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I must preface this review with the fact that me and folding bikes are like oil and water. I do not like them. I think itâs because of my tall frame (6â2â) combined with their short wheelbase and long handlebar stem makes me feel like Iâm riding a circus bike.
But Gocycle has made me a convert. When I showed up at the Electrify Expo earlier this month to give the G4i a test ride I was skeptical. But dangâŚit was a blast to ride and it felt so natural. By the end of the test circuit I had forgotten that I was on a folding e-bike.
The G4i from Gocycle is going to be my top pick for an upcoming post of the best folding e-bikes of 2024.
Key e-bike details
Basics
- Base Price: $5,499
- Class: 1 or 2
- Max Speed: 20 mph
- Estimated Range: Up to 50 miles
- Weight: 33.7 lbs (𪜠featherweight)
Motor & Electronics
- Motor: Gocycle proprietary front hub motor, G4drive with traction control 500 watt
- Torque: not given
- Motor location: Front hub
- Battery: Removable lithium ion 10.4Ah, 36V, 375 Wh
- PAS Sensor: Torque
- Throttle: Yes
- Display: Integrated handlebar display with led indicators
Components
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc
- Drivetrain: Chain with proprietary predictive gear shifting
- Belt Drive: No
- Tires: Gocycle Tyre (406-60, 20 x 2.25 in)
Misc
- Recommended Rider Height: not given
- Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs
- Payload Capacity: not given
What we like about it
- Impressively lightweight: At just 37.7 lbs, the G4i is exceptionally light for an e-bike. This makes it easy to carry onto public transportation or up a flight of stairs, setting it apart from many other folding e-bikes that are heavier.
- Stylish and clean design: The absence of external cables and an integrated chain guard made of magnesium contribute to the e-bike’s sleek and uncluttered appearance. It also has a daytime running light that is eye-catching.
- Attention to detail: The G4i folds down very compactly, making it ideal for city dwellers with limited storage space. The folding mechanism is thoughtfully designed with covers over the disc brake rotors to ensure you don’t accidentally cut yourself while folding or carrying the e-bike.
- Smooth acceleration: This e-bike accelerated surprisingly quickly considering it has a front hub motor. Their proprietary predictive electronic gear shifting was subtle and I didnât notice it changing gears while I was riding. The torque sensor rather then a cadence sensor also contributed to the smooth ride.
- Extended range: With a 375-watt hour battery, the G4i boasts a 50-mile range, significantly easing ‘range anxiety’ for riders. This is a 25% increase from the G4 model.
- Ride comfort: The 42-inch wheelbase, slightly larger than some other folding e-bikes, contributes to a more stable and comfortable ride. I was surprised to find it so comfortable to ride and felt almost like riding a standard sized e-bike, rather than a small folding e-bike
- Integrated features: The G4i comes with front and rear lights, mudguards, and electronic predictive shiftingâamenities that add value and functionality right out of the box.
- Electronics and connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity allows riders to switch ride modes and even update firmware without needing to visit a service center. In case you encounter issues, you can upload logs for remote diagnostics.
Where it falls short
- Limited U.S. dealer network: Finding a repair shop for the G4i can be a challenge in the U.S. While Gocycle is working on expanding its dealer network, this is a consideration for potential buyers. Use their Gocycle store locator to find the nearest service center.
- Display limitations: The LED-based dashboard display looks futuristic but isn’t very practical. It’s difficult to see in bright sunlight, and the use of color-coded indicators can be problematic for those with color blindness (me).
- Price: The G4i retails at $5,499, even with the occasional $500 price reduction, this places it in the higher-end segment of the e-bike market, which could be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.
- Single position Hhandlebar: Although the G4i allows for lowering the handlebar, it doesn’t offer multiple positions, potentially limiting customization for rider comfort.
In-depth review
Gocycle is London based company that has 3 folding e-bike models. The G4, G4i, and G4i+. They all have a 500 watt front hub motor, they all have the Shimano Nexus 3 speed. They’ll all have the carbon fiber fork. The G4i is their mid range folding e-bike.
