RAD POWER BIKES RadExpand 5 Electric City Bike Owner’s Manual
- June 16, 2024
- RAD POWER BIKES
Table of Contents
- RadExpand 5 Electric City Bike
- Welcome to the Radventure!
- Using this manual
- Assembly instructions for the RadExpand
- Operating instructions
- Moving and storage instructions
- Carrying cargo
- Safety checklists
- User maintenance instructions
- Troubleshooting
- Ride as safely as possible
- Limited warranty and other terms
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
RadExpand™5
OWNER’S MANUAL
RadExpand 5 Electric City Bike
Everyone at Rad Power Bikes cares about your safety and the safety of those
around you. We want you to thor- oughly enjoy your amazing ebike safely and
reliably for many years to come.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS! Please read, understand,
and follow all safety notices, cautions, and warnings in this manual.
WARNING: Do NOT tamper with anything in your ebike’s electrical system,
battery, digital con- trols, physical components, or drive train. Tampering by
altering or modifying any of these components may void your warranty, and any
such modifications may result in damage to your ebike, other property, or
injury or death to you or others.
WARNING: This ebike is not to be operated by anyone under the age of 16.
Chil- dren under the age of 16 may lack the necessary judgment and skill to
safely operate the ebike, potentially resulting in damage to the ebike, damage
to other property, ser-
ious injury, and/or death. Please also check your local laws, which may
require a higher age. It is your responsibility to know and obey local
regulations regarding rider age and other qualifications. DANGER
Riding any bike, ebike, or similar vehicle without a helmet puts you at VERY
HIGH RISK of serious head injury or death. Always wear a properly fitted
helmet that covers the forehead. Many locations require specific safety
devices. It is your respon sibility to familiarize yourself and comply with
the laws, rules, and regulations where you ride. WARNING: Ebike components
like brakes, cables and tires may wear out faster than would be the case for
non-motorized bicycles, requiring more service. You must check your ebike
before each ride and according to the other checklists in this
manual, and have a professional, reputable bike mechanic perform a thorough
tune-up following the service intervals described here, or sooner if you
discover increased wear. Failure to do so could result in property damage,
serious injury, or death.
PRE-RIDE CHECK
rad-go.com/safety
Welcome to the Radventure!
Thank you for purchasing the RadExpand 5 from Rad Power Bikes™!
We take pride in bringing you a quality product that will offer years of
enjoyment. Please read and understand this manual fully before assembling and
riding your ebike.The latest version of your manual, your assembly video, and
other helpful content is available at the QR code and URL at right.
Be sure to check all hardware for correct torque (see “Tools and torque
specifications” on page 14) during assembly. Before each ride, follow the
recommendations in the “Safety checklists” on page 34. Finally, take care of
your new RadExpand by following the
guidelines in “Recommended service intervals” on page 37. If you’re not sure
you have the skills, experience, and special tools required for assembly and
maintenance, get help from a local, professional, and reputable bike mechanic.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP! If you have questions after reading this manual and
watching the assembly video, please consult the Rad Power Bikes Help Center at
radpowerbikes.ca/help.
Thanks for riding Rad!
Using this manual
This manual contains critical details about how to safely operate and maintain
your RadExpand. Read it carefully and familiarize yourself with your ebike
before riding it. Pay special attention to the safety messages shown here.
NOTICE: A “notice” is important information that can help you avoid
ebike/property damage or extend the life of parts and the ebike.
WARNING: A “warning” indicates a haz- ardous situation that, if not
avoided, could result in death, serious injury, or property damage.
CAUTION: A “caution” indicates a hazardous situ- ation that, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury or property damage.
DANGER A “danger” statement indicates a hazard that, if not avoided, has
a very high risk of death, serious injury, or property damage.
Operating any bike, trike, or other vehicle always involves some risk of
serious injury or death. Your safety depends on many factors including your
skill, your ebike’s maintenance, and riding conditions. There are also factors
you can- not control or anticipate. This manual makes no representations about
the safe use of this product under all possible conditions. If you have any
questions, contact Rad Power Bikes immediately.
Assembly and first adjustment of your ebike from Rad Power Bikes requires
special tools and skills. We strongly recommend that you have this done by a
professional, reputable bike mechanic, or have them inspect your work if you
choose to do it yourself. Keep this manual and any other documents that came
with your RadExpand. All content in this manual is subject to change or
withdrawal without notice. Visit radpowerbikes.ca/help to view and download
the latest version. Rad Power Bikes makes every effort to ensure the accuracy
of its documentation and assumes no responsibility or liability if any errors
or inaccuracies appear within.
Assembly instructions for the RadExpand
The following steps provide an overview of how to assembie your RadExpand 5
from Rad Power Bikes. Neither the assembly steps nor the rest of the manual
cover all potential aspects of bike configuration, maintenance, and repair,
which can require specialized tools and skills. We recommend you consuit a
certified, reputable bike mechanic to assist in the assembly, repair, and
maintenance of your RadExpand.
Please note that your ebike may include components that look different from
those in this manual’s illustrations. Such changes help ensure uninterrupted
production and shipping. Our engineers rigorously test each component to guar-
antee quality and compatibility.
WARNING: incorrect assembly, maintenance, or use of your ebike can cause
component or per- A formance failure, loss of control, serious injury, or
death. Ebikes have parts that non-motorized bikes do not have, and neither the
assembly video, assembly steps, or the rest of the manual cover ail potential
aspects of ebike configuration, maintenance, and repair, which can require
specialized tools and skills. We strongly recommend you consult a
professional, reputable bike mechanic to assist in the assembly, repair, and
main- tenance of your RadExpand, or inspect your work if you choose to do it
yourself.
-
Unpack the ebike. Open the bike box and, with the help of another person capable of safely lifting a heavy object, remove the ebike and place it upright on the back wheel and front fork protector plate. Carefully remove the pack- aging material protecting the bike frame and components. Keep the packaging materials in case you want to ship the bike later. Otherwise, recycle these materials, especially cardboard and foam, wherever possible. Remove the small box and carefully set out the contents. Ensure all of the following items are included with the ebike:
• Front wheel
• Assembly toolkit
• Handlebar stem faceplate hardware bag
• Headlight and mount
• Front wheel quick release (in fork protector plate)
• Pedals (leftand right
• Fenders (rear fender partially installed; front fender packed above rear fender)
• Manual)
• Charger
• Keys (two, identical)
• Fender mounting hardware bag
If anything is missing, please contact Rad Power Bikes.
We also recommend the following (not included) for assembly and maintenance:
• Flat-side cutters
• Clean shop towel or paper towel for cleaning excess grease
• 15mm pedal wrench
• Bike pump with Schrader valve and pressure gauge
• Bicycle grease
• Torque wrench (3-60 Nm) with Allen bits
• Astrong friend -
Ensure that the folding mechanisms are fully closed. Use caution to keep fingers, clothing, and other objects away from the folding parts and poten- tial pinch points. Always check that these latches are locked before moving or riding the bike. a. Close the stem riser’s folding mechanism. The stem riser (the vertical part of the bike that holds up the stem and handlebar) comes folded to save room in the box. Rotate the handlebar stem riser up until the hinge closes. Then fold the stem clasp release lever up and press into the stem until the release lever clicks into place.
b. Check that the folding mechanism on the frame is also latched and securely locked. This mechanism is loc- ated just in front of where the pedals rotate. For more information, see the assembly video available at radpowerbikes.ca/assemble. See “Folding and unfolding your RadExpand” on page 29 for more information. -
Ensure the front fork is facing forwards. See the illustration to see what the front fork looks like facing forwards vs. backwards. If necessary, rotate the fork. When the fork is correctly positioned, the brake caliper will be on the rider’s left side (the non-drivetrain side of the bike, without the chain), and cables will pass in front of headtube, not behind it.
-
Install the handlebar following the steps below. For more information, view the assembly video available at radpowerbikes.ca/assembie.
a. Locate the handlebar stem faceplate and hardware. Set the bolts and faceplate aside near the handlebar.
b. Orient the handlebar properly. The brake levers should face forwards and the throttle should be on the right side. Trace the brake housing from the left brake lever to the brake caliper and make sure the bundle of cables is not twisted. c. Centre the handlebar on the stem. Place the handle- bar into position on the stem so it’s centred and so that the handlebar is approximately parallel with the front fork when viewed from the side (see illustration).
d. Install the stem faceplate. Place the stem faceplate over the handlebar, and thread in the four bolts by hand. Then use an Allen wrench to tighten the bolts evenly, by moving in an “X” pattern. Ensure the gap between the faceplate and stem is even. e. Torque the bolts evenly to the value listed in “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14. ff, in the future, you decide to adjust the angle of the handlebar (e.g., to bring it slightly closer to the seat), be sure to follow the same procedures listed here to ensure the handlebar is properly secured.
WARNING: Do not overtighten the stem faceplate bolts or stem clamp bolts beyond the torque A values listed in this manual, as this can result in component failure, which can lead to property dam- age, serious injury or death.
f. Ensure your handlebar and stem are adequately secured. Some RadExpand ebikes require special tight- ening of the stem faceplate bolts and stem riser clamp bolts. Follow the special instructions in “Tightening the stem and handlebar ” on page 15 to ensure your handlebar and stem are secure. -
Install the front wheel onto the front fork as explained below.
WARNING: Do not touch the brake rotor, which has sharp edges and can cause serious injury. Touching the brake rotor or brake pads with bare skin can also transfer natural oils. Oils or other lubricants can decrease braking performance. We recommend wearing protective gloves when working near the braking system.Depending on when your ebike was manufactured, it is possible that you may receive an ebike with either a bolt-on axle mechanism or a quick release lever mechanism:
• Ebikes with the bolt-on axle mechanism will come with pre-installed nuts on the front wheel axle.
• Ebikes with the quick-release mechanism will have a shorter thru-axle on the front wheel where the quick- release skewer is inserted.
Use the appropriate assembly steps for the front wheel type that came with your ebike.
FRONT WHEEL WITH BOLT-ON AXLE MECHANISM
a. Orient the front fork properly. Make sure the fork is oriented so that the brake pads are on the non-drive side, and the brake cable runs straight down and is not twisted around the head tube.
b. Locate and remove the quick-release skewer that holds the fork on the fork protector plate. Open the lever, remove the thumbnut and cone spring on the opposite side, and remove the skewer. Lift the fork off the protector plate and carefully set it on the ground.c. Prepare the front wheel. Remove the protective plates from both sides of the front wheel.
NOTICE: The fork and wheel protector plate packaging, including skewer, thumbnut, cone springs and any spacers, are not used for the front wheel installation, and can be recycled according to local rules.
d. Loosen the pre-installed axle nuts on the front wheel enough to fit in the fork dropouts, but do not remove them. if the front wheel comes with additional washers, position these against the axle nuts for installation.
e. Carefully lower the front fork onto the wheel. With the help of a friend, carefully lift the front of the bike and lower the fork onto the wheel so that the brake rotor enters the caliper between the brake pads, and the axle enters the fork dropouts fully. Pay attention to the brake rotor: It needs to slide between the brake pads. Once the rotor is between the brake pads, guide the fork onto the wheel so that the wheel axle enters the fork dropouts.
NOTICE: If it’s difficult to get the brake rotor between the brake pads, you may need to loosen the brake calipers slightly. Use an Allen wrench to widen the gap between the brake pads by turning the inner pad adjuster “out” (counterclockwise) two clicks. Stop after you feel two clicks or have turned the adjustment bolt one quarter to one half of a full rotation. When wheel installation is com plete, you can turn the pad adjuster back “in” (clockwise) if neces- sary to ensure the brakes engage properly. WARNING: Loosening the calipers too much (more than two clicks or more than half a full rota- tion) can cause very small brake components, including a tiny spring and ball bearing, to fall out of the brake assembly, and those will need to be reinstalled by a professional mechanic. Failure to have them reinstalled properly may compromise brake function, potentially leading to serious injury or death.
f. Verify the wheel is seated in the fork dropouts.Check that the wheel is fully seated in the fork dropouts on both sides, the wheel axle is level and parallel to the ground, and that the wheel is centered.
g. Tighten the axle nuts.Use a 15 mm wrench to tighten the axle nuts on both sides of the fork until secure. If the front wheel comes with additional washers, make sure they are positioned against the axle nuts before tightening.h. Torque the axle nuts to 35 Nm. Use a torque wrench with a crowfoot bit to torque the axle nuts to 35 Nm.
i. Test your front wheel installation. Check that the same amount of dropout is visible under the axle on both sides of the fork. If there’s a difference, your axle is not fully inserted into both dropouts, and you’ll need to repeat the previous steps. If the axle is fully seated, perform the following tests:
• First, have a friend lift the front of the bike off the ground, and spin the front wheel to ensure it has no wobble or loose- ness.
• Second, while straddling the bike with your hands on the handlebars, squeeze the front brake lever with your left hand. Rock the bike forward and backward and ensure the front brake is securely keeping the front wheel from turning and that there’s no play or wiggle in the wheel, handlebars, or front fork. Any sign of play or wiggle is a sign that you may not have properly secured the front wheel, and you should repeat the installation process. NOTICE: Inspect and test both wheels before each ride. Either wheel and other components can loosen over time and with the normal vibration of riding.
WARNING: An improperly secured front or rear wheel can cause loss of control, accidents, serious A injury, or death. Check that the wheels are properly secured during assembly and before each ride.
FRONT WHEEL WITH QUICK-RELEASE MECHANISM
a. Locate and remove the quick-release skewer from the front fork protector plate. Open the lever, remove the thumbnut and cone spring on the opposite side, and remove the skewer. Keep the cam follower (see “E” in the illustration that follows) and the other cone spring in place on the lever side.A Thumbnut (remove, set aside)
B Cone spring (remove, set aside)
C Quick-release skewer
D Cone spring
E Cam follower >
F Quick-release lever
NOTICE: The “Quick-release skewer” illustration shows you the components you need to retain. You can discard the packaging that protected your front fork while shipping. That packaging includes a plastic fork protector plate and a protective, hollow, metal rod that the skewer went through. Tem- porary, protective spacers may be on that hollow rod and their materials can vary, e.g., may be black plastic or look like thick metal washers. Do not put those spacers onto the quick-release skewer.
b. Install the skewer through the front wheel hub, starting from the side of the wheel without the brake rotor. Make sure to not touch the brake rotor. Reinstall the cone spring on the skewer. Ensure both cone springs point inward. Keep the lever open and thread on the thumbnut a couple of turns, leaving enough room for the fork dropouts.
c. If there is a spacer between the brake pads, remove it now.
d. Have a friend hold the bike steady and fully upright until you have finished securing the quick-release lever. Do not prop the ebike on its kickstand.
e. Lift the front of the bike, removing it from the protective plate.
