Safety First, Seriously
The RadExpand 5 Plus is the first folding e-bike we've tested where the safety certifications actually factored into our recommendation. The UL 2271 and UL 2849 certifications mean this bike's battery and electrical system have been independently tested for thermal runaway, short circuits, and other failure modes. The Smart Shield battery technology wraps each individual cell in a fire-resistant barrier.
This matters. E-bike battery fires make headlines, and they happen. Rad Power isn't the only brand pursuing UL certification, but they're one of the few folding e-bike manufacturers who have it.
The Ride
The 750W motor with 64Nm of torque is responsive without being aggressive. The torque sensor -- a major upgrade from the cadence sensor on the original RadExpand 5 -- delivers natural-feeling pedal assist that responds proportionally to your effort. Low-speed handling is smooth and predictable.
Front suspension with 50mm of travel absorbs road imperfections that rigid-fork folding bikes transmit straight to your wrists. On potholed city streets and cracked bike paths, the difference is noticeable after the first mile and significant after ten.
Hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors replaced the mechanical discs from the RadExpand 5. Braking is confident and consistent in all conditions, including wet weather.
Range
The 48V 15Ah battery (upgraded from 14Ah on the RadExpand 5) delivered 83 miles in PAS 1 testing and 39 miles in PAS 5. Real-world mixed commuting sits around 40-50 miles for most riders. That's enough for all but the longest commutes without midday charging.
The Fold
Folded dimensions: 29 x 25 x 41 inches. Weight: 69 pounds (62.5 without battery). It fits in most car trunks but it's heavy. The folding pedals are a nice touch that reduces snag points in storage.
Rider height range: 4'10" to 5'10". Taller riders should test before buying -- the cockpit gets cramped above 5'10". This is one of the few folding e-bikes that fits shorter riders well, which is a genuine advantage for a significant portion of the market.
Turn Signals Included
Front and rear turn signals come standard. Integrated into the bike, not aftermarket stick-ons. This should be standard on every commuter e-bike by now, but it isn't. Rad gets credit for including them.
The Bottom Line
At $1,899, the RadExpand 5 Plus isn't cheap. But UL-certified battery safety, suspension, hydraulic brakes, torque sensor, and turn signals add up to the most complete folding e-bike package in this price range. If battery safety is a priority (and it should be), this is the safest folding e-bike you can buy.
See how it compares to the Lectric in our head-to-head review, or check our complete rankings.