The Electra Townie Go! is based on the popular Electra Townie frame set and was introduced in 2013 with several updates for the 2014 model. It offers two pedal speeds that automatically shift based on pedal cadence. The gears are built right into the rear hub motor which offers 250 watts of power and the battery pack is average at 36 volts of power and 8 amp hours of capacity. It’s a bike that’s fun looking, easy to use and fairly durable. The cruiser style seating position keeps your head up and back and neck relaxed. The tires smooth out the ride and the fenders, chain guard and lights make it safe and functional.
250 watts isn’t much in the world of American ebikes. It’s more standard in Europe where they have stricter regulations. Still, this geared hub offers decent support and because it’s torque-activated the rider must always contribute by pedaling along to make it go. The downside here is that there’s no throttle mode but you do get more exercise. For much larger riders or those who prefer a scooter-like ride I suggest checking out the Pedego City Commuter which offers both pedal assist and throttle along with 7 speeds instead of just two. It’s a more complicated bike, and it’s more expensive, but it offers a stronger motor and battery pack.
Powering the Townie Go is a 36 volt, 8 amp hour Lithium-ion battery pack that’s mounted on the rear rack. The entire drive system here was built by SRAM and works seamlessly. In many ways, this bike is similar to the OHM XU 450 E2 that also runs on the SRAM EMATIC system but costs a bit more and features a front shock. As for the Townie Go, I’d say it has an average power and battery capacity offering, it works well for urban cruising but wouldn’t be ideal for off road or steep climbing applications. The battery pack itself is lockable and can be removed for charging on or off the bike. The same key that secures the battery also activates the rear-wheel lock. It’s a pretty neat system, one that will keep the bike a little bit safer but ideally you should still lock it to a rail or bike rack.
The beauty of the Townie Go is its simplicity. While it still offers mounts for a bottle cage and comes with fenders, lights and a rear rack this bike feels minimalist. It’s easy to forget there’s a motor and battery helping you along because you don’t have to choose an assistance level, look at an LCD computer or even shift gears. It’s like riding a single-speed kids bike, you just pedal along and the bike does the rest… and in this case, the bike reduces the strain on your knees, lets you keep up with friends and go further than a regular bike would.
I’m a big fan of the oversized tires and plush seat which absorb bumps and cracks. The chain guard is beautiful and keeps your pants clean and the high step and low step options are perfect for a his and her setup. The bikes come in black and gold for highstep and black and light blue for lowstep. A deflopiliator spring has been added on the front wheel to help stabilize the bike if you add a basket (for flowers or kittens) and the pedals are stiff, though a little less grippy in wet riding conditions due to a rubber grip pad. The rear rack is perfect for a saddle bag or panniers and uses standard gauge tubing that’s compatible with most after-market packs and the kickstand works well, keeping the bike very balanced, even with baskets or packs attached.
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…...
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…...
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…...
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…...
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…...
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…...
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…...
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,…...
Proven platform, Electra's Townie is comfortable, durable and stylish. Incredibly simple and clean, no computer to mess with, no extra cables or settings...
Walt Barnes
11 years agoThe concept is great, price is a bit high. Most folks would be put off by that, I think it would be better around $1,000
ReplyCourt Rye
11 years agoI hear you Walt, I think we are still in the early adopter phase of ebikes somewhat and as the technology catches on more the prices will come down. I think electric bikes are actually much more affordable in Europe and Asia where a lot of people ride them. I’ve created a list of more affordable ebikes you can check out at https://electricbikereview.website/category/affordable/
ReplySusan Stearns
11 years agoI am very curious as to what the updates are between the 2013 to 2014 models. Could you please give specifics?
ReplyJoann
11 years agoI have been waiting for Electra go bike. I just tested the new go ladies bike. I cannot believe that Electra put that bike out with a very serious design flaw. I am a women 5’4″ and I was not able to sit on that bike at the lowest level it would go. The seat will not go all the way down. It hits the battery rack. The salesman called Electra to see if it could be adjusted and they said no. They knew there was a problem. That sure makes them look bad. They should have held back release of the bike, so they could fix the problem. I have purchase 3 townie bikes and have always consided them a quality bike. They should not even offer the ladies bike electric bike. I think a women 5’6″ or shorter will not be able to get on that bike. Maybe someone can check it out. It is the 2014 model. That was one of the updates.
ReplyCourt Rye
11 years agoHi Joann, sorry to hear about the issues you experienced with the seat. Thanks for the heads up here! When I shot this review my time was a bit limited and I didn’t experiment with seat height. Your thoughts here will help others to be aware so thank you!