NOTICE: The front-fork packaging includes the fork protector plate as well as a metal spacer rod and, in some cases, smaller spacers that go around that rod. The smaller spacers may be black plastic, metal, or other materials, and may look like thick washers. You can recycle these packaging elements according to local rules. Just be sure to retain all of the components pictured in “Quick-release skewer” above.
f. Carefully lower the front fork onto the wheel. Pay attention to the brake rotor: It needs to slide between the brake pads. Once the rotor is between the brake pads, guide the fork onto the wheel so that the wheel axle enters the fork dropouts. (The fork dropouts are the slots on each end of the fork that the wheel axle fits into.)
NOTICE: If it’s difficult to get the brake rotor between the brake pads, you may need to loosen the brake calipers slightly. Use an Allen wrench to widen the gap between the brake pads by turning the inner pad adjuster “out” ( counterclockwise) two clicks. Stop after you feel two clicks or have turned the adjustment bolt one quarter to one half of a full rotation. When wheel installation is cor plete, you can turn the pad adjuster back “in” (clockwise) if neces- sary to ensure the brakes engage properly. WARNING: Loosening the calipers too much (more than A two clicks or more than half a full rotation) can cause very small brake components, including a tiny spring and ball bear- ing, to fall out of the brake assembly, and those will need to be reinstalled by a professional mechanic. Failure to have them reinstalled properly may compromise brake function, potentially leading to serious injury or death.
g. Double-check that the wheel is fully inserted into the dropouts, that the wheel axle is level and parallel to the ground, and that the wheel is centred in the fork.
h. Make sure the quick-release lever is nestled into the curve of the cam follower, as in the top image in the “Cam follower position” illustrations.
i. Make sure your friend is still holding the bike fully upright and steady, which will ensure there’s even pressure on both sides of the axle. This is critical for the next step.
j. Secure the quick-release lever. NOTICE: The security and stability of your front wheel depends on very tight clamping force from the quick release lever. A properly adjusted quick-release lever requires great force to close or open.
i. Open the quick-release lever all the way. Hold the thumbnut steady with one hand while you spin the quick-release lever clockwise with the other hand. Tighten the lever as much as you can by hand.
ii. At this point, the lever should be too tight for you to close it halfway. Loosen it by a quarter spin and try to close the lever halfway again. Repeat untiil you can close the lever halfway.
iii. Make sure the lever is angled so that when you close it, it won’t hit any bike components like the fork or a fender bracket, which could keep it from closing fully.
iv. Close the lever. This should be difficult and should leave an imprint in your hand. Fine-tuning the tight- ness of the lever can take several tries.
WARNING: If you cannot exert great force on the quick release lever to close it, you must seek A help from a professional bike mechanic. Failure to fully secure your front wheel can lead to serious injury or death.
k. Inspect your front wheel installation:
• Make sure the closed quick-release lever doesn’t touch any bike components such as the fork, which could keep it from closing fully.
• Check that the same amount of dropout is visible under the axle on each side of the bike. (If there’s a dif- ference, your axle is not fully inserted into both dropouts, and you’ll need to repeat the previous steps start- ing at the point where you check that both cone springs are pointing inward.)
• Test your front wheel installation using these three tests:
• With your friend holding the front wheel off the ground, spin the front wheel to ensure it has no wobble or looseness.
• While straddling the bike with hands on the handlebars, squeeze the front- brake lever with your left hand.
Rock the bike forwards and backwards. Ensure the front brake prevents the front wheel from spinning and that there’s no play or wiggle in the wheel, handlebar, or front fork.
• Inspect the quick-release lever to ensure it has remained tightly closed.
m. Check the security of the rear wheel. You must also check the torque value of the rear wheel axle nut to ensure it’s correctly tightened (see “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14).
NOTICE: Inspect and test both wheels before each ride. Either wheel and other components can loosen over time and with the normal vibration of riding.
WARNING: An improperty secured front or rear wheel can cause loss of control, accidents, ser- A fous injury, or death. Check that the wheels are properly secured during assembly and before each ride. -
Perform a handlebar twist and push test to ensure the front wheel and handlebar stem are securely connected. Instructions for doing so are in “Handlebar twist and push tests” on page 40.
-
Install the front fender and headlight.
a. Locate the fender and mounting hardware.
b. Remove the headlight mounting hardware from the top of the fork.
c. Pass the fender from the back of the front wheel, under the fork, as shown.
d. Install the fender/headlight mounting hardware through the headlight bracket, fender, and fork as shown above. Pass a washer over the boit end, pass the bolt end through the headlight mounting bracket and the fender mounting point, and then pass the bolt through the mounting point on the fork. On the other side of the fork, pass another washer over the bolt, and then thread the locknut on by hand. Torque the locknut according to the value listed in “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14. e. Locate the fender mounting hardware. Pass a split washer and a flat washer over each bolt end.
f. Secure the fender mounting arms. Pass a fender arm eyelet over the mounting point on the bike and thread in the bolt by hand. Repeat with the other fender arm.
g. Check that the fender and headlight are centred, then torque the fender mounting arm bolts according to the value in “Tools and torque spe- cifications” on page 14. -
Complete the installation of the rear fender.
a. Start on the non-drivetrain side of the bike (the side without the chain).
You will need the bag of fender mounting hardware from the previous step. Pass the last split washer and flat washer onto the last bolt, and then pass that bolt through the eyelet of the fender mounting arm into the mounting point near the rear dropout.
Tighten by hand.
b. Secure the other fender mounting arm. On the drivetrain side of the bike, the eyelet of the fender mounting arm will share a mounting point with one of the derailleur bashguard bolts. Locate the derailleur bashguard, and remove the left of its two bolts (the one farthest toward the back of the bike). Take that bolt with its washers, and pass it through the fender mounting arm eyelet, back through the bashguard, and into the mounting point. Tighten by hand.
c. Torque the rear fender mounting arm bolts on both sides of the bike according to the value in “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14. -
Check the bashguard position. The bashguard that helps protect your derail- leur frorn impact damage must be positioned so that it does not touch or inter- fere with the operation of the derailleur. The derailleur must be able to move toward and away from the bike so that it can guide the chain on and off ail of the gears on the freewheel. If the bashguard is too ciose to the bike, do the fol- lowing:
a. Ensure that the axle nuts are torqued to the value listed in “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14.
b. Gently pull the bashguard away from the bike, by hand, until the derailleur can operate correctly. -
Piug in the headlight connector. Line up the internal notch and pins with the external arrows, and press directly together without twisting.
-
Adjust the headlight angle slightly downward so it won’t blind oncoming traffic. Using the tools listed in “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14, loosen the angle adjustment boit and locknut, angle the headlight down- ward, and tighten securely. Do not overtighten.
-
Install the pedals.
a. Locate the right-side pedal, which is marked “R,” should have an “R” sticker attached, and has a smooth pedal axle. The right pedal goes on the crank on the drivetrain side of the bike, which has the chain and is the same as a rider’s right side when seated on the bike.
b. Place a pea-size or slightly smaller amount of bicycle grease onto the threads of the right pedal. c. Carefully thread the right pedal onto the right crank by turning clockwise (toward the front of the bike). Do so slowly and gently by hand. Do not cross thread or damage the threads. See the “Right pedal installation” illustrations.
d. Place a pea-size or slightly smaller amount of bicycle grease onto the threads of the left pedal.
e. Carefully thread the left pedal onto the left crank by turning counterclockwise (toward the front of the bike). The reverse- threaded left pedal is marked with an “L,” should have an “L” sticker attached, and has notches on the pedal axle.
Thread slowly and gently by hand without cross-threading or damaging the threads. See the “Left pedal installation” illus- trations.f. Tighten each pedal using a pedal wrench. You can also use a torque wrench with a crowfoot bit for this task, but regular wrenches won’t fit in the narrow space and may damage your pedal or crank.
g. Torque each pedal to 35 Nm. An experienced mechanic can torque properly with a pedal wrench, but if you’re less exper- ienced, use a torque wrench with a crowfoot bit.
h. Wipe off any excess bicycle grease. WARNING: Improperly or inadequately tightened pedals can fall off your bike while you’re riding,
A Teading to component damage, serious injury, or death. If you aren’t sure how to tighten your pedals or don’t have appropriate tools, please get help from a professional mechanic.
INSTALLING THE SEAT AND SEATPOST -
Install the seat and seatpost. Locate the seat and seatpost and then follow these steps:
a. Remove the seat and seatpost from the seat tube (the part of the frame that holds the seatpost): Open the quick-release lever on the seat tube and gently pull the seat and seatpost out.
b. Apply a thin layer of bike grease to the seatpost using a clean shop towel rag, and then wipe off any excess grease.
c. Make sure the quick-release lever on the seat tube is open (see the first illustration at “Installing the seat and seatpost” on the previous page) and that the quick-release clamp opening is aligned with the notch in the seat tube (see the dotted lines in the illustration).
d. Insert the seatpost into the seat tube as shown in the middle illustration at “Installing the seat and seatpost” on the previous page. Make sure that the minimum insertion point etched onto the seatpost goes into the seat tube (it should not be visible). Secure with the quick-release lever, as shown in the third illustration at
“Installing the seat and seatpost” on the previous page. Closing the lever should require enough pressure that it leaves an imprint in your hand. When closed, the seat should not move up, down, left, or right. If needed, adjust the lever tension by turning the adjustment nut opposite the quick-release lever while the lever is open.
You can fine-tune the position and angle of the seat later, according to directions in “Adjusting for comfort and safety” on page 17.
DANGER Overextending the seatpost can cause it to break or fall off your ebike, which will put you at very high risk of serious injury or death. Avoid this danger by inserting your seatpost into the seat tube far enough that the minimum insertion point is no longer visible. -
Inflate the tires.
a. Inspect tires for damage. Check the tire side- walls, beads and treads for any damage before inflating. If you discover any damage, contact our product support team for assistance.
b. Ensure the tube is fully seated in the tires. If you cannot squeeze the tire enough to check the tube position, deflate the tire further by remov- ing the valve cap, and then press and hold the inner valve core to let some air out.
c. Check tube nesting within tires. Lift the wheel and squeeze the tire while gently rocking back and forth to ensure the tube is fully seated and not pinched anywhere between the tire and rim, and the tire bead is evenly seated within the rim.
Repeat this process on the other side of each tire.d. Inflate tires to recommended PSI. Use a floor pump with a Schrader valve and pressure gauge to inflate each tire to the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) indicated on the tire sidewall. Add a small amount of PSI at a time and verify that the tube is still nested within the tire properly and the tire bead is not out of alignment with the rim. Bounce the tire to help seat the tire bead more evenly (if necessary). If you discover the tube getting pinched between the tire and rim at any point, deflate the tire and start the process over again. Do not overinflate or underinflate tires. Once you’ve had a chance to ride your ebike you can adjust the PSI for your desired riding terrain and comfort level. For more information, see “Tire and wheel care” on page 39. -
Complete all steps in “Adjusting for comfort and safety” on page 17, including checking that all hardware has been tightened according to the values in “Tools and torque specifications” on the next page.
Tools and torque specifications
Applying the right amount of torque to your ebike fasteners (bolts, nuts,
etc.) is critical for your safety. Brake com- ponents must be torqued to the
values listed here, unless a professional, reputable bike mechanic has
inspected them and advised otherwise. Fasteners can loosen over time with
normal usage, so it is important to periodically check these torque values.
To “torque” accurately, use a high-quality torque wrench. Torque wrench
accuracy depends on your technique (e.g., wrench angle and grip location), so
be sure to read the instructions that came with your torque wrench. The tool
siz- ing listed below is a general guide, but it is possible that the head of
a particular bolt on your ebike may vary, requir- ing a different tool (e.g.,
a 4 mm Allen wrench instead of a 5 mm Allen wrench). If so, use whatever tool
fits the bolt head. Such differences will not affect the torque value for that
piece of hardware.
If you are installing accessories from Rad Power Bikes, any necessary
instructions, important safety information, and torque specifications will
come with your accessory and/or be available online at radpowerbikes.ca/help.
WARNING: Do not overtighten any bolts or fasteners beyond the values
listed here, as this can result in component failure, which can lead to
property damage, serious injury or death.
Handlebar area| Stem riser clamp bolt (one bolt below stem-riser folding
mechanism)| 5 mm Allen| 18 Nm*
---|---|---|---
| Stem clamp bolts (two bolts that secure the handle- bar stem to the stem
riser)| 4 mm Allen| 8 Nm
Stem faceplate bolts (four bolts)| 4 mm Allen| 6 Nm**
Headlight angle adjustment bolt| Phillips head. 8 mm wrench| tighten securely.
do not over- tighten
Headlight/front fender mounting bolt| 5 mm Allen| 5 Nm
Front fender mounting arm eyelet bolts| 4 mm Allen| 6 Nm
LED display clamp bolt| 3 mm Allen| 3 Nm
Brake lever clamp bolts| 5 mm Allen| 6 Nm
Shifter clamp bolt| 5 mm Allen| 5 Nm
Throttle clamp bolt| 3 mm Allen| 3 Nm
Brake area| Caliper to frame mounting bolt (rear wheel)| 5 mm Allen| 6-8 Nm
Caliper to adapter mounting bolt (front)| 5 mm Allen| 6-8 Nm
Caliper adapter to frame mounting bolt (front)| 5 mm Allen| 6-8 Nm
Cable pinch bolt on caliper arms| 5 mm Allen| 6-8 Nm
Brake pads to calipers| Needle-nose pli- ers| 90° bend at tip of cotter pin
Brake rotor to hub| T-25 Torx bit| 7 Nm
Seat and seat tube area| Seat adjustment bolt| 6 mm Allen| 18 Nm
Battery tray to frame mounting bolts| Phillips head| 5 Nm
Controller mounting bolts| Phillips head| 5 Nm
Rear wheel and dropout area| Rear axle nut| 18 mm wrench| 40 Nm
Torque arm bolt| 4 mm Allen| 5 Nm
Derailleur mounting bolt| 5 mm Allen| 10 Nm
Derailleur hanger mounting bolt| 5 mm Allen| 6 Nm
Derailleur bashguard mounting bolt and rear fender mounting arm eyelet bolt| 4
mm Allen| 6 Nm
Derailleur/shift cable clamp bolt| 5 mm Allen| 6 Nm
Taillight mounting bolt| 4 mm Allen| 5 Nm
Kickstand mounting bolt| 5 mm Allen| 15 Nm
Bottom bracket and crank area| Pedal into crank arm| 15 mm pedal wrench| 35 Nm
Crank arm removal info| CCP-22 Park Tool| n/a
Freewheel removal info| FR-1.3 Park Tool| n/a
Crank arm bolt into bottom bracket spindle| 8 mm Allen| 35 Nm
Chainring bolts| 5 mm Allen| 10 Nm
Crank chainring guard| 5 mm Allen| 10 Nm
Controller mounting bolts| Phillips head| 5 Nm
Bottom bracket and cups| BBT-22 Park Tool| 60 Nm
- The stem riser clamp bolt requires additional tightening on some RadExpand 5 models. It is critical to your safety that you check your RadExpand to see if its stem riser clamp bolt may be affected and that you torque this bolt to a special value if necessary. Please see “Tightening the stem and handlebar ” below for more information.
