Total Weight:
62.5 lbs (28.34 kg)
Battery Weight:
7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)
Motor Weight:
9.6 lbs (4.35 kg)
Frame Material:
6061 Aluminum Alloy
Frame Sizes:
14.25 in (36.19 cm)Geometry Measurements:
14.25" Seat Tube Length, 22.5" Simulated Top Tube Length, 18" Reach, 16" Stand Over Height, 29" Minimum Saddle Height, 36" Maximum Saddle Height, 27.5" Width, 69.5" Length, 44.5" Wheelbase, Folded: 28" x 22" x 41"
Frame Types:
Step-Thru, Folding
Frame Colors:
Satin Black with Gray and Orange Accents, Satin White with Gray and Orange Accents
Frame Fork Details:
Rad Power Bikes Custom Rigid Steel, 135mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Release Skewer Skewer
Frame Rear Details:
175mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Threaded Slotted Axle with 10mm Flats and 1.25mm Thread Pitch, Steel Torque Arm, 18mm Nuts
Attachment Points:
Fender Mounts, Front Rack Mounts, Rear Rack Mounts, Bottle Mount
Gearing Details:
7
Speed 1x7 microSHIFT RD-M26 Derailleur, 14-32 Tooth FreewheelShifter Details:
microSHIFT TS71-7R Triggers on Right (One-Way High Lever, Four Shift Low Lever)
Cranks:
164mm Square Taper Spindle, Prowheel Forged Aluminum Alloy Crank Arms, 165mm Length, 48 Tooth Chainring with Prowheel Plastic Guide, 5 Bolt 104mm BCD
Pedals:
Wellgo Plastic Platform with Reflectors, CrMo Axle, Standard 9/16 x 20 TPI
Headset:
Semi-Integrated, Sealed Cartridge, 1-1/8" Straight
Stem:
Aluminum Alloy, Folding Steer Post, 170mm Base Height with 7mm Spacer, 45mm Stem Length, 3º Rise, 31.8mm Clamp
Handlebar:
Aluminum Alloy, High-Rise, 176mm Rise, 690mm Length, 20º Backsweep
Brake Details:
Radius Brand Mechanical Disc with 180mm Rotors, Four-Finger Levers with Rubberized Edges and Motor Inhibitors with Brake Light Activation
Grips:
Ergonomic, Rubber, Non-Locking
Saddle:
Rad Power Bikes Branded with Lifting Handle, Brown
Seat Post:
HL, Aluminum Alloy, Single Bolt Clamp
Seat Post Length:
390 mm
Seat Post Diameter:
27.2 mm
Rims:
Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 60mm Inner Width, 36 Hole
Spokes:
Stainless Steel, 13 Gauge, Black with Nipples
Tire Brand:
CST BFT, 20" x 4.0" (100-406)
Wheel Sizes:
20 in (50.8cm)Tire Details:
15 to 30 PSI, 1.0 to 2.1 BAR, e-Bike Rated, Aramid Puncture Resistant Liner, Reflective Sidewall Stripe
Tube Details:
Schrader Valve
Accessories:
Rear-Mount Kickstand, Steel Derailleur Guard, Rad Power Bikes Integrated LED Headlight (50 LUX, Focused Beam), Integrated LED Rear Light (Solid, Bright Brake Activation), Clear Plastic Sticker Slap Guard, Plastic Fenders (110mm Width), Bolt-On Rear Rack (27kg 59.5lb Max Load, 19mm Tubing Diameter, Bungee Loops, Yepp! Child Seat Window), Velcro Cinch Strap to Secure When Folded, Optional Front Rack, Optional Small Basket, Optional Large Basket, Optional Platform, Optional Small Pannier, Optional SR Suntour NCX Suspension Seat Post, Optional Phone Mount, Optional Small Basket Bag, Optional Large Basket Bag, Optional Small Insulated Delivery Bag, Optional Large Insulated Delivery Bag, Optional Yepp! Maxi Child Seat, Optional ABUS Folding Lock, Optional Wellgo Colored Pedals, Optional LCD Display Panel with USB Port
Other:
Locking Removable Seat Tube-Mounted Battery Pack, 1.1lb 2 Amp Charger, Stainless Steel Torque Arm, 275lb Maximum Weight Rating, KMC Z7 Chain with 124 Links
Bryant
3 years agoIsn’t the price $1299? (Not $1499).
