Aventon vs Rad Power: Comparing the Best Folding Ebikes (Sinch vs RadExpand 5)
November 4, 2022
There's no denying there's been a growing interest in our best-selling folding ebikes, the Sinch and the Sinch Step-Through. And with the growing popularity of foldable ebikes, from all different walks of life: commuters, RVers, and those short on space in small or shared apartments, it’s not hard to see why.
Many people have been asking us how ours compare to the rest of the market. In a recent post we put the Sinch pedal-to-pedal with two ebikes from Lectric, and in today’s post we’re going to do the same thing. This time against the foldable ebike from one of the most popular ebike brands out there: the RadExpand 5 by Rad Power.
An Overview of stats
Let’s break it down in brief. Here’s what you might expect to find on a tag hanging from the ebike’s handlebar.
| Sinch | RadExpand 5 | |
| Motor | 500W | 750W* |
| Battery | 14Ah | 14Ah |
| Pedal Assist | 5 Levels | 4 Levels |
| Throttle | Yes (Thumb) | Yes (Twist) |
| Range | 41 Miles (Average) | 25-45 Miles (per charge) |
| Size | 1 | 1 |
| Step-Over Model | Yes | No |
| Weight | 68 lb | 62.5 lb |
| Carry Capacity | 300 lb (incl. Rider and cargo) | 275 lb (incl. Rider and cargo) |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Suspension | Front Suspension Fork with Lockout (45mm of travel) | Rigid Fork |
| Display | Full Color with app sync | LED Panel |
| Lights | No (Sold Separately) | Yes (Integrated with Brake Light Functionality) |
| Price | $1,799 | $1,599 |
| Sinch | RadExpand 5 | |
| Motor | 500W | 750W* |
| Battery | 14Ah | 14Ah |
| Pedal Assist | 5 Levels | 4 Levels |
| Throttle | Yes (Thumb) | Yes (Twist) |
| Range | 41 Miles (Average) | 25-45 Miles (per charge) |
| Size | 1 | 1 |
| Step-Over Model | Yes | No |
| Weight | 68 lb | 62.5 lb |
| Carry Capacity | 300 lb (incl. Rider and cargo) | 275 lb (incl. Rider and cargo) |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Suspension | Front Suspension Fork with Lockout (45mm of travel) | Rigid Fork |
| Display | Full Color with app sync | LED Panel |
| Lights | No (Sold Separately) | Yes (Integrated with Brake Light Functionality) |
| Price | $1,799 | $1,599 |
Weigh the costs
Price point is important! Cost can make all the difference when it comes to choosing between one product over another, this brand or that. At first glance, you’ll notice the Sinch is $200 more, while the RadExpand has a larger motor. However, on closer investigation, you’ll notice a (*) mark next to RadExpand’s motor (discussed further in Electrical under the ‘motor’ category). This will show that the actual output is much lower than stated, for compliance reasons, without telling you the true output.
Besides similarity in battery size, throttle, and top speed, the Sinch has an extra level pedal assist. The Sinch also has a higher average range, can carry more weight, and comes in both step-over and step-through frames. Notably, the Sinch has a suspension fork which prepares it for comfortable all-terrain travel, meaning that it’s ready to go anywhere.
Regarding display, the Sinch wins outright. It has our full color display that feeds you data about your ride and can pair to the Aventon mobile app so you can download and share your experiences with friends, while the RadExpand isn’t very high tech and only offers 5 LEDs to indicate pedal assist and a few push buttons to operate the functions of the ebike.
In total, the Sinch has a larger riding range, greater carrying capacity, a suspension fork, an extra level of pedal assist, and a higher-quality display experience. So does the weight difference of 9% and the lack of a light system really break the bank? Or are there any more gears in the bike chain that might influence this price difference? Let’s have a look.
Electrical Differences
We sing the body electric! These are ebikes we’re singing praises to, after all. So let’s take a closer look at the electrical components.
