Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus Spec Review

Test report on the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus: Technical data and functions

frame and fork

The frame of the Rad Power Bike RadExpand 5 Plus hasn’t changed, but that doesn’t mean this model hasn’t evolved. The steel fork has now been replaced by a suspension fork with 50mm travel to mitigate bumps. This is a hydraulic fork, meaning the action of the coil spring is dampened by oil so the fork doesn’t jump like a pogo stick.

The RadExpand 5 Plus also benefits from an increase in weight capacity. It can now hold up to 315 pounds, with up to 225 pounds. of which is the driver.

Motor and battery

The engine of the RadExpand 5 Plus remains unchanged. This is a 750W brushless geared hub motor that produces 64Nm of torque. For an e-bike with larger wheels, 64 Nm may seem rather modest, but since the RadExpand 5 Plus rolls to 20 inches. With the wheels, which are rather smaller for an e-bike for adults, more can be achieved with 64 Nm than with 29 inches. Wheels.

One notable upgrade that we can’t see in the photos is the inclusion of a torque sensor. Instead of waiting for the deceleration that occurs when a cadence sensor detects pedal movement, the torque sensor immediately sends a signal to the controller so that the RadExpand 5 Plus accelerates on command and in proportion to the rider’s effort. This makes riding this e-bike a more exciting and dynamic experience.

And while the motor is the same as the previous RadExpand, the battery is not. The RadExpand 5 Plus features Rad’s new 720Wh Safe Shield battery. Rad Power Bikes’ new Safe Shield technology surrounds the cells with a resin, resulting in a “potted” battery. The resin is heat absorbing. So when a battery starts to heat up, the resin prevents the battery from getting thermally out of control.

Rad Power Bikes now estimates that the RadExpand 5 Plus with the improved battery could offer riders 60 miles. or more per load. Not only is this new battery certified to UL Standard 2271 for batteries, but the entire e-bike is now certified to UL Standard 2849.

Components

The fork change does mean that the quick-release front wheel has been replaced with a bolt-on front wheel, but to keep this folding e-bike as compact as possible, Rad Power Bikes has added folding pedals on the RadExpand 5 Plus to create the narrowest possible package when folded.

Drive, brakes and wheels

Another notable improvement over the RadExpand 5 is the decision to switch from mechanical disc brakes with 180mm rotors to hydraulic disc brakes, still with 180mm rotors.

The 7-speed Shimano drive with 14-32 tonne freewheel is unchanged compared to the previous version.

First test report on the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus from EBR:

Like the RadExpand 5, the Rad Power Bike RadExpand 5 Plus is priced in the highly competitive $1,500 to $2,000 segment, where it can feel a bit like sitting on an overstuffed suitcase. The addition of a new, safer battery (UL 2271 and UL 2849) that can increase range by a third, a torque sensor, hydraulic disc brakes, a suspension fork and folding pedals is significant; This is not just window dressing.

When we look at the features we typically suggest can be improved – engine performance, battery range, brakes and drivetrain – Rad Power Bikes has redesigned three of those four. While we prefer the new Radsters’ 8-speed drivetrain, if we criticize the RadExpand 5 Plus for not having an 8-speed drivetrain, we’re missing the bigger picture. This was already good value for money and these new features now make this e-bike an even more attractive purchase.

Rad Power Bikes still has the RadExpand 5 in stock, giving buyers the opportunity to save several hundred dollars by opting for the older version. And perhaps that’s the best price test of all: When we consider whether we would spend more on the new features or save a few hundred dollars by opting for the old one, the choice seems clear to us: the additional investment for the RadExpand 5 Plus is money well spent.