Electra has been in the bike game since 1993 making fun, vibrant beach cruisers, when they eventually dipped their toes into e-bikes around 2010. This move to electric bikes caught the attention of the brass over at Trek who subsequently acquired Electra in 2014.
The Townie Go! Is Electra’s take on an e-cruiser, mixing bike cruiser vibes with modern e-bike tech in the same vibrant style that started it all.
This latest version of the Townie Go! S, a class 3 beach cruiser available in 4 colors and promising 50 miles of range, also comes with a suite of new tech-forward customization options.
Now, with the ability to fine-tune each pedal assist level in the Trek Central app and the new EasyMag magnetic charging with smart charging profiles, Electra is carrying on the legacy that started it all and pushing the industry along the way to new tech features that seemingly get better and better. So, how does it all translate to the real world ride and impressions out on the path? Well, this Electra Townie Go! Review aims to find out.
My Experience Riding The Electra Townie Go! E-Bike
Right off the bat, this is one of the best looking cruisers I’ve tested, especially in that shark grey color with tan accent contact points. Although for it being called “grey,” it looks a lot more like a metallic blue to me – maybe that’s where the “shark” part comes in. Either way, it’s a very good looking bike, and if the ‘cool’ factor and aesthetics are your primary focus, this thing has a serious it-factor.
The Townie Go now comes in two frame sizes – Small/Medium and Medium/Large. The ML I tested covers riders from 5’5″ to 6’4″, and at 5’11” I fell right in the sweet spot with a nice, comfortable fit. The frame geometry and handlebar rise create this perfectly relaxed riding position that screams beachy cruiser vibes.
Electra makes a big deal about their “Flat Foot Technology,” and while that sounds like something that might get you a medical exemption from military service, it’s actually pretty clever. Most bikes force you to choose between a proper fit with tippy-toe stops or flat-foot stability with compromised ergonomics. Somehow Electra dialed in the angles and contact points to give you both – great bike fit with the confidence of planting your feet flat on the ground whenever you need to stop.
The 500W rear hub motor with torque sensor puts out 60Nm of torque, which hits that sweet spot for both beachy flats and coastal climbs. It’s got enough grunt across the Eco, Mid, and High assist modes without the overkill of a 750W motor weighing everything down. Paired with those 2.35″ cruiser slicks that roll with minimal resistance, the whole package comes together for a smooth, quiet ride that feels effortless.
The Townie Go! S excels exactly where it should – getting you around comfortably with style. Between the 8-speed MicroShift drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, it’s got all the components you need whether you’re planning weekend coastal cruises or daily commutes with serious beachy vibes. That’s where the cool factor, once again, really shines through.
Range
Estimated Range (from Electra):
- 50 miles
Real World Range Test Results:
- MIN Range Test: 54 miles
- MAX Range Test: 38 miles
Electra places range estimation on the Townie Go! S to be up to 50 miles in a single charge. Like most things in marketing, it sounds fair, but I’ll believe it when I see it. So, to put these range claims to the test, I ran the Townie through two separate range tests, the first on minimum assistance (Eco PAS) and the second was on maximum assistance (High PAS) to test both ends of the range spectrum based on how hard the motor and battery was working.
On the maximum range test, in High PAS mode, I was able to cover 38 miles in a single charge before the battery called it quits. 38 miles feels like a solid win for the bike when going for a full-blast ride across town and back.
On the minimum range test (and after a full recharge) I headed out again, but this time on the minimum assistance of Eco PAS Mode. This time around at a slower speed I was able to cover 54 miles in a single charge.
Both of these tests show how far e-bike tech has come, specifically the programming and torque sensors used. The Townie Go! S exceeded Electra’s own estimates by 4 miles in eco mode, which is honestly pretty rare in this industry. That torque sensor deserves credit here – it’s reading your pedal input and delivering just the right amount of assistance instead of constantly dumping power whether you need it or not.
The smooth-rolling slick tires also play a huge role in these impressive numbers. Less rolling resistance means the motor doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain speed, and that efficiency translates directly to more miles per charge. The 16-mile spread between eco and high assist gives you real flexibility depending on whether you’re chasing maximum range or maximum fun.
