2013 Electra Townie Go Review

Electra Townie Go Electric Bike Review 1
Mens Electra Townie Go
Electra Townie Go 250 Watt Motor
Electra Townie Go Sram E Matic
Electra Dynamo Light
Electra Townie Go Back Light
Electra Townie Go Battery Pack Lock
Electra Townie Go Dynamo
Electra Townie Go Kickstand
Electra Townie Go On Off Switch
Electra Townie Go Rear Swivel Light
Sram Ematic Electric Hub Motor
Womens Electra Townie Go
Electra Electric Bike Battery
Electra Townie Go Electric Bike Review 1
Mens Electra Townie Go
Electra Townie Go 250 Watt Motor
Electra Townie Go Sram E Matic
Electra Dynamo Light
Electra Townie Go Back Light
Electra Townie Go Battery Pack Lock
Electra Townie Go Dynamo
Electra Townie Go Kickstand
Electra Townie Go On Off Switch
Electra Townie Go Rear Swivel Light
Sram Ematic Electric Hub Motor
Womens Electra Townie Go
Electra Electric Bike Battery

Summary

  • Proven platform, Electra's Townie is comfortable, durable and stylish
  • Incredibly simple and clean, no computer to mess with, no extra cables or settings
  • Excellent ~30 mile range but lower top speed (15mph electronically limited), single speed crank

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Electra

Model:

2013 Townie Go

Price:

$2,200 USD

Body Position:

Upright Relaxed

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

Lifetime Frame, 1 Year Components

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

20122013

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

52 lbs (23.58 kg)

Frame Material:

6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Types:

High-Step, Step-Thru

Frame Colors:

Black, Light Blue

Frame Fork Details:

Hi-Tensile Steel Unicrown with Straight Tapered Legs

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

2 Speed 1x2 Internally Geared Auto-Switch at 11 mph, 17T Cog

Cranks:

Forged Alloy 170 mm

Pedals:

Aluminum Alloy Platform

Headset:

1.125" Steel Threaded Semi-Integrated

Stem:

Forged Alloy 25.4 mm Quill, 100 mm Extension

Handlebar:

6061 Aluminum Alloy High Rise

Brake Details:

Front and Rear V-Brakes, Alloy 4-Finger Reach Adjustable Levers

Grips:

Ergonomic

Saddle:

Ergonomic with Shock-Absorbing Elastomer

Seat Post:

Forged Alloy with Micro Adjust

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

27.2 mm

Rims:

Double-Wall Alloy with Eyelets, 26" with 36 Holes, Painted with Machined Sidewalls

Spokes:

14G Stainless, Brass Nipples

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Fat Frank Balloon, 26" X 2.35" 67 TPI

Wheel Sizes:

26 in (66.04cm)

Tire Details:

Reflective Sidewall, Puncture-Resistant Kevlar Guard Casing

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

SRAM D3 Dynamo (3 Watt Output) Powered LED Headlight, Matching Aluminum Alloy Fenders and Chain Guard, Rear Carry Rack, Double Leg Scissoring Kickstand

Other:

Patented Flat Foot Design Offers Comfortable Seating Position, Removable Battery with Lock, KMC Z7 Rustbuster 1/ 2" x 1/ 8" Chain

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

SRAM E-Matic

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Torque:

60 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

8 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

288 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

3 hours

Estimated Min Range:

20 miles (32 km)

Estimated Max Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Drive Mode:

Torque Sensing Pedal Assist

Top Speed:

15 mph (24 kph)


Written Review

This is a review for the 2013 version of the Electra Townie Go! which made its way into dealers across the United States in the Spring of 2013. Follow this link for a review of the most recent Townie Go. This bike offers a unique combination of style and simplicity. The rider doesn’t have to shift gears, adjust speed settings or mess with a tiny computer. In fact, the Townie Go doesn’t even have a user facing computer or gears to shift into our out of. Hands are left completely free to hold on or use with the brake levers. Everything that goes into making it an “electric” bike lives in the rear hub and battery pack and is connected with just one wire that runs through the frame. This makes riding a breeze and means there aren’t any extraneous cables to detract from the beautiful color and clean lines that Electra is so well known for.

