{"id":21109,"date":"2022-04-29T10:45:54","date_gmt":"2022-04-29T14:45:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=21109"},"modified":"2022-04-29T10:45:54","modified_gmt":"2022-04-29T14:45:54","slug":"rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-heres-whats-hidden-in-rads-new-fat-tire-folding-electric-bike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=21109","title":{"rendered":"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here&#8217;s what&#8217;s hidden in Rad&#8217;s new fat tire folding electric bike"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When the <a href=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/2022\/03\/09\/rad-power-bikes-launches-new-low-cost-radexpand-5-electric-bike-replacing-radmini\/\">RadExpand 5 was first unveiled<\/a>, I was surprised to see the company go in this direction and replace the RadMini with a new model. But now that I\u2019ve spent some good time in the saddle, I see exactly what Rad was thinking, because the folding <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/RadExpand\">RadExpand 5<\/a> e-bike draws on some of the best parts of every other e-bike in the company\u2019s wide lineup.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ll start by saying that it\u2019s going to be hard for Rad Power Bikes to top their own <a href=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/2022\/02\/11\/radrunner-2-electric-bike-review-rad-power-bikes-most-fun-utility-e-bike-yet\/\">RadRunner<\/a> e-bike, which holds a special place in my heart as such an innovative and high utility design.<\/p>\n<p>But the cool thing about the RadExpand 5 is that it\u2019s almost like a folding version of the RadRunner, though with some key differences I\u2019ll cover soon.<\/p>\n<p>That design direction though, taking RadRunner-like traits and applying them to a folding e-bike, means that the <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/RadExpand\">RadExpand 5<\/a> offers huge utility in a package that is more convenient for anyone who regularly transports their e-bike or needs to fold it to fit in a tight space.<\/p>\n<p>To get a down-and-dirty sense of the new e-bike, check out my video review below and join me on my rides. Then read on for my complete thoughts on this new electric bike model!<\/p>\n<h2>RadExpand 5 video review<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignwide is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<p>\n<iframe id=\"post-youtube-video\" title=\"RadExpand 5 Review: Rad Power Bikes newest folding electric bike\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Iw1V0_TCV9U?feature=oembed&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\">[embedded content]<\/iframe>\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2>RadExpand 5 tech specs<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Motor:<\/strong>\u00a0750W rear geared hub motor<\/li>\n<li><strong>Top speed:<\/strong>\u00a032 km\/h (20 mph)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Range:<\/strong>\u00a045-72 km (25-45 mi) depending on user input<\/li>\n<li><strong>Battery:<\/strong>\u00a048V 14Ah (672 Wh)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Weight<\/strong>: 28.3 kg (62.5 lb)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Max load:<\/strong>\u00a0125 kg (275 lb)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rear rack max load<\/strong>: 27 kg (59 lb)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Brakes:<\/strong>\u00a0Mechanical disc brakes<\/li>\n<li><strong>Extras:<\/strong>\u00a0Sturdy kickstand, LED display, 7-speed shifter, integrated head\/tail\/brake LED lights, bell, 4 pedal assist settings, half-twist throttle, mounting for front and rear racks\/accessories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"h-fold-unfold-ride-repeat\">Fold, unfold, ride, repeat<\/h2>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/RadExpand\">RadExpand 5<\/a> of course brings the same Rad performance we know and love from the company\u2019s other e-bikes. That means 20 mph (32 km\/h) on either throttle or pedal assist, and 25-45 miles (40-72 km) of range per charge.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s plenty of range for most everyday riders, whether you\u2019re using the bike for leisure, commuting, or local errand running. As much as I\u2019d love to see a Class 3 Rad bike that gets up to 28 mph (45 km\/h), we\u2019re set at 20 mph until Rad\u2019s lawyers let us go faster.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m definitely glad to see the built-in lights stick around for this model, as do the fenders and the rear rack. All of that equipment comes standard so you don\u2019t have to start adding accessories. Though if you want to deck the bike out, Rad of course does have an <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/Rad_Accessories\">industry-leading selection to choose from<\/a>. Seriously, they\u2019ve got so many e-bike accessories that they even have things for your dog.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-3.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1000\" alt=\"rad power bikes radexpand 5 electric bicycle\" class=\"wp-image-235995\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-3.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-3.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-3.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-3.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-3.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-3.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>I\u2019m also a big fan of that high handlebar setup as it helps give the bike its upright seating position and comfortable geometry.<\/p>\n<p>Plus the handlebars even fold down, which makes it easy to stick the bike against a wall or behind a couch and have it take up less room since the bars lay flat against the fork instead of sticking out sideways like, well, bicycle handlebars.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s also a great trick to use when loading the bike in the back of an SUV or minivan. <\/p>\n<p>On other bikes, I\u2019ll often have to loosen the bars by unbolting the four bolts that hold the bars to the stem and letting them flop down. That allows the bike to become short enough to stand up in most SUVs or minivans. But it\u2019s not great for the bike because you can wear down those threads over time with repeated tightening and loosening. This folding handlebar setup instantly drops the bars lower and means you can easily slide the RadExpand 5 into shorter areas, no tools required.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-7.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1000\" alt=\"rad power bikes radexpand 5 electric bicycle\" class=\"wp-image-235999\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-7.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-7.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-7.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-7.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-7.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-7.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>The display\/remote is borrowed from Rad\u2019s other economical bikes, namely the RadRunner and RadMission. That means we get a simplified LED dot display to tell us the battery capacity, pedal assist power mode, and the headlight\/tail light status. There\u2019s no odometer or speedometer, which is a bit of a bummer for people that really like data, but not necessarily a deal breaker.