| Sinch | RadExpand 5 | Comments | ||
| Battery | 14Ah | 14Ah |
| |
| Motor | 500W Brushless Rear Hub Motor | 750W* Brushless Rear Hub Motor |
| |
| Pedal Assist | 5 Levels of PAS | 4 Levels of PAS |
| |
| Charger | 48V 3 Amp | 48V 2 Amp | Simply, a charger with a higher amperage (A) means that it will charge a battery faster. | |
| Display | Full Color Backlit LCD (App Pairing Capabilities) | LED Panel | The full color screen on the Sinch displays your speed, pedal assist level, and more. You can also view your ride data on the Aventon mobile app, combine it with the photos you took on your trip and share it with the Aventon community! The RadExpand, on the other hand, has a row of 5 LEDs that only show you your pedal assist level and your battery’s level of charge. | |
| Lights | No (Sold Separately) | Integrated Front and Rear |
| |
| USB Charger | Yes | Yes | The Sinch has a USB port in its display allowing you to charge your devices from your ebike’s battery, while the RadExpand does not have a USB port. | |
| Controller | Hidden | Attached to Outside of Frame by Back Tire |
|
| Sinch | RadExpand 5 | Comments | ||
| Battery | 14Ah | 14Ah |
| |
| Motor | 500W Brushless Rear Hub Motor | 750W* Brushless Rear Hub Motor |
| |
| Pedal Assist | 5 Levels of PAS | 4 Levels of PAS |
| |
| Charger | 48V 3 Amp | 48V 2 Amp | Simply, a charger with a higher amperage (A) means that it will charge a battery faster. | |
| Display | Full Color Backlit LCD (App Pairing Capabilities) | LED Panel | The full color screen on the Sinch displays your speed, pedal assist level, and more. You can also view your ride data on the Aventon mobile app, combine it with the photos you took on your trip and share it with the Aventon community! The RadExpand, on the other hand, has a row of 5 LEDs that only show you your pedal assist level and your battery’s level of charge. | |
| Lights | No (Sold Separately) | Integrated Front and Rear |
| |
| USB Charger | Yes | Yes | The Sinch has a USB port in its display allowing you to charge your devices from your ebike’s battery, while the RadExpand does not have a USB port. | |
| Controller | Hidden | Attached to Outside of Frame by Back Tire |
|
Hard-wired Data For The Riding Enthusiast
Stay fully charged with the Sinch! With more levels to its pedal assist, a hidden controller, full color display with mobile app sync capabilities, and a built-in USB charger, the Sinch will electrify your ride while the RadExpand’s info is hard to find.
Mechanical Differences
After all, these ebikes’ great grandfathers were bikes. How do these two ebikes stack up against each other when we look at the mechanical side of things?
| Sinch | RadExpand 5 | Comment | ||
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc | Mechanical Disc |
| |
| Gearing | 7 | 7 |
| |
| Suspension | Suspension Fork with lockout (45mm of Travel) | No |
|
| Sinch | RadExpand 5 | Comment | ||
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc | Mechanical Disc |
| |
| Gearing | 7 | 7 |
| |
| Suspension | Suspension Fork with lockout (45mm of Travel) | No |
|
Mechanisms Make A Difference
These two ebikes may seem similar, but with a fitted suspension fork, the Sinch breaks away from the bike lane toward all uneven routes and adds more comfort on your ride on and off-the-beaten-path.
Physical Differences
Now we’ll put the magnifying glass down and look at the elements of these ebikes that don’t fit into the above categories.
| Sinch | RadExpand 5 | Comments | |||
| Frame | Standard and Step-Through | Step-Through |
| ||
| Size and Fit (Step-Through) | 1 Size (4’11” - 6’3”) | 1 Size (4’10” - 5’10”) | Both ebikes come in one step-through size yet the Sinch comfortably fits people at the taller end of the height spectrum. At the bottom end of the height spectrum the RadExpand comfortably fits those who are an inch smaller, but at the other end of the scale those who are up to 6’3” can comfortably ride the Sinch while riding on the RadExpand is limited to those 5’10” and shorter. | ||
| Colors | 3 (1x Traditional, 2x Step-Through) | 2 | Color lets you show off your style and is just one way of personalizing your ebike. The Sinch step-over is available in Cloud Grey, and the Sinch step-through is available in two beautiful colors: Bonfire Red and Moss Green. The RadExpand, on the other hand, is available in just black or white. | ||
| Weight | 68 lbs | 62.5 lbs | Weight may be another deciding factor seeing as these ebikes are designed to be folded, carried, and stored. The RadExpand wins the weight game, weighing in at 5.5lbs less than the Sinch. | ||
| Carrying Capacity | 300lb (incl. rider + cargo) | 275lb (incl. rider + cargo) | If you’re going to be using these ebikes to trek out, say, for a picnic, to go camping, or even to commute, then you need to be sure they can handle whatever extras you want them to carry. The Sinch has an extra 25lbs carrying capacity, meaning that you can have the peace of mind that you can carry what you need when you need it. | ||