Picture this, The Battery Management System (BMS) is integrated into the rear battery pack. The torque sensor, speed sensor, controller and gear box are all integrated into the rear hub. There is only one wire lead going from the rear hub motor to the battery and it runs through the rear rack carrier which is beautifully designed. This is the benefit of using SRAM’s E-matic system, it’s super clean. There is a light on the front of the bike but in order to keep the system from getting messy, this light does not actually run off of the battery pack, it’s powered by a hub dynamo built right into the front wheel. The same is true of the rear light which uses AA batteries and is not integrated with the SRAM e-matic system.

For more advanced riders this bike may underwhelm. It is electronically limited to just 15 miles per hour top speed. In the USA, electric bikes are legally permitted to hit 20mph. While we’re on the subject of speed… This bike is a single-speed meaning it doesn’t have any gears for the rider to choose from when pedaling. It’s like most of the other Electra bikes, reminiscent of what you may have had as a kid, just one speed for all occasions. In so many ways, this is just a standard Electra bike with a motor attached. But it’s attached very well and the design is smart. Having a motor at all is a huge benefit for longer rides, windy days and whenever hills come into the picture and this bike adds one while keeping weight and complexity at bay.

According to the CEO of Electra, this bike can take a 200lb rider ~37 miles per charge which is quite an accomplishment! The Lithium ion battery pack is high quality and because this bike doesn’t have a throttle, the rider is required to constantly pedal in order to keep it going which extends battery life. To get it going all you have to do is press the power-on button on the rear battery pack and then begin pedaling. It’s that easy.

I’m a big fan of the upright seating position that this bike and other Electra bicycles offer. It keeps your head up and on the road. You’re less likely to get a stiff neck or back from being arched over, like on most road bikes, and the tires are large and soft which helps to absorb bumps. The handlebars are swept back letting your shoulders relax and the “flat foot” design positions the pedals and bottom bracket further forward on the bike letting you sit in a more natural knees-forward position.

All in all I’m big a fan of this bike. It takes something great and makes it a little bit easier to use… and more fun! For just $2,200 this bike is priced very well and while it doesn’t offer quite as much power or technology, that’s fine, that’s part of what makes it fun and easy to use. It also weighs just 52lbs which in the world of electric bikes is on the low end, especially for a comfort design. It comes in many colors and both a high step (men’s) or low step (women’s) configuration.

Pros:

  • Incredibly simple, beautiful and durable. Based on Electra’s proven Townie design
  • Well priced at just $2,200 compared with other ebikes
  • Relatively light weight at just 52 pounds
  • Cables are integrated into the frame keeping the bike stylish and less vulnerable to snags
  • The rack that houses the battery is welded onto the frame and won’t rattle, this is a quiet bike
  • Simple electronic system only has one switch on/off so you won’t be confused or distracted
  • Includes a front light which is powered through the front dynamo hub
  • Lots of beautiful colors to choose from
  • Comfortable, ergonomic seating position combined with soft tires and plush sprung seat
  • High end Lithium-ion battery will get lots of charge cycles, recharge quickly and weigh less than Lead acid alternatives
  • Battery locks to bike and is hidden by a swivel reflector in the rear
  • Awesome kickstand folds to the side vs. strattling the rear wheel. This is lighter and can stow higher up than alternatives.
  • Built in fenders look great and make riding in the rain or on wet streets no big deal
  • Chain guard protects pants and dresses from getting oil on them
  • Single speed design means the chain is short and tight and won’t fall off as easily as some elctric bikes

Cons:

  • Lower top speed than many other US electric bikes, just 15mph
  • Only offers pedal assist mode so you have to keep pedaling to go vs. using a throttle
  • No computer to tell you how far you’ve gone or how fast you’re riding
  • Since the battery and motor are built into the rear end, this bike is back-heavy
  • Curvy frames look nice but are harder to mount onto some car and bike racks, especially the step-through version
  • The rear light is powered independently by AA batteries and not integrated with the SRAM e-matic system