** The stem faceplate bolts require additional tightening on some RadExpand 5 models. It is critical to your safety that you check your RadExpand to see if its stem faceplate bolts may be affected. If they are affected, you will need to follow special directions to tighten them adequately. Please see “Tightening the stem and handiebar ” below for more information.
Tightening the stem and handlebar
The instructions in this chapter apply to some RadExpand 5 ebikes within the following serial number ranges. You can find your serial number stamped into the frame on the headtube, just below its four mounting points.
- RESI2Z1E00004 through RESL21E0825
- RESH21T0001 through RESF21T0171
Some ebikes within these ranges may require additiona! tightening to properly
secure the stem faceplate bolts and the stem riser clamp bolt. The following
instructions will show you or your bike mechanic how to test the relevant
components on your RadExpand 5 ebike to see if they need additional
tightening, and how to properly adjust any boits as necessary.
Correctly and safely tightening the bolts on your ebike requires the use of
one or more high-quality torque wrenches. You will need a torque wrench that
can torque to values ranging from 6 Nm to 25 Nm to complete the steps in this
chapter. Ongoing aintainence of any bicycle requires the use of torque
wrenches. WARNING: Improperly securing your handlebar, stem, or stem riser
can result in loss of control of A your ebike, serious injury, or death. If
you are not sure you have the experience, skills, and tools to correctly
perform all steps to secure and verify the security of the handlebar, front
wheel, and handlebar stem you MUST consult a professional, reputable bike
mechanic to check your work and/or secure those components to the ebike
properly.
Perform a handlebar twist test
This procedure will test the security of your stem and stem riser.
- Get the bike ready for testing. Turn off the bike, remove the battery, and press and hold the power button to dis- charge remaining power.
- Check that the folding mechanism on the stem riser is properly secured. Press upward on the release button on the stem riser’s locking lever until you can push the lever down, as in the “Release the latch on the stem riser” illus- tration. Then press the latch back up. Make sure you hear a “click” and that the release button slides downward into position.
- Brace the front wheel. Stand at the front of the bike, facing the handlebar, and brace the front wheel between your feet and lower legs.
- Try to twist the handlebar. Hold both handlebar grips and push forwards with one hand while pulling back with the other. Push and pull at the same time with about 20 Ib (9 kg) of force with each hand.
- Ensure the handlebar and wheel stay properly aligned. The handlebar and handlebar stem should be tightly secured, and the handlebar should remain perpendicular to the front wheel.
- Repeat the twist test pulling/pushing with the opposite hands, using about 20 Ib (9 kg} of force pushing with one hand and 20 Ib of force pulling with the other hand.
- Check for any movement or changes in alignment of handle- bar relative to the front wheel. if there was no alignment change, skip the next section, “Accurately tighten the stem and stem riser.”
Accurately tighten the stem and stem riser
If your bike did not pass the handlebar twist test, follow these steps to ensure your stem clamp and stem riser clamp bolts are properly secured.
- Ensure the stem clamp bolts (“A” in the illustration) are properly torqued. Use a quality torque wrench to ensure these two bolts are torqued to standard recom- mended value, 8 Nm. Once it is torqued to 8 Nm, repeat the handlebar twist test. if you pass it now, you can skip to the next section, “Handlebar push test.”
- Ensure the stem riser clamp bolt (“B” in the illustration) is property torqued. The standard torque recommendation for that bolt is 18 Nm. Use a quality torque wrench to see whether it is torqued to that value. If it is already 18 Nm, but it failed the test, increase the torque value to 23 Nm. Do not exceed 25 Nm.
WARNING: Torqueing your stem riser clamp bolt to more than 25 Nm can damage the bolt and lead to component failure, serious injury, or death. Perform the handieber twist test again to ensure your bike passes it now. tf it still does not pass the test, con- tact Rad Power Bikes Product Support (contact information is located at the end of this update document).
Handlebar push test
This test will invotve applying force directly to your handlebar to see
whether it could pivot unexpectedly during operation. The illustration at
right shows the type of motion this pro- cedure tests for.
-
Get the bike ready far teating. Turn off the bike, remove the battery, and press and hold the power button to discharge remaining power.
-
Make sure your handlebar is centered on the atem. Your handlebar has the widest diameter at its center. if it isn’t centered, it could come loose. Center your handlebar, loosening and retightening the stem faceplate bolts as necessary.
-
Use a quality torque wrench to check how tight your stem faceplate bolts. The standard recommended torque value is 6 Nm. if they aren’t tight enough, tighten them to 6 Nm.
-
Brace your front wheel. Roll your bike up to 8 wall so that your front wheel is touch- ing the wall and is perpendicular to the wall. Stand over your frame as though you’re about to ride it, and then sit down. If necessary. lower the seat so that you can sit on it
while your feet are on the ground. Place both hands on the handlebar and squeeze the brake levers. 5. Push your handleber. Begin by pushing with medium force, watching for any pivot in the handleber. Increase the force until you are pushing as hard as you can, ideally with 100 Ib (45 kg} of total force. -
If your handleber did not pivot, it’s tight enough and you can skip the section below.
Accurately tighten stem faceplate bolts
If you detected any pivot in the handlebar, re-tighten the faceplate bolts to a maximum of Nm.
- Loosen each stem faceplate bolt. They should be loose enough so that you cen adjust your handlebar angle to your preferred position.
- Tighten each of the bolita with an Allen wrench a iittle at a time, moving among the bolts in an “xX” pattern, until the handlebar is stable.
- Use a quality torque wrench to tighten each of the baits to 9 Nm.
- Reinstall your battery and test the bike fully before riding it.
Adjusting for comfort and safety
The following steps are critical for your comfort and safety, and must be
performed before your first bike ride. We recommend that you consult a bike
fitting professional such as 8 certified, reputable bike mechanic who
specializes in bike fit.\
Seat angle and horizontal position
Many riders prefer the seat to be roughly parallel to the ground, with its
horizontal position in the middle of the range marked on the seat rails. To
change the angle and horizontal position of the seat:
- Use an appropriate size Allen wrench to loosen (but do not remove) the seat adjustment bolt on the clamp located underneath the seat.
- Move the seat backwards or forwards and tilt to adjust the angle. Do not exceed the limit markings etched into one of the seat rails, which show how far you can safely move the seat forwards and backwards.
- Ensure the top of the seat rail clamp is aligned directly over the bottom of the clamp so that the seat adjustment bolt will clamp the seat rails properly. Then, while holding the seat in the desired position, use the Allen wrench to tighten the seat adjustment bolt securely to the torque value listed in “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14.
WARNING: A loose seat clamp or seat adjustment bolt can cause loss of
control, ebike/property damage, serious injury, or death. Prior to first use,
be sure to torque the seat adjustment bolt according to the specification in
“Tools and torque specifications” on page 14. Regularly check that bolt and
make sure that the clamp on the underside of your seat is secure on the seat
rails.
Adjusting the seat height
An ideal seat height for most riders allows them to be comfortable and get the
best pedalling efficiency. When the rider is seated, they should be able to
place the ball of their foot on the pedal at its lowest5 position while their
leg is almost fully extended, with the knee slightly bent. The seat should
never be so high that the rider must rock side to side or fully straighten
their legs while pedalling. And the seat must never be pulled out so far that
the minimum insertion point is above the seat tube (see illustration).Depending on a rider’s preference, ability, and amount of
experience with bike and ebike riding, lowering the seat so the rider can put
one or both feet on the ground without dismounting from the seat may offer a
safer and more comfortable experience while operating the bike.
- Open the seatpost quick-release lever.
- Slide the seatpost in or out of the seat tube to a height appropriate for your leg length and preference. Donot extendtheseatpostbeyondtheminimuminsertionmarkingetchedontotheseatpost(see the “Seatpost out TOO FAR” illustration).
- Align and close the quick-release lever fully. The quick release clamp opening should align with the notch in the seat tube. Closing the lever should require enough pressure that it leaves an imprint in your hand. When closed, the seat should not move up, down, left, or right. If needed, adjust the lever tension by turning the adjustment nut opposite the quick-release lever.
- Try out your seat fit, and repeat steps 1–3 if the seat position needs a bit more adjusting.
Handlebar angle
Most riders will feel comfortable with the handlebar angled so that it is
roughly parallel with the front fork, as shown in the more vertical position
of the illustration. Once you have adjusted the seat to your leg length and
preference, you may decide that you would like the handlebar to be angled
slightly closer to the seat. If so, follow these steps.
- Loosen the four stem faceplate bolts just enough to allow the handlebar to pivot, and position it as you prefer.
- Re-tighten the stem faceplate bolts using the method described in the assembly instructions.
- Test the positioning by sitting on the bike, making sure it’s comfortable and that the handlebar can turn freely without touching your body.
- Inspect the stem faceplate bolts. Be sure the gap between the faceplate and stem at each bolt is even and torque all faceplate bolts according to the value listed in “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14.
- Test the security of your handlebar by performing a handlebar twist and push test. See “Handlebar twist and push tests” on page 40.
Brake lever angle
The angle of the brake levers can be adjusted for the most comfortable hand
position possible. For most riders, this will allow them to rest two or three
fingers comfortably on the brake lever while keeping their wrists in a neutral
position. To adjust the angle, follow these steps:
- Loosen the brake lever clamp bolt using the appropriate Allen wrench.
- Adjust the angle of the brake lever so it’s comfortable for the rider.
- Retighten the brake lever clamp bolt according to the value listed in “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14.
TIP! Another way to maximize hand comfort is to angle your handlebar grips so that the wide section of the grip supports the outside part of your palm and keeps your wrists are in a neutral position while you have two or three fingers resting on each brake lever. You should be able to reposition the handlebar grips by applying firm pressure and twist- ing. If they don’t move, you can apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol between the grip and the handlebar as tem- porary lubrication:
- Carefully insert a screwdriver between the handlebar tubing and the grip.
- Pry the grip away from the handlebar slightly.
- Use a paper towel or squeeze bottle to apply alcohol into the gap. This should help loosen the grip.
- Twist your grip into the best position for your comfort, testing by trying the brake levers while seated.
- Give the alcohol an hour to evaporate, and then test that your grips are secure before riding your ebike.
DANGER: Always make your brake levers can’t touch the handlebar grip when
you squeeze firmly. A brake lever that can touch the grips may not engage the
brakes fully, causing you to have difficulty slowing or stopping and putting
you at very high risk of serious injury or death. Squeezing the brake lever
halfway toward the handlebar grip must cause the brake pads to press firmly
against the brake rotor. If you think your brakes may not be functioning
properly, do not ride your ebike. Refer to our Help Centre for more
information (radpowerbikes.ca/help).
Ensure all hardware is tightened properly
Ensure all hardware is tightened properly according to the values in “Tools
and torque specifications” on page 14.
This is a critical safety step that you must not skip. If you do not own a
torque wrench or you do not have the skills to check the tightness of your
hardware, consult a local, professional, reputable bike mechanic for help. You
can find more information about bike fit and making adjustments to your ebike
in our Help Centre at radpowerbikes.ca/help.
Battery information
The battery that comes with your RadExpand is a state-of-the-art, lithium-ion
battery that’s designed to give you years of power with proper care and use.
Follow the recommendations here for the best possible performance.
Battery features
Please familiarize yourself with all of the components of your battery.
When you are seated on your ebike, the charging port of your battery will be
on the right side of the battery.
CAUTION: Do not put any object into your battery’s charging port other
than the
Rad Power Bikes charging plug designed for this pur- pose (and pictured in the
illus- tration). Inserting other objects into the charging port could damage
your battery.The other side of your battery includes the
keyport. Use your key to lock or unlock your battery from the frame and to
turn the battery on (make its power available to your ebike’s electrical
system). Always remove your key from the battery before riding. KEYPORT AND
KEY POSITIONS
| Description
---|---
A| Power on, battery locked to frame
B| Power off, battery locked to frame
C| Power off, battery unlocked from frame (for battery installation and
removal)
CHARGE LEVEL
On the top of your battery there is a button and 5 charge indicator LED
lights. The first is red, the others are green.
When you press the button, the LEDs will give you an approximation of your
charge level: zero lights indicate zero or nearly zero charge, one light
indicates about a 20% charge, two lights indicate about a 40% charge, and so
on. When the battery is nearly empty, the first LED will blink.
Safe operating temperatures
We recommend riding in temperatures between -15°C to 40°C (5°F to 105°F).
Colder or hotter temperatures increase risks to your health and can also cause
harmful internal battery temperatures.Riding in very hot
temperatures: Know and respect your physical limits around exercising in hot
temperatures, and consult your doctor if you have any concerns. To prevent
damage to your battery, do not ride in temperatures above 40°C (105°F). If you
choose to ride in extremely hot temperatures, use low levels of power
assistance (low pedal assist evels, low use of throttle) to keep the battery
as cool as possible. This may lower the risk of the battery automatically
turning off to prevent use-caused heat damage.
DANGER: Do not ride in extremely hot temperatures. The more the ambient
temperature exceeds 40°C (105°F), the greater your risk of exceeding a
maximum internal battery temperature of 55°C (131°F). This can cause the
battery to turn off as a safety precaution. Extreme heat may also cause
critical failure of the battery up to or including an electrical fire. Factors
that increase your risk for battery overheating include, but are not limited
to, ambient temperatures above 40°C (105°F), direct sunlight for extended
periods, high
throttle usage, high PAS level, high payload, steeper inclines, and other
environmental factors.
WARNING: Extreme cold of -15°C (5°F) or below will reduce the range of
your battery and can cause the battery to shut off automatically to prevent
damage. Do not depend on battery power to return you back to safety if riding
near those extreme temperatures. Riding in freezing temperatures can also
expose your ebike to de-icing salt, which can harm your ebike and electrical
components or cause an electrical fire. See “Guard against rust, corrosion,
and water damage” on page 41 for more information.
Removing and installing the battery
You can charge your battery either on or off your RadExpand. If you remove
it for charging, storage, transportation, security, or some other reason, keep
these procedures to prevent battery damage.
BATTERY REMOVAL
To remove the battery, turn its key to the off and unlocked position (see
“Battery features” on the previous page) and remove the key from the keyport.
Carefully pull the battery forwards and up until the battery detaches from the
battery mount.
NOTICE: When the battery is off its mount, protect the battery terminal
contacts from damage or exposure to harmful substances including liquids and
salt. Do not touch the terminal contacts. If the terminals become damaged,
please discontinue use and contact Rad Power Bikes Product Support
immediately.
BATTERY INSTALLATION/MOUNTING
- Make sure the battery keyport is in the “power off/unlocked from frame” position. (See “Battery features” on the previous page.) Remove the key.
- Align the notches on the back of the battery between those in the battery mount. Slowly slide the battery down until it’s secure. Do not force the battery into the battery mount.
