Lectric XP4 vs Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus: the folding e-bikes compared
Lectric XP4 ($999, or $1,299 with the 750 W motor) vs Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus ($1,899): motor, battery, range, top speed, load, class and UL 2849 certification.
A folding e-bike is a popular first e-bike: it fits in a car boot, an apartment corridor or an RV, and it usually costs less than a full-size commuter. Lectric's XP and Rad Power Bikes' RadExpand are two of the names buyers meet first, and their latest versions are far apart in price: $999 for the XP4 against $1,899 for the RadExpand 5 Plus at each brand's US store.
The short answer
On price the Lectric XP4 is hard to argue with: $999 buys a 500 W folding e-bike with a torque sensor, hydraulic brakes, a colour display, 28 mph and up to 50 miles of range, and $1,299 buys the XP4 750 with a 750 W motor and an 840 Wh battery for up to 85 miles. The RadExpand 5 Plus costs more for a 750 W geared hub motor with 64 Nm, up to 60 miles and Class 2 operation, and Rad Power Bikes states UL 2271 for its battery as well as UL 2849 for the system.
Specifications side by side
 Lectric XP4 Lectric eBikes |  Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus Rad Power Bikes | |
|---|---|---|
| Price at the brand's store | $999 (United States) | $1,899 (United States) |
| Type | Commuter e-bike, folding | Folding e-bike |
| Motor | 500 W, 1,092 W peak | 750 W |
| Motor position | – | Hub |
| Torque | – | 64 Nm |
| Battery | 500 Wh, 48 V 10.4 Ah | – |
| Range per charge (stated) | 50 miles (80 km) | 60 miles (97 km) |
| Top speed | 28 mph (45 km/h) | 20 mph (32 km/h) |
| Weight | – | – |
| Maximum load (stated) | 331 lb (150 kg) | 315 lb (143 kg) |
| US e-bike class | – | Class 2 |
| Suspension | – | Front |
| Water protection | – | – |
| Safety certification (stated) | UL 2849 | UL 2271, UL 2849 |
Figures as each brand states them on its own store or product page. Lectric XP4 · Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus: full specifications, every market's price and where to buy.
Two XP4s: 500 W and 750 W
Lectric sells the XP4 with two motors. The standard XP4 has a 500 W motor that peaks at 1,092 W and a 48 V, 10.4 Ah battery (500 Wh). The XP4 750 has a 750 W motor and a 48 V, 17.5 Ah battery (840 Wh). Lectric describes the XP4 generation as a redesigned frame with an in-house torque sensor, a full-colour TFT display and new hydraulic brakes, and it still folds to what Lectric calls travel size.
Battery, range and speed
Lectric states up to 50 miles for the 500 W XP4 and up to 85 miles for the XP4 750, and a top speed of 28 mph for the XP4. Rad Power Bikes states up to 60 miles for the RadExpand 5 Plus with its 15 Ah Safe Shield external battery and sells it as a Class 2 e-bike: throttle and pedal assistance up to 20 mph. If your commute is long, the XP4 750 at $1,299 gives the most stated range of the three for the least money.
Riders and load
Lectric states a payload of 330 lb for the XP4. Rad Power Bikes states 315 lb (143 kg) for the RadExpand 5 Plus, with a maximum rider weight of 225 lb (102 kg); heavier riders should take that second figure into account.
Certification
Both brands state UL 2849 certification of the e-bike's electrical system. Rad Power Bikes also states UL 2271 for the battery pack. Our certification guide explains the difference and how to check a claim.
Which to choose
- Choose the Lectric XP4 for the lowest price, a torque sensor and hydraulic brakes, or the XP4 750 at $1,299 for up to 85 miles.
- Choose the RadExpand 5 Plus if you want a Class 2 folding bike with a 750 W motor and both UL 2849 and UL 2271 stated.
More folding and budget models are in our list of UL 2849 e-bikes under $1,500.
Questions
Is the Lectric XP4 or the RadExpand 5 Plus cheaper?
The Lectric XP4 is $999 with its 500 W motor and $1,299 as the XP4 750; the RadExpand 5 Plus is $1,899 at Rad Power Bikes' US store.
Which goes further on a charge?
Lectric states up to 50 miles for the XP4 with its 500 Wh battery and up to 85 miles for the XP4 750 with its 840 Wh battery. Rad Power Bikes states up to 60 miles for the RadExpand 5 Plus.