Thinking about a folding E-bike is easy; deciding on the most suitable model is a completely different ball game because of the various competing brands on the market.
While there is no shortage of e-bike options out there, I strongly suggest you go for a bike from a trusted and reputable brand like the
In this
Want to find out if this option ticks all the important boxes for you? Read on!
Rad Power Bikes RadMini 4 Overview
The RadMini is a Class 2 electric folding fat bike that saves you plenty of space in your garage or car. You can easily bring it along for outdoor events, thanks to its portability and compactness.
The bike comes with a handful of useful features that makes it great for cruising or commuting in the city or riding off-road. You can be sure of a safe riding experience even if you ever need to be on your bike at night.
Before I delve into the nitty-gritty details, here are a few things I like about the RadMini 4 and some things I think can be better.
Pros
- The foldable design comes complete with Velcro strap
- Compatible with all
Rad Power Bikes batteries - The excellent headlight provides an extra bright beam
- Backlit LCD screen
- Fat and puncture-resistant tires
Cons
- Changing the battery can be cumbersome
- A heavy folding e-bike
- Comes with an underpowered charger
- The externally mounted battery, cables, and controller box all make the bike less fanciful
Things to Consider Before Buying Ebike
You can easily get lost in the excitement of buying an e-bike, especially if it’s your first time. But you don’t have to make the costly mistakes that some buyers make.
Here are some of the essential considerations that can help you make a more informed decision.
- Purpose and Terrain:Ultimately, what you want to use your bike for and the terrain you’ll mostly ride will determine the type of electric bike you choose. Commuting and cruising are great with an electric folding fat bike. A cargo e-bike would be an ideal choice if you plan to carry an additional passenger or tons of cargo.
- Range: The range refers to the total distance the bike can go on a full charge. Consider an electric folding fat bike model that can travel beyond 25 miles if you plan to use it for your daily commute.
- Batteries: Consider a lithium-ion battery from a reputable brand, such as Samsung, Panasonic, and Sony. You want to choose something with at least 800 charge cycles and that juice up in less than six hours.
- Motors: Consider a model with at least a 500-watts geared hub motor. The higher the watts, the better. Electric bikes have their motors either inside the frame or on the wheel. If you want a more expensive ebike, the motor will likely be located inside the frame.
- Assist Level: Keep an eye out for models with three or four levels of motor assist levels. Consider choosing a bike with “walk mode” if you want more sophistication.
- Throttle on Startup: If you’re going to start riding on loose terrain like sand or from the bottom of a hill, you should go for a model that can throttle from rest. Also, a throttle on startup feature is great if you have a leg condition.
Features and Benefits
Now let’s get right into the nitty-gritty details of what makes the RadMini such an incredible electric folding fat bike.
The following are the major performance features that set the bike apart from many similar models in the same category.
Frame
The folding ebike is constructed with an extra-durable 6061 aluminum. This is the same construction material for many cars and aircraft. That means the bike is less likely to fall apart in the case of a crash.
Although the RadMini is on the heavy side, I like that I can easily fold it into a compact size when I need to load it up in my car and bring it along for my many outdoor adventures. It also saves me a ton of storage space.
At 68.3 lbs, you’re likely going to need help lifting the bike. But this is not unique to the RadMini. Nearly all electric folding fat bike models are heavy due to the various additional components.
Thanks to the strong frame tubes and reinforcement gusset, the RadMini doesn’t flex even at the max load capacity of 275 lbs. You can ride this bike at the top speed and not feel wobbly.
Motor
In terms of engine, the Rad Power Bikes RadMini features a surprisingly powerful motor for an entry-level electric bike. The brushless Bafang 750W / 80 Nm torque geared hub motor gives you enough climbing power to tackle steep hills and enjoy smooth rides on trails.
The RadMini is a Class 2 e-bike. Reaching a top speed of 20 mph is possible due to the pedal and throttle-activated motor assist system.
You can expect some noise with its motor, but it ramps up pretty steadily and smoothly, too! In a nutshell, it is not common to find many folding ebike models with better motors at this price point.
More: RadPower bikes RadMission 1 Review
Suspension system
Rad Power Bikes equipped this RadMini with a great RST suspension fork. It provides enough travel and also comes with preload adjustment and lockout. This feature makes my ride enjoyable even when I ride over bumpy roads and challenging trails.
But be aware that this is not a dedicated mounting e-bike. You want to be wary of riding it on a very challenging mountain trail unless you’re a veteran cyclist.
That’s because the frame and fork might not provide as much comfort in that condition as other dedicated mountain e-bikes.
Wheel & Tires
The Rad Power Bikes RadMini is designed to be an all-round e-bike. That means it is fitted with wheels and tires that should work fairly well on nearly all types of terrain.
This explains the inclusion of 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 36-hole rims. The wheels have a double-wall design to increase their strength further.
The fat fires are 3.3-inch wide with excellent traction and grip. They are thick and squat enough to keep your ride very comfortable.
You can inflate the tires between 5 to 30 PSI. The lower inflation range is great for tougher trails, while the higher range makes it easy to zip through traffic on smoother city roads.
With a puncture-resistant casing, you are less likely to experience flats on the road. Plus, a reflective taping on the sidewalls allows other road users to see the bike from the sides.
Drivetrain
This is a 7-speed e-bike featuring a highly dependable Shimano gear shift. Adjusting to different types of terrain is quite easy with this gearing.
A bashguard prevents chain drops, as well as protects the drivetrain from debris, rocks, and dirt during rides.
More: Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Review
Brake
The
The braking system won’t give you the same type of performance you’ll get with hydraulic brakes, but mechanical brakes are easier to configure and repair. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the mess of hydraulic “bleeding.”