- Turn the key on the battery to the locked position.
- Test the security of the battery by carefully pulling up on it with both hands. The battery must not move during this test.
Before you charge
NOTICE: Failure to follow the battery-charging best practices outlined in
this manual could result in unnecessary wear to the battery and/or charger,
and could lead to an underperforming or non-functional battery. Batteries
damaged due to improper care will not be replaced under warranty.
Where to charge. Always charge in a safe, dry, indoor area that is away from
children, direct sunlight, dirt, debris, tripping hazards (including
electrical cords), or any materials that could ignite in the unlikely event of
a charger or battery malfunction. Arrange the bike, battery, and charger to
eliminate the potential for falls or other impacts. Make sure you stay close
enough to it to check on it occasionally.
Check the condition of your battery and charger. Make sure the battery,
charger, and electrical cables show no signs of damage. The terminals on the
battery and its mount must be free of dirt, rust, corrosion, and leakage.
WARNING: When charging any powerful battery, locate it somewhere you can
get to it easily (or maneuver past it to safety) should there be a fire. Do
not place it in a hallway or near a door such that it could block your exit in
an emergency.
WARNING: Letting a battery charge unattended increases the risk that a
charging problem will go undetected and lead to component damage or a fire
hazard. Always charge your battery where you can mon- itor it.
Ensure the ambient temperature is appropriate. For best charging performance
and to minimize wear and tear on components, we recommend charging at ambient
tem- peratures of 5°C to 25°C (41°F to 77°F). Your battery gen- erates heat
while charging, but it’s designed to air-cool, so keep it uncovered with the
light facing upwards on a flat, stable, hard, unheated surface. At relatively
low tem- peratures, charging can take longer. CAUTION: Do
not charge your battery when it is warm from riding or in ambient temperatures
above 38°C (100°F) to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on battery and
charger. If the battery has turned off to prevent heat damage, wait until the
battery cools down to turn the battery back on. Never charge your battery on
or near heat-generating devices.
WARNING: Charging your battery with a charger other than one supplied by
Rad Power Bikes and designed for your specific ebike model can cause damage to
your ebike’s electrical system or create a safety hazard. Only use a battery
charger designed for your ebike and supplied by Rad Power Bikes.
WARNING: Using a damaged battery or charger can damage additional
components or create a fire hazard. Stop using your battery and charger and
contact Rad Power Bikes immediately if any of the following occur:
- Your charger’s flexible power cord or output cable or any of the electrical cables on your ebike is frayed, has broken insulation, or any other signs of damage,
- Your battery or charger is physically damaged, non-functional, or performing abnormally, l
- Your battery or charger experienced a significant impact from a fall, crash, or shipping damage, with or without obvious signs of damage,
- Your battery is leaking a clear, pungent, gel-like substance (which is potentially corrosive and flammable),
- Your battery will not fully charge (not all of the LEDs will light up) after the battery has been charging long enough so that it should be fully charged, i.e., it’s been plugged in at least an hour longer than the time cited in “Estimated charging times” on the next page and/or the LED or LEDs on the charger indicate it has finished charging.
- Your battery was submerged in liquid or had extensive water exposure or damage, or Your charger becomes too hot to touch (it’s designed to get warm with normal use), makes an unusual smell, makes a popping sound, or shows other signs of overheating.
- Store any damaged or potentially damaged battery or charger in a safe, dry location away from the house and other flammable materials/structures and, as soon as possible, recycle or otherwise dispose of it according to local rules. Replacement batteries and chargers are available at radpowerbikes.ca.
Charging procedure
To charge your battery, mind the advice in “Before you harge” on the previous
page and then follow these steps.
KEYPORT AND KEY POSITIONS
| Description
---|---
A| Power on, battery locked to frame
B| Power off, battery locked to frame
C| Power off, battery unlocked from frame (for battery installation and
removal)
-
Turn the power off. Press and hold the power button on the remote until the dis- play turns off. If desired, use the key to unlock and remove the battery from the ebike frame. The battery can be charged either on or off the ebike.
To charge the battery while it’s on the RadExpand: align the key with position B in the “Keyport and Key Positions” illustration.
To charge the battery while it’s off the RadExpand: align the key with position C in the illustration. Make sure to remove the key from the battery, and then remove the battery from the ebike. -
Locate the charging port of the battery. The charging port is on the opposite side of the battery from the keyport. Note that the charging port includes a cover; the keyport does not have a cover.
-
Place the charger on a flat, secure surface if you have removed it from your ebike. The charging indicator light should face up.
-
Plug the charger into the battery charging port. Open the flexible cover on the charging port. Connect the charger’s round barrel connector to the charging port on the side of the battery.
-
Plug the charger into a power (wall) outlet. Charging should initiate and will be indicated by the LED on the charger turning green (to indicate power source connection) and then immediately turn red to indicate active charging. When charging is complete, the LED will turn green again.
-
When charging is complete, unplug the charger from the power (wall) outlet, and then unplug it from the battery. Be sure to pull gently on the plugs, not on the cables themselves.
NOTICE: The charger is designed to stop charging automatically when the
battery is full. Store the charger carefully, making sure its plug does not
come in contact with liquids, dirt, debris, or metal objects, which can damage
the plug and interfere with future operation.
Estimated charging times
The time needed to fully charge your battery depends on its age, how far it
was used to travel, the nature of that travel (terrain, payload, PAS and
throttle use, etc.), and other factors. The table here provides a rough
estimate of charge time based on distance travelled with moderate use of motor
assistance. Charging at low temperatures can increase recharge time.
NOTICE: The battery may take longer to charge when fully depleted, when
very new, and after 3–5 years of regular use. If your battery doesn’t seem to
be charging normally, is taking longer to charge than expected, or you’re
experiencing substantial reduction in range, discontinue use and contact Rad
Power Bikes Product Support.
Distance | Recharge time |
---|---|
8 km (5 mi) | .75 hour |
16 km (10 mi) | 1.5 hours |
24 km (15 mi) | 2.25 hours |
32 km (20 mi) | 3 hours |
40 km (25 mi) | 3.75 hours |
48 km (30 mi) | 4.5 hours |
56 km (35 mi) | 5.25 hours |
64 km (40 mi) | 6 hours |
72 km (45 mi) | 7 hours |
Estimated range per full charge
We suggest that you select a lower PAS level when you’re getting to know your
RadExpand and travel routes. Once you become familiar with your range
requirements and the capabilities of your ebike, you can adjust your riding
characteristics.
The table in this section provides range estimates to help you understand the
factors that can increase or decrease range. Rad Power Bikes makes no claims
about the range that individual users might experience in a particular
situation.
40 km (25 mi):| Hilly terrain Windy| Light pedalling Heavy payload| High pedal
assist level, high throttle use
---|---|---|---
56 km (35 mi):| Flat terrain Not windy| Light pedalling Normal payload| Low
pedal assist level, minimal throttle use
72 km (45 mi):| Flat terrain Not windy| Moderate to heavy ped- ailing Normal
payload| Low pedal assist level, minimal throttle use
Best practices for extending range and battery life
Follow the best practices listed below to help extend your range and
battery life.
- Whenever possible, avoid applying full throttle when the RadExpand has slowed to very low speeds, has stalled, or stopped.
- Pedal to assist the motor when climbing hills and accelerating from a stop.
- Do not climb hills steeper than 15% in grade.
- Avoid sudden starts and stops.
- Accelerate slowly.
- Avoid riding in extremely cold or hot temperatures.
Battery storage
When storing your ebike from Rad Power between rides, follow the
recommendations below to maintain the health and longevity of your battery.
- Power off the battery either locked to the frame or unlocked and removed from the frame for storage. (see “Start- up procedure” on page 28 for key-position details.)
SHORT-TERM STORAGE TEMPERATURES
Store the battery in a dry, indoor location between -10°C to 25°C (14°F to
77°F).
DANGER: Storing your battery above 55°C (131°F), such as in a hot car in
direct sunlight, can cause permanent range decline or critical failure, and
could lead to electrical fire, serious injury, or death. LONG-TERM STORAGE TEMPERATURES
For long-term storage (more than two weeks), choose a dry, indoor location.
The ideal minimum temperature for long-term storage is a bit warmer than
what’s allowable for short-term storage. Make sure your battery stays between
5°C to 25°C (40°F to 77°F).
LONG-TERM STORAGE TIPS
For long-term storage, we recommend that you keep your battery at
approximately 40-70% charged. Check the battery’s charge level monthly. If
necessary, use the charger from Rad Power Bikes to charge the battery to about
40-70% charged.
CAUTION: Long-term storage of your battery at temperatures above 35°C
(95°F) or below 5°C (40°F) can reduce battery performance and lifespan.
CAUTION: Don’t store your battery long-term at full charge, zero charge,
or very little charge. Storing your battery for long periods at fullchargecan
cause range decline over time. Storing your battery for long periods at
verylittleornochargecan cause permanent range decline or a non-functional
battery.
Summary: Battery recommended temperatures
The temperatures listed below represent ambienttemperatures. Internal battery
temperatures are likely to be higher than ambient temperature during charging
and use. The battery will automatically turn off to prevent damage when its
internal temperature reaches below -15°C (5°F) or above 55°C (131°F). Please
see the preceding sections for more information.
- Recommended operation (riding) range: -15°C to 40°C (5°F to 105°F)
- Recommended charging range: 5°C to 25°C (41°F to 77°F)
- Recommended short-term storage range: -10°C to 25°C (14°F to 77°F)
- Recommended long-term storage range: 5°C to 25°C (40°F to 77°F)
Additional critical battery safety information
You must read and understand all safety-related messages in this section
before handling, using, charging, or storing the battery that came with your
RadExpand.
- Always remove the key from the keyport of the battery before riding. Do NOT operate the ebike with the key in the keyport, or injury to your leg or damage to the electrical system can occur.
- Avoid salt water and de-icing compounds, which are very corrosive and can lead to damage, especially if they come in contact with the battery and its mount. Never ride through standing salt water, e.g., through waves at a beach.
DANGER: Never open the battery housing, which can expose you to caustic
substances and electrical shock. It can also create a fire hazard, which can
lead to serious injury or death. Opening the battery housing may void the
warranty.
WARNING: Never immerse or submerge the battery in water or liquid,
including water in the battery mount, which can cause damage, serious injury,
or death. If the battery was immersed or submerged in water or another liquid,
do not use the battery.
CAUTION: Using aftermarket battery accessories or products that have not
been tested by Rad Power Bikes for safety and compatibility may void your
warranty, result in ebike or property damage, create a safety hazard, or cause
injury. If you use products not tested and recommended by Rad Power Bikes, you
do so at your own risk.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire, connect only to a circuit provided
with 10 amperes maximum branch circuit overcurrent protection in accordance
with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.
NOTICE: When the battery is off its mount, protect the battery terminal
contacts from damage or exposure to harmful substances including liquids and
salt. Do not touch the terminal contacts. If the terminals become dam- aged,
please discontinue use and contact Rad Power Bikes Product Support
immediately.
NOTICE: Always follow any safety information attached to the battery or
charger. A sample label for the battery that shipped with your ebike is shown
at right, manufacturing location and other details may differ. Do not remove
this label from the battery.
Operating instructions
WARNING: Incorrect assembly, maintenance, or use of your ebike can cause
component or performance failure, loss of control, serious injury, or death.
Ebikes have parts that non-motorized bikes do not have, and neither the
assembly video, assembly steps, or the rest of the manual cover all potential
aspects of ebike configuration, maintenance, and repair, which can require
specialized tools and skills. We strongly recommend you consult a
professional, reputable bike mechanic to assist in the assembly, repair, and
maintenance of your RadExpand, or inspect your work if you choose to do it
yourself.
How the electrical system works
Your RadExpand is equipped with two ways for a rider to use power assistance
from the motor forwards: a pedal assist system (PAS) and a twist throttle.
WARNING: Practise using the pedal assist (PAS) and throttle in a flat,
clear, open area until you understand how these power sources work together.
Failure to understand how to safely operate the PAS and throttle together can
result in loss of control, crash, injury, and/or death.
HOW PEDAL ASSIST WORKS
You can use the pedal assist system (PAS) to call up assistance from the motor
whileyouarepedalling.
Pedal assist uses a cadence sensor built into the drivetrain of the ebike. The
cadence sensor detects when you evolve the pedals and signals the electric
motor to provide the level of pedal assistance (0-4) that you selected.
HOW THE THROTTLE WORKS
The throttle is located on the right side of the handlebar. Twist it to propel
the ebike forwards. The more you twist, the more powerfully the motor will
propel you. Once you release the throttle or apply the hand brake, the
throttle power will stop. You do not need to pedal to get power from the
throttle. Some ebikes from Rad Power Bikes are equipped with an on/off switch
for the throttle. These switches can be set to “off” even while the bike
electrical system is on in order to prevent use of the throttle.
NOTICE: Throttle and motor use may not be allowed in all areas. It is
your responsibility to know and follow local ebike regulations, rules, and
traffic laws where you ride.
Battery key positions
Familiarize yourself with the keyport and key positions before riding the
bike. Always remove the key before getting on your bike to ride it.
KEYPORT AND KEY POSITIONS
| Description
---|---
A| Power on, battery locked to frame
B| Power off, battery locked to frame
C| Power off, battery unlocked from frame (for battery installation and
removal)
Any time the battery is in key position A, (power on, battery locked to the frame) the power button on the LED display will turn the bike on and off, and the battery cannot be removed.
- If the battery is in key position B, (power off, battery locked to the frame) no buttons or controls can be activated, the bike will remain off, and the battery cannot be removed.
- Any time the battery is in key position C, (power off, battery unlocked from the frame) the battery must be removed from the bike before moving or riding the bike. Ensure the key is removed before sliding the battery out of the mount.
CAUTION: An unlocked or improperly attached battery can fall off a moving
ebike, causing damage or injury.
Always check that the battery is properly attached and locked to the frame
before moving or riding your ebike.
Handlebar features A Left brake lever (for front
brake)
B LED displayc
C Bell
D Bell lever
E Stem
F Stem faceplate
G Up shift button
H Down shift button
I Shifter
J Right brake lever (for rear brake)
K Throttle (on/off switch located beneath throttle)
Note: Some bikes may come with slightly different components. Such
changes help ensure uninterrupted shipping.
Our engineers rigorously test each component to guarantee quality and
compatibility.
Electrical controls and operation
Using the LED display, you can power your bike on or off and control other
electrical functions.
1 | Battery level indic- ator lights | Illuminate when bike is on. |
---|---|---|
2 | Pedal assist level / Error indicator lights | Illuminate when bike is on. |
For error code info, see “Troubleshooting” on
3| Increase pedal assist (PAS) level| Press and release to increase PAS by one
level.
4| Decrease pedal assist level / Walk mode| Press and release to decrease PAS
by one level. Walk mode: While dismounted, press and hold to engage walk
mode.*
5| Light button| Press and release to turn headlight/taillight on/off.
