GoTrax Efold Review | A Bargain for Everyone

We tested the Efold’s range on both minimum and maximum assist power. GoTrax claims the Efold will do 40 miles on its 374 Wh battery; Coming in at 41.57 miles, our low-power test found a similar result. However, some of the programming issues I discussed in the speed test are also present here. As I mentioned, this bike’s PAS 1 configuration has a bit of an awkward speed limit at 9.6 mph. Because of this, I was having to very intentionally manage my speed during the range test. Our goal is to see how far the motor will go; and to keep it engaged in PAS 1, I had to stay at uncomfortably low speeds. As I said in the speed test, I expect most riders to skip the lowest assist level. Of course, the higher levels will get less range – just something to be aware of.

The Efold does technically sit below average compared to the broader segment of folding Ebikes, but there’s something to consider: This bike is significantly less expensive than almost everything in its class. Additionally, when we narrowed the parameters to bikes with almost identical specs, the Efold actually came in right on par with the 40.46 average. This is even more impressive when price is taken into account. Even in the more specific, modified category, the Efold is the most affordable. Not by a small margin, either.

On max power, the Efold went 18.34 miles. Sticking with the narrower comparisons, this is very close to average, as the mean for the class is 19.22. Once again, the performance is on par with bikes that cost considerably more, and this is the key takeaway for the range test. The Efold offers solid range for a steal.

The headline figures on the Efold don’t suggest a hill-crushing monster. This is common for these lighter weight folders; especially at this price point, the question is more about if climbing hills is a realistic expectation of the motor, rather than how it stacks up against the times of other bikes.

The Efold completed the Devil’s Backbone hill climb in 3:10, averaging 10.2 mph along the way. Not a blistering time – but as I said, the fact that this bike climbed the hill on throttle only is a win by itself. Most of the similar bikes we’d compare it to didn’t. In fact, there isn’t really a category average number that I can report back, as the sample size of similar bikes that completed the climb isn’t large enough.

The pedal test saw the Efold make the climb in 2:48 at an average speed of 11.6 mph. Again, not overly quick, but we don’t expect it to be. The average of similar bikes was 2:35 and 11.5. In other words, the Efold is on par here.

Like I said, this bike isn’t designed to blast up steep inclines, and that’s okay. This performance is respectable. If you were to find yourself having to tackle a big hill on the Efold, it isn’t ideal, but it’s also doable, particularly in pedal assist mode.

The Efold is equipped with a set of mechanical disc brakes paired with 160 mm rotors front and rear. This setup is becoming less common, and could be described as “a bit last season”, as more and more Ebikes are moving to hydraulic systems. Generally, hydraulic brakes provide better performance, but there are some upsides to GoTrax’s choice here.

First and foremost, mechanical brakes cost less. On a bike that costs $498, we don’t expect the latest and greatest, and this configuration helps keep the cost down. Moreover, mechanical brakes are easier to self service or adjust; there’s no complicated process to service them, unlike hydraulics.

Lastly, these brakes do provide respectable performance. The Efold had an average stopping distance of 22 feet 9 inches in our testing. This isn’t a groundbreaking showing, but it’s well within the range of what we’d call safe. Additionally, we compared this result to other bikes with mechanical disc brakes, and the category average there was 22 feet 4 inches. The Efold is close to average here, but it’s worth noting many of those bikes are a few years older.

As with many mechanical brakes, the modulation and feel isn’t overly refined. It is much more effort to brake than modern systems, and the braking doesn’t necessarily feel as confident. However, these cable style brakes are tried and true. They’ve been on bikes for decades now, and they’ll serve riders well enough. If stopping power is at the top of your list, GoTrax also makes the F2 (the Efold’s big brother) which is equipped with hydraulic brakes. But, if not, the Efold does a fine job in the way of braking, especially for the price. In summary, this is a solid result.

From my perspective, this section is where the Efold really shines. Ride quality has several layers to it, and the Efold covers its bases well.

The first key point is that many bikes at this cost don’t feel nearly as well-built as the Efold. Simply put, this bike exudes quality and sturdiness, and I quickly developed a sense of confidence in the bike.

Leonardo Da Vinci once said “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”, and while I doubt he was talking about Ebikes, he’d be proud of the Efold’s adherence to this sentiment. This bike keeps things straightforward; a rigid fork, 20 x 2.6 tires, and watchful engineering are the pillars of the ride quality. Sticking with the basics has paid off for GoTrax, both here and on other bikes. The Efold isn’t packed with complicated components or features, but that’s a good thing. This bike’s simplicity is a massive factor in why it feels so well-built.

Some may take issue with the Efold’s approach here, and I can understand the logic behind that. The lack of suspension does make bumpy paths more noticeable, and I wouldn’t describe this bike as a plush cruiser. That said, to me, this is only an issue on lengthy rides. If I was embarking on a long-mileage trip, this wouldn’t be my choice, but for commuting or zipping around town, I found its upright riding position to be plenty comfortable. GoTrax doesn’t provide a fit range for this bike, but it does have an adjustable stem and seatpost. I’m about 6’3, and while I wouldn’t say it was a perfect fit for me, it wasn’t wildly off either. I’d say most riders will be able to make the Efold work, especially considering it’s not meant for extended treks.

Handling wise, it leans more towards nimble and playful rather than steady. It’s not unstable by any means, but it doesn’t have the grounded feel of the fat tire folders. You could still use its rear rack for smaller hauls, but don’t expect a utilitarian feel; the Efold is more about quick, practical transportation.

The Efold’s cadence sensor isn’t the most sophisticated. Like the brakes, we felt that the motor engagement felt mildly outdated. It usually takes a full cycle of the pedals before the power makes itself known. That said, this isn’t always the case. The power delivery is somewhat irregular – sometimes the motor would engage after a half pedal crank, others it would take two full spins before I felt anything.

Of course, perspective is key here. We don’t expect a bike that costs so little to have the intuitive engagement of pricier options. However, because this bike is a single speed, it isn’t always easy to start off with no momentum, and the delayed engagement is no help there. The biggest area for improvement is in the consistency; the delayed power would be less of an inconvenience if the engagement felt similar every time.

The single speed also causes some ghost pedaling on flat terrain. The gearing simply doesn’t have enough range to accommodate the motor. The choice in drivetrain was likely made to be cost efficient, and considering the price, it’s hard to argue with this decision. If you can live with the ghost pedaling, there isn’t a whole lot to complain about otherwise.

I’m going to take off my reviewer hat for just a moment to say that I personally like this bike a lot. I understand it has a few areas for improvement, namely in the gearing and programming, but I feel that the pros outweigh the cons.

I love bikes, but I recognize that they aren’t cheap. The Efold packs real fun, practicality, and quality at a price that’s very accessible, which means more people will get to experience the joy of riding. And that’s what it’s all about, right?

In a sentence, the Efold punches above its weight, and it’s excellent value for money. If you’re on a tight budget but want an enjoyable and usable folder, the GoTrax Efold is a good place to start.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the GoTrax Efold down in our comments section.