Rad Expand 5 Plus E-Bike Review

The RadExpand 5 Plus adds even more practical features to an already popular utility e-bike for city goers and errand runners. The convenient foldable design won’t hold back this multi-purpose e-bike built to cruise, haul, carry, and commute. I recently tested this Plus version to discover if the RadExpand 5 Plus holds an ace up its sleeve or forces a fold— keep reading the full review below.

Practicality & Versatility

It’s hard for a sequel to outshine the original, but this Plus version of the RadExpand 5 brings along a host of upgrades in all the right places. The new changes include front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, turn signals, folding pedals, a torque sensor, and a full-color display. It’s an approachable ebike thanks to the low standover height and stable yet zippy handling. I really enjoyed the elegant stone tan and slate blue frame colorways, too.

The folding mechanism worked great, with hinges on the steerer tube and frame, and is easy to use. There’s no hiding behind the fact that fat tires and electric parts make the RadExpand 5 Plus a large bike, even when folded, but it means you can easily transport it in your trunk. This portability can be a huge plus, saving you the need to purchase an ebike-specific rack for your vehicle.

Front Suspension

A major upgrade to its predecessor, the RadExpand 5 Plus comes with short-travel front suspension. There’s 50mm of travel to absorb road buzz and potholes and smooth out bumpy terrain. That’s nowhere near mountain bike territory regarding specs, but this ebike isn’t built for serious trails anywhere. The added suspension provides a high level of cushion that boosts comfort and reduces fatigue.

20 MPH Top Speed

This zesty folding ebike is powered by a 750W rear hub motor with 64Nm of torque, including an all-new torque sensor for smoother and more natural-feeling power delivery. The Plus version and its upgrade from the old cadence sensor provide buttery acceleration that seems a step ahead of many other ebike models

The RadExpand 5 Plus has your typical five pedal assist levels and a walk mode, but my test riding revealed the excellent distribution of those assist levels. Many ebikes overpower their settings, especially in the lower range of pedal assist, meaning it’s almost impossible to cruise slowly.

This ebike has assist levels that are well-spaced and gradually increase to the maximum speed of 20 mph, plenty of pace for recreational and city riding. During testing, I noticed that I would prefer a slightly larger front chainring to hold that top speed while pedaling, but I still didn’t have any problems with ghost pedaling. There’s also a right-hand twist throttle for pedal-free cruising.

Battery Capacity

The externally mounted battery pack sits front and center, but the design makes sense and doesn’t detract from the ebike’s overall look. It’s a 720Wh battery that’s rated for between 20-60 miles on a single charge, depending on factors like rider weight, cargo, and riding conditions. The 2-amp charger is slower than other included chargers on the market but isn’t a dealbreaker.

It’s worth mentioning that the battery meets UL Certification standards and has Safety Shield technology from Rad Power Bikes, essentially making it even safer in case it’s exposed to extreme heat or fire. The controller box sits behind the battery which isn’t too clean of a look, but the external mounting of these parts makes them easy to remove for charging or service if there’s ever a problem.

Weight

The entire bike comes in at 72.5 lbs and has a maximum payload capacity of 315 lbs including the rider. That’s plenty of room for loading up this utility bike with gear and cargo, whether it’s grocery runs or a backcountry excursion. Rad Power Bikes offers a ton of compatible accessories like panniers, racks, and other items to further trick out your ride.

The low step-thru frame makes it easy to quickly hop on and off this electric utility style e- bike. A great option for shorter riders, the RadExpand 5 Plus is recommended for riders between 4’10” and 5’10”.

Components

On the mechanical side of things, the RadExpand 5 Plus rolls on a set of 20×4” fat tires from CST. They are decently knobby for improved off-road performance that matches the other upgraded components on this Plus version. The gearing is Shimano Altus 7-speed which does the job great, but I do wish Rad Power opted for a higher quality shifter than the outdated SiS design. The upgraded hydraulic brakes are a welcomed addition to such a powerful and premium-feeling ebike.

The ebike has plastic fenders on both wheels and plastic pedals that fold inward to save a bit more space. The sturdy rear rack lets you carry all sorts of gear easily but isn’t rated for carrying an additional passenger. Another detail that I appreciate is the lift handle integrated into the back of the saddle, allowing you to more easily pivot the heavy bike.

Technology

There are a handful of clever tech touches that elevate the RadExpand 5 Plus’ performance, such as the integrated turn signals that are new on this model. The included front and rear lights are connected to the battery and are decently bright. I was satisfied with the relatively clean cable management, which can be challenging for ebikes, especially considering the foldable design. The center vertical display shows the remaining range which is convenient and there’s a built-in USB port for charging smaller devices.

Rad Expand 5 Plus Electric Bike — Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Significant upgrades: Hydraulic disc brakes, front suspension, and a torque sensor make a difference
• Easily foldable: While still a heavy ebike, it can collapse down to fit inside a trunk
• Smooth pedal assistance: Well-distributed pedal assist levels and a zesty throttle mode
• Rugged design: Knobby tires, better brakes, and 50mm travel can take on bumpy routes

Cons:

• Outdated SiS shifters: Reliable but traditional thumb shifters feel out of place
• Compact frame for smaller riders: Taller riders may feel cramped on such a compact ebike

Verdict

Some model upgrades fall flat with only minor updates, but the RadExpand 5 Plus successfully extends the ebike’s practicality and performance. If you’re on the hunt for a capable folding fat tire ebike, this model is a great choice that’s well worth it. Currently priced at $1,899, riders will enjoy reliable support from the Rad Power Bikes brand and an upgraded utility ebike that perfectly balances smooth and chunky— and no, I’m not talking peanut butter. From a picnic joyride to commuting and off-road detours, the buttery RadExpand 5 Plus is ready to roll.

Other E-Bikes We Test in the Tetons with Utility Style

1. Fiido T1 Cargo Electric Bike
2. Heybike Hauler Cargo E-Bike
3. Rattan Quercus E-Bike