6| Headlight & taillight “on” indicator| Illuminates when lights are on.
7| Power button| Press and release to turn bike on/off.
For more information on walk mode, please visit our Help Center at
radpowerbikes.ca/help.
CAUTION: Using walk mode inappropriately can cause you to lose control of
the ebike, causing ebike damage or injury. Use walk mode only while dismounted
from the ebike, with both hands on the handlebar, and with at least one hand
on a brake lever so that you can quickly cut off power to the motor if
necessary.
Brake light
The RadExpand is equipped with a taillight/brake light that is integrated into
the electrical system. When you turn on your ebike, both the headlight and
taillight will illuminate to make you more visible to other vehicles. Any time
the ebike is powered on, squeezing one or both brake levers on the handlebar
will activate the brake light, causing the tail- light to illuminate
additional areas.
Start-up procedure
Before you can take your first ride you need to have properly assembled your
ebike, tightened all components correctly, read this entire manual, and had a
professional, reputable bike mech- anic check the assembly. You also need to
be at least 16 years old, and don’t forget to put on a helmet.Follow these steps to ride Rad!
-
Run through the safety checks outlined in “Safety checklists” on page 34
-
Familiarize yourself with the key positions. The “Keyport and key positions” illustration shows the key- port in position B, in line with the small circle icon with and “X” through it. In key position B, the battery power is off and battery is locked to the frame.
KEYPORT AND KEY POSITIONS| Description
---|---
A| Power on, battery locked to frame
B| Power off, battery locked to frame
C| Power off, battery unlocked from frame
(for battery installation and removal) -
Check that the battery is locked securely. Ensure the keyport is aligned with the circle containing an “X,” in the “Power off, battery locked” position (B) as explained above. If needed, insert the key and align with the “Power off, locked” icon (B). Remove the key and carefully use both hands to pull up on the battery to test that the lock is secure.
CAUTION: Getting onto the ebike or riding it with the key in the battery can cause injury to your leg and damage to the key or lock mechanism. Always remove the key before riding the ebike. -
Turn on the ebike. With the battery locked in place, insert the key and turn clockwise to the open circle icon, which is the “Power on, battery locked to frame” position (A), as shown in the image above. Remove the key by pulling directly backwards without twisting so the key position remains in the “Power on, battery locked to frame” position. Locate the LED display (near the left handlebar grip). Hold down the power button for approximately two seconds until power is delivered to the LED display and the headlights turn on.
CAUTION: Do not confuse your keyport and the charging port. Do not insert your key into the charging port. Inserting anything into the charging port other than the charging plug can damage the battery. -
Try out your bell if you haven’t already! It’s an important safety tool for alerting others to your presence, especially when passing. The bell is integrated into the left brake lever on your handlebar. To ring it, flick the bell lever; see the illustration “Handlebar features” on the previous page.
-
Select your desired level of pedal assistance (PAS) from 0 through 4 using the up and down arrows on the LED display. Level 0 provides no pedal assistance, level 1 provides the lowest amount of pedal assistance, and level 4 provides the highest amount. Start in PAS level 0 or 1 and increase PAS levels one at a time as you get comfortable.
-
Begin riding carefully. With the proper safety gear and rider knowledge, you may now operate your ebike. Start pedalling on flat ground, clear of obstacles and people, with the ebike in an easy (low) gear and at pedal assist level 0 or 1. You may also use the throttle to accelerate and maintain your desired speed.
NOTICE: While you’re getting to know your ebike, don’t ride with cargo (see “Carrying cargo ” on page 32 for more information). Review, understand, and follow the safety information in “Ride as safely as possible” on page 45. -
Use the throttle (next to the right handlebar grip) by slowly and carefully rotating it toward the rider. Only use the throttle when you’re seated on the bike and prepared for it to move forwards. Note that the throttle can be engaged any time the bike is powered on unless you have a model that includes a throttle on/off switch, which you can use to prevent the throttle from activating motor assistance.
WARNING: Be careful not to accidentally twist the throttle, which can
cause sudden acceleration. If you’re not prepared for this acceleration, you
can lose control of the ebike, which can lead to serious injury or death. To
minimize this risk, always keep at least one hand ready to squeeze the brake
lever to cut off power to the motor. When you dismount, power off the bike
before moving it.
WARNING: Engaging the pedal assist feature, especially at a high setting,
will cause acceleration that may be greater than expected, especially for
relatively new riders, and that can cause loss of control, serious injury, or
death. To minimize risk, start at PAS level 0 or 1.
Folding and unfolding your RadExpand
NOTICE: Use caution to keep fingers, clothing, and ther objects away from
the folding mechanisms and potential pinch points on your bike. Always check
the folding mechanisms to ensure they’re locked before you ride or move your
bike.
Follow the procedures below to fold and unfold your RadExpand 5.
Demonstrations of this process are available via the Rad Power Bikes Help
Centre at radpowerbikes.ca/help.
FOLDING
-
Stand at the left side of the ebike and ensure the crank arms are parallel to the ground.
-
Open the frame locking mechanism (it’s located just forwards of the pedals).
a. Unseat the locking lever. Press upward on the small, triangular locking clasp on the locking mechanism and, at the same time, pull the mechanism’s quick-release lever out and toward the back of the bike. See the illustration.
b. Unhook the back of the locking lever to release the locking mechanism. -
Fold the frame. Turn the front wheel slightly left and fold until both wheels are side by side. Rest the bike on the frame stand under the cranks.
-
Secure the frame with the Velcro strap if desired.
-
Fold the stem riser (the vertical part of the bike that holds up the handlebar).
a. Stand on the left side of the bike so that you can see the folding mechanism clearly.b. Press upward on the release button in the center of the locking lever (see illus- tration). While the button is pushed all the way up, pull down on the locking lever until it comes to rest roughly par- allel with the stem. The stem will still be locked. At this point, use one hand to steady the handlebar before you start to fold the stem.
c. Push the locking lever down further to ensure the latch bolt releases the top part of the stem riser (see illustration). The locking mechanism will be fully open now.
d. Gently fold the stem riser so that its top rests against the bike frame. -
If you need to move the folded bike, tilt it onto the front wheel and roll carefully. You can also lift and carry it carefully either alone or with help.
UNFOLDING
Reverse the folding steps listed above to unfold the frame and secure the
frame locking mechanism.
WARNING: Riding your ebike with either of the locking mechanisms not
fully secured can cause damage to the bike, serious injury, or death. Before
each ride, check to ensure that locking mechanisms on the frame and on the
stem riser are fully closed and locked.
Moving and storage instructions
Please follow these tips to ensure your ebike is well cared for when you’re
not using it.
PARKING AND STORAGE
- Park in accordance with local rules and regulations, especially if you’re in a public place.
- Park indoors whenever possible. If you must park outdoors in rain or wet conditions, do not do so for an extended period of time, and afterward park in a dry location to allow the ebike systems to dry out. When any bike or ebike is exposed to wet conditions, it will need more frequent maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion and to ensure all systems work safely. See “Guard against rust, corrosion, and water damage” on page 41 .
- Avoid parking or storing your ebike in direct sunlight, which can cause damage to electrical components.
- Do not park or store your ebike in excessive heat, such as inside of a parked car on a hot day. Always store your ebike within this temperature range: -10°C to 25°C (14°F to 77°F).
DANGER: Storing your battery above 55°C (131°F), such as in a hot car in direct sunlight, can cause permanent range decline or critical failure, and could lead to electrical fire, serious injury, or death.
- Switch the power and any lights off to conserve battery power. Remove the key from the ebike and ensure the bat- tery is locked to the frame in the off position or use the key to remove the battery and bring it with you for secur- ity.
- Register your ebike with BikeIndex, 529 Garage, or a regional bike registry (ask your local bike shop for recom- mendations) to increase the chance you’ll get your ebike back in the unfortunate event it’s stolen.
- Lock up your ebike to reduce risk of theft. You can purchase a lock from our website at radpowerbikes.ca or consult a local bike shop.
TRANSPORTING
- When pushing or carrying the ebike, turn off the power to avoid accidental acceleration from the motor, e.g. by mistakenly twisting the throttle. Another option is to keep the ebike powered on and use “walk mode”—see “Elec- trical controls and operation” on page 27 for more information.
- Only use racks (i.e., a bike rack for your car or other vehicle) designed for the size and weight of your ebike. Pay particular attention to whether the rack can accommodate the width of your ebike tires.
- When carrying your ebike on a rack for transport, remove the battery, and place/wrap it securely inside your vehicle, making sure it can’t roll around and that its plugs and contacts are protected. This will reduce the weight of the bike, make lifting and loading it easier, and keeps your battery safer.
- Do not leave a battery in direct sunlight or any location that is or may become excessively hot or cold, like a parked car, for extended periods.
- Before using public transportation (buses, trains, etc.) to transport your ebike, check with the relevant trans- portation authority for rules that might apply to ebikes, including weight and size limits, tire widths, lithium-ion bat- teries, etc.
- Avoid transporting any electrical bike on a vehicle rack or truck bed during rain, which may cause water damage to the electrical components. See “Guard against rust, corrosion, and water damage” on page 41 for more information. In any weather, it’s safest to remove your battery before transporting your ebike. Carry the battery inside
the vehicle, carefully placed to protect it from impacts, dirt, liquids, or other hazards.
Carrying cargo
Carrying cargo can help you have more fun on your ebike and replace trips
you’d otherwise make with a car, which we think is rad. It also involves
additional risks. You must read and understand this entire chapter and the
rest of the manual plus any documentation that comes with any accessories you
purchase before you ride your ebike with cargo.
Rad Power Bikes provides a wide range of accessories to make it easier to
carry cargo. Your RadExpand is not designed to carry passengers, and its rear
rack is not compatible with the Thule Yepp child seat. Do not allow any- one
to ride, sit, or stand on the rear rack.
WARNING: Cargo can only be safely carried on the optional rear rack,
front-mounted rack or basket.
Do not modify the rear rack to accommodate third-party cargo accessories, as
this will void your warranty and may result in accidents, property damage,
injury or death.
WARNING: Do not attach a trailer to the rear rack, as this may create
unsafe riding conditions leading to accidents, property damage, injury or
death.
WARNING: The maximum recommended tire size for your RadExpand 5 is
[MaxTireSize]. Tires that exceed this diameter and width may not be compatible
with your wheels, and may create unsafe riding conditions leading to
accidents, property damage, injury or death.
For more information on optional accessories for your ebike, please go to
radpowerbikes.ca.
DANGER: Only one person—the operator—should be on the RadExpand at a
time. Transporting a passenger (any person in addition to the operator) on the
RadExpand can result in serious injury or death to either or both the operator
and the passenger. The RadExpand is not designed for carrying passengers, and
its rear rack is not compatible with Thule Yepp child carriers.
NOTICE: Carrying a passenger, child, or cargo may not be allowed in all
areas. It is your responsibility to know and follow all applicable laws where
you ride your ebike.
Weight limits
The total maximum carrying capacity of the RadExpand, listed below, includes
the weight of the rider as well as clothing, riding gear, cargo, accessories,
etc. Any optional accessories listed below are available for purchase at
radpowerbikes.ca
Total maximum payload of the RadExpand: 125 kg (275 lb)
Rear rack maximum payload: 25 kg (55 lb)
The maximum payload capacity and other important safety information for
specific Rad Power Bikes accessories will come with those products and/or be
available online at radpowerbikes.ca/help.
WARNING: Never exceed the payload limit of any accessory or component of
your ebike even if you attach to it an accessory that carries a higher weight
limit. Overloading any component can cause component failure, loss of control,
serious injury, or death.
WARNING: Failure to ensure that cargo can’t interfere with the operator’s
control of the ebike can lead to serious injury or death. The operator is
always responsible for securing loads, loose straps, and gear.
Carrying loads (cargo) safely
Follow these instructions to maximize safety when using your RadExpand to
carry cargo.
LOAD AND SECURE CARGO CAREFULLY
- Hold onto the ebike when loading and carrying cargo. The kickstand is not designed to be used for loading cargo. Do not assume the bike is stable and balanced when using the kickstand.
- Load cargo as low as possible and evenly on both sides of the rack to keep the ebike’s centre of gravity low and improve stability.
- Ensure cargo loads are properly secured and periodically check that nothing loosens, risks interfering with any moving parts, or risks touching or dragging on the ground.
- Ensure cargo loads do not obscure the headlight, taillight or reflectors when riding.
WARNING: Failure to ensure that cargo can’t interfere with the rider’s
control of the ebike can lead to serious injury or death. The rider is always
responsible for securing loads, loose straps, and other items.
WARNING: Loading cargo without holding onto the RadExpand can cause the
ebike to tip, leading to damage or serious injury. The optional kickstand is
designed to hold up an unoccupied, unloaded bike on a hard, flat, level
surface, not to support the weight of a rider or cargo. Always hold onto the
bike when loading or unloading cargo.
PRACTISE WITH LIGHT LOADS IN A SAFE AREA
Carrying extra weight significantly affects braking, acceleration, turning,
balancing, etc. These effects can be 5increased by challenging riding
conditions, such as when roads are wet or slick. Hills that are normally easy
to climb or descend without cargo can become challenging or even dangerous
once extra weight is loaded onto the ebike.
Extra weight will also increase the time it takes to slow the ebike when
braking.
WARNING: Carrying cargo significantly affects braking, acceleration,
turning, and balancing, which can increase the risk of falls and other
accidents, potentially leading to property damage, serious injury, or death.
To minimize such risk, practise riding with light cargo in a flat, open area
before attempting to carry heavier cargo, especially on roads or hills and in
wet conditions.
USE BOTH BRAKES
With extra weight on your ebike, it’s more important than ever to use both
front and rear brakes, and always engage the rear brake first to prevent
excessive strain on the front wheel and fork and to prevent loss of control.
Ensure both front and rear brakes are properly adjusted, maintained, and
applied.
WARNING: Using the front brake by itself can cause excessive stress on
components, damage to the ebike and parts, loss of control, injury, or death.
Always apply the rear brake before applying the front brake, using both brakes
for all operations.
ADJUST YOUR ROUTES AND SPEED
When carrying heavy loads, plan your routes to avoid challenging hills and
other hazards. Ride more slowly, and leave more time and distance for braking.
Carrying pets
Rad Power Bikes understands that you may want to bring your pet along on your
ebike adventures, and we think that’s rad. We urge you to take great care to
protect your furry friend and yourself. To check out the pet accessories that
we have tested for safety and compatibility with our ebikes, please visit
radpowerbikes.ca. We cannot recom- mend any pet carrier or restraint system
that we have not tested for compatibility and safety with your ebike from Rad
Power Bikes.
WARNING: Transporting a pet using any bike or ebike puts you and your pet
at risk of injury or death, especially if the pet distracts you, affects your
balance, interferes with moving ebike parts, or causes you to exceed your
ebike’s or a component’s maximum weight capacity, etc. It’s impossible to
anticipate every situ- ation that can occur while riding with a pet. If you
carry a pet on any bike, ebike, or similar vehicle, you assume any and all
inherent risks.