What really impressed me was how the bike’s battery management system accurately predicted remaining range as the rides progressed. No more range anxiety from wildly optimistic estimates that crash as soon as you hit a hill.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The Electra Townie Go! S packs a 500W rear hub motor made by Hyena that delivers 60Nm of torque through a smooth torque sensor system. Three pedal assist levels (Eco, Mid, and High) provide plenty of flexibility, but the real standout feature is the app integration that lets you customize how each assist level performs. You can max them all out, dial each back, or create any combination that matches your riding style.
What impressed me was how the battery management system adjusts estimated range based on your motor tuning changes. Crank up the power and watch the range estimate drop accordingly – it’s a smart system that keeps you informed about the trade-offs. Personally, I found the default motor tuning to be just right, and while playing with the assist level customization was fun, I eventually returned to the factory settings.
The torque sensor feels exceptionally natural, providing pedal assistance that makes you feel like you’re in better shape than you probably are. Rather than feeling like a motor pushing you along, it delivers subtle support that enhances your pedaling effort seamlessly. Having tested numerous e-bikes with varying torque sensor programming, this one stands out for its smoothness.
Powering the system is a 520Wh frame-integrated battery with UL 2271 safety certification, running at 48V and 10.9 amp-hours. It’s got enough juice to deliver the claimed 50-mile range, and as my testing showed, you can actually exceed that with careful riding. The more you tweak the motor for punchier performance, the faster you’ll drain the battery – another reason I stick with the default settings.
The battery stays permanently mounted in the downtube with no user-removable option. Only certified techs can access it through a small service port at the bottom of the frame. Great for security, though not ideal if you prefer bringing batteries indoors during harsh winters – but that’s hardly a concern for a beach cruiser.
The coolest feature might be the new EasyMag magnetic charging system. Just slap the charger on without worrying about aligning pins or damaging connectors when disconnecting. It’s fast, foolproof, and likely extends the system’s lifespan. The advanced battery management system offers pre-programmed charge cycles for longevity, including long-term storage modes and smart charging that keeps the battery between 20-80% to maximize battery life over time.
Components
The Townie Go! S rolls on double-wall alloy wheels with 36-hole construction that feels solid and confidence-inspiring. Wheel sizes vary by frame – the Small/Medium gets 26″ wheels while the Medium/Large bumps up to 27.5″. Both sizes wear Electra’s Balloon Cruiser tires in a generous 2.35″ width that strikes the perfect balance for a beach cruiser. These slick-tread tires roll smoothly on pavement while providing enough cushion and stability for casual off-road excursions or rough boardwalks.
Stopping power comes from Rush hydraulic disc brakes with 2-piston calipers and 180mm rotors front and rear. For a cruiser, this is excellent stopping power that feels controlled and predictable. The hydraulic system provides good modulation without being grabby, which is exactly what you want when you’re riding in a relaxed position. No more worrying about sketchy rim brakes when you’re loaded down with beach gear or dealing with wet conditions.
The 8-speed MicroShift drivetrain keeps things simple but effective. MicroShift trigger shifters are easy to operate and feel responsive, paired with a MicroShift rear derailleur that shifts cleanly through the Shimano HG31 11-34T cassette. The gear range covers everything from leisurely beach cruising to tackling moderate hills without feeling overgeared or undergeared. The forged alloy crankset features a 44T chainring with an integrated chainguard to keep your pants clean – a thoughtful touch for commuter riders.
Electra nailed the comfort factor with the contact points. The custom alloy handlebar measures 700mm wide with a 100mm rise that puts you in that perfect upright cruiser position. Comfort Kraton rubber grips feel great in your hands for long rides. The stem gets bonus points for integrating a QuadLock phone mount – no more fumbling with aftermarket phone holders.
The ergonomic saddle features shock-absorbing elastomers that smooth out bumps without feeling squishy or unstable. The 400mm alloy seatpost with 31.6mm diameter provides plenty of adjustment range for dialing in your fit. Even the flat pedals with reflectors feel appropriate for the bike’s intended use – functional without being flashy, with safety built in for visibility.
Screen / User Interface / App
The Electra Townie Go! S features a straightforward display that works fine and gets the job done, though it’s not the most premium-looking unit out there. In bright sunlight it occasionally washed out, but I had no real functional issues with it. The display shows riding mode (Eco, Mid, and High) with a range remaining estimator that starts with a very conservative estimate—in some cases only 20 miles, even when I ended up covering the 54 miles in my range test.
