RadMini 4 Electric Folding Fat Bike | Full Review and More

Rad Power Bikes tends to serve up something exciting whenever it releases a new model. Since 2007, the company has grown a reputation for innovation and accessibility, producing bikes with great performance and design features at an affordable price.

The RadMini 4 Folding Fat Bike continues in this vein. As its name suggests, this bike is multifaceted. It’s a fat bike, but it’s also small and foldable, and it possesses all the high-spec technology that riders have come to expect from Rad Power Bikes.

In other words, this model tries to tick a lot of boxes that aren’t easily reconcilable. Many other e-bikes have fallen victim to versatility, trying too hard to offer a variety of features without really any of them.

With Rad setting itself this same challenge, we dig deeper to see if the RadMini 4 delivers on its promises.

Quick Look

The short answer to that question is, yes. It’s not perfect—few bikes are—but the RadMini 4 offers such a wide range of qualities and features that is difficult to find at this price range.

Even though this is a foldable e-bike, it’s still a powerful machine with some enviable performance components. The geared motor packs a punch, the battery measures up well against competitors and the fat tires are a highlight.

The design is also ultra-functional. Convenience is leveraged by a simplified display system, effective lights and a number of adjustable features. It’s rare to get all of this on a bike that is also portable.

The RadMini 4’s versatility means that this bike really offers something for everyone. It’s suited to work commutes just as much as off road trails on the weekend. As such, it represents a good choice for everyday riders who use their bikes for a variety of purposes.

Continue reading for a more detailed account of the RadMini 4.

 

Quick Specs

Motor: 750W geared motor

Battery: 48AV 14Ah Samsung 35E battery pack / 672 watt. Rated for 800 charge cycles.

Charge Time: Six hours for a full charge.

Max Mileage/Range: Up to 50 miles.

Max Speed: 20 mph

Braking System: Front and rear brakes.

Tires: 20” x 3”

Max Load: 275 lbs.

Scooter Weight: 68.3 lbs.

Product Material: 6061 aluminium alloy.

 

Features

It’s no surprise that such a multifunctional bike comes with a number of noteworthy features. It is a folding bike at its core, so it makes sense to start there.

Rad has ensured that the folding process is as easy and safe as possible. The two folding points, on the centre and frame of the stem, have locking mechanisms that prevent accidental unlatching. Once the handlebar is down and the bike is folded, the wheels are locked in so you don’t have to worry about the bike rolling around in the back of your car.

Tires are the key part of any fat bike, and the RadMini 4 doesn’t disappoint in this department. The width and durability of the tires mean that the bike is equally suited to bumpy gravel tracks as much as smooth roads and pavements. Riders can therefore have a lot of fun travelling across different terrains on this bike.

A 7-speed gearing system gives the rider freedom to go at their own pace. Each gear feels distinct, so whether you’re looking to cruise and conserve energy or rushing to get to work, you can find the perfect level of pedal assist to suit your needs.

Another feature improved from previous generations of the RadMini is the accommodation of different rider heights. By adjusting the saddle, handlebar and suspension fork, anyone can tune the bike to find that sweet spot of comfort when riding.

 

 

The LCD display mounted centrally on the handlebars is simple but effective. It has all the key information—battery life, pedal assist level, mileage, speed—and also comes with a USB charging point to supply your electronics when you’re out and about.

 

Design and Build Quality

Rad has a reputation for paying attention to the small details when it comes to the build of its bikes. The RadMini 4 is a great example of this.

You can’t ask for anything more from the integrated light system, which is powered by the main battery. The powerful new headlight brightens the path for dozens of metres ahead, facilitating any night-time rides. Whenever you hit the brakes, the rear light activates automatically. Reflective LED rings over the tires also improve safety by making you extra-visible to onlookers.

The imitation leather saddle and ergonomic grips are both comfortable and wed well with the matte black tone for a smart look. Lightweight plastic fenders on the front and rear complement the silhouette and shield the rider from the elements.

The battery is located fairly low on the bike frame. This enhances stability, but it does mean that you may have to fiddle around with the saddle height in order to remove the battery pack.

The frame itself, fortified by 6061 aluminium, is sturdy despite the added pressures of the folding mechanism and fat tires. Even with a heavy load, the bike retains its robustness—something that many other folding e-bikes have trouble with.

On the topic of weight, however, the bike is pretty heavy. This is one of the catches of its extensive design features, especially the chunky tires. It means that the bike isn’t particularly practical for transportation.

 

Performance and Range

Make no mistake about it, the RadMini 4 performs far better than your average electric folding bike.

The 750W motor is powerful enough. It’s quick off the mark and provides a surprisingly smooth ride. A top speed of 20mph is also fairly quick for a foldable bike. Riders will be able to zip around and have a lot of fun with this model. The motor does produce some noise, but nothing that is overly earsplitting.

One area that is slightly underwhelming is the RadMini 4’s hill-climbing capabilities. You may find that those steep inclines take slightly longer than you would have hoped for. This is especially true when you increase the load.

Get back on the flat road, though, and you’ll be racing once again. The beauty of this bike is that riders can take it almost anywhere. The thick, puncture-resistant 20” x 3” tires open doors to gravel, sand, mud or snow trails, provided that you fine-tune the PSI.

The battery is also very competitive for this price range. It’s the standard pack that Rad applies to all of its models now, so it can be used interchangeably with any other Rad bikes you may own. In terms of specs, a fully charged battery can take you up to 40-50 miles. Although this prevents you from going on any long-haul treks, this is still a better range than most other foldable e-bikes you’ll find. You can always bring a second battery if this range doesn’t suffice.

A charge time of around six hours is pretty standard, while an estimation of 800 total charge cycles means you’ll be able to ride for years before having to buy a replacement battery.

For a bike that’s trying to cover every base rather than specialise in one particular thing, it’s hard to pick any holes in the performance.

 

What We Like About the RadMini 4

• This is a great all-rounder. It serves a variety of purposes—transportation, entertainment, exploration—which makes it a great pick for the everyday rider.

• Smooth ride. You’ll really enjoy yourself on this bike. When you’ve picked up the pace, the bike zips about effortlessly.

• Foldable design. It seems silly praising a folding bike for, well, being foldable. But what’s impressive about this is that Rad has incorporated the folding mechanism without affecting any other aspect of the bike’s usability.

• The lights are one example of Rad doing the basic things well. The headlight, rear brake light and reflective rings on the tires ensure rider safety.

 

What We Don’t Like About the RadMini 4

• Heavy. Weighing in just under 70 lbs, this is a pretty heavy bike. So even though it can fold, you won’t be able to cart it around anywhere.

• Hill climbing. The motor measures up well in most areas but it does meet its match when faced with steep hills.

• Battery could be more accessible. We’re nit-picking now. Depending on how high your saddle is, you may have to move it in order to remove the battery pack from the frame.

 

Final Thoughts

The RadMini 4 passes what it set out to achieve—to be a jack-of-all-trades—with flying colours. Creating a bike that folds, tackles different terrains, rides freely and is safe all at the same time is no easy feat, but the RadMini 4 stands up to scrutiny in all of these areas.

It would be difficult to find another bike that could do so much in this price range. For this reason, the RadMini 4 is a fantastic option for regular riders who depend on their bike for everything from short trips to the shop to lengthy nature trails.

 

 

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