RadExpand 5 Review | Electric Folding Bike

[@ElectricBikeReport]

E-Bike Question of the Day ⚡🚴 What do you think of the BMX-style handlebars of the RadExpand 5? Let us know in the comments below 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

[@simonaslibrary]

I like them a lot

[@watchmanonthewall14]

I won't know how I like these handle bars until I test ride the bike. Your review was clear and comprehensive. I do have two quick questions, though. What is the tire size, and how comfortable are the seats for seniors?

[@leonid3312]

@@watchmanonthewall14 According to Rad: 20x4"

[@toothlessseer3153]

I think they're awesome & would greatly improve its handling in comparison to folding bikes.

[@rexluminus9867]

​@@leonid3312That's correct.😊

[@LeeMillns]

Great review. We are solo sourced with Rad on our 56 e-bike rental fleet. I think Rad should include the LCD display on all its e-bikes. The riders MPH is important, the miles on the bike make it much easier to figure out the maintenance intervals. Thanks for the great review - very helpful.

[@johnthompson6374]

As well as speed limits being imposed on trails across the nation. Peace/JT

[@LymeeCha]

I love this bike! I've had it for a month and ride every chance I get. I'm sad when I can't ride.

[@baylu911]

Does it fit in your car ?

[@marywells9881]

anyone have exact details of how to fold and place in backn of outback.. techniques for smaller older rider?

[@LymeeCha]

@@baylu911 yes, when folded. I have a corolla

[@LymeeCha]

@@marywells9881 I'm sure there is a video showing you how to fold it but it's just a simple latch by the battery that you unlock and fold. The handle also folds down. I would suggest not getting a front basket so you can fold it all that way. My friend has a front basket on hers and it doesn't fold all the way. If anything, get a removable front basket if you want one. It also comes with a velcro strap to keep it nicely folded so it doesn't move or open when you're driving or carrying it. I've seen people load it into their suv/trucks with a pet ramp for cars. They fold the bike and put it in a storage bin/tray and slide it up. I've never tried it but I heard it works.

[@HeRo-qd6tk]

Cant wait to get mine. This is my second Rad bike. 1st was a Rover.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

You'll get to "share" the battery..... double your range on either bike

[@mrslcom]

Very fair and accurate review. It’s a well engineered and updated folding e-bike but with downgraded components.

[@donnapittman2650]

Great review. Love the bike. Just rec'd mine. Ride it every day gaining more confidence with every ride. The handlebars are very sturdy and comfortable. Researched many different brands. Only negative is customer service. Lacking here in Canada, hoping this improves sooner rather than later.

[@1598hi]

It's lacking everywhere. Ordered one of these for my wife and they took forever to ship. Hopefully no issues, I can see getting replacement parts being a lengthy process.

[@Altema22]

I don't like losing the display or front suspension, but the hinge design seems stronger with more clamping surface. Not that there was a problem with the old design, lol. A motor's nominal power rating is the power level it can maintain at 100% duty cycle and never overheat. Rad sometimes get's criticized for strictly limiting their power levels to 750 watts, but if the bike can climb forever, I'd say it's a smart choice. Bikes with more aggressive peak levels and programming feel impressive, but I've had to wait for such bikes to cool off after they overheated. I've had my Rad for 6,000 miles, often climb "half-mile hill" and other long grades, and overheating issues don't exist. I do like the new handlebars. Very much. But I tried to convert my RadMini 4, and Rad refused to sell the handlebars and stem to me 😢 Thanks for the video, I'm subscribing!

[@Matanumi]

Probably because they don't sell the parts seperate weird....

[@8_x_9.]

A great hill test + review, unlike others. Thanks. 😊

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Thank you! 👍

[@toothlessseer3153]

Very nice review! Thanks 👍

[@terkelalgevind529]

Looks like a nice machine, thanks for the review!

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Thanks for watching!

[@GlidingPenguin]

I truly loved all your videos and tests. Is it possible to do a review on Vanmoof S3 and Wing Freedom 2/X? Thank you so much!

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Thank you! We've had some talks with both of them but no bikes on the way quite yet. Hopefully soon though!

