Rad Power Bikes · Folding
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus: real range, hills and charging
A 180 lb rider on the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus at 16 mph with relaxed pedaling over rolling hills (±2%) on pavement can expect about 42 miles per charge (34–51 mi), using 15.3 Wh per mile. The brand claims up to 60 miles. That is about 71% of the claim. On throttle only over hills it drops to about 28 miles.
720
Wh battery
750
W motor
20
mph max
Price checked 2026-10-20. We may earn a commission.
How far does the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus go for your weight?
Miles per full charge on a new battery at 70°F on pavement, no wind. Each number is the middle of a ±20% band. Rad Power Bikes claims 20–60 miles (rad's estimate, no conditions).
| Rider weight | Easy 12 mph | Everyday 16 mph | Fast 20 mph | Throttle, hills |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 lb | 68 mi (55–82) | 45 mi (36–54) | 32 mi (25–38) | 31 mi (25–37) |
| 200 lb | 60 mi (48–72) | 41 mi (33–49) | 30 mi (24–36) | 27 mi (22–32) |
| 250 lb | 53 mi (43–64) | 36 mi (29–44) | 28 mi (22–34) | 24 mi (19–28) |
| 300 lb | 48 mi (38–58) | 33 mi (26–39) | 26 mi (21–32) | 21 mi (17–25) |
- Easy 12 mph: 12 mph, relaxed pedaling, flat
- Everyday 16 mph: 16 mph, relaxed pedaling, rolling hills
- Fast 20 mph: 20 mph, relaxed pedaling, rolling hills
- Throttle, hills: 15 mph, no pedaling, hilly
Can the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus climb hills?
Highest steady speed on each grade, motor at an estimated 1,200 W peak, limited by its 64 Nm of torque. A 10% grade is a steep city street; 15% is a hard hill.
| Rider | 5% grade | 10% grade | 15% grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180 lb, throttle | 20 mph | 13 mph | 10 mph |
| 180 lb, pedaling | 20 mph | 14 mph | 10 mph |
| 250 lb, throttle | 19 mph | 11 mph | 8 mph |
| 250 lb, pedaling | 20 mph | 12 mph | 8 mph |
Steepest grade at 8 mph (180 lb): 19% on throttle, 21% with moderate pedaling. Peak power lasts for short hills; on long climbs motors fall back toward their 750 W nominal rating.
Charging time and cost
Empty to full (2 A)
6 h 36 min
With a 5 A charger
3 h 15 min
Cost per full charge
$0.16
Cost per mile
0.33¢
US average residential electricity, 18.31¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026), 85% charger efficiency. Charge time: constant current to ~85%, then about an hour of top-off.
Range in cold weather
70°F
42
mi · 100% cap.
50°F
39
mi · 94% cap.
32°F
34
mi · 85% cap.
20°F
30
mi · 75% cap.
Everyday scenario, 180 lb rider. Capacity loss is temporary; store and charge the battery indoors and never charge it below freezing.
Simulate your own ride on the RadExpand 5 Plus
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus specs
From the Rad Power Bikes product page, checked 2026-10-20. est. marks values Rad Power Bikes doesn't confirm.
- Price
- $1,899
- Class
- Class 1/2 (ships Class 2), throttle
- Top assisted speed
- 20 mph
- Battery
- 720 Wh (48 V × 15 Ah), removable
- Motor
- 750 W nominal, rear hub
- Torque
- 64 Nm
- Pedal sensor
- Torque
- Claimed range
- 20–60 mi (Rad's estimate, no conditions)
- Weight
- 72.5 lb with battery
Source note
62.5 lb without battery
- Max load
- 315 lb rider + cargo
Source note
Rider max 225 lb
- Wheels & tires
- 20" × 4"
- Frame
- Folding step-thru
- Charger
- 2 A
- Safety certification
- UL 2849 (e-bike system) + UL 2271 (battery)
Replaces or follows: RadExpand 5, RadMini.
Common questions
What is the weight limit of the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus?
Rad Power Bikes rates the RadExpand 5 Plus for 315 lb total (rider plus cargo). At 300 lb it still goes about 33 miles in everyday riding.
Can the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus climb steep hills?
On throttle alone, with a 180 lb rider, it can hold 8 mph up a grade of about 19% (our estimate from its 1200 W estimated peak power and 64 Nm). With moderate pedaling, about 21%. On a 10% hill it holds about 13 mph on throttle.
How long does the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus take to charge?
About 6 h 36 min from empty with the 2 A charger, or about 3 h 15 min with a 5 A fast charger. A full charge costs about $0.16 at the US average of 18.31¢/kWh, or 0.33¢ per mile.
Is the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus a Class 2 or Class 3 e-bike?
Rad Power Bikes lists it as Class 1/2 (ships Class 2), with a top assisted speed of 20 mph and a throttle.
Which hitch racks fit the RadExpand 5 Plus?
At 72.5 lb with battery (about 64 lb without it) and 4" tires, 12 of 23 hitch racks we track can carry it (some only with the battery removed).
| Kuat Piston ION 2-bike | 100 lb/bike | Fits |
| 1UP USA Super Duty Double | 100 lb/bike | Fits |
| Saris MHS 2 Bike Package | 100 lb/bike | Fits |
| Aventon Hitch Rack Pro | 85 lb/bike | Fits |
| Yakima OnRamp LX | 80 lb/bike | Fits |
| Hollywood Racks Sport Rider for Electric Bikes | 80 lb/bike | Fits |
| Hollywood Racks RV Rider E-Bike Rack | 80 lb/bike | Fits |
| Aventon Hitch Rack | 77 lb/bike | Fits |
| Yakima StageTwo | 70 lb/bike | Fits with battery removed |
| Hollywood Racks Destination E | 70 lb/bike | Fits with battery removed |
| Allen Sports High Capacity Locking Premier for Electric Bikes | 70 lb/bike | Fits with battery removed |
| Kuat Piston Pro X 2-bike | 67 lb/bike | Fits with battery removed |
Doesn't fit: Thule Epos 2-bike (tires too wide), Yakima OnRamp (tires too wide), Thule EasyFold XT 2 (tires too wide), 1UP USA Heavy Duty Double (tires too wide), Thule T2 Pro XTR 2-bike (too heavy), Kuat NV 2.0 2-bike (too heavy), Kuat NV Base 2.0 2-bike (too heavy), Saris Door County 2-Bike Motorized (tires too wide), Saris SuperClamp G4 2-Bike (too heavy), Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 (tires too wide), Saris Freedom G2 2-Bike (tires too wide).
All hitch racks →Spare battery and charger
A second battery doubles range for long days; the simulator's custom mode lets you enter the combined watt-hours.
