Cruiser bikes are incredibly fun, but the problem is they are usually heavy and slow. The Electra Townie Go! solves this problem by adding an electric assist.
Now you can ride futher, faster, easier, and still in style. If you want an e-bike to ride to yoga class, the farmers market, and the beach boardwalk, without getting overly sweaty, the Electra Townie Go! is an excellent choice.
Review In A Nutshell
Pros:
- High quality BOSCH mid-drive motor
- Internally geared hub is low maintenance
- Rear rack can accommodate a basket or panniers
- High volume tires provide plenty of traction and comfort
- Fun, cruiser bike design
Cons:
- No throttle
- Have to work to get it to 20mph
Price & Where To Buy:
- $2,950 List (for the 5i EQ version)
- Buy at TrekBikes.com*
- Buy at REI.com*
Comes In Traditional Or Step-Thru Frame
The Electra Townie Go! comes in both a traditional step over frame or a step-thru frame. The bike I tested had the traditional frame, but for most women, I’d recommend the step-thru frame, since the top tube on the former is quite high.
A step-thru frame would be a better fit for shorter women, those with mobility/flexibility issues, or who simply want to wear a skirt on the bike.
High Quality BOSCH Drive System
Many e-bikes on the market today keep their prices low by specing cheaper off brand power systems. The Electra Townie Go!, on the other hand, has included a high quality, brand name, BOSCH drive system.
The bike has a 250w mid-drive motor that provides 4 assist levels. Unlike cheaper hub-drive motors, it provides a nice smooth feel, never jerking on or off.
While I appreciated the smooth motor engagement, the bike definitely felt underpowered compared to the Radpower Radcity, for example, with it’s higher watt output and torque. It took a while to get up to speed, and while the bike can go up to 20mph, it definitely took some effort on my part to get it there.
It’s also worth noting that the Townie Go! does NOT have a throttle. This makes it a little slower to get going when at a complete stop, especially since the bike is not exactly lightweight.
The LCD display is nothing fancy, but it provides everything you everything you need (speed, battery life) and allows you to switch between assist levels.
The battery has 400wh and can power you between 20 and 70 miles depending on your power setting, your weight, and how many hills you have to climb. For me, I found the bike lasted about 30 miles between charges. Charging takes around 3 hours.
The battery on my test bike was externally mounted on the frame, which didn’t bother me, but more expensive versions of the bike offer an internally mounted battery. It does look a little sleeker.
The most important thing to know about the Bosch power system is that it comes from a reliable brand with good support. Unlike many e-bikes, if you have issues with the Electra Townie Go!, you can take it to your local Trek dealer and they’ll be able to support you. You can’t say the same for cheaper e-bikes you buy online.
Internally Geared Hub Is Low Maintenance
Nobody wants to spend a ton of time maintaining their bike–you’d rather be riding it instead! That’s why we like that the Electra Townie Go! 5i has an internally geared hub. (Other models of the bike have a traditional derailleur instead).
The Shimano Nexus internally geared hub means you’ll never bend a derailleur or throw it out of adjustment. There are five gears, and shifting is easy and clean thanks to the grip shifter.
Integrated Lights Keep You From Getting Caught In The Dark
The bike has integrated lights (both front and rear) and are controlled via the LCD display. I LOVE integrated lights as this means you’ll never got caught out in the dark without them. You also don’t have to remember to bring lights inside to charge.
Quick Release Seatpost Collar Makes Seat Height Adjustments Easy
It’s a tiny thing, but I LOVE a quick release seatpost collar. Every bike should have one–but they don’t!
A quick release seatpost collar means you can easily raise or lower the seat height without needing any tools. This is especially key if you and a partner of different heights plan to share the bike.
Comes With Fenders And A Rear Rack
The Electra Townie Go! comes with both fenders and a rear rack. These are features you often have to add after the fact on other bikes.
The fenders are great for keeping you dry even when riding on wet roads, and the rack is handy for carrying your gear. (Think a picnic and beach towel).
The rack doesn’t come with a basket, but it’s easy to use some zip ties to add a milk crate (or a fancier basket). It can hold up to 55 lbs.
Abus Wheel Lock
I’m a big fan of Abus wheel locks. They allow you to lock your bike without needing to carry a separate lock with you.
The Electra Townie Go! comes with one pre-installed. The wheel lock goes thru your rear wheel and keeps someone from being able to ride off with the bike.
High Volume Tires Provide Plenty Of Traction (And Comfort)
Like you would expect on a cruiser bike, the Electra Townie Go! has nice wide (2.35″) high volume tires. These provide plenty of traction, and also add a little extra cushion. They are also puncture resistant, so you’re less likely to get a flat.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes Offer Plenty Of Stopping Power
Your cruiser bike of old almost certainly had old-fashioned rim brakes. The Electra Townie Go!, on the other hand, has been modernized with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. (These are a step up from the mechanical disc brakes you’ll find on many e-bikes).
They offer fantastic stopping power even on steep hills or in rainy conditions. The only downside with hydraulic disc brakes is that they are harder to maintain the mechanical disc brakes, but these are high quality ones and you should get in plenty of miles before a trip to the shop is required.
One Size Fits All
Like most e-bikes, the Electra Townie Go! is designed to be one size fits all, and is designed for riders between 4’11” and 6’1″. Shorter riders will definitely want the step-thru version.
As a 5′ 5″ rider, I was *mostly* comfortable on the bike and I was easily able to position the saddle height. The riser handlebars allowed for a nice upright riding position.
The one thing of note, however, was that the reach felt a little long for me. Women with shorter arms may find this uncomfortable. z
Bottom-Line: An Ideal E-Bike For Folks Who Love Cruisers
If you’re a sucker for the nostalgic, fun feel of a cruiser bike, but you want a little extra help, the Electra Townie Go! is for you! Unlike cruiser bikes of old, it has a high-quality electric assist, an internally geared hub, hydraulic disc brakes, and more. This is a modern cruiser bike for grown ups!
Where can I buy a charger for this bike? I have looked on line and at local ebike retailers but have been unsuccessful .