Electric folding bikes have greatly taken over the bike market over the years due to their versatility and convenience. These bikes offer a combination of speed, ease of use, and portability that makes them ideal for a wide range of activities, from daily commuting to weekend adventures.
Two of the most popular electric folding bikes on the market are the MaxFoot MF-19 and the Rad Power RadExpand 5. In this article, we will compare these two bikes based on their features, performance, and value for money.
Power and Performance
Since an electric bike lacks an engine, its performance is gauged based on motor power. The top speed, acceleration, and bike’s ability to bear heavy loads, all depend on the motor.
One of the biggest differences between these two e-bikes is their battery power. MF-19 comes with a Bafang 1000W hub motor, providing a torque of 80 Nm and a top speed of 23 mph. On the other hand, the Rad Power RadExpand 5 has a 750W motor, which can reach up to a speed of 20 mph. Still, both motors are capable enough to handle most terrains.
MF-19 wins the power and performance round since it features a powerful 1000 W motor, which lets you commute in any road conditions freely.
Battery and Range
Electric bikes like other mobile devices run on battery so people are quite interested in knowing how much time they consume on charging and what backup they can provide on the full charge.
Maxfoot, MF-19 features SAMSUNG’s 48-volt 14 AH lithium-ion battery. This large rechargeable battery takes 5-6 hours to charge and is rated for 800 charge cycles MaxFoot claims that battery can provide you with up to 60 miles on a single charge.
RadExpand 5 also a similar battery specs. It has a 672 Wh (14 AH) battery, which can provide you with a maximum range of 45 miles per charge. However, it comes with a smart 2 A charger, which can charge a battery in 3 to 7 hours.
This segment is a tie since both vehicle share the same battery ratings and provides similar range and backup.
Design and Portability
The MaxFoot MF-19 has a sleek and modern design, with a folding 6061 Aluminium frame that makes it easy to store and transport. However, it is slightly heavy, weighing 85 lbs.
Rad Power RadExpand 5’s also features a sturdy foldable design, constructed from lightweight Aluminium. The bicycle along with its battery weighs around 80 lbs.
Though both bikes are constructed from similar base materials, MF-19 has better looks and adjustability compared to RadExpand.
Tires and Suspension
Both bikes feature fat 20 x 4″ tires, handling tough road conditions. However, when it comes to suspension, Maxfoot has been a step ahead of RedPower. MF-19 comes with a full suspension, featuring a nominal fork suspension on the front and a 6-bar linkage suspension at the rear. While RadExpand 5 lacks the front suspension and bears a rigid fork instead.
Display and Features
MF-19 comes with a mini LCD that shows speed, distance, battery level, and other useful information. It features a headlight and tail light, which can work in 3 modes: flash, steady, and highlight. The bike has a weight capacity of 330 pounds, making it suitable for riders of all sizes.
RadExpand comes with an LED display (without a screen) that can be used to configure pedal assist and see battery levels. The bike has a weight capacity of 275 pounds and sitting space at the back.
Value for Money
When it comes to value for money, the MaxFoot MF-19 is slightly more expensive than the . The MaxFoot MF-19 is priced at $2,095, while the Rad Power RadExpand 5 is priced at $1,549.
RadExpand 5 is one the cheapest e-bikes on the market and does provide true value for money. However, the MaxFoot MF-19 also justifies its price point by bearing a more powerful motor, better suspension, and big fat tires.
So, RadExpand is a winner here since it’s nominal priced and within range of most riders.
MF-19 vs RadExpand 5: Features Comparison
Finally, to give you a better insight, we have collectively differentiated both products side by side.
Features |
MaxFoot MF-19 |
Rad Power RadExpand 5 |
Motor |
1000W |
750W |
Battery |
SAMSUNG 48 V 14 AH |
48V 672 Wh (14 AH) |
Charging Time |
5-6 hours |
3-7 hours |
Maximum Range |
50-60 miles per charge |
45 miles per charge |
Top Speed |
28 mph |
20 mph |
Suspension |
Full suspension system |
Lacks front suspension fork |
Tires |
20 x 4” |
20 x 4” |
Transmission System |
Shimano 7-speed transmission system |
Shimano 7-speed transmission system |
Gross Weight |
85 lbs. |
80 lbs. |
Weight Capacity |
330 pounds |
275 pounds |
Display |
LCD display |
LED display (no screen) |
Lights |
Front and rear light |
Front light and rear reflector |
Warranty |
1-year warranty on motor, battery, and components |
1-year warranty on motor, battery, and components |
Price |
$2,095 |
$1,549 |
Final Words
Overall, both the MaxFoot MF-19 and the Rad Power RadExpand 5 are great electric folding bikes that offer a good balance between performance and convenience.
If you are looking for a powerful bike, with better suspension and handling, then you should go with MF-19. While for RadExpand 5 is a great option for those who have budget constraints.