CleanTechnica Tested: GOTRAX F2 Folding E-Bike

Meet the GOTRAX F2 Step Via “foldable” electrical bike, one of many least costly, sturdiest folding electrical bicycles you should buy, from one of the crucial acknowledged micromobility manufacturers on the planet.

And, sure, we’re speaking about that GOTRAX, the corporate that’s nonetheless finest recognized for its compact and intelligent electrical scooters. Deservedly so, too — greater than as soon as, GOTRAX was the most successful e-scooter brand on Amazon, and my very own GOTRAX scooter (that I used my very own, precise US {dollars} to purchase) has a sturdy hook/clip mixture for safe folding that acts as a bag hook on the go, an built-in bike lock, and even a digital PIN for added safety.

I’m a fan of the model, in different phrases, however I’m additionally considerably spoiled by my very own storage, which is jam-packed with a broad array of higher-end acoustic and electrical bikes. Hold that in thoughts once I inform you that I, personally, didn’t like using the F2.

The GOTRAX F2 Expertise

Assembling the F2 was a breeze. GOTRAX does an awesome job of creating the unboxing and build-up of its bikes easy sufficient for novices, and the F2 was no totally different. In lower than twenty minutes, I used to be able to go.

As soon as assembled, the F2 introduced a stout and durable presence that crammed me with confidence. I instantly believed that the bike might simply deal with no matter I threw at it, and marveled on the economies in scale that GOTRAX should have in play to ship a motorbike like this for (as I kind this) $799 plus shipping.

With the tires aired up, I hopped aboard the F2 and kicked off. Somewhat wobble as I begin pedaling, nothing out of the abnormal there, selecting up pace and– whoah!!

The GOTRAX F2’s 500W motor kicks on all of the sudden, and powerfully. There’s no buildup. It’s off, then it’s on, and it’s rocketing me ahead.

I checked the bike’s digital LCD show, considering I’d someway bumped the help to the best stage — however no. It was on Degree 1 help. I attempted once more, throttle-only this time. A twist of the wrist, a pause, then the bike surges forward. The identical off/on energy supply that shocked me a number of moments in the past.

“Perhaps it’s me,” I assumed. I’d put some miles on the Specialized and one other new, pricier e-bike that I’ll be reviewing within the coming days. Perhaps I’d been spoiled by the torque sensors in these bikes. I handed the bike off to my son, dwelling from faculty for a number of weeks, to get his take.

“What would you like me to do?”

I defined, once more, that I simply needed him to begin using. Don’t search for something or take into consideration something, simply begin using and inform me what you suppose.

“OK, so I simply– Jesus!!”

It’s not simply me, then, however my children may be amongst a handful of individuals on the planet who’re simply as spoiled by e-bikes as I’m. I wanted somebody extra goal.

Fortunately my neighbor, Sean, was out taking part in together with his children. We’re an in depth neighborhood, so it wasn’t that bizarre to ask him to hop on the bike and provides it a spin across the block.

“What would you like me to do? Simply get on and– oh, wow!!

I nodded to myself, grimly, as Sean sped off on the bike and rounded the nook. “I’ll have to offer them a foul evaluation,” I assumed. “Jeff (GOTRAX’ head of selling) won’t ever forgive me. He’ll reduce me off.” My nervousness was off to the races, and it was a advantageous, muscled thoroughbred of the best order … till Sean got here again into view, grinning from ear to ear.

“It’s superior!” he mentioned. “I love the way it takes off like that!”

Was he being good? He didn’t appear to be, and neither did the three different Oak Park Dads I managed to coax onto the F2 — all of them e-bike novices, and all of them rolling to a cease with an ear-to-ear smile.

“I’d like to have one among these up on the cottage,” mentioned one other neighbor.

“Wow!,” mentioned a 3rd, after I informed him the bike’s worth. “I’d have thought it was no less than two grand!”

GOTRAX F2: The Verdict

Should you’re interested in e-bikes, and are in search of a reasonable technique to get onto one and see the way it matches into your life, I don’t know in the event you might discover a higher bike than the GOTRAX F2. At $799, it feels prefer it ought to fall into my “that’s not sufficient {dollars}” territory — however the F2 is healthier than that. Within the few miles I’ve ridden it, it has by no means squeaked, rattled, or in any other case given the impression that it’s something however a well-sorted and succesful commuter. Its fat-ish tires take up bumps and potholes nicely sufficient, and its sturdy rack was greater than as much as the duty of transporting beer-filled coolers across the neighborhood on a sizzling Sunday afternoon.

Is it the very best folding e-bike you should buy? No. Removed from it. Is it the best folding e-bike you can buy for $799? I’d be genuinely shocked if it wasn’t, and GOTRAX’s national network of supporting dealers may be sufficient to tip the scales again in its favor, even in the event you did discover one.

So, what’s my verdict? Should you’re e-bike-curious, give it a shot. Oh – and, additionally: I’m spoiled man-child.

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Full disclosure: Whereas I purchased my GOTRAX scooter with my very own cash, the corporate offered me with a pattern of the F2 folding e-bike without charge for the needs of this evaluation. CleanTechnica may earn a commission if you buy a GOTRAX using this link.