Battery
The 672 Wh capacity Samsung Lithium battery sits under the saddle. The location means the battery is well protected and plugging in the charger is not difficult. The long-lasting battery can help you travel a bit over 45 miles when it is fully juiced up.
Another good thing about the RadMini is that it is compatible with batteries from other
But one major drawback with the battery is the charger. Your purchase comes with a basic 2 amp charger that can take up to seven hours to fully charge the battery from 0% to 100%.
If you opt to go for the RadMini, I strongly recommend getting a compatible 4 amp charger. This can speed up the charging time and save you a lot of waiting time.
More: Rad Power Bikes Radwagon 4 Review
Display/Assist Modes
The last performance feature I’ll like to mention in this
At 2.75”, the display size is large enough without occupying too much space on the handlebars. It is also wide enough to allow you to see the readout. I like that you can adjust the brightness of the backlit LCD.
You can plug your phone or other mobile devices into the Type-A USB port to charge them during your rides.
More: Rad Power Bikes RadRover 5 Review
You can track your riding performance with the vital readouts on the display. These include:
- Current Speed
- Average Speed
- Maximum Speed
- Trip distance
- Odometer
- Motor power watt output
- Light settings
- 5 Pedal-assist levels (including a walk mode)
- 5 Battery levels (showing five bars)
Features Summary
The table below shows the major performance features of the
| Feature Type | Specification | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | 6061 Aluminum Alloy | Sturdy and durable folding frame with step-thru and stand-over option. Built to accommodate short and tall riders. |
| Suspension | RST Suspension Fork (60mm travel) | Spring suspension provides adequate travel and adjustment to minimize fatigue in the shoulders, wrists, arms, and back. |
| Wheel | 20” aluminum-alloy wheels | Aluminum-alloy wheels provide outstanding stability on the trail. |
| Tires | CST Big Boat 20” x 3.3” Tires | 3.3-inch wide fat tires come with puncture-resistant casing. Excellent traction and grip for all terrains. |
| Battery | 672 Wh Lithium Samsung 35E cells (800 charge cycles) | Long-lasting battery capable of traveling over 45 miles on a single charge. |
| Gearing | 1 x 7-Speed | Easily change your pedaling cadence to suit flat roads, trails, and steep hills. |
| Brakes | Tektro Aries (MD-M300) Mechanical Disc Brakes, 180mm rotors | Strong braking system, specially designed for smooth riding experience on the trail. |
| Motor | 750W geared hub motor | Powerful motor with impressive torque to take on any hill or trail. |
| LCD | Fixed 2.7” large backlit LCD | Adjustable backlight brightness on display with USB port and crucial readouts for tracking your riding performance. |
Can the Rad Power Bikes RadMini 4 Be Used in Rainy Weather?
When it comes to riding rad power bikes in rain, the RadMini 4 is up to the challenge. Built with a durable frame and equipped with fenders, this e-bike is designed to handle wet conditions. With proper maintenance and precautions, such as wearing appropriate gear and avoiding deep puddles, you can confidently enjoy your RadMini 4 even in rainy weather.
What Others Are Saying
In this part of the
After scouting the internet, I found some interesting customer reviews. While no bike is perfect, the RadMini seems to perform beyond many users’ expectations. Here are a few testimonials from verified buyers.
RadMini 4 Alternatives
Here’s a quick comparison of the
RadMini 4 vs RadCity 4
RadCity is an incredibly stable and steady e-bike and puts up an impressive performance both at high and low speeds.
The bike runs smoothly and quietly even when it hits the maximum speed, thanks to a combination of the front suspension and thick tires. Check our Rad Power RadCity 4 Review here.
RadCity 4 Summary
- Price: $1,599
- Top Speed: 20 mph
- Drivetrain / Pedal-Assist: Shimano Altus 7-Speed drivetrain / 5 Pedal-Assist levels
- Range: Up to 45+ miles
- Max Load Capacity: 275 lbs
Click here to check out the RadCity 4.
RadMini 4 vs Lectric XP
The Lectric XP features a powerful 500 W motor that runs quietly even its peak output. It comes fully assembled with fenders and a rear rack.
The bike weighs 63 lbs, making it slightly lighter than the
Lectric XP Summary
- Price: $999
- Top Speed: 28 mph
- Drivetrain / Pedal-Assist: 7-Speed drivetrain / 5 Pedal-Assist levels
- Range: Up to 45+ miles
- Max Load Capacity: 330 lbs
Click here to check out the Lectric XP.
RadMini 4 vs Aventon Sinch
Aventon Sinch is a stylish, folding ebike with a compact wheel and low frame. It features 4-inch fat tires, which are slightly wider and thicker than the RadMini 4 folding ebike.
If you prefer a head-turner, the Aventon Sinch should be on your radar. But you may have to spend a little extra cash on standard accessories, which are typically available with other electric folding fat bike options. Check our Details review of Aventon Sinch here.
- Price: 1,599$
- Top Speed: 20 mph
- Drivetrain / Pedal-Assist: 7-Speed Shimano drivetrain / 5 Pedal-Assist levels
- Range: Up to 40 miles
- Max Load Capacity: 300 lbs
Click here to check out the Aventon Sinch.
Conclusion
The RadMini 4 is a practical transport solution for cyclists who are something that will clear off-road terrains without problems.
This is one of the e-bikes I’ll recommend for cyclists looking for a folding bike that can serve as both a commuter and mountain bike.
Besides, if you are in the market for an electric bike model that won’t leave a huge dent in your wallet, this option from Rad Power Bikes makes you an excellent candidate. Click here to check out the RadMini 4 electric folding fat bike.