ReplyAnn
10 years agoDarn. The Go sounded great, but I am only 5″ even. There is no way. Thank you.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Ann, consider the Pedego 24″ Cruiser which uses smaller wheels to make getting on and off easier. You could also try the iGo Metro which is a bit less expensive and has an adjustable seat (review for that coming soon).
ReplyBjörn
10 years agoI am really interested in that bike. But I have some concerns about the general handling with the E-mode.
Maybe you have an answer on that:
The SRAM E-Matic seems to change between the 2 gears by itself. But does it also change the gears if the electric assistance is shut off? Can you also use the bike without the electric assistance? How comfortable is it to ride without it?
Thanks in advance, Björn
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Björn! Yes, I believe the SRAM E-Matic gearing will work even when the bike is turned off. I think it uses wheel speed to mechanically trigger a shift from one gear to another and SRAM even sells non-electric internally geared hubs. Here’s a page that shows their different products. I reviewed this bike quite a while back but if memory serves I think it rides just like a normal bike with the motor is turned off and that includes auto-shifting :)
ReplyMarie
10 years agoI’m interested in the women’s Townie Go but I can’t seem to get a straight answer as to whether it will fit me since I am a 6’1″ tall woman. All of the bike stores in the Denver Metro area appear to be out of stock. Do you know if it will work for a person as tall as I am or do I have to go with the men’s bike?
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoI hear bike companies say stuff like “this bike will fit anyone if you adjust the seat and handlebars” but truthfully it may feel a bit small. Have you considered the Easy Motion Neo City which comes in Medium and Large frame but still has the step-thru design? I realize it looks different than the Townie Go but it’s a wonderful bike with a similar easy to use interface offering pedal assist and throttle mode. The Townie Go is a decent bike but I think Electra was purchased by Trek recently and they may be updating the design or focused on other things for the short term. I didn’t like how loud it was or expensive considering it’s more simple than other ebikes (fewer gears to choose from, weaker motor).
ReplyMarie
10 years agoThank you for the help–I appreciate knowing the back story! I’ll check out the Easy Motion Neo City. But before I save up for that I will probably just get a much cheaper townie with some gears (mine has none and I am suffering on the hills west of Denver). Thanks again!
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoSure thing Marie, you can also add a kit to your regular Townie later (this is what Pedego did before they made their own electric bikes… and they used Electra Townies in fact). Here are some different ebike kit choices to explore, I like the ones from E-BikeKit because they have a solid warranty and offer more power but don’t cost a lot. The downside is no pedal assist. For fancier stuff check out BionX which offers regenerative braking and four levels of pedal assist as well as trigger throttle.
ReplyLAURYN
10 years agoWho makes that double kickstand? Copenhagen?
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Lauryn, I cannot confirm for certain but I believe you are correct! It looks like the Copenhagen Dual Leg Kickstand which retails for ~$35 online. Were you thinking about adding this to a bicycle you already own?
ReplyLAURYN
10 years agoThanks! You did help. I’ll update once I add one to my bike :)
ReplyLAURYN
10 years agoThank you, Court! I currently have an Electra Townie 21D with a Yepp Maxie Easyfit and the Easyfit Carrier XL like this and I am looking for a double kickstand that’ll work with my setup. I’m thinking the Copenhagen or Crow but asked here because I was curious what one was used on this Townie.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoCool! Sounds like a nice setup Lauryn, I hope I helped and am excited for you. Ride safe out there :)
Replychris
10 years agomy wife is 5’3 and has the light blue woman’s Townie Go. She is short legged but has no problem and loves it. I have the man’s Townie Go in black and i love it. We have owned them for 15 months ride them at the beach almost every weekend and they have been trouble free.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoThat’s awesome Chris! Thanks for sharing your story. Electra has a great reputation for fun cruisers and while I felt the Townie Go! was a bit loud and under-powered it was still a quality build and fun to ride :)
ReplyDavid Plantarose
2 years agoBonjour, nous avons perdu lors du déménagement, la batterie et le chargeur de notre Electra Townie Go Femme noir de 2014 – Savez vous si il est encore possible d’en trouver quelque part ? Merci de votre retour, je sais que nous sommes le 15/12/2022, et que j’ai peu de chances, mais je ne sais pas ou ni comment trouver.
ReplyCourt
2 years agoC’est malheureux ! Je n’en ai pas vu beaucoup sur la route, et Electra a opté pour différents modèles de batteries et de chargeurs. Dans quelle partie du monde vivez-vous ? Le mieux serait de demander à un revendeur local. Je pourrais peut-être demander à un représentant aux États-Unis ou au Canada s’il en a un, mais si vous êtes en France, il se peut qu’il ne puisse pas faire ses achats à l’international.
Reply