2022 Rad Power Bikes

RadExpand 5

Adventure-ready

Excellent range

Rugged

Top-notch control and handling

Stable

Comes with useful features

Not for tall riders

Fairly heavy

More involved assembly

Mediocre display and controls

The new handlebar setup is a game changer. The bars are wider, it feels less flexy and it still folds to boot.

At over 62 lbs it’s still hefty, but the bike folds down to a convenient size for storing in an RV, a corner of the garage or in the trunk of most sedans.

Rad’s rear hub motors have proven time and again to be some of the most reliable on the market.

The spec sheet is solid for the price. A 7-speed drivetrain, nice working mechanical disk brakes and a sizeable battery for about $1,599 MSRP is a good deal.

The handling is spot-on. Neutral, balanced, predictable — riding this will be intuitive even for e-bike newbies.

Rad’s bikes have a distinct power profile that starts gentle and grows stronger as you pick up speed. Never once does it feel like it’ll jump out from under you.

Rad includes a velcro strap to hold the two halves of the bike together when folded, but it’s easily lost. We’d like to see a built-in solution for this issue.

I don’t mind the lack of front suspension fork, but some people will not like it. You can really feel some bumps in the road.

It’s surprising to see Rad move away from the LCD display. Unlike its predecessor the RadMini 4, this bike has no screen.

An affordable folding electric bike with powerful geared hub motor, high capacity 48 volt battery pack, integrated lights with bright braking activation, custom plastic fenders, and a sturdy rear rack all included! Optional front tray, baskets, panniers, suspension seat post, child seat, mobile delivery service, and more.

Sturdy reinforced step-thru frame is approachable, offers a highly adjustable handlebar, and is available in two colors: black or white. Reflective tires enhance the visual footprint, along with the side cutouts on the headlight, and a flick bell is included for signaling. Reliable braking with large 180mm mechanical disc brakes with motor inhibitors.

High volume 4" wide fat tires provide stability, float on soft terrain, and comfort. Their knobby tread is capable off-road, and provides further vibration dampening. Ergonomic rubber grips, comfort saddle with handle, and large platform pedals feel secure. Great 7-speed drivetrain with chainring guide offers 14 to 32 tooth spread for starts and climbing, trigger shifters are easy to reach and actuate.

Compared to older generation RadMini folding ebike products, this 5th generation bike does not have a suspension fork. This reduces the weight of the bike by ~6.5lbs, lowers the cost, and improves compliance. Folding joints felt very secure, large gussets limit frame flex and increase the weight capacity. Basic LED display readout lacks a USB charging port and does not communicate speed, but they do sell an optional upgrade to LCD display.