ReplyCourt
3 years agoYeah, thanks for the heads up Bryant! I made a mistake there. The price has been updated to $1,299 as you suggested :)
ReplySuzy
2 years agoAs per above comment Bryant asked about the $1299 price, you said that it had been updated to $1299. I cannot find that price to order. Could you send me a link that lists that price please. Thanks Court
Mark
2 years ago$1,299 was only an “introductory price,” for a couple months. It is now $1,599
Timdeck
3 years agoWhat are the dimensions of the rear rack on the Expand 5? thanks
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi Timdeck! I didn’t measure it… but perhaps someone in the forums could help? Rad also does a great job with support if you contact them through their website :)
ReplyCecile
3 years agoJe suis intéressée par un vélo électrique, je veux 500 w et qui est fait pour une femme qui mesure 5 pieds.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoCela pourrait vous convenir, la version canadienne utilise un moteur de 500 watts, le cadre est très accessible avec une faible hauteur de support et les pneus larges offrent une stabilité et un confort accrus.
Replyjay
3 years agoIs there different motors from Canada to US versions? 750 vs 500? Or is the Canadian version dummied down to 500 using the controller? If so I am wondering if it could be unlocked, for off-road use.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi Jay! Good question, and I’m not sure on the answer. My guess is that it could be controller based, but the Rad displays have become more locked down in recent years. I think at a minimum you would need the LCD display panel to unlock anything. Perhaps you could ask around in the Rad Ebike Forums.
ReplyJonathan Lang
3 years agoThanks for the great review on the expand five. Do you think its big enough for 6’2″ rider? I have a rover now but want the flexibility to put into the back of my suv.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi Jonathan! I think that most of the folding bikes are going to offer a similar experience since they’re mostly one-size-fits-all. The good news is that the fat tire designs tend to be a bit larger overall, and higher off of the ground. What I like about the RadExpand is the sturdy folding joint, heavy duty buckle system, the rigid steer post and stem vs. telescoping. It seemed very solid to me, and with the seat raised up, I think it works well even for taller people. Given the cadence sensor pedal assist and throttle, you might not need to get the full leg extension like a road bike. I think the stock seat post would get close for you, but that’s an affordable and easy part to swap out if you need an extra long one. You might be able to ask Rad Power Bikes support about your height and weight to get a more official answer, but these are my thoughts :)
ReplyDan Olsen
2 years agoWe have RadRover ST bikes and are also looking at the RadExpand for the same reason. I’m 6’3″ and also have the leg length problem. When Rad first announced the RadExpand, they stated that for taller riders, they’d suggest the SR Suntour SP12 NCX Seat Post to allow longer legged riders. I dug deeper into this at Rad, but they seem to be backing off on suggesting that. I’m thinking that the “long lever-arm (seat post length)” and heavier rider weight may have them re-thinking that suggestion. I’d like to have them re-think their design and maybe include us in their future engineering.
ReplyKarin
3 years agoI am 5’4. Will I be able to get a proper extension of my knees? I have had knee replacements on both sides, and am used to being able to straighten my legs while riding road bikes. I should also mention that I am in my 70es!.
I noticed in the videos that neither you or the Rad technician had straight legs while riding the Rad expand 5.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi Karin! Good for you, staying fit and riding bikes is a wonderful thing to do at any age. Yes, I do believe that you’ll be able to get full leg extension on this electric bike. I did not raise the seat post as high as I could have because I like how it looks better when I take photos if the seat is a bit lower. I am also someone who likes to get nearly straight when I pedal through a downstroke. I’m 5’9″ and have pretty long legs with a 31″ inseam, so I am pretty confident that you’ll be able to achieve it too. Great observation skills, and I hope this feedback helps you!!
ReplyKathy
3 years agoGreat review, thanks. I’m 5’2″ and looking for an ebike for forest dirt/gravel roads in Oregon. I wonder if the bike will work well in these conditions. Is the steep head tube/handlebar angle an issue? I do a little technical MTB type riding but primarily enjoy cruising forest roads.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi Kathy, I think the RadExpand 5 would offer plenty of stability and traction for gravel roads. Given your height, the lower frame and approachable step-thru design might be a great benefit since this and most ebikes weigh more than regular bikes. There’s no suspension fork, so going fast on very bumpy and technical sections could be jarring. The larger tires will offer some comfort if you don’t over-inflate them. Long story short, you could go for this or the RadRover Step-Thru which doesn’t fold and is much larger. Otherwise, you could spend more for a product that uses higher end components like air suspension.
ReplyLisa
2 years agoThank you for the great review. I wanted an e bike for my birthday last month, but am still struggling to decide on brand/model. I’m 5′ 1″ (62) and need to be positioned upright due to neck pain and wrist pain. I thought that I’d want to be able to touch the ground reasonably well like I would on a motorcycle, but I cannot stand not having my legs extended. I’d rather hop off the seat when at a stop. I have the opportunity to purchase a 2nd hand Rad mini 2019 with few miles on it and I like that it has a front shock. I like the RadExpand, and test rode one at an RV show last week. I wish they didn’t remove that suspension. Also, looking at a Lectric 3.0 long range or premium. Unsure if I’m too short for the Premium or the Vitilan U7, another contender. I had my eye on a returned Tern Vectron S10 at REI, but the hubby bought that. I need throttle for times when the RA in my knees acts up. Keep up the good work and I’m open to suggestions.