The first thing that stands out about the G4i is its striking design. Gocycle has gone to great lengths to create a product that not only functions well but also looks amazing. The e-bike sports a clean, uncluttered aesthetic, thanks in part to the absence of external cables. The integrated chain guard made of magnesium contribute to the e-bike’s sleek and uncluttered appearance.
This attention to detail extends to the e-bike’s eye-catching daytime running lightâa stylish feature that also enhances safety.
Another example of Gocycle’s attention to detail is that they’ve really thought through the folding design of the e-bike. They disc brakes are fully encolsed so that you don’t accidentally cut yourself when folding or carrying the e-bike. Cover knife sharp surfaces? What a concept… well I’m not aware of any other e-bike companies that have done this, so kudos to Gocycle.
But looks aren’t everything; an e-bike has to deliver on performance, and the G4i does just that. Powered by a 500-watt front hub G4drive motor, the e-bike accelerates surprisingly quickly. When I took it out onto the test ride circuit I was expecting it to accelerate rather slowly. The quick acceleration defies the norms for front hub motors.
The torque sensor rather then a cadence sensor definitely helped contribute to this smooth acceleration. Their proprietary predictive electronic gear shifting was subtle and I didnât notice it changing gears while I was riding.
To go along with this power, the G4i boasts a generous wheelbase of 42 inches, providing a more stable and comfortable riding experience compared to some other folding e-bikes.
Among its many merits, the G4i stands out for its lightweight build. Weighing just 37.7 lbs, it is easy to carry up stairs or onto public transportation. This makes it an excellent solution for city dwellers with limited space, as it can be folded down compactly to fit even in small apartments. I was impressed by how lightweight the G4i is. When folded, the weight is well distributed, making it easy to lift and carry with one arm. In contrast, many other e-bikes are either awkward or very difficult to lift and carry when folded.
Yet despite its feather-like weight, the e-bike doesn’t compromise on functionality. With a 375-watt hour battery, it has a substantial range of 50 miles, significantly mitigating any range anxiety you might experience with other e-bikes. The integrated battery can be removed when folded so that it can be charged off the e-bike. In the picture below, you can see the battery located in the white main frame of the G4i. The black latch hinges back and then the battery can be removed.
The G4i also has modern connectivity. It employs Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to enable a variety of useful features, such as changing ride modes and even performing firmware updatesâall without needing to visit a service center. If you suspect any issues with your e-bike, you can upload logs for remote diagnostics, further adding to the e-bike’s convenient user experience.
However, no product is without its downsides. For starters, Gocycle’s limited dealer network in the U.S. could make servicing a bit of a hassle, although this is something they are working on. I recommend that you take a look at their store locator to get a sense for how close a service center would be in the event that your e-bike requires significant maintenance.
Additionally, the LED dashboard display, while sleek, is not the most practical. The color-coded indicators are difficult to see in bright sunlight and could pose problems for those with color vision deficiencies. I found it very challenging to see them when I wrote the e-bike in the bright morning sun.
Also, at a retail price of $5,499âeven with occasional discountsâthis e-bike sits firmly in the premium category, which might be a turn-off for budget-conscious buyers. Lastly, while the handlebar can be lowered, it doesn’t offer multiple positioning options, which may limit customization for rider comfort.
In conclusion, the Gocycle G4i offers a fantastic package for those looking for a stylish, high-performing, and convenient commuting solution. It’s filled with thoughtful design elements, extended range, and smart connectivity features, making it a robust choice for any urban commuter. If price is not a concern for you then I highly recommend that you go with the G4i. You wonât be disappointed.
If price is a concern for you then you should look at the Aventon Sinch, Rad Power RadExpand 5, or Lectric XP. Those folding e-bikes are much less expensive, but in the end you get what you pay for and the G4i is hard to beat.