WARNING: The ebike operator is always responsible for assessing a pet’s
ability to ride safely. Using this product to transport a pet that does not
have the health and temperament to ride safely can lead to ser- ious injury or
death of the operator and/or pet(s). Consult a veterinarian or pet behavior
specialist if you have any questions or concerns.
WARNING: Never leave a pet unattended in a pet basket carrier or other
appropriate pet accessory on the ebike. Leaving pets unattended on the ebike
creates a VERY HIGH RISK of the pet trying to escape or the ebike tipping
over, leading to damage, serious injury, or death.
Safety checklists
WARNING: Ebike components like brakes, cables and tires may wear out
faster than would be the case for non-motorized bicycles, requiring more
service. You must check your ebike before each ride and according to the other
checklists in this manual, and have a professional, reputable bike mechanic
perform a thorough tune-up following the service intervals described here, or
sooner if you discover increased wear. Failure to do so could result in
property damage, serious injury, or death. Important safety instructions
When using this product, basic precautions must always be followed, including
the following:
- Read all the instructions in this manual before operating the ebike.
- Do not put fingers or hands inside any ebike components during operation.
- To reduce the risk of injury, close supervision is necessary when using the ebike near children.
- For safe operating temperatures, battery charging temperatures and storage temperatures, refer to the values listed in “Safe operating temperatures” on page 20.
Risk of fire, electric shock or injury
Like any electric vehicle, your ebike can involve risk of fire, electric shock
or injury in the course of normal operation.
Follow these guidelines to minimize risk:
- Familiarize yourself with safe battery operation, charging and storage guidelines as described in “Battery information” on page 20 to minimize the risk of electric shock and fires.
- Follow the safety checklists in this section to ensure your ebike is in good mechanical shape and safe to ride.
- If you discover any damage to the battery, charger, cable connections or any other components on your ebike during a safety check, discontinue use immediately and contact Rad Power Bikes Product Support, or take your ebike to a local, professional, reputable bike mechanic for assistance.
BEFORE YOUR FIRST RIDE
- Make sure handlebar cables were routed correctly when the handlebar was installed. Turn the handlebar fully to the left and right and make sure this doesn’t pull any of the cables or wires taut.
- Make sure your pedals are secure using a pedal wrench or a torque wrench fitted with a crowfoot bit. Torque according to the values listed in “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14.
- Check that the cable connectors on the ebike are all plugged in securely and that nothing loosened in shipping.
- Check the brake functions per “Checking brakes & motor cutoff switches” on page 38, but note that brakes can rub a little the first few times you ride. This is okay and normal; any squeak or noise should go away with use.
- Check everything on the “Before every ride” list below.
BEFORE EVERY RIDE
Before every ride, follow the safety checklist in the table below. If you find
anything amiss with your ebike, don’t ride t until you’re sure it’s fixed.
Consult a local, professional, reputable bike mechanic or explore our Help
Centre at radpowerbikes.ca/help if you have any questions.
Fasteners
- Ensure that both the folding mechanisms on the stem riser and the frame are fully locked.
- Ensure all fasteners are correctly tightened according to “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14.
- Check that all quick-release levers, including the quick release on the front wheel and the seatpost, are tight and properly secured. Ensure the front wheel quick-release lever is positioned so that the front fork lower doesn’t prevent it from closing fully.
- Check that the fasteners on any accessories you’ve added are properly tightened according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Brake system
WARNING: Ebike disc brakes may wear out faster than would be the case for
non-motorized bicycles, requiring more service. Make sure to inspect brake
components before every ride, and follow the main- tenance intervals listed in
“Recommended service intervals” on page 37.
- Check brake pads and ensure the brake pad material isn’t thinner than the backing plate it attaches to.
- Ensure brake pads are correctly positioned in relation to the brake rotors.
- Ensure brake cables are lubricated, correctly adjusted, and show no obvious wear.
- Ensure brake levers are properly positioned and tightly secured to the handlebar.
- Ensure the brake lever tension is appropriate.
- Check that the taillight brightens when you squeeze each brake lever.
- Use the techniques in “Checking brakes & motor cutoff switches” on page 38 to test the brake levers, brakes, and motor cutoff switches.
Drivetrain: cranks, pedals, chain, derailleur, shifter
- Ensure pedals are securely tightened to the cranks, that cranks are not bent, and that cranks are securely tightened to the bottom bracket. See “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14.
- Ensure the chain is clean, lubricated, and runs smoothly. Take extra care with chain maintenance if the ebike is used in wet, salty, dusty, or otherwise damaging conditions.
- Check that the derailleur is adjusted and functioning properly.
- Ensure the shifter is attached to the handlebar securely and is shifting properly.
Motor drive assembly & throttle
- Ensure the hub motor is spinning smoothly and is in good working order.
- Ensure the power cable running to the hub motor is secured and undamaged.
- Check the axle nuts to ensure they are correctly tightened (see “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14).
- Ensure the torque washers, torque arm, and torque arm bolt are in place and secured.
- Ensure the throttle and pedal assistance are operating normally.
Steering
- Ensure the handlebar and stem are correctly aligned, adjusted, and tightened for proper steering.
- Perform the tests in “Handlebar twist and push tests” on page 40.
- Ensure the handlebar grips are secure and undamaged.
Bearings
- Check that headset, wheel, pedal, and bottom-bracket bearings are lubricated, run freely, and display no excess movement, grinding, or rattling.
Wheels and tires
WARNING: An improperly secured front or rear wheel can cause loss of
control, accidents, serious injury, or death. Check that the wheels are
properly secured during assembly and before each ride.
- Ensure tires are holding air and inflated to within the PSI limits displayed on the tire sidewalls.
- Ensure tires have good tread, have no bulges or excessive wear, no cracks, and are free from any other damage or foreign objects.
- Ensure rims run true and have no obvious wobbles, dents, or kinks. See “Tire and wheel care” on page 39.
- Check each wheel spoke. If any are loose or broken, seek help from a professional, reputable mechanic.
- Check the security of all wheel mounting hardware (wheel axle nuts, quick-release levers). Check wheel security and hardware torque on a regular basis (see “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14). Wheels can become loose or unsecured with normal use.
Frame, fork, and seat
- Check that the frame and fork are not bent or broken.
- Check that the seat is adjusted properly, that the seatpost quick-release lever is securely tightened, and that the seat does not move when the lever is closed. Ensure that the seatpost minimum insertion marking is fully inserted into the frame.
Battery
- Ensure the battery is charged.
- Ensure there is no damage to the battery.
- Lock the battery to frame and check that it is secured. Remove the key before riding.
- Ensure the battery gauge on the LED Display and the charge status indicator on the battery read similarly.
Cables
- Look over electrical cable connectors to make sure they are fully seated and free from debris or moisture.
- Check cables and cable housing for signs of damage. Do not use the product if any power cables are frayed, have broken insulation or show signs of damage.
- Ensure cables are secured away frommoving parts.
- Ensure headlight, taillight, and brake light are functioning, adjusted properly, and unobstructed.
Accessories & safety gear
- Ensure all reflectors are properly fitted and not obscured.
- Ensure all accessories and components installed on the ebike are properly secured and functioning according to their manufacturer’s specifications.
- Check all safety gear, clothing, cargo, and accessories for loose or potentially loose elements and secure them.
- Ensure rider wears a helmet and other required riding safety gear, and inspect these items for signs of damage.
- If your ebike has fenders: Ensure they are centred over the wheels, adjusted properly, properly secured (see “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14), and have no cracks or holes.
WARNING: Riding your ebike when any component’s useful life is surpassed
can cause that component to fail, resulting in loss of control, serious
injury, or death. Pay attention to signs of wear such as cracks, scratches,
component colour change, and operational changes that could indicate a
component needs repla- cing. Before each ride, check your ebike using the
“Safety checklists” on page 34. Perform regular main- tenance according to
“Recommended service intervals” on the next page. If you’re not sure you have
the experience, skills, and tools to perform safety checks and regular
maintenance, consult a professional, reputable bike mechanic for help.
AFTER EVERY RIDE
- Store your ebike and battery in a dry location and follow the advice in “Moving and storage instructions” on page 30.
- Guard against damage from the elements. See “Guard against rust, corrosion, and water damage” on page 41.
- Charge your battery in a dry, indoor location according to the directions in “Battery information” on page 20.
User maintenance instructions
Follow these maintenance guidelines to ensure your RadExpand stays safe and
fun to ride.
Check and service your ebike regularly
On any bike or ebike, certain parts need to be replaced periodically due to
wear, and sometimes parts become damaged for various reasons. Check your ebike
before each ride by following the directions in “Safety checklists” on page
34. Have your ebike regularly serviced by a professional, reputable bike
mechanic. See “Recommended service intervals” below for more information.
Components of any electrical bike are subject to higher wear compared to the
components of bikes without power assistance. This is because ebikes can
travel at higher average speeds than regular bicycles and generally weigh
more. Higher wear is not a defect in the product and is not subject to
warranty. Typical components affected are the tires, brake pads and rotors,
forks, spokes, wheels, and the battery.
If you need to replace a part on your ebike, visit
radpowerbikes.ca. If you want something that isn’t
listed there, contact Rad Power Bikes Product Support. Be extremely careful
about using parts or accessories that Rad Power Bikes has not tested for
safety and compatibility with your specific product.
WARNING: Using aftermarket accessories or components (trailers, stands,
vehicle racks, etc.) that have not been tested by Rad Power Bikes for safety
and compatibility with your specific ebike may void your war- ranty, create an
unsafe riding condition, result in ebike/property damage, or cause serious
injury or death. If you use replacement parts or accessories not tested and
recommended by Rad Power Bikes, you do so at your own risk.
Recommended service intervals
Regular maintenance of any bike or ebike is key to ensuring the best possible
performance and reducing wear and tear on systems. Ideal service intervals
vary depending on use conditions. We generally recommend inspections, service,
and necessary replacements be performed at the time and distance intervals
described below, but have your ebike serviced more frequently if you ride
aggressively, with heavy payloads, or in harsh conditions. Have your ebike
inspected immediately if you notice problems or your ebike has been involved
in a fall or other accident.
WARNING: Have your ebike inspected by a professional, reputable bike
mechanic after any fall, crash, or accident, as these can cause damage
(visible or internal/not readily apparent), make your ebike unsafe, and lead
to serious injury or death. Be particularly cautious about using a battery
that has experienced a sig- nificant impact from a fall or crash; a damaged
battery may not show external signs of damage. Using a dam- aged battery or
charger can create additional ebike damage or a fire hazard. For more
information, see “Battery information” on page 20.
AFTER BREAK-IN PERIOD OF 80–160 KM (50–100 MILES)
Inspect
- Check all cables and the chain for stretch.
- Check spoke tension and the trueness of the wheels.
- Check all bolted connections for loosening and ensure they are tightened to recommended torque values (see “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14).
Service
Have a professional, reputable bike mechanic adjust cable tension and check
torque
WARNING: Certain components can stretch or loosen during any bike or
ebike’s break-in period, which can lead to component failure and potential
injury or death. Be sure to have a professional, reputable bike mechanic
inspect your ebike and make any adjustments needed after this break-in period,
or sooner if you notice any problems or if you ride aggressively, with heavy
payloads, or in harsh conditions.
WEEKLY, 160–320 KM (100–200 MILES)
Inspect
-
Check hardware for proper torque—see “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14.
-
Check drivetrain for proper alignment and function (including chain, freewheel, chainring, and derailleur).
-
Check wheel trueness and spoke tension, and check for quiet wheel operation (without spoke noise).
-
Check frame for any damage.
Service -
Clean frame by wiping frame down with damp cloth.
-
If needed, adjust the brake tension.
-
Clean and lubricate the chain. More information is available online at radpowerbikes.ca/help.
Replace -
Replace any components confirmed to be broken or damaged beyond repair by Rad Power
-
Bikes Product Support or a professional, reputable bike mechanic.
MONTHLY, 400–1200 KM (250–750 MILES)
Inspect
-
Check brake pad wear, alignment, and the brake lever tension.
-
Check for proper shifting and proper derailleur cable tension.
-
Check chain stretch.
-
Check brake cables for corrosion and fraying.
-
Check shifter cables for corrosion and fraying.
-
Check wheel trueness and spoke tension, and check for quiet wheel operation (without spoke noise).
Service -
Clean and lubricate drivetrain.
-
Check crankset and pedal torque.
-
Clean brake cables.
-
Clean brake and shifter cables.
-
Tension spokes and true wheels if any loose spokes are found.
Replace -
Replace brake cables if necessary.
-
Replace shifter cables if necessary.
-
Replace brake pads if necessary (typically when the pad material is thinner than the backing plate).
EVERY 6 MONTHS, 1200–2000 KM (750–1250 MILES)
Inspect
-
Inspect drivetrain (chain, chainring, freewheel, and derailleur).
-
Inspect all cables and housings.
Service
Replace -
Basic tune-up by professional, reputable bike mechanic.
-
Grease bottom bracket.
-
Replace brake pads.
-
Replace tires if necessary.
-
Replace cables and housings if necessary.
WARNING: Ebike components like brakes, cables and tires may wear out
faster than would be the case for non-motorized bicycles, requiring more
service. Make sure to inspect components regularly, and have a professional,
reputable bike mechanic perform a thorough tune-up following the service
intervals described here, or sooner if you discover increased wear.
Checking brakes & motor cutoff switches
All vehicles, including your RadExpand, need reliable brakes. Test your brake
levers, brakes, and motor cutoff switches for proper functioning before every
ride. If anything seems wrong, take your ebike to a local, professional,
reputable bike mechanic, or refer to our Help Center
(radpowerbikes.ca/help).
WARNING: Touching the brake rotor, which has sharp edges and can get very
hot while you’re riding, can cause serious injury, slicing damage, or burns.
The brake rotor heats up from normal friction when the brake pads press
against the brake rotor to slow or stop the ebike. Touching the brake rotor
with bare skin can also transfer natural oils to the rotor, and oils or other
lubricants can decrease braking performance. Do not touch the brake rotor,
especially when it’s in motion or after you’ve been riding your ebike. Touch
the brake rotor only for necessary maintenance when it is cool, not moving,
and while you are wearing gloves or using other appropriate protective
equipment.
