Bicycles: Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus vs. Brompton Electric P Line

Quick Verdict

The Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus is better suited for riders who need a powerful motor and a longer range, while the Brompton Electric P Line is the superior choice for those who prioritize portability and ease of storage, particularly in urban environments.

The Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus is a robust e-bike with a powerful motor and longer range, suitable for riders prioritizing power and distance.
The Brompton Electric P Line excels in portability due to its folding mechanism and lighter weight (especially without the battery), making it ideal for urban commuting and storage in tight spaces.
RadCity 5 Plus has hydraulic disc brakes, while Brompton P Line uses Brompton dual pivot calipers.
RadCity 5 Plus features a backlit LCD, while Brompton P Line has an LED display on the battery, with some models offering smartphone app integration.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus	Brompton Electric P Line
Motor Power (Watts)	750W (US), 500W (Canada), 250W (Europe)	250W
Battery Capacity (Wh)	672	300Wh
Estimated Range (miles)	28-55	20-45
Top Speed (mph)	20	15.5
Weight (lbs)	64-65	From 34.4 with battery, Around 28 without battery
Frame Material	6061 Aluminum Alloy	Steel mainframe with Titanium rear frame and fork
Gearing	1x7 speed	Available in 4-speed or 12-speed options
Brake Type	Hydraulic disc brakes	Brompton dual pivot calipers
Wheel Size (inches)	27.5	16
Folding Mechanism (Brompton)	Not available	Brompton's signature three-point folding mechanism. Folds in under 20 seconds.
Integrated Lights	Front LED headlight and integrated rear taillight with brake light	AVY Integrated lighting (front and rear)
Display Type	Backlit LCD	LED display on the battery. Some models have a smartphone app for additional data.
Price	Not available	Not available

Overall Comparison

RadCity 5 Plus: 750W motor, 672Wh battery, 27.5" wheels, 64 lbs. Brompton P Line: 250W motor, 300Wh battery, 16" wheels, 34.4 lbs (with battery).

Pros and Cons

Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus

Pros:

Robust motor provides powerful torque
Excellent hill-climbing abilities
User-friendly interface with intuitive controls
Dual display system
Comes with flexible plastic fenders
Integrated rear rack
Integrated lights
Brakes tested for all-weather stopping ability

Cons:

Weight can affect portability and handling, especially when not using the motor
May be slower than some competitors on steep inclines

Brompton Electric P Line

Pros:

Ease of folding and compact size
Integrated AVY lights and mudguards
Relatively lightweight for an e-bike
Three levels of pedal assist
Smartphone app for additional features and control (on some models)

Cons:

Stock saddle may become uncomfortable on longer rides
Controls on the battery pack are not as ergonomic as bar-mounted controls
Can be heavy to carry for some people, especially up stairs

User Experiences and Feedback

Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Real-world range varies based on conditions. One test showed 37.3 miles in PAS 5 (highest assist) and 64.3 miles in PAS 1 (lowest assist). Using throttle only, a range of 30 miles with significant elevation gain was achieved.

Brompton Electric P Line

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

The Brompton Electric P Line is known for its ease of folding and compact size. It can be folded in under 20 seconds.
Removing the battery makes it more portable when folded.
Battery range is typically 20-45 miles, but can vary based on assistance level, terrain, and other factors.
The 250W motor provides assistance up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h).
The Brompton is designed to be pushed or towed when folded.