[@1598hi]

Just took delivery of one yesterday. Wow that electric motor is loud. Kind of off putting. Hopefully these hold up for the long run

[@cheese_da_dragon6082]

i dont get why they removed the suspension fork and made it 100 dollars more than the radmini 4

[@guillermoortiz1492]

I didnt get it iether lol..

[@Tibberz94]

Inflation, or in this case Inflation and Shrinkflation.

[@mrrecluse7002]

They focused on a lighter bike. Besides the 4 inch tires, the SPX alternate seat post compensates the reduction of suspension. (I'm referring to the accessory RAD seat post...I think it's called SPX), and I was surprised EBR didn't mention it. But as EBR reported, this bike isn't built for rough roads. Gravel roads are fine, and there's plenty of them where I live.

[@64kdawg]

Disappointed by Rad, they made a worse spec bike that's more expensive

[@mrrecluse7002]

@@64kdawg Oldsters like me, (age 72), need to know how well this bike is ergonomically designed, in their behalf. With my age related vulnerabilities, it's perfect. In addition, the ease of transport, due to its foldability, is also worth its weight in gold. If I was 10 years younger, I would have bought the Rad 6 Plus.

[@savemankind738]

One thing I never liked on rad product is their component quality. I had rust issues on the chain and the freewheel on every single one I have owned . As I can clearly see this one has rust built up on the freewheel and the chain . Rad really needs to step up and give people quality they deserve.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

Ok for a "cargo" bike but I find that Rad's designs ( BTW, I own and love my 2019 Rad 5 Fat Tire) are getting a bit stale. $1599 seems steep for an entry-level e-bike in this class. If I were in the market, I might consider the Lectric XPremium for $200 more...the dual battery setup is a tempting feature

[@Matanumi]

Isn't it unusual how the newest model is somehow inferior to the older folding model?.... and its worth more?

[@noodles169]

Cool bike, but would be nice if you could unlock it, to get more speed out of it

[@colecrouse754]

You still can. You have to purchase an LCD display, but it's possible.

[@johnteodozow6567]

Love the handle bars, hate the loss of suspension..so no go for me

[@BigBoysWorkshop]

LOL. The junky fork they put on these bikes isn't even a real suspension fork. It's a metal spring inside a tube. It's all in your head dude. Air the tires down to 15 psi and you can't even tell the difference.

[@morgan7a]

Would be good if you actually showed how it folded and stowed in your Subaru Outback

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Fair point, we'lll try to do better about showing it folded and stored.

[@SEPU03]

Would love to see you change the handle bars to a to a BMX motocross type bars so we can mount other accessories

[@brischultz]

Great in depth review! Would have been nice if you reviewed the folding mechanism more in depth. Why is there no video of it in use?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

That was an oversight on our part. Somehow it got left out of the edit. It's as common as any folder though. There's only a handful of different mechanisms (gocycle comes to mind) but for the most part if you've seen one folding demo you've seen them all.

[@brischultz]

Thank you for the extra info!@@ElectricBikeReport 🙂

[@domy667]

Same price for 250w Europe model as for 750w US? Completely crazy.

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

BMX handlebars says everything necessary about this E-Bike.

[@championkhamis12]

I don’t think it comes anywhere near the Radrunner pro, although it can’t be folded. Rad mini 4 looks better and with better components

[@Codyak13]

Would EBR ever consider doing brake testing on gravel and/or dirt for the bikes that are meant for it? Even maybe on grass for hybrid bikes as that could definitely be a situation in more urbanized areas.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

We've considered it, yes. Trying to find a way to do that which is fair. Dirt/gravel is harder to use as a constant and we try to make the brake tests consistent for better comparisons.

[@64kdawg]

Disappointed by Rad they cheapen the components removed suspension etc, and made it more expensive than the previous model

[@vicjohnson8806]

I'am in need of a Rad power Bike adaptor

[@Free__Speech]

Why can't companies not make none electric bikes like that. Rather than bike all the time

[@jw8578]

Starting to look at replacing my wifes trek ebike with something like this. What about service on these? Reliability?

[@benca6151]

Would love to see ride1up prodigy go up that hill!