-
Test the brake levers.
a. Fully squeeze each lever, and ensure neither the front nor rear brake lever touches the handlebar grips.
b. Ensure both brake levers are properly lubricated. If they are, they’ll be reasonably easy to squeeze without feeling as though there’s grit in the mechanism. When you release them, they will immediately go back to their original position.
c. Make sure each lever is properly oriented and firmly secured to the handlebar. -
Test each brake.
a. Squeeze the left brake lever to lock the front brake, and then try to push the bike forwards using the handlebar. The front wheel should not spin.
b. Squeeze the right brake lever to lock the rear brake. Again, push against the handlebar to try moving the bike forwards. The rear wheel should not spin. -
. Test the motor cutoff switches. The front and rear brake levers contain motor cutoff switches, which cut off power from the motor whenever the brakes are applied.
a. In a clear, open area, turn on the bike. With appropriate safety gear and clothing, sit on the bike.
b. Squeeze the left brake lever to engage the front brake.
c. Lightly apply the throttle. The bike should not move since the brake is applied.
d. Release the throttle.
e. Release the brake.
f. Test that the throttle now operates with the brake not engaged.
g. Release the throttle.
h. Perform steps “a”–”g” again, this time with the rear brake lever (on the right side of the handlebar).
Tire and wheel care
The tires and inner tubes that came with your ebike are designed for
durability and safety for regular cycling activities. Wheels and tires need to
be checked before each use to make sure they’re in good condition. Always
replace tires and inner tubes that have punctures, cuts, bulges, damage, or
excessive wear before you ride.
TIRE INFLATION
Inflate tubes and tires to within the PSI (pounds per square inch) range
stamped onto the tire sidewall. For additional information about tire
pressure, please consult our Help Center at radpowerbikes.ca/help.
NOTICE: Be sure not to confuse the PSI value on your tire sidewall with
the “TPI” (threads per inch) value, which may also be listed there.
WARNING: Underinflating your tires can result in loss of control.
Overinflating can make tires burst. Either scenario can lead to serious injury
or death. Always maintain the correct air pressure of your tires, which is
listed on the tire’s sidewall, and use a regulated air source with pressure
gauge so that you can measure pressure accurately.
WHEEL “TRUENESS”
Your wheels must always spin straight (“true”) and must be repaired or
replaced if they wobble side to side or up and down when spinning. To test
them, do this:
- Spin the wheel.
- Brace a dull pencil against the frame or fork, with the tip just touching the rim.
If the gap between the spinning rim and pencil changes more than 5 mm, your
wheels may need truing. If your wheels ecome untrue or if spokes loosen, which
can happen with normal use, we recommend that you have a professional,
reputable bike mechanic perform wheel tuning and truing operations. Do not
attempt to true wheels or tighten spokes unless you have the highly
specialized skills and tools to do so.
TIRE REPLACEMENT
Even tires equipped with built-in flat-preventative tire liners, like those
that come with your RadExpand, can and do et flats from punctures, pinches,
impacts, and other causes. If you get a flat tire or see evidence of tire
wear, you must replace your tire and/or tubes before operating the ebike
again. Otherwise, you risk ebike damage, serious injury, or death.
CAUTION: Removing a tube from your wheel rim before the air has been
released from it can cause the tube to burst, potentially causing serious
injury. Always release air pressure before removing your tube.
WARNING: The maximum recommended tire size for your RadExpand 5 is
[MaxTireSize]. Tires that exceed this diameter and width may not be compatible
with your wheels, and may create unsafe riding con- ditions leading to
accidents, property damage, injury or death.
WARNING: Aftermarket tires or inner tubes not provided by Rad Power Bikes
may not be compatible with your wheels or the performance requirements of your
ebike. Such tires can fail or create unsafe riding conditions, causing serious
injury or death. Always use replacement tires and tubes that are sized to be
com- patible with your ebike frame. For safety, and if required by law, ensure
replacement tires have sufficient reflective sidewall striping.
After replacing a tire or removing the wheel for any other reason, be sure to
tighten your axles according to the values listed in “Tools and torque
specifications” on page 14. For more information on tire or tube replacement,
visit radpowerbikes.ca/help .
Handlebar twist and push tests
WARNING: An improperly secured wheel and/or handlebar stem can cause loss of
control, accidents, serious injury, or death. Check that the front wheel and
handlebar stem are properly secured during assembly and before each ride.
HANDLEBAR TWIST TEST
The following twist test will help you verify that your stem riser clamp bolts
and stem clamp bolts are tight enough.
- Get the ebike ready for testing. Turn off the ebike, remove the battery, and press and hold the power button to discharge remaining power.
- Check that the folding mechanism on the stem riser is properly secured. Press upward on the release button on the stem riser’s locking lever until you can push the lever down, as in the “Release the latch on the stem riser” illustration. Then press the latch back up. Make sure you hear a “click” and that the release button slides down- ward into position.
- Brace the front wheel. Stand at the front of the ebike, facing the handlebar, and brace the front wheel between your feet and lower legs.
- Try to twist the handlebar. Hold both handlebar grips and push forwards with one hand while pulling back with the other. Push and pull at the same time with about 20 lb of force with each hand.
- Ensure the handlebar and wheel stay properly aligned. The handlebar and handlebar stemmust be tightly secured, and the handlebar perpendicular to the front wheel.
- Repeat the twist test pulling/pushing with the opposite hands, using about 20 lb of force pushing with one hand and 20 lb of force pulling with the other hand.
- Check for any movement or changes in alignment of the stem and handlebar relative to the front wheel. If there was no alignment change, skip the next step, reinstall your battery, and test your ebike fully before riding. If you did notnotice change in alignment, proceed to the next step. If you diddetect movement, you’ll need to loosen and retighten the stem clamp bolts and stem riser clamp bolts according to the directions in the assembly instructions. Be sure to tighten your bolts according to the values listed in “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14.
HANDLEBAR PUSH TEST
This test will involve applying force directly to your handlebar to see
whether it could pivot unexpectedly during operation. The illustration at
right shows the type of motion this procedure tests for.
-
Get the ebike ready for testing. Turn off the ebike, remove the battery, and press and hold the power button to discharge remaining power.
-
Make sure your handlebar is centered on the stem. Your handlebar has the widest diameter at its centre. If it isn’t centred, it could come loose. Centre your handlebar, loosening and re-tightening the stem faceplate bolts as necessary.
-
Brace your front wheel. Roll your ebike up to a wall so that your front wheel is touching the wall and is perpendicular to the wall. Stand over your frame as though you’re about to ride it, and then sit down. If necessary,
lower the seat so that you can sit on it while your feet are on the ground. Place both hands on the handlebar and squeeze the brake levers. -
Push your handlebar. Begin by pushing with medium force, watching for any pivot in the handlebar. Increase the force until you are pushing as hard as you can, ideally with 100 lb of total force.
-
If your handlebar did not pivot, it’s tight enough. If your handlebar did pivot, you will need to loosen and retighten the stem faceplate bolts as described in the assembly instructions. Be sure to torque the bolts according to “Tools and torque specifications” on page 14.
WARNING: Improperly securing your handlebar, stem, or stem riser can
result in loss of control of your ebike, serious injury, or death. If you are
not sure you have the experience, skills, and tools to correctly perform all
steps to secure and verify the security of the handlebar, front wheel, and
handlebar stem you MUST consult a professional, reputable bike mechanic to
check your work and/or secure those components to the ebike properly.
Guard against rust, corrosion, and water damage
WARNING: Damage to your ebike’s electrical system caused in any manner,
including water intrusion, can lead to battery failure, electrical system
malfunction, or electrical fire and consequent property damage, injury, or
death. Follow all instructions to minimize chance of water damage. If you have
any questions, contact Rad Power Bikes Product Support.
- Like any vehicle used outdoors, your RadExpand 5 needs care to ensure it isn’t damaged by the elements. Follow these steps for a long, healthy life for your ebike:
- Store under shelter and in an upright position; avoid leaving the ebike in the rain or exposed to corrosive sub- stances such as water, salt, or de-icing substances. If exposed to rain, dry your ebike afterward, and apply an anti- rust treatment to the chain and other unpainted steel surfaces.
- To clean your ebike, turn it and the battery off and wipe the frame with a clean, damp cloth. If needed, apply a mild, non-corrosive detergent mixture to the damp cloth and wipe the frame. Dry by wiping with a clean, dry cloth.
- Never use high-pressure water on your ebike. Wipe down your ebike frequently and wipe or spray all unpainted mechanical parts with anti-rust treatment.
- If painted metal parts become scratched or chipped, use touch up paint or nail polish to prevent rust.
- Never immerse or submerge the ebike or any components in water or liquid, which can damage the electrical system.
- Avoid riding on the beach, in coastal areas with high-salinity fog, or on surfaces treated with salt or de-icing com- pounds. Doing so exposes your ebike to salt or other substances that are very corrosive. Corrosion of electrical components can lead to permanent damage that can cause battery failure, electrical system failure, or electrical fire. Damage from corrosion is not covered under warranty.
Troubleshooting
Problem | Most common solutions |
---|---|
Ebike doesn’t work: |
Insufficient battery power Battery not fully seated in tray Faulty connections
Improper turn-on sequence Brake is squeezed Discharge fuse issue| Charge the
battery Install battery correctly Clean and reconnect connectors
Turn on ebike in proper sequence Disengage brake Replace 40A discharge fuse *
Throttle stops working:
Throttle stops working:|
---|---
Communications error with or without error 30 displayed| Consult our Help
Center at radpowerbikes.ca/help.
Irregular acceleration and/or reduced top speed:|
Insufficient battery power
Unexpected PAS level setting
Loose or damaged throttle| Charge or replace battery
Check PAS level
Replace throttle
When powered on, the motor does not respond:|
Loose wiring
Loose or damaged throttle
Loose or damaged motor cable
Damaged motor| Reconnect or replace cable(s)
Tighten or replace throttle
Reconnect or replace motor cable
Replace motor
Reduced range:|
Low tire pressure
Low battery
Driving with too many hills, headwind, braking, or
excessive load
Battery discharged for long period without regular
charges
Brakes rubbing
Faulty, damaged, or aged battery| Check for tire punctures or other damage.
Inflate tires to PSI stamped on sidewall.
Charge battery
Assist with pedals or adjust route
Recharge the battery. If range decline persists, consult our Help Center at
radpowerbikes.ca/help.
Adjust the brakes
Contact Rad Power Bikes Product Support to replace battery. Disconnect and
store damaged battery in a safe location and recycle or dispose of as soon as
ossible according to local rules.
The battery won’t charge:|
Charger not well connected
Charger damaged
Battery damaged
Wiring damaged
Charge fuse issue| Adjust the charger connection
Replace the charger
Immediately stop use. Disconnect and store battery in a safe location and
recycle or dispose of as soon as pos- sible according to local rules. Contact
Rad Power Bikes
Product Support to replace battery.
Replace wiring Replace the 5A charge fuse (see “Fuse replacement” below)”)
Wheel or motor makes strange noises:|
Loose motor cable connection Damaged wheel spokes or rim Damaged motor|
Reconnect cable Repair or replace damaged component(s) Replace motor
Fuse replacement
If Rad Power Bikes or the information in “Troubleshooting” on the previous
page suggests you need to replace a battery fuse, follow the instructions
below. You can view these instructions with helpful animations online at
radpowerbikes.ca/help.
TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
Small flat head screwdriver or an awl
- Small needle nose pliers or a fuse puller
- A replacement blade fuse (these can be purchased at your local automotive store). Depending on your battery and which fuse was blown, you may need a 40A blade fuse (discharge fuse), or a 5A blade fuse (charge fuse).
- Electrical tape
- Replacement fuse covers from Rad Power Bikes (if using an awl)
REMOVE THE OLD FUSE
- Get the bike ready for maintenance. Turn off the bike, remove the battery, and press the power button to discharge remaining power.
- Set the battery on a solid surface with the fuse side facing upward.
- Turn the battery key to the off and unlocked position (“C” in the illustration below).
KEYPORT AND KEY POSITIONS
| Description
---|---
A| Power on, battery locked to frame
B| Power off, battery locked to frame
C| Power off, battery unlocked from frame (for battery installation and
removal)
WARNING: Do not touch the “+” and “-” terminal contacts on the bottom of
the battery. Keep the terminal contacts clear of debris, and do not drop or
damage the battery. If the battery is damaged, dis- continue use and contact
Rad Power Bikes Product Support immediately. Never open the battery housing,
which may void the warranty and can result in battery damage. It can also
expose you to caustic substances and electrical shock or it could create a
fire hazard, which can lead to serious injury or death.
Identify the fuse that needs to be removed. The fuse rating is stamped into
the battery housing just below the fuse cover. The 40A fuse is on the left and
the 5A fuse is on the right.
WARNING: Risk of fire and electric shock. Replace only with the same type
and ratings of fuse.
Remove the fuse cover. Use a small flat head screwdriver or an awl to
carefully pry out the fuse cover. Set the fuse cover aside.
WARNING: Use caution when using a tool to remove a fuse cover from the
battery housing. Position your body so the tool points away from your body to
reduce the risk of injury if the tool slips, and insert the tool at a shallow
enough angle to avoid damaging the fuse and casing near and underneath the
fuse cover. Do not operate the battery or ebike without fuse covers properly
installed. Doing so significantly increases your risk of water entering your
battery, which can damage the battery, lead to battery failure, or create a
fire hazard, putting you at risk for serious injury or death. Using an awl or
other sharp tool to remove a battery fuse cover can cause irreparable damage
to the fuse cover. If your fuse covers get dam- aged, please go to our Help
Center at radpowerbikes.ca/help to contact us
and request a set of replace- ment fuse covers.
Remove the fuse. Use needle nose pliers to grip the fuse housing and pull the
fuse directly outwards. If the fuse is difficult to pull, use the awl to pry
each side of the fuse to rock it out the housing. Recycle the fuse according
to local rules.
INSTALL THE NEW FUSE
-
Install the replacement fuse. Place the fuse in position and press it into the battery housing fully.
-
Reinstall the fuse cover if it is in good condition, or install the replacement fuse cover. Ensure the battery, the fuses, and the fuse covers are dry and free from debris.
TIP: If the fuse cover is damaged, contact us to order a replacement fuse cover. In the meantime, you can install the existing fuse cover and place a small strip of electrical tape over the fuse cover as a temporarily solution to prevent water or debris from entering the fuse port. Install the replacement fuse cover as soon as possible. -
Reinstall the battery, test the bike fully before riding, and ride Rad!
Error detection
Your RadExpand is equipped with an error detection system integrated into the
display and controller (see “Electrical controls and operation” on page 27 for
more information). In the rare event of an electrical issue with the bike, you
may see a specific combination of lights flash on the Pedal Assistance Level
lights on the display. If this happens, we recommend that you cease operation,
take a short video of the light(s) flashing if possible, and then go to the
Rad Power Bikes online Help Center
(radpowerbikes.ca/help) for more information.
The following errors are the most common and can aid in troubleshooting.
PAS lights flashing | Error type | |
---|---|---|
0 | Abnormal current | |
1 | Throttle fault | |
0 and 1 | Motor phase fault | |
2 | Motor hall fault | |
0 and 2 | Brake switch fault (or the brake was applied while turning bike on) | |
All lights | Communication fault |
Ride as safely as possible
Operating any bike or ebike is an exciting, delightful, and practical way to
get around, but like any sport, it involves risk of injury and death. By
choosing to ride any bike or ebike, you assume responsibility for those risks.