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike the economical bikes though, the RadExpand 5 borrows its wide tires from Rad\u2019s true fat tire e-bikes, sticking with a 4\u2033 size to give more cushioning to the ride and more off-road riding control. The lack of a suspension fork (another move from the Mission\/Runner playbook) means that the fat tires are even more important for the ride comfort. I did plenty of trail riding though on grass, dirt, and sand (as you can see in my video above), and I often couldn\u2019t even tell that the bike lacked suspension. Those fat tires are amazing at soaking up bumps.<\/p>\n<p>I also love the step-through frame and I\u2019m glad this more or less matches the RadRunner\u2019s step-through frame. It\u2019s just such an easy way to hop on and off of the bike, especially when that rear rack is loaded high. I don\u2019t have kids of my own, but I can imagine how a kid\u2019s seat on back would make the step-through design a winner \u2013 no more kicking Junior in the face each time you hop on!<\/p>\n<p>The only slight issue with the step-through setup is the battery on the forward part of the downtube means the key sticks out and sometimes rubs my leg when I pedal. The obvious answer is, \u201cDuh, you aren\u2019t supposed to ride with the key in the battery.\u201d And that\u2019s correct. But c\u2019mon, many of us do it sometimes (it\u2019s a great way to not lose your key!), and so it\u2019s something I\u2019ve noticed on occasion. But a friend who also tried the bike with me said it wasn\u2019t noticeable, so maybe I just pedal more narrowly.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery alignwide has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"236009\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-17.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-236009\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-17.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-17.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-17.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-17.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-17.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-17.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"236008\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-16.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-236008\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-16.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-16.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-16.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-16.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-16.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-16.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"236007\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-15.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-236007\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-15.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-15.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-15.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-15.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-15.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-15.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"236006\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-14.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-236006\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-14.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-14.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-14.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-14.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-14.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-14.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"236005\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-13.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-236005\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-13.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-13.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-13.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-13.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-13.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-13.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"236004\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-12.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-236004\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-12.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-12.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-12.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-12.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-12.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-12.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"236003\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-11.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-236003\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-11.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-11.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-11.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-11.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-11.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-11.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"236002\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-10.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-236002\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-10.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-10.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-10.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-10.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-10.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-10.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"236001\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-9.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-236001\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-9.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-9.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-9.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-9.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-9.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-9.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"236000\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-8.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-236000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-8.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-8.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-8.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-8.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-8.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-8.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<p>I\u2019m quoting a lot of RadRunner-style inspirations here, but the RadExpand 5 also goes its own way in many respects. For example, the 7-speed shifter is a big improvement over the RadRunner for anyone who has to deal with hills or just likes to downshift for that extra torque.