[@BigBoysWorkshop]

I ride my Expand 5 about twice a week, pretty much entirely on the beach where I live, on the Oregon coast. This bike does an amazing job in the sand but I only get about 9 miles on the beach before I've lost the first 2 bars, at which point I turn around and head back. By the time I get home, I've lost the 3rd bar but that's as far as I've ever gone. I have noticed a substantial loss of torque as each bar disappears so having a second battery installed would be a big plus, not just for range but for maintaining power and speed on a shorter or standard ride. I've seen no issues at all driving it through freshwater streams up to a foot deep, as well as through the salt water along the coastline. I've had mine for about six months and have put a little over 200 miles of beach riding on it and everything is still working perfectly. I just keep the mechanicals lubed and hose it off after each ride. I run the tires at 15 psi and have added a real thumb throttle which I feel is a vast improvement over the lame twist throttle that comes on these bikes. I also recently upgrade to a suspension seat post which I thought was hokey before I bought it but wanted to try it out and surprisingly it works really well. You just have to adjust the tension so that it does not compress at all when you sit on the seat, only when you hit bumps. This is the perfect amount of compression, otherwise, you'll be bouncing up and down all over the place and it is really distracting.

[@chrisE815]

So will you be buying a second battery?

[@William24009]

Thanks

[@Enidx10]

Would you recommend RadExpand 5 or Mod City + foldable? Can’t decide. Would appreciate your take. Thanks!

[@joeyjoe9]

Where is that trail? It looks beautiful.

[@BigBoysWorkshop]

Bryce Canyon, Utah

[@vicjohnson8806]

How can I order a charger adaptor by Rad.for an Expand#5

[@Interglacial_optimist]

Couldn't find the price

[@jw8578]

Where are you riding for this test?

[@DouglasB65]

Wow...for $200 more I can get the new Wallke H6 ST..dual battery, dual suspension..48v-35ah and an lcd display..and its foldable as well..no brainer to me😮

[@RR-vf2bd]

Some reviews reported low quality materials

[@pollystyrene99]

great review! you mention 750 watts, in canada the specs are 500w - how would this impact performance as a canadian buyer?

[@BigBoysWorkshop]

That's easy. You'll have 66% of the performance. What really sucks is you'll pay 20% more too.

[@Matanumi]

Isn't as good up hills. You can get an eggrider or custom controller and mod it

[@joserego9210]

How the hell do you remove the battery on the stupid thing? Anyone please.

[@cj9741]

As a taller rider, how did the bike’s size fit? The Rad website claims 5’10” max.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Our 6'1" riders liked it just fine.

[@tomwilson7452]

@@ElectricBikeReport Maybe that should have been the 1st comment in the video review, so many of these foldout bikes don't suit over 5'7" folks, if they don't fit then theres no point watching the video

[@BigBoysWorkshop]

I've put almost 100 miles on mine and I'm 6'5''.

[@chipross1520]

Is that handle bar adjustable up and down, and if I wanted to put a front suspension on it, are there after market forks that would fit?

[@notfoxgaming1764]

I don't think so

[@alexdemop34]

Anyone have an idea of towing capabilities on this e bike? I am thinking for a dog or child carrier and wondering if that would go smoothly with this motor size? Thanks!

[@LymeeCha]

My friend towed her 2 grand babies, the ride was smooth and it did drain her battery a little more than usual but she was still able to get about 25 miles on PAS 2/3 and it's a bit slow going uphill.

[@vicjohnson8806]

Something is wrong with my bike it is a Rad expand 5 can I talk with some one 😢

[@ElectricBikeReport]

What's the issue? Rad's customer service is your best bet, but happy to help if we can.

[@MrLahrbrat]

Here in Canada, the motor is rated at only 500 w. In the states, it is rated at 750 w. I would purchase the bike if it had a 750 w motor, not the 500 w.

[@mrslcom]

All e-bikes in Canada are limited to 500W, which is insufficient to climb steep hills.

[@Matanumi]

You gotta order and ship to the US then...

[@synchemist6462]

How did the RadExpand 5 average 11.7mph for a time of 1min 44sec when the Lectric xp2 had the same exact time, 1min 44 sec., but you list the xp2 as only 10.2mph. If the time is the same, shouldn't the average speed also be the same?

[@Altema22]

It depends on how the average speed is calculated. If you simply divide the total time mathematically, then it should have been exactly the same. However, if calculations are done on the actual speeds and how long those speeds were held, it it possible to have a variation. An example is one bike reaching a higher peak speed, then slowing down substantially. The total climb time will be the same, but the average speed will be lower.