WARNING: Incorrect assembly, maintenance, or use of your ebike can cause
component or performance failure, loss of control, serious injury, or death.
Ebikes have parts that non-motorized bikes do not have, and neither the
assembly video, assembly steps, or the rest of the manual cover all potential
aspects of ebike configuration, maintenance, and repair, which can require
specialized tools and skills. We strongly recommend you consult a
professional, reputable bike mechanic to assist in the assembly, repair, and
maintenance of your RadExpand, or inspect your work if you choose to do it
yourself.
Age and ability requirements
You must be age 16 or older to operate the RadExpand. You must also have the
physical ability, reaction time, and mental capability to understand and obey
all local laws governing ebike usage and to manage traffic, variable road
conditions, and sudden situations. If you have an impairment or disability
(e.g., visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical impairment, cognitive
or language impairment, seizure disorder) or any other limitation that could
affect your ability to safely operate a vehicle, consult your physician before
operating any bike, ebike, or similar vehicle.
WARNING: This ebike is not to be operated by anyone under the age of 16.
Children under the age of 16 may lack the necessary judgment and skill to
safely operate the ebike, potentially resulting in damage to the ebike, damage
to other property, serious injury, and/or death. Please also check your local
laws, which may require a higher age. It is your responsibility to know and
obey local regulations regarding rider age and other qualifications.
DANGER: Riding any vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any
substance or condition that could impair your motor function, judgment,
reaction time, or ability to safely operate a vehicle puts you at VERY HIGH
RISK of serious injury or death. Operate your ebike or other vehicles only
when you’re sober and otherwise physically and mentally prepared to ride
safely.
Know and obey all relevant local laws
It is your responsibility to research and understand relevant laws where you
ride your RadExpand, which meets the criteria for a Class 2 ebike in Canada.
Local laws may cover required helmets and safety gear, required lights and
reflectors, required hand signals, where you can legally ride an ebike (bikes
and ebikes may have different restric- tions), how fast you can go, what (if
any) cargo you can carry, rider age, and more. Before using public trans-
portation—buses, trains, etc.—to transport your ebike, check with the relevant
transportation authority for any rules governing weight limits, tire widths,
lithium-ion batteries, or any other rules that might pertain to your
RadExpand. Make sure you know ahead of time whether and how high you will need
to lift your ebike, and make sure you can do that safely.
When you ride on the road, assume you must, at minimum, follow all of the
rules that cars must follow. For additional information regarding traffic and
vehicle laws, contact the road traffic authority in your area.
Ride appropriately for conditions
Always travel at speeds appropriate for local terrain and conditions as well
as your experience level. When in doubt, slow down.
Ride with your headlight on, which will make you more visible in any
conditions. The headlight will turn on when the ebike is powered on. We
recommend you keep it on whenever you ride.
Concentrate on the path ahead. Avoid potholes, gravel, ice, wet or oily roads,
wet leaves, curbs, train tracks, speed bumps, drain gates, thorns, broken
glass, and other obstacles, hazards, and puncture-flat risks.
WARNING: Crossing train tracks or similar grooved or raised surfaces at a
diagonal can make the surface “grab” or deflect your wheel, causing your ebike
to suddenly get stuck or crash, leading to serious injury or death. Always
cross such hazards at a perpendicular angle or, when in doubt, dismount and
walk your ebike across.
PATH RIDING
Be a good citizen of shared-use paths and facilities. Keep your speed
reasonable and below path speed limits, pass carefully and kindly. Use your
voice and/or bell to signal your presence to others, especially when passing.
Keep in mind that your ebike is heavy, can go at high speeds, and can hurt
others if not operated with care.
ROAD RIDING
When riding on streets, obey the same road laws as all other road vehicles as
well as local rules governing bike or ebike usage. Sharing the road with other
vehicles presents many hazards. Always take these precautions:
- Expect the unexpected such as opening car doors or cars backing out of driveways.
- Be extra careful at intersections and when preparing to pass other vehicles or other cyclists.
- Ride predictably, in a straight line, and with the flow of traffic. Never ride against traffic.
- Use correct hand signals to indicate turning, and do so well in advance of turning.
- Ride defensively. To other road users you may be hard to see.
- Increase your visibility by following the tips in “Low-visibility conditions” below.
OFF-ROAD RIDING
Riding off road requires close attention and specific skills, and it presents
variable conditions and hazards. Don’t ride off road unless you have the
appropriate skills. If you choose to ride off road, wear appropriate safety
gear and do not ride alone in remote areas.
LOW-VISIBILITY CONDITIONS
WARNING: Riding at night or in other low-visibility conditions (dawn, dusk, fog, rain, mist, snow, etc.) makes it harder to see and avoid hazards and makes it harder for others to see and avoid you, which increases risk of accidents, serious injury, or death. Wet, slippery surfaces will compound your risk of injury or death. Avoid these conditions whenever possible. If you must ride in these conditions, following the guidelines below can reduce risk.
- Wear reflective and brightly coloured clothing.
- Slow down.
- Use familiar routes with street lighting if possible.
- Ensure tire wall, pedal, and other reflectors are installed and unobstructed.
- Ensure headlight and taillight/brake light are functioning correctly and unobstructed. Use them.
WET CONDITIONS
Your RadExpand is not meant for use in puddles, heavy rain, or streams. Never
immerse or submerge this product in water or liquid as the electrical
systemmay be damaged.
WARNING: Riding in wet conditions means slippery hands, feet, and riding
surfaces, which greatly increases your risk of accidents, serious injury, or
death. Low-visibility conditions (night, dusk, dawn, fog, mist, rain, snow,
etc.) will compound your risk of injury or death. Avoid riding in such
conditions. If you choose to ride in wet conditions, you do so at your own
risk. Follow the recommendations below to reduce that risk.
- Decrease riding speed to help you control the ebike in slippery conditions.
- Brake earlier since it will take longer to slow down than in dry conditions.
- Take care to be more visible to others on the road, following the tips in “Low-visibility conditions” above.
- Remember that road hazards are more difficult to see when wet, so proceed with extra caution.
EXTREME RIDING
There are no appropriate conditions for extreme riding. Although many
articles, advertisements, and catalogues depict extreme riding, Rad Power
Bikes strongly advises against such inappropriate and dangerous use of its
products.
DANGER: Extreme riding puts you at VERY HIGH RISK of serious injury or
death. Extreme riding includes but is not limited to jumps, stunts, or any
riding that exceeds your capabilities or the strength and integrity
limitations of certain ebike components and/or otherwise leads to dangerous
situations. Never engage in extreme riding or any type of riding that exceeds
your capabilities.
Wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear
We strongly advise that you wear a properly fitting, certified bicycle safety
helmet while riding your ebike, which may be required by law in your area.
Wear appropriate safety gear including closed-toe shoes. If you are wearing
loose pants, secure the bottom using appropriate leg clips or bands to prevent
the fabric from flapping and getting caught in the chain or other moving
parts. Never use items such as headphones or hoods that can compromise your
hearing or field of vision. A local, pro- fessional, reputable bike shop can
help advise you on what gear is best for the weather and other riding
conditions in your area.
Maximize your visibility with bright colours and reflective outerwear or
vests. Never compromise your ability to be seen or heard by removing your
ebike’s reflectors, blocking or removing the headlight or taillight, or
removing the bell.
DANGER: Riding any bike, ebike, or similar vehicle without a helmet puts
you at VERY HIGH RISK of serious head injury or death. Always wear a properly
fitted helmet that covers the forehead. Many locations require specific safety
devices. It is your respon sibility to familiarize yourself and comply with
the laws, rules, and regulations where you ride.
Limited warranty and other terms
Your ebike’s warranty and other binding legal terms (e.g., terms of purchase,
etc.) are subject to change at any time.
To view your terms of purchase, go to radpowerbikes.ca/terms. To view the
current warranty, please go to
radpowerbikes.ca/warranty.
RAD POWER BIKES LIMITED 1 YEAR WARRANTY TERMS
All Rad Power Bikes (“RPB”) E-Bikes (the “E-Bikes”), and their individual
Covered Components (as defined herein), are protected against all
manufacturing defects in material or workmanship for one (1) year after the
date of receipt of this ebike by the customer (the “Warranty Period”). This
Limited Warranty is only applicable to Canadian E-Bike purchases (purchases in
the United States or Europe shall be subject to the applicable warranty terms
offered by RPB in those jurisdictions) and in accordance with the following
terms:
- Only the original owner of an E-Bike purchased from RPB’s online or physical storefront is covered by this Limited Warranty. The Warranty Period begins upon your receipt of the E-Bike and shall end immediately upon the earlier of the end of the Warranty Period any sale or transfer of the E-Bike to another person, and under no cir- cumstances shall the Limited Warranty apply to any subsequent owner or other transferee of the E-Bike.
- The Limited Warranty is expressly limited to the replacement of any of the following components that come stand- ard on your ebike model (not all parts listed come standard with all models), if those components are found to be defective: lithium ion battery (the “Battery”), frame, forks, stem, handlebar, headset, seat post, saddle, brakes, lights, bottom bracket, crank set, pedals, rims, wheel hub, freewheel, cassette, derailleur, shifter, chain tensioner, motor, throttle, controller, wiring harness, LCD display, LED display, UI display, remotes, kickstand, reflectors and hardware (each a “Covered Component”).
- The Covered Components are warranted to be free of defects in materials and/or workmanship during the Warranty Period.
In the event RPB determines a Covered Component is defective, RPB will, as
your sole and exclusive remedy and in RPB’s sole discretion: (a) repair the
defective Covered Component or free of charge with new or refurbished parts;
or (b) replace the defective Covered Component with a new Covered Component.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER
- Normal wear and tear of any Covered Component.
- Consumables or normal wear and tear parts (including without limitation tires, tubes, brake pads, cables and housing, grips, chain and spokes).
- Any damage or defects to Covered Components resulting from failure to follow instructions in the E-Bike owner’s manual, acts of God, accident, misuse, neglect, abuse, commercial use, alterations, modification, improper assembly, installation of parts or accessories not originally intended or compatible with the E-Bike as sold, oper- ator error, water damage, extreme riding, stunt riding, or improper follow-up maintenance.
- For the avoidance of doubt, RPB will not be liable and/or responsible for any damage, failure or loss caused by any unauthorized service or use of unauthorized parts.
- The Battery is not warranted from damage resulting from power surges, use of an improper charger, improper maintenance or other such misuse, normal wear or water damage.
- Any products sold by RPB that is not an E-Bike.
DETERMININGWHETHER DAMAGE OR DEFECT TO AN E-BIKE OR COVERED COMPONENT IS
PROTECTED BY THIS LIMITEDWARRANTY SHALL BE IN THE SOLE DISCRETION OF RPB.
SHIPPING DAMAGE
Damage to a Covered Component during shipping is not covered by this Limited
Warranty, but RPB will replace such damaged Covered Components if you:
- Notify RPB of a Covered Component damaged in the shipping process within thirty (30) days of your receipt of the E-Bike;
- Provide RPB with a dated picture of the damaged Covered Component;
- Return all original packaging and paperwork included with the E-Bike at your sole cost, unless RPB agrees writing to pay your shipping costs; and
- Note any immediately recognizable damage on the shipper’s Bill of Lading prior to signing off on the shipment.
Shipping damage claims are very time sensitive and it is your responsibility
to immediately inspect the E-Bike for damage upon receipt.
If you choose to set up your own independent shipping method, such as use of a
freight forwarder or other similar service, RPB will not replace any Covered
Components damaged during such shipping method.
CREDIT CARD CHARGEBACKS
If any E-Bike purchase becomes subject to a credit card chargeback in any
amount, and you are still in possession of the E-Bike, then this Limited
Warranty shall be invalidated until the credit card chargeback has been
resolved.
Claims process
RPBWILL NOT REPLACE ANY COVERED COMPONENT UNDER THIS LIMITEDWARRANTY WITHOUT
FIRST SEEING PHOTOS OR VIDEO OF THE DAMAGED COVERED COMPONENT.
In order to exercise your right to receive a replacement for a Covered
Component under this Limited Warranty, you must:
- Contact the RPB Product Support team by email at can-support@radpowerbikes.com or by phone at 1 (877) 299- 9404. The Product Support team will initially work with you on the problem with your E-Bike to identify potential simple fixes.
- In the event that the Product Support team determines that a Covered Component must be replaced, they will provide you with a set of instructions for returning the defective Covered Component and receiving the replace- ment.
- After you receive the replacement Covered Component, the Product Support team will also provide assistance in determining how to replace or install the new Covered Component into your E-Bike.
- You will be responsible for shipping costs associated with returning a Covered Component, unless RPB agrees in writing to pay for such shipping costs. Replacement Covered Components under this Limited Warranty shall only be shipped to the address of the original purchaser.
THE REMEDIES DESCRIBED ABOVE ARE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES AND RPB’S
ENTIRE LIABILITY FOR ANY BREACH OF THIS LIMITEDWARRANTY. OUR LIABILITY SHALL
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEED THE ACTUAL AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE E-BIKE,
NOR SHALL WE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL,
INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL FOR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR LOSSES, WHETHER DIRECT OR
INDIRECT.
SOME PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO
YOU.
THIS LIMITEDWARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE
OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM PROVINCE TO PROVINCE.
TO THE EXTENT PERMISSIBLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW RPB DISCLAIMS ALL
IMPLIEDWARRANTIES, INCLUDINGWITHOUT LIMITATION THE WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE FOR THE DURATION OF THIS
EXPRESS LIMITEDWARRANTY.
SOME PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIEDWARRANTY LASTS,
SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Watch the assembly video!
Get your latest manual!
We do our best to make this manual as clear, comprehensive, and accurate as
possible, but sometimes we learn new hings, catch errors, improve
explanations, or add important new safety information. The manual you’re
reading right may not be the latest version unless you just downloaded it.
Please go to our Help Center at radpowerbikes.ca/help to download the latest
manual and to watch your assembly video so you can have the safest, most
enjoyable experience with your new ebike!
Thanks for riding Rad!
RadExpand 5 | CAN | v.6 | Part # 702-00011
Copyright © 2023 Rad Power Bikes Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are
the property of Rad Power Bikes Inc.
References
- Award Winning Electric Bikes | Rad Power Bikes Canada
- Home - Rad Power Bikes Production Site
- Rad Power Bikes Terms of Purchase | Rad Power Bikes Canada
- Rad Power Bikes Warranty | Rad Power Bikes Canada
- Bike Index - Bike registration that works
- Bike registration to reduce theft and help recovery | 529 Garage
- Award Winning Electric Bikes | Rad Power Bikes Canada
- Home - Rad Power Bikes Production Site
- Rad Power Bikes Terms of Purchase | Rad Power Bikes Canada
- Rad Power Bikes Warranty | Rad Power Bikes Canada
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>