The screen displays your current assist mode (Eco, Mid, High) alongside standard metrics like odometer readings, trip distance, and headlight status. Bluetooth pairing with the companion app adds another layer of functionality that cruiser riders will appreciate.
The mobile app surprised me with its thoughtful features. The tire pressure calculator stands out as genuinely useful – input your weight and it recommends optimal PSI for the Townie Go! S specifically. No more squinting at tiny sidewall markings or guessing within broad pressure ranges.
GPS tracking goes beyond basic route recording with topographic overlays and public land information. The route planning feature considers your current battery level when suggesting rides, which feels like forward-thinking design rather than an afterthought.
Motor customization lets you fine-tune each assist level’s power delivery and responsiveness. Adjust the settings and watch the range estimates update in real-time based on your preferences. The app also handles firmware updates, stores ride history, and manages rider profiles seamlessly. I really liked the ability to register multiple Electra bikes in the Trek Central App without the hassle of unpairing and re-pairing devices.
Overall, the digital experience feels well-integrated rather than tacked on, helping the Townie Go! feel premium without overwhelming its laid-back cruiser character.
Electra Townie Go! Model Options
The Townie Go! S comes in two frame sizes that cover most riders pretty well. The Small/Medium works for folks from 4’11” to 5’8″, while the Medium/Large handles 5’5″ to 6’4″ with some overlap in the middle if you prefer a different feel. Both sizes keep Electra’s Flat Foot Technology, so you can actually put your feet down properly at stops instead of doing that awkward tippy-toe dance.
Four colorways give you some decent variety here. That Shark Grey with tan accents (which really looks more like metallic blue to me) is the clear winner if you want something that turns heads. Aloha Vera (kind of a metallic teal) brings those tropical beach vibes, Vapor keeps things clean and simple (think white with slight purple hue to it) , and Orchid is for riders who aren’t afraid to stand out with a vibrant metallic purple. All colors get matching fenders, which is a nice touch that keeps the whole look dialed.
Here’s where Electra gets it right – they actually include the stuff you’d want anyway. Color-matched alloy fenders come standard so you won’t show up to work with a wet stripe up your back, and the MIK HD rear rack is ready for whatever you need to haul. The MIK system means you can add compatible accessories later without any hassle.
If you want to go further, Electra’s got front and rear baskets, bells for that classic cruiser vibe, matching helmets, and even a pet carrier if your riding buddy has fur. The frame includes a couple of bosses on the downtube for mounting additional accessories down the road like bottle cages or small frame bags.
Is The Electra Townie Go! Worth Buying?
So, when all the cards fall, what’s the bottom line on the Electra Townie Go! S? And, more importantly, should you spend your hard-earned cash on it? While I’m not here to give budget advice (just ask my wife and look at my garage bike collection), I can give some honest feedback from my time with it.
The Townie Go! S wins in my book because it’s not trying to be a “do it all” e-bike like so many on the market are these days – it’s just really good at being a beach cruiser, albeit with a little more confidence in the motor than your typical beach cruiser.
At $1,999 you’re getting solid value with reputable components and major brand backing, all with useful accessories and smart tech that justify the price.
So, does it fit your e-bike needs and riding style? Well, that’s for you to decide. What the Electra Townie Go! S provides an upright and very comfortable ride that excels equally well at commuting and errands as it does flexing its beach bod along the coast.
Frankly, the Townie Go! S shows us that smart engineering can improve a classic ride without losing its soul. It’s a premium cruiser that earns its price through thoughtful details, great performance, and tech that genuinely helps improve both the ride and its longevity.
Pros
- All-Day comfort with smart frame geometry allowing for safe, flat foot stops at any time – gone are the days of those sketchy tippy-toe wobbly stops.
- With an estimated range of up to 50 miles, I was still able to cover 54 miles in my real-world range test.
- The Trek Central App has some genuinely useful features like motor tuning and smart battery charging modes.
- Quality components like the 8-Speed MicroShift drivetrain and Rush Hydraulic Disc Brakes.
- It is great looking and comes with color matched fenders and a HD MIK rear rack, plus the ability to add front or rear baskets and mounting points for a water bottle cage.
Cons
- The display can get a little hard to read in direct sunlight.
- The battery cant be removed for storage or security, only by service techs for repair/replacements.
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