[@Benjamin_Jehne]

Totally overpriced for what it is. 👎 When even cheap parts from typical premium manufactures are to expensive and you end up with just cheap shit from unkown manufactures.

[@timmysluss141]

I have a question for the electric bike companies and the electric vehicle companies? Why are they not leaning towards the older people? They are missing out!!!!!

[@isammysavage9046]

I'm trying to see if the bike can fit me, how tall is Sam?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

6'1"

[@mrrecluse7002]

RAD reports the bike is designed for riders 4' 10" to 5' 10"...google it. I noticed Sam did not have his legs properly extended during the riding tests.

[@creativerosger]

I just wanted to see him fold and attempt to store the bike

[@DylanKuperHarris]

Where in this video do you fold and unfold the bike? I want to have a shortcut to that.

[@SereneHorizonsWellness]

for sure sponsored video. But these bikes are good. No question expensive as well.

[@ensignofindustry1033]

Alrighty boyz, Aventon Sinch vs the Expand 5…

[@tomdefine4178]

No suspension, no name shifter and brakes, $100 for a lcd. The Sondors equivalent has all these items for $300 less

[@kd8opi]

Did I just watch a review of a folding bike in which they never fully folded it?

[@markroworth5700]

I'm pretty sure a European has never rolled a folding bike onto a subway car.

[@ronj5485]

Handle bar dood

[@Elisplushies360woodierc]

I don’t know.Rad has the customer service going for it and have rad approved bike mechanics they send to school to work on your if needed.The rad bikes are just ugly and boring to me.Jmo.

[@joserego9210]

It’s not comfortable at all specially with the cheap hard seat. Sorry to say it’s a peace of crape I’m extremely unhappy with it. It’s very hard to ride the stupid thing. Stop it.

[@pollystyrene99]

tell us why hard to ride?

[@espinozastatnyc]

Rad power bikes are the biggest cons. My radmini only lasted a year and a half. The frame completely split in half while I was riding it. Worst experience I had while riding a bike.

[@Matanumi]

Jesus.... radmini 4 or 2

[@espinozastatnyc]

@@Matanumi Radmini 4. Cheapest piece of crap.

[@Matanumi]

@@espinozastatnyc thats.... pretty bad. What exactly happened? Allankey in center got loose?

[@espinozastatnyc]

@@Matanumi the actual frame cracked.

[@jamesharrison7114]

Big step down from the Mini and only a step thru frame offered. Nah I'll pass thanks.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Just curious, but why the opposition to the ST frame?

[@jamesharrison7114]

@@ElectricBikeReport I am a man and I have no trouble mounting a bike with a top bar. Also don't want any frame flex.

[@mrrecluse7002]

@@jamesharrison7114 I'm a old man, so thank god for it. ha ha.

[@mrslcom]

@@jamesharrison7114 This bike is not really designed for off-road. Frame flex is not an issue on most light trails and paved roads.

[@Matanumi]

ST frame isn't that bad.... Its the other things they cheaped out on

[@zl1rdnz]

Oh... what rubbish....spending a few min talking about the lack of a suspension fork as a positive! You know you would make the bike simple and .save weight if you removed the motor. The bias in your reviews toward whatever rubbish RAD produces has gotten to be untenable. The bike has no LCD display and no suspension fork to save cost.... no other reason, and yet is still is at a premium price for what you get.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Merely attempting to explain the tradeoffs. Choosing not to have suspension will be seen as a con by some people, but to label it as inheritably inferior when there are positive tradeoffs of choosing a rigid fork wouldn't be thinking it through. Won't blame you if you aren't happy about the choice though - to each their own.

[@VinnyAndSweetPea]

I can't believe I just wasted my time watching a review of a folding bike where they barely demonstrated how it folds and how to carry it.

[@sumrica]

Gotta go. Can't handle the flailing arms and hands.

[@Special_FX]

Bye 👋 you're missing an informative video. One of the best I've watched all day.

[@8_x_9.]

For this price, an LCD screen should of been included!!!🫨😮‍💨😎

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Yeah, we wish it had that. FWIW, we also ride with phone mounts and strava which are better than displays anyway though so 🤷🏻