Dottie
3 years agoDoes anyone have the dimensions of the Ras Expand 5 when folded? Also, what size/brand tote will it fit in?
ReplyCourt
2 years agoHi Dottie! The folded dimensions I got are Folded: 28″ x 22″ x 41″ and maybe someone else can chime in with answers about totes. I think Rad sells many of their own accessories that are guaranteed to fit! Trunk bags and panniers can be good, and they also have a front rack and insulated bags here :)
ReplyMark Boone
2 years agoI like the folding RadExpand 5 for all of the convenience. My only concern is that i’m 6 feet tall with a 32″ inseam. Rad says this bike is for “up to 5’10”. Any thoughts on if this model will be too small for my frame?
ReplyCourt
2 years agoHi Mark! I think it could work if you’re a bit forgiving and understanding that you’re at the taller end of the spectrum. Most folding fat tire ebikes only come in one size, so this is probably going to be a question that comes up again and again. I trust and like Rad, and since they are well known, you’ll have an easier time reselling it if you decide that it’s just too small or uncomfortable. Other actions you can take are to get a longer seat post, slide the saddle back, adjust the handlebar angle, and get a stem riser and longer stem! All of this will help to right-size the bike to your body… but you could try it as-is before buying this other hardware (which is all affordable and easy to find on Amazon). The seat post size is 27.2mm diameter (very common) and the stem clamp and handlebar bore are 31.8mm (also very common and sturdy). These are just my thoughts, please check with Rad and make your own decision so I am not liable if it doesn’t work out perfectly. Just wanted to help :D
ReplyBrian Adkins
2 years agoI was all set to purchase a Pedego Element until I ran across this review. This seems to be a quality bike and great value for the price. Could you please provide some feedback on comparison to the Element!
Thanks
ReplyCourt
2 years agoHi Brian! I really like the Element from Pedego… in large part because of the colors, stiff sturdy frame, and network of dealers who can help you get fitted and provide service ongoing. That said, the RadExpand folds and comes with integrated lights, fenders, and a rack for just $100 more. If you’re comfortable buying online and value these accessories, it’s a good option to consider. I really enjoyed riding both bikes and trust both companies a lot :)
ReplyStephen
2 years agoHi Court we are thinking of getting one of these for my wife (I got the Rad city 4 last week and love it). Is this motor as quiet as the one on the Radcity 4? Thanks for your great reviews!
ReplyCourt
2 years agoHi Stephen! If you’re talking about the direct drive motor from the older RadCity models, which had regenerative braking, then I think the geared hub motors are a touch louder. They tend to offer more torque and have a little whir or buzz sound, but it’s not too bad. The geared motors also weigh less and are what Rad (and most other ebike companies) are using on most of their ebikes these days :)
ReplyStephen
2 years agoThanks! Now I just have to motivate the spouse…
PFMCKEON
2 years agoRad Bike started out great! However, if you ever have an issue with the bike (we bought 2) BEWARE. In my case, they would not even address the issue with the brand new battery and would simply pass me from associate to associate. After spending HOURS on hold and over 20 emails – I gave up! The customer experience I had with RAD bike was one of the worse I have ever had with any company. BEWARE – the warranty is only as good as the company behind the product – and they are the awful!
ReplyCourt
2 years agoHi PFMCKEON, that really sucks. It always bums me out to hear when someone has struggled to get support, or had to deal with issues. I know what that’s like, and it’s especially frustrating when the product is so large and heavy and expensive. I’m sorry.
ReplyGary Willert
2 years agoCourt, your review of the RadExpand 5 Foldable E-Bike is the most comprehensive review I have ever read for two-wheeled transportation, and that comes from someone who was a Harley Davidson mechanic followed by a 42-year career in the aerospace/defense industries. Fantastic review that has helped me decide to procure two bikes, one for the wife and one for me to keep up with her! Thank you! And in your video, I thought I heard you stipulate you weren’t an engineer. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Meritorious job and kudos to you!
ReplyCourt
2 years agoWow! Your comment made my day Gary. Thanks for sharing your experience with me and your plan for buying a bike. I hope that you and your wife will have a great time on these amazing machines. I do love ebikes, and I have learned a lot over the years, always trying to give a thorough and objective overview. Thanks again my friend :)
Reply