Another great review from EB Report. Those familiar with RAD probably recognized the Expand 5 as previously being known as the RADMini. The Mini went through a series of upgrades but with these latest, it even recieved additional colors and a new name. The improvements in the handlebars, frame, and electronics, are significant and switching to a torque sensor put the finishing touches on a design that was already competing with the popularity of the RADRover. My Mini rides just as reliably as when it was new a few years ago, so it will likely be a very long time before I see any need for a new one.
Suggestion for next time please show how it folds and maybe roll it thought a door folded so we can see how it would work as commuter. Web site has photos but video of it folded would be helpful.
Been waiting for this review before I hit buy. It really seems like Rad took every complaint from the previous version into account and made this thing into a foldable beast. Thanks for the awesome review, guys!
On my old RadRover, I switched to a 52T front sprocket instead of the (IIRC) 46T it shipped with, and that made all the difference in terms of gear range comfort. Didn't miss the slightly less torque in first gear at all. Sounds like that would still be a good idea on this model, too.
I’m a BTK handicapped person wearing a prosthetic on my left leg. I thought it would be so nice to ride a bike again, especially an eBike. I’m 74 years old, I weigh 234 lbs and have an inseam of 30”. I would want to ride off-road as well as pavement. What bikes would you recommend from companies, Lectric and Rad? It would be nice to see these bikes in person before I buy. I live in Jackson, CA, any ideas? Thanks for your help, Gary Urzik
Update - I test rode both. Radster Trail is much more comfortable, at least for tall riders. The biggest difference is the handlebar reach and handlebar width.
I only just clicked on the vid so sorry if I'm asking a question you answered but, can this one be modded to have its max speed increased like the others?
Does rad now allow the owner to convert to class 3? I know my older rad city bike did not allow that.. imo, no reason for companies to not allow owners to convert
When I see class 2 I say no thanks. Way to slow for my liking and that price oof. Get an aventon Sinch 2 much better, cheaper and faster. No offense not impressed with this bike. Good thorough review though.
I think Aventon allowed the Sinch 2 to be unlocked to 25mph class 3 last month when they made changes to what is allowed within their app settings for several models. I think their Abound cargo model is the only one still limited to class 2 max.
When your left hill kicks into the kickstand, you'll be kicked by it!!! A very unpleasant experience!!!! It's mot just an annoyance! It can slow you down in uphill riding. 😮. So you have to push it the fardest way back or use an other type of kickstand.Good luck with it.😊
Edit: Rad is running a Memorial Day sale with $350 off and free battery. Wait for the sale to go live if you want one. I like this bike a lot especially the new handle bars, but it got beat handily by the Sinch.2 on the climb test, and the Sinch costs less and comes with a free battery making the Expand a poor value. IMHO the Expand needs a styling refresh with an integrated battery. I realize Rad is sticking with its signature minimalist styling, but it’s getting old.
