, but it’s worth pointing out that the Ride1UP Portola costs $995 and has a Shimano Altus 8-speed derailleur and hydraulic disc brakes.

Therefore, we feel that Rad Power Bikes could do better in this area if and when they release a new version of the RadExpand.

Accessories

One area in which the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 excels is accessories. This e-bike comes with all the extras you could ask for if you’re an urban commuter and you’re looking to ride year-round and carry groceries or other basic necessities.

The accessory pack includes front and rear fenders, a sturdy rear rack, bright front and rear lights, and even a kickstand. The rear rack has a 55 lb load capacity, and you can also install a custom front rack with a 30 lb load capacity.

The RadExpand 5 from Rad Power Bikes comes fully equipped with essential accessories for the urban commuter, featuring front and rear fenders, a strong rear rack, efficient lighting, and more, enhancing both functionality and convenience.

A few other extras you should consider retrofitting to further personalize your RadExpand include a wheel lock, front basket, rearview mirror, phone mount, and even a trailer for longer trips.

What Are the RadExpand 5 Drawbacks?

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Overall, the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 offers excellent value for the money. It’s a robust and versatile electric folding bike that costs way under $2,000. However, it does have some drawbacks that you should consider before hitting the “Buy Now” button.

Firstly, its hefty weight of 62.5 lb means it can be challenging to carry or transport it, despite the fact it’s easily foldable.

Next, the bike’s one-size-fits-all frame is suitable for riders 4’10 to 5’10” but it may not actually fit everyone equally well. If you’re on the lower or the taller end of this range, the RadExpand 5 may not feel ideal.

We also feel that the 7-speed derailleur and mechanical disc brakes should be reserved for even cheaper e-bikes, as the RadExpand underperforms in this area compared to some competitors in teh same price range.

But, while there’s certainly room for improvement in future versions, the RadExpand 5 is still a decent e-bike with a lot of positives considering its price point.

RadExpand 5 Review: Is It Worth the Money?

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In conclusion, the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand stands out as a worthy option in the folding electric bike market.

We especially recommend it to urban commuters and light off-road adventurers, but it can be an excellent choice for general recreational riders and e-biking enthusiasts.

Priced well under $2,000, the RadExpand 5 boasts a decent balance of power, range, and practical extras, even if it comes with a few shortcomings.

So if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile e-bike that won’t break the bank and that is made by a respectable e-bike brand, the RadExpand 5 should definitely be on your list.

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