You most likely don’t suppose “journey” when you consider folding electrical bikes. Assuming you consider them in any respect. However this sturdy little rig from Rad Energy Bikes may change that. It’s the RadExpand 5 Plus, a category 2 e-bike (max pace 20mph, has a throttle) an up to date model of the RadExpand 5, first launched in 2022. With a suspension fork, knobby 20” x 4” tires, a burly construct, and many storage equipment, this bike is able to get you and your stuff effectively, and with an ear-to-ear grin, up filth roads and mellow singletrack. Or at the very least, that’s the thought. How does it do? Learn on.
I’m a giant believer in electrical bikes for transportation, and have my share of them, however that is the primary Rad Energy bike I’ve ever ridden. When it arrived, I used to be ready to be underwhelmed. I want mid-drive motors over the rear-hub-driven bikes Rad makes, and was cautious of their budget-bin elements and battery methods. I had no actual motive to be, I used to be simply skeptical about what a motorbike that prices half of what my bigger, Bosch-powered e-bikes might do. I used to be, nevertheless, pleasantly shocked in each approach.
Rad Energy Bikes is sort of totally a direct-to-consumer model, and so they have the supply and setup right down to a science. The bike arrives properly packaged and fully assembled. All I needed to do was unfold the bike, take away some zip ties, set the handlebars within the stem correctly and tighten them down. After about 10 minutes, I used to be using down the road.
In case you’ve by no means constructed a motorbike, or typically talking are nervous about having a motorbike delivered in a field reasonably than shopping for it on the retailer, Rad Energy Bikes has you coated. All directions are intuitive and stroll you thru the method step-by-step. When you’re up and using, the complete colour show is vivid and clear, and the controls and throttle very intuitive.
It is a step-through body that folds right down to roughly 30”H x 25”W x 40”L. Sufficiently small to suit at the back of most crossovers, although it weighs about 74 kilos, so that you’ll doubtless need assistance stowing it. It’s a beautiful function that makes the bike excellent for touring RVers, or anybody who needs to take pleasure in a experience removed from house. It is available in just one body dimension, designed for folks between 4’10” and 5’10” although at 6’2” I’m lots comfy using the bike. Any taller although, and pedaling with energy could possibly be a difficulty.
This bike ships with a giant 720 Wh battery. Vary is all the time tough with electrical bikes as there are limitless elements to contemplate. I’ve ridden 68 miles on one cost with the facility stage set at 1 and a couple of (it goes to five). Utilizing solely the throttle and using with my hair on hearth, I’ve maxed out at 37 miles. Your mileage will range, fairly actually.
Energy is delivered by a 750 watt motor within the rear hub, pumping out 64 Nm of torque, full with torque sensors to offer elevated energy when it senses you want it. I’ve discovered the facility to be greater than sufficient, particularly on flat floor. Climbing steep hills leaves just a little to be desired, particularly when put next with highly effective mid-drive motors on fashionable, and lighter, e-mtbs. However except you’re pointing the factor up the steepest hearth roads in your county, you need to be fantastic climbing with this little horse.
The battery is UL licensed and guarded with one thing referred to as Secure Defend. Every cell within the battery is individually wrapped in a fireproof case so if one overheats and catches hearth, it gained’t catch all the battery on hearth. Reassuring once you’re charging the bike in a single day.
The upright posture of this step by way of folded bike looks as if it might make it a tippy slog to experience, but it surely’s truly pleasantly zippy and lends itself to delivering sleek arcs at pace. The massive meaty tires assist with shock absorption, as does the fork, however this bike would undoubtedly profit from a suspension seat submit. The suspension fork is hydraulically actuated with solely 50mm of journey, which is unquestionably good to have, however the upright nature of the bike tends to focus the bumps on the seat space.
The bike’s weight and vast tires make it secure, even in filth, at pace, and assured in most conditions. You wanna avoid rock gardens in fact, however this little bike can deal with itself within the form of filth you’re principally more likely to experience it in —clean, graded filth roads.
Stopping is assured, with 180mm rotors paired with hydraulic brakes. 20mph to 0 occurs shortly and safely. No points there.
Round city, the bike is a hoot. Fast twists of the throttle get you as much as visitors pace and etch a giant smile in your face. I’m operating mine with a big cargo basket hooked up to the rear rack that can match two baggage of groceries. Or every part you’d want for an evening out below the celebs. Or a bunch of fishing gear. Or just a few Christmas hams. Get artistic, the bike has a 315-pound payload.
That is, merely put, probably the most enjoyable e-bike I’ve ridden. Actually. It’s quick, nimble, versatile, a pleasure on pavement or filth, and able to carrying a shocking quantity of substances. Rad Energy Bikes has clearly put numerous thought into this bike, and for $1,900, you get an enormous quantity of utility. I didn’t anticipate a lot, and admittedly, I used to be unsuitable. Rad Energy Bikes has impressed me with this one.
Phrases by Justin Housman