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Bicycles

Gocycle announces lighter, more powerful G4 line of folding ebikes

By Ben Coxworth
March 31, 2021
Gocycle announces lighter, more powerful G4 line of folding ebikes
Gocycle's G4 ebikes feature a partially carbon fiber frame and a more powerful motor
Gocycle's G4 ebikes feature a partially carbon fiber frame and a more powerful motor
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The Gocycle G4 ebikes utilize the more powerful G4drive motor
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The Gocycle G4 ebikes utilize the more powerful G4drive motor
The Gocycle G4i and G4i+ feature integrated daytime running lights
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The Gocycle G4i and G4i+ feature integrated daytime running lights
The Gocycle G4i+, with its carbon fiber wheels
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The Gocycle G4i+, with its carbon fiber wheels
Depending on the model, the Gocycle G4 ebikes are available in color choices of white, gloss black, matte black, red, gray or blue
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Depending on the model, the Gocycle G4 ebikes are available in color choices of white, gloss black, matte black, red, gray or blue
Gocycle's G4 ebikes feature a partially carbon fiber frame and a more powerful motor
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Gocycle's G4 ebikes feature a partially carbon fiber frame and a more powerful motor
View gallery - 5 images

UK-based Gocycle was one of the first manufacturers to offer a folding electric bicycle, and its ebikes have been popular ever since. The company has now unveiled its fourth generation of bikes, which are said to be lighter and more powerful than previous models.

Announced this Tuesday (Mar. 30th), the new line of Gocycles is made up of three models: the G4, G4i and G4i+. Like their recent predecessors, they all feature 20-inch wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, a sealed chain drive with a 3-speed rear hub transmission, a polymer rear shock offering 1 inch (25 mm) of travel, and a house-brand 500-watt front motor powered by a removable battery pack.

They also all used to have a 100-percent 6061 T6 aluminum alloy frame. In the G4 bikes, however, the middle section of the frame and the one-sided fork are now made of carbon fiber. This reportedly results in a 2.2-lb (998-g) reduction in weight, along with a smoother ride thanks to the carbon's vibration-damping qualities.

Also new is the G4drive motor, which is built into the end of the fork and connects to the side/center of the front wheel. While it still takes the rider to the previous models' top pedal-assisted speed (20 mph or 32 km/h in North America, 16 mph or 25 km/h in Europe), it delivers more torque and power, so it accelerates quicker and climbs better.

Depending on the model, the Gocycle G4 ebikes are available in color choices of white, gloss black, matte black, red, gray or blue
Depending on the model, the Gocycle G4 ebikes are available in color choices of white, gloss black, matte black, red, gray or blue

Other new features include silica-infused MotoGP-inspired tires that are claimed to provide better grip and handling; a USB port for charging phones while riding; and Bluetooth Low Energy smartphone connectivity.

Setting the G4i apart from the G4 base model are doo-hickeys such as predictive electronic shifting (as opposed to a mechanical twist shifter); an LED gear and speed display; fully internally routed cables; detachable pedals; integrated daytime running lights; and a battery range of up to 50 miles (80 km) as opposed to 40 (64 km). Both models are said to weigh in at 37 lb (16.8 kg).

Setting the G4i+ apart from the G4i is the addition of carbon fiber wheels (as opposed to magnesium) – this drops its total weight to 36 lb (16.3 kg).

The Gocycle G4, G4i and G4i+ are all available now, priced at US$3,999, $4,999 and $5,999 respectively.

Source: Gocycle

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BicyclesFoldable bikeGocycleebikesNew Atlas Audio
3 comments
Ben Coxworth
Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.

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3 comments
gonk
Looks neat. Expensive as all heck, as per usual. I do wish electric bicycles weren't so expensive. For the same price, I can get a motorcycle that can do highway speeds, and all the equipment necessary. Maybe not a motorcycle at the same quality level, sure, but still.
BlueOak
This. This, at least in concept. The number one thing blocking me from using an eBike as an alternative to driving a vehicle for short shopping , etc... trips is eBike security. Even though we live in a safe area, theft remains an issue. That means no leaving an expensive eBike outside a store.

A bike that folds compact enough and is light enough means you can take it with you. And those 20” wheels are large enough to be safe on rough roads (unlike eScooters) whilst remaining compact enough for portability.

But ouch, the price. We need volume production to bring these prices down to the $1,000 or lower range.

We really need secure ways to protect eBikes from theft and Bluetooth remote electronic locking isn’t going to do it. Lockers of some fashion located in visible areas seem like a start...
Adrian Akau
Too expensive. My Rad Runner was $1299 and has a 750 watt motor with 48 volt 14 amp battery.