The RadExpand 5 Plus Folding E-bike Sets the Standard for Its Class

How does the RadExpand 5 Plus e-bike ride on the street?

Sitting on the RadExpand 5 Plus Credit: Daniel Oropeza

The RadExpand 5 Plus did not feel like a foldable e-bike when I rode it, in a good way. Yes, the step-through design is the same, but the choice to go for a BMX-style handlebar was bold, and it paid off. Your run-of-the-mill folding bike usually has an elongated handlebar stem, putting your grip in a higher and more narrow place than normal. This can make handling feel less in control, especially at high speeds. The RadExpand 5 Plus' lower grip and wider-stance handlebar gave me more control on my ride. It felt much better than other folding bikes I have ridden before. The e-bike handles like a mix between a cruiser and a mountain bike, and the four-inch-wide beefy tires have some off-roading treads, which made me feel comfortable riding it on some dirt paths. Even when going downhill and hitting around 28 mph, the handling felt so secure that I was always in control.

The bell, pedal assist, and turning signal controls on the RadExpand 5 Plus Credit: Daniel Oropeza

When it comes to pedal assist, the RadExpand 5 Plus has a 64 Nm torque sensor that matches your level of effort, so if you pedal harder, it gives you more pedal assistance and vice versa—you can also further tweak the level of pedal assist from one to five (or zero for no pedal assist and just leg power alone). Adjusting the pedal assist and finding the right level while going up a hill was smooth and practical with the controls placed on the left side of the handlebar. Hitting the maximum speed of 20 mph in class 2 with a pedal assist of 5 was very easy and quick, but I did have to move my legs very fast, and I wish there were an eighth gear to make it easier. With torque alone and no throttle, I was able to reach 20 mph smoothly as I moved up through the five levels. My terrain was flat, and it took less than 15 seconds to get there. On the left side of the handlebar, there are also the controls to turn on the turning signals and a bell to alert those around you.

The LCD display, half-twist throttle, and 7 gear-shifter Credit: Daniel Oropeza

I was pleased with the LCD display. It shows all the information you need to know, and it is easy to navigate. I just wish it showed a percentage on the battery bar.

The half-twist throttle on the right side of the handlebar is powerful for a foldable e-bike. On just throttle alone, it was able to go up the meanest hill in my area with ease, which is about nine degrees. That same hill on pedal assist level five felt like I was cruising on flat ground. I am confident that if you use the throttle and pedal assist level five, the bike can go up most hills without issue. With such a responsive pedal assist and powerful motor, it is a shame that Rad Power didn't give the rider the option to go up to class 3—to me, it feels like there's a lot of untapped potential there.

The adjustable front-wheel suspensions Credit: Daniel Oropeza

Rad Power says you will get an average of 20 to 60 miles on a single charge, but of course, it will depend on your use of pedal assist, throttle, weight, terrain, and other factors. Judging from my time riding it and the distance I covered, I feel like you can easily push past the 60-mile range if you're conservative. My estimation is you can get more than 80 miles of riding on a single charge.

How does the RadExpand 5 Plus fold?

Folded RadExpand 5 Plus Credit: Daniel Oropeza

A foldable e-bike's main purpose is to be portable and compact. And that's where the RadExpand 5 Plus fell a bit short. The e-bike weighs 73.8 pounds, and it was not easy to fold or maneuver by myself. It also has a detached Velcro wrap that I'm not exactly sure what to do with once the e-bike is folded. I did end up finding a place that made sense, but I think a permanent place with an easier snap-on device like Ride1Up's Portola would've been an easy and smarter design choice.

Finding where to attach the velcro on the RadExpand 5 Plus Credit: Daniel Oropeza

The decision to give the e-bike a BMX-style handlebar means it isn't as compact as a flat and narrow one. On my usual test to fit it in my 2011 Toyota Corolla's trunk, I struggled to make it fit, almost giving up at one point. (I did eventually manage to make it fit, thanks to some smart maneuvering on my part.) If you don't plan to take the RadExpand 5 Plus in your car, this is probably not a big issue.

RadExpand 5 Plus inside my Corolla's trunk Credit: Daniel Oropeza

The RadExpand 5 Plus is versatile and customizable

Rad Trailer and Pet Carrier on the RadExpand 5 Plus Credit: Daniel Oropeza

One of my favorite parts of an e-bike experience is sharing it with loved ones. The RadExpand 5 Plus has access to many accessories from the Rad Power store. I used the Rad Trailer with the Pet Insert to take Gambino on a ride. The pedal assist and throttle make even carrying the trailer a breeze. Even going up some hills, I was able to easily find the right combination to make it through easily. You can carry a maximum weight of 100 pounds on the trailer and 84 pounds in the Pet Insert. You can get a rear and/or front rack to store the smaller accessories and swap them out on the go. Some are easier to install than others, but the Rad Trailer and Pet Insert were easy and quick to assemble as well as take on and off the bike (they just need a single bolt to put on the e-bike). Unfortunately, the rear can only hold a maximum of 59 pounds, so you can't have another adult in as a passenger on the back.

Gambino in the Pet Carrier Credit: Daniel Oropeza

Closing thoughts