<\/p>\n<p>One of my few gripes on the bike is \u2013 believe it or not \u2013 the bell. For some reason (almost certainly \u201csupply chain issues\u201d), Rad switched from a brake lever-integrated bell to a standalone bell. Normally that\u2019d be fine, even though I prefer the index finger-actuated brake lever bell. However, there\u2019s a problem here. The display\/remote on the left bar end is fairly wide, meaning you have to reach past it to get your thumb on the bell. Unless you\u2019ve got huge thumbs, that means you have to slide your hand in pretty far and loosen your finger grip on the bar to stretch that far. You could swap the bell and the display, but then you\u2019d have the same problem reaching the display (which you use much more).<\/p>\n<p>This is admittedly a minor inconvenience, but it\u2019s an inconvenience nonetheless. A good bike bell that is easy to use is actually quite important to me as I often ride in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, and it is very helpful to angrily ding at people that walk into your lane. I really wish Rad switches back to the brake lever bell, as that was a big winner in my opinion.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery alignwide has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"235992\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/A6603635-copy.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"rad power bikes radexpand 5 electric bicycle\" class=\"wp-image-235992\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/A6603635-copy.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/A6603635-copy.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/A6603635-copy.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/A6603635-copy.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/A6603635-copy.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/A6603635-copy.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"235993\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-1.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"rad power bikes radexpand 5 electric bicycle\" class=\"wp-image-235993\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-1.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-1.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-1.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-1.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-1.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-1.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"235994\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-2.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"rad power bikes radexpand 5 electric bicycle\" class=\"wp-image-235994\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-2.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-2.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-2.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-2.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-2.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-2.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"235996\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-4.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"rad power bikes radexpand 5 electric bicycle\" class=\"wp-image-235996\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-4.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-4.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-4.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-4.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-4.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-4.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 review: Here's what's hidden in Rad's new fat tire folding electric bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"235997\" src=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-5.jpg?quality=82&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"rad power bikes radexpand 5 electric bicycle\" class=\"wp-image-235997\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-5.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-5.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-5.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-5.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-5.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/electrek.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/04\/rad-power-bikes-radexpand-5-review-5.jpg?resize=350,233 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<p>All told, there\u2019s very little I can complain about here. The bike was a killer deal at its promotional $1,299 introductory price. Now at its <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/RadExpand\">new $1,499 price<\/a> (thanks, <a href=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/2021\/12\/14\/largest-e-bike-company-in-the-us-rad-power-bikes-says-it-has-to-raise-prices-heres-why\/\">inflation<\/a>), the RadExpand 5 is still a lot of bike for your money, not to mention Rad\u2019s industry-leading service and support. But boy was it seriously tempting at that intro price, eh?<\/p>\n<p>I still recommend it to folks who want most of the benefits of the RadRunner, but who prefer a folding package (and for such people who don\u2019t require the awesome passenger capabilities of the Runner).<\/p>\n<p>The RadExpand 5 certainly seems like a more than worthy replacement for the RadMini line and keeps me excited to see continued updates and innovation from Rad.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-disclaimer-container\" readability=\"6.3518518518519\">\n<p class=\"disclaimer-affiliate\"><em>FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/electrek.co\/about\/#affiliate\">More.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- post ad --><\/div>\n<hr\/>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCcOIZzJgLCyMPILY7-1Vsdg?sub_confirmation=1\">Subscribe to Electrek on YouTube for exclusive videos<\/a> and subscribe to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.electrek.co\/guides\/electrek-podcast\">podcast<\/a>.<!-- youtube embed --><\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Recent Videos\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ihzj2k6qCSg?playlist=vSMzS6egt1U,lf77lqke_30,Javp8rJ9vsE,0fgm9H_T51E,E2eczHgIr20,aHw4nR-BDKI,AKbADNgUA-8,Qxd3ZSjzsx8,Iw1V0_TCV9U\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\">[embedded content]<\/iframe><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When the RadExpand 5 was first unveiled, I was surprised to see the company go in this direction and replace the RadMini with a new model. But now that I\u2019ve spent some good time in the saddle, I see exactly what Rad was thinking, because the folding RadExpand 5 e-bike draws on some of the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8313,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21109","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-e-cars"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21109","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21109"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21109\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8313"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21109"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21109"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}