Folding electric bikes is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, especially if space is limited. They’re perfect for people who don't have room for a full-size bike or need something compact enough to store at work. These bikes fold into a manageable size, making them easy to carry and store.

Like traditional e-bikes, folding models include a motor and battery to assist with pedaling. However, the folding mechanism often results in a slightly reduced range. The key to finding the best one is choosing a bike that matches your lifestyle and needs—whether for commuting, leisure, or urban transport.

With numerous models featuring similar specs, it’s challenging to assess their true performance without a real-world test. That's why we've taken the two popular folding electric bikes (Yamee XL Plus and Rad Power RadExpand 5) for a comparison to see how they perform under practical conditions.

Features Comparison: Yamee XL Plus VS Rad Power RadExpand 5

Motor Power and Performance

Yamee XL Plus: Equipped with a 750W motor (peaking at 1500W), with a top speed of 28 mph.

RadExpand 5: Comes with a 750W motor but peaks lower, with a top speed of 20 mph to comply with Class 2 e-bike standards in the U.S. 

In comparison to the motor performance, XL can provide a higher speed which offers impressive hill-climbing ability and acceleration.

Battery and Range

Yamee XL Plus: Features a 48V 15Ah removable build-in battery, delivering an average range of 60-80 miles per charge.

RadExpand 5: Offers a 48V 14Ah removable external battery, with a range of 45 miles under typical riding conditions.

In comparison to the battery capacity, XL can provide a longer range, making it suitable for long commutes or recreational rides without the need for frequent charging. In comparison to the battery type, RadExpand 5’s external battery is easy to drop and damage, Yamee XL Plus’s built-in battery has waterproof and resistant features, which is well-protected in the frame.

Brakes and Suspension

Yamee XL Plus: Comes with hydraulic disc brakes for more responsive stopping power and front air suspension to adapt to varying road conditions.

RadExpand 5: Uses mechanical disc brakes and has non-suspension, ideal for smooth commuting but can not handle varying road conditions especially on rough terrain or with heavy loads.

In comparison to the Brakes and Suspension, if you only need a short commute or a leisure ride, you can choose from both. If you need to deal with all kinds of road or off-road riding conditions, the XL is a good choice for you to have a comfortable riding experience.

Wheels & Tires

Yamee XL Plus: equipped with 20" x 4.0" Fat Tire, and integrated wheels, it is a rim and hub assembly that are seamlessly fused together, creating a single, solid unit, that can reduce air resistance, allowing riders to achieve higher speeds with less effort.

RadExpand 5: equipped with 20" x 4.0" Fat Tire, and spoke wheels, its durability is lower than integrated wheels as the spokes are easy to break although its maintenance cost is lower than integrated wheels.

In comparison to the wheels & tires, both two bikes are equipped with 20" x 4.0" Fat Tire. The wider tires absorb vibrations and bumps more effectively than traditional tires, resulting in a smoother ride. This can be particularly beneficial for long-distance riding or back or joint pain riders. The integrated wheels of Yamee XL Plus provide stronger strength and stiffness than the RadExpand 5’s spoke wheel.

Display and Controls

Yamee XL Plus: Boasts a 4.3" retina color LCD display with integrated cruise control, USB charging, and APP Sync which is connected to the phone by bluetooth.

RadExpand 5: Has a simpler backlit LCD display, sufficient for basic trip and battery data but lacks some advanced features.

Price and Warranty

Yamee XL Plus: Competitively priced at $899, with a 2-year warranty.

RadExpand 5: Priced at $1,599, with 2-year warranty.

Despite the same warranty period but an affordable price, Yamee XL Plus doesn't compromise on performance. It offers exceptional performance without putting a strain on your budget. With its combination of impressive performance and affordability, Yamee XL Plus is an ideal choice for riders who seek high performance and without much budget.

Conclusion

We found that the Yamee XL Plus is the best folding electric bike for most people as its versatile and high performance. If you're after a more budget-friendly but looking for power, speed, and extended range, Yamee XL Plus is an excellent choice for those who plan to tackle steep hills or longer commutes.