We test the bikes by riding them around, to see how responsive their electric motors are when going up hills and getting started from a dead stop. We also gauge the comfort of the bikes over long miles, and note the ease with which we can use their various features, such as an accompanying smartphone app. Because electric bikes are so hot, there are hundreds of models available — but that also means that there are a lot of duds out there, too. That’s why we’ve tested a number of the top models across all types of electric bikes to give you the best recommendations for your needs. The RadExpand 5’s versatility is part of what makes it so great. It’s a capable commuter, thanks to lights, fenders and a rear rack, and with its wide tires, it gives a smooth ride even on rough roads.
The pedal assist level only affects the boost you get when pedalling, not the throttle speed. Each mongoose bmx has a powerful motor, pedal-assist, and throttle modes to choose from, and an extended range of at least 35 miles. At level 5, the throttle propels you up to 20 miles per hour and disengages if you go faster than that (for example, if you go downhill). Class 2 e-bikes are required to stop assistance past 20 miles per hour.
The battery fits inside the bottom tube of the bike which gives it a sleek look. The biggest difference between the Coston CE and the Marshall are the lights, fork, and accessories. You will receive the key(s), charger(s), all the accessories you see on the pictures if there are some (rack, basket, bag, .. except the bike stand) and the user guide if we have it.
Whatever you do, you do need a good partner to help you with it. Our electric bikes are your best friend, powerful and sturdy enough to help you get things done safely and quickly. On flat roads, we found the assist useful, helping the bike along with minimal pedal input required. The gears allow you to put in as much physical exertion as you feel like.
To charge the battery pack, you have to take it out of the bike. It comes out easily, but this is quite annoying, given that you charge the bike pretty much every time you ride it (or, at least, you will be, with this small a pack). The second thing to notice is the battery pack removal lever.
Of course, I wanted to try the assist, and when I did, I found that I never needed more than level 1 to roll at a comfortable trail speed. But it being a midweek day, I had the trail mostly to myself and was able to test all the assist levels — learning that the bike could indeed do the advertised maximum assist speed of 20 mph. When Schwinn contacted me about reviewing one of the bikes, I chose the Coston DX in the mongoose excursion step-thru version, which makes for easy mounting. It also has upgraded fenders, a rear rack and a unique storage saddle that opens like a clamshell with the hinge in the nose and has room for your wallet, phone, energy bars or a multi-tool. All three models have headlights, taillights and integrated downtube lights for full visibility. The gear shift for the rear hub is integrated with the right handlebar grip.
What feels permanently fixed on our wishlist for changes in the wider electric bike marketplace would be giving customers more options on the look and ride of their desired e-bike. Far too often you pick a step-thru or step-over frame, the frame size, the color, and…. But one e-bike company stands alone in giving riders near-infinite possibilities to craft an e-bike of their liking.
It’s not just one of our favorite e-bikes, but it feels hands down like one of the year’s best electric bikes. We think the RadRunner Plus is a spectacular option for anyone looking for one bike that can do a little of everything. Rated as our top value pick among the best folding e-bikes on the market, Rad Power’s RadExpand 5 succeeds the RadMini 4, the brand’s previous folding model, in stellar fashion. Shedding almost 5 pounds and sporting a 750-watt motor, the RadExpand seeks the road less traveled with plush 4-inch tires wrapped around nimble 20-inch rims.