Rad Power
Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus
The RadExpand 5 Plus is the premium version of Rad Power's folding fat-tire bike, upgrading the classic RadExpand with a torque sensor, 50mm hydraulic suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and a UL-certified 720Wh Safe Shield battery good for up to 60 miles. With 20x4-inch fat tires, full fenders, and a 59-lb rear rack, it folds down to fit in a trunk or RV bay while still handling gravel and sand.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓The torque sensor transforms the ride versus the old cadence-sensor RadExpand 5 - power arrives smoothly in proportion to your effort instead of surging on a delay.
- ✓The 720Wh Safe Shield battery is UL 2271 certified and resin-potted for fire safety, and its 60-mile max range is excellent for a folder.
- ✓The 50mm hydraulic suspension fork plus 4-inch fat tires make it far more comfortable on gravel, boardwalks, and rough pavement than rigid folding rivals.
- ✓Hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors are a genuine upgrade over the mechanical brakes on cheaper folding fat bikes.
- ✓The low-slung step-thru frame and adjustable stem fit a huge range of riders, making it a great shared bike for couples or RV guests.
- ✓It ships with everything included - fenders, 59-lb rack, lights with brake light, and folding pedals - so there is nothing to add for daily use.
- ✓The 315-lb payload and stout frame handle bigger riders plus loaded panniers without feeling flexy.
- ✓Rad's two-year warranty and established parts and service network beat the support you get from most folding-bike-only brands.
Cons
- ✗At 72.5 lbs it is punishingly heavy for a folding bike - it folds fine, but lifting it into a trunk or RV compartment usually takes two people.
- ✗It is Class 2 only with a 20 mph cap and no official way to unlock higher speeds, which frustrates riders used to 28 mph commuters.
- ✗The 64Nm of torque is modest for a 750W fat bike - steep climbs with a heavy load require dropping to low gears and patience.
- ✗The 225-lb max rider weight within the payload rating rules out some of the heavier riders the fat-tire category usually attracts.
- ✗The ~50-lumen headlight is weak for anything beyond being seen - riders who commute in the dark will want a brighter aftermarket light.
- ✗The folded package is still bulky at 29 x 25 x 41 inches - it fits an SUV or RV bay but overwhelms small car trunks.
- ✗Fat tires plus a 7-speed drivetrain make unassisted pedaling above 15 mph feel like a workout if the battery dies.
- ✗At $1,899 it costs several hundred dollars more than Lectric's comparable folding fat bikes, and you are paying partly for the brand and service network.
Compare the Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus
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