| Integrated Battery | Yes | No | Having the ebike’s battery stealthily integrated into the frame not only makes it better looking but can also disguise that you’re riding an ebike, from both those you cruise past and opportunist thieves. | ||
| Tires | 20" x 4" (Puncture resistant) | 20" x 4" (Puncture resistant) | Both these ebikes feature 20” fat tires. These fat tires mean that they move better through softer terrain e.g. sand or loose gravel, and they help to cushion the ride a little bit over bumpier terrain. Also, the tires on these ebikes are puncture resistant, meaning that they could potentially last longer. | ||
| Fenders |
| Included |
| ||
| Racks | Sold Separately | Included |
|
| Sinch | RadExpand 5 | Comments | |||
| Frame | Standard and Step-Through | Step-Through |
| ||
| Size and Fit (Step-Through) | 1 Size (4’11” - 6’3”) | 1 Size (4’10” - 5’10”) | Both ebikes come in one step-through size yet the Sinch comfortably fits people at the taller end of the height spectrum. At the bottom end of the height spectrum the RadExpand comfortably fits those who are an inch smaller, but at the other end of the scale those who are up to 6’3” can comfortably ride the Sinch while riding on the RadExpand is limited to those 5’10” and shorter. | ||
| Colors | 3 (1x Traditional, 2x Step-Through) | 2 | Color lets you show off your style and is just one way of personalizing your ebike. The Sinch step-over is available in Cloud Grey, and the Sinch step-through is available in two beautiful colors: Bonfire Red and Moss Green. The RadExpand, on the other hand, is available in just black or white. | ||
| Weight | 68 lbs | 62.5 lbs | Weight may be another deciding factor seeing as these ebikes are designed to be folded, carried, and stored. The RadExpand wins the weight game, weighing in at 5.5lbs less than the Sinch. | ||
| Carrying Capacity | 300lb (incl. rider + cargo) | 275lb (incl. rider + cargo) | If you’re going to be using these ebikes to trek out, say, for a picnic, to go camping, or even to commute, then you need to be sure they can handle whatever extras you want them to carry. The Sinch has an extra 25lbs carrying capacity, meaning that you can have the peace of mind that you can carry what you need when you need it. | ||
| Integrated Battery | Yes | No | Having the ebike’s battery stealthily integrated into the frame not only makes it better looking but can also disguise that you’re riding an ebike, from both those you cruise past and opportunist thieves. | ||
| Tires | 20" x 4" (Puncture resistant) | 20" x 4" (Puncture resistant) | Both these ebikes feature 20” fat tires. These fat tires mean that they move better through softer terrain e.g. sand or loose gravel, and they help to cushion the ride a little bit over bumpier terrain. Also, the tires on these ebikes are puncture resistant, meaning that they could potentially last longer. | ||
| Fenders |
| Included |
| ||
| Racks | Sold Separately | Included |
|
What We’re Made Of
These are the finer details that are important to many riders when choosing their ebike, but are often overlooked when browsing for an ebike. The Sinch comes in a more array of colors, two different types of frame to choose from, and an integrated battery. While the RadExpand comes pre-fitted with both a rear rack and fenders, the Sinch has a larger carrying capacity, great for those looking for versatility in what they can do with their ebike.
Before we fold it up and pack out
Even though these ebikes have the same size battery, and the RadExpand doesn’t give its true motor size, the Sinch can both travel further and charge faster than the RadExpand, meaning that you’re always able to ride further and get back to riding quicker on the Sinch!
The Sinch comes fitted with a color display that highlights multiple live statistics to the rider. It can also sync to the Aventon mobile app so riders can gain deeper insights into their rides and share about their adventures with the Aventon community!
Finally, the Sinch seems to be the more thought out of these ebikes, with a suspension fork and a comfortable seat meaning that the rider can ride across any terrain in comfort, while a hidden battery and hidden controller keep the important parts of this ebike out of the reach of the elements, giving it a sleek look.
Really appreciate the comparison. Pretty even handed with only a bit of clearly stated bias! I feel like I am better informed by your comps! Thank you! The weight (for plane cargo) w/o battery would be good. I assume the battery is the heaviest part?!? Having to buy fenders and lights seems off? Wouldn’t buy a car or M/C without them. I like the synch’s styling but I’ve learned the hardest that is a non essential quantity except to those that demand it. Thanks again, we’ll done! 4 stars of 5!