Resources:

More Electra Reviews

Electra Townie Go! 7D Step-Thru Review

  • MSRP: $1,749
  • MODEL YEAR: 2022

One of the most affordable name brand electric bikes on the market right now, priced to compete with online ebikes but offers dealer assembly, fitting, post-purchase support, and comes in two frame styles and seven color options! The step-thru is a small-medium with 26" tires and the high-step is a medium-large with 27.5" tires.. Two gender neutral color options for the step-thru presumably for guys who aren't as tall…...

Electra Bali Cruiser Go! Step-Thru Review

  • MSRP: $1,799
  • MODEL YEAR: 2022, 2023

An affordable lightweight cruiser electric bike with special edition Artist Series tropical design. priced to compete with online ebikes but offers dealer assembly, fitting, post-purchase support, and comes in two frame styles and eight color scheme options! The step-thru is a small-medium with 26" tires and the high-step is a medium-large with 27.5" tires.. This is a Class 1 ebike with three levels of torque and cadence sensing pedal…...

Electra Townie Path Go! 10D EQ Review

  • MSRP: $3,699
  • MODEL YEAR: 2020, 2021, 2022

A premium cruiser style ebike that comes feature complete with paint-matched aluminum alloy fenders to keep you dry, sturdy rear rack for transporting gear or a child seat, top-of-the-line integrated Supernova lights (front and rear), key-alike ABUS frame lock for convenient secure stops, and puncture-resistant reflective tires to reduce flats and keep you visible to cars. Bosch SmartphoneHub is extremely versatile and unique. It works on its own as a simple…...

Electra Vale Go! 9D EQ Review

  • MSRP: $4,199
  • MODEL YEAR: 2020, 2021, 2022

A feature complete hybrid electric bicycle with cruiser-inspired geometry and style. Large paint-matched aluminum alloy fenders keep you dry, minimalist rear rack for pannier bags offer utility, and integrated Spanninga lights and reflective tires improve safety. Bosch Kiox color LCD display is awesome because it's removable, has Bluetooth integration for smartphones…...

Electra Townie Go! 7D Review

  • MSRP: $1,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2020

One of the most affordable name brand electric bikes on the market right now, priced to compete with online ebikes but offers dealer assembly, fitting, post-purchase support, and comes in two frame styles and seven color options! The high-step frame is a medium-large with 27.5" tires and the step-thru is a small-medium with 26" tires, making it lower easier to approach. Two gender neutral color options for the step-thru presumably for guys who aren't as tall…...

Electra Loft Go! 8i Review

  • MSRP: $2,799
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A stylish city bike with efficient Bosch Active Line motor, integrated front and rear light, reflective tires, and three color choices (black, cream, aqua). Powerful hydraulic disc brakes with easy-pull levers, reflective tires, and a reflective decal on the…...

Electra Townie Commute Go! 8i Review

  • MSRP: $2,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

A feature-rich electric bike that blends commuting utility and efficiency with cruiser comfort and style, large swept-back handlebar and oversized saddle. Integrated LED lights, reflective Balloon tires, premium bell, and paint-matched fenders and chain cover keep…...

Electra Townie Go! Review

  • MSRP: $2,729
  • MODEL YEAR: 2016

The best Electra Townie Go! design I've tested to date, better weight distribution, increased efficiency and greater power thanks to the Bosch Performance Cruise drive system. Available in six different colors with matching aluminum fenders, chain guard, rims and carry rack,…...

2014 Electra Townie Go Review

  • MSRP: $2,200
  • MODEL YEAR: 2013, 2014

Comfortable, simple to use and affordable cruiser style electric bike built on the proven Electra Townie platform. The SRAM EMATIC system has no computer to mess with, no extra cables or settings…...


Comment (1) YouTube Comments

jason
12 years ago

For that much money there should be a taillight that runs off the battery too.

  Reply

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.