Home
Reviews
Brands
Electra Reviews
Electra Vale Go! 9D EQ Review

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Electric Bike Review

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Bosch Active Line Plus Ebike Motor

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Bosch Powertube 500 36 Volt Ebike Battery

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Riser Handlebar Shimano Acera Shifters

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Bosch Kiox Color Ebike Display

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Bosch Kiox Button Pad

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes 180mm Front 160mm Rear

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Integrated Rear Rack Fender Support

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Selle Royal Essenza Saddle

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Step Thru Frame With Bottle Cage Mounts

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Battery Charging Port On Frame With Cover

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Aluminum Alloy Fenders With Rear Spanninga Presto Guard Led Light

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq 40 Tooth Chainring With Alloy Guard

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Shimano 11 36 Tooth Cassette 12mm Thru Axles

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Bosch Powertube Battery Plug And Charge Level Led

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Bosch 4 Amp Electric Bicycle Charger Abus Key

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Stock Step Thru Fern Metallic

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Stock Step Thru Mahogany Metallic

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Stock Step Thru Matte Indigo

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Stock Step Thru Pearlized White

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Stock Step Thru Zinc

Electra Vale Go 9d Eq Stock Step Thru Sapphire Metallic

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 and heart rate monitors, and offers Micro-USB charging port with 5V 1A output for portable electronics accessories. Dynamic range estimation readouts and battery percentage offer peace of mind on longer rides
Vast network of dealers for test rides, six color choices (including several gender-neutral options), and name-brand components make this a trustworthy choice. The price is higher, but the service and comprehensive two-year warranty is great. Hydraulic disc brakes, puncture protected tires, fast charger, and great kickstand choice
Only available in one frame size and step-thru frame style. I feel that the bottle cage positioning could be higher to make it easier to reach and open up the stand-over space. High-volume Schwalbe tires and suspension seat post offer a bit of comfort, but the firm saddle, forward handlebar position, and all-aluminum frame can be a little jarring compared to other Electra models... it's a bit sportier. Charge port position and key position could be improved, key must be inserted and twisted to re-connect battery to frame

Make:

Electra

Model:

Vale Go! 9D EQ

Price:

$4,199

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban, Commuting

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Years Comprehensive, Lifetime Frame

Availability:

United States, Canada

Model Year:

202020212022

Total Weight:

53.7 lbs (24.35 kg)

Battery Weight:

6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) (7.1lb with Trek Removable Integrated Battery RIB Shield and Handle)

Motor Weight:

7.05 lbs (3.19 kg)

Frame Material:

6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

19 in (48.26 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

17.5" Virtual Seat Tube Length, 19" Top of Seat Tube to Center of Cranks, 24.5" Reach, 20" Stand Over Height, 34.5" Minimum Saddle Height with Suspension Post, 31.5" Minimum Saddle Height with Rigid Seat Post, 28.25" Width, 47" Wheelbase, 75.5" Length

Frame Types:

Step-Thru

Frame Colors:

Mahogany Metallic, Zinc, Fern Metallic, Matte Indigo, Sapphire Metallic, Pearlized White

Frame Fork Details:

Rigid (Straight with Tapered Legs) Hydroformed Aluminum Alloy, 100mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Thru-Axle with 6mm Hex Bolt

Frame Rear Details:

142mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Thru-Axle with 5mm Hex Bolt

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Mount, Fender Mounts, Bottle Bosses

Gearing Details:

9 Speed 1x9 Shimano CS-HG200-9 11-36 Tooth Cassette, Shimano Alivio Derailleur

Shifter Details:

Shimano Acera Rapid Fire Plus Triggers on Right (One-Way High, Three-Shift Low)

Cranks:

FSA, Aluminum Alloy, 170mm Length, 40 Tooth Steel Chainring with Aluminum Alloy Guard

Pedals:

VP-836 Resin Plastic Platform with Grip Tape Tread

Headset:

FSA E2, Integrated, Tapered 1-1/8" to 1-1/5"

Stem:

Forged Aluminum Alloy, 60mm Extension, 7-Degree Rise, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter, Blendr Accessory Compatible, One 20mm Tapered Spacer, Two 10mm Spacers, One 5mm Spacer

Handlebar:

Aluminum Alloy, Custom Bend Mid-Rise, 710mm Width, 31.8mm Bore

Brake Details:

Tektro Hydraulic Disc with 180mm Front Rotor and 160mm Rear Rotor, Dual-Piston Calipers, Tektro HD-T285 Three-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach

Grips:

Electra Vale Custom Ergo Kraton, Rubber, Ergonomic, Aluminum Alloy Locking Collar

Saddle:

Selle Royal Essenza

Seat Post:

Aluminum Alloy Suspension (40mm Travel, Preload Adjust in Base), 2-Bolt Clamp

Seat Post Length:

400 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

27.2 mm

Rims:

Townie by Electra Branded, Stars Circle J36U, Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 584x36, 32 Hole

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge, Silver with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Super Moto-X, 27.5" x 2.4" (62x584)

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Tire Details:

30 to 55 PSI, 2.0 to 4.0 BAR, Performance GreenGuard, Reflective Sidewall

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Aluminum Alloy Rear Pannier Rack, Blendr Compatible Stem, Aluminum Alloy Paint-Matched Fenders (90mm Width), Clear Plastic Slap Guard, Pletscher ESGE Rear-Mount Kickstand (18mm Mounting Point), Fork-Mounted Spanninga Axendo 80 Integrated Headlight (Dual Beam, 80 LUX), Rack-Mounted Spaninga Presto Guard Integrated Rear Light (1 LED)

Other:

Locking Removable Downtube-Integrated Battery Pack, 1.7lb 4 Amp Charger, Maximum Cadence 105 RPM Motor Support, ABUS Locking Core (Keyed-Alike Code Card), KMC E9T Nickel Plated Chain, Stainless Steel Anti-Rust Hardware, Patented Flat Foot Technology® (Frame Designed with Bottom Bracket In Front of Seat Tube)

Motor Brand:

Bosch Active Line Plus (MY20)

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Torque:

50 Newton meters (Eco: 35, Tour: 40, Sport: 45, Turbo: 50)

Battery Brand:

Bosch PowerTube 500 3200mAa 40 18650 Cells

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

13.4 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

482.4 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

5.5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

45 miles (72 km)

Estimated Max Range:

105 miles (169 km)

Display Type:

Bosch Kiox, Removable, Magnetically Attached, 1.9" Transmissive Backlit Color Display, Automatically Adapts to Lighting Conditions, Buttons: Power, Lights

Readouts:

Clock, Assist Level (Off/Gray, Eco/Blue, Tour/Green, Sport/Yellow, Turbo/Red), Light Icon, Batter (Percentage and Infographic), Units (MPH or KM/H), Current Speed, Power Meter Infographic (Shows Rider Input and Motor Input), Range Estimator, Trip Distance, Trip Time, Power (Watts), Cadence (RPM), Average Speed, Max Speed, Heart Rate, Double Battery Readout, Settings

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad on Left, Buttons: Walk Mode, +, -, Left, Right, Select, 5 Volt 1 Amp Micro-USB Port on Lower Edge of Display, (Navigate to Settings with Left Arrow then Click Select Button)

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Rear Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence, and Pedal Torque over 1,000x Per Second, Power Output Relative to Pedal Input: Eco 40%, Tour 100%, Sport 180%, Turbo 270%)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

Hide Advanced Search

Search Now

Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

Trusted Advertisers

To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This in-depth review was sponsored by Electra. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Electra products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below and the Electra electric bike forums.

Observations:

Electra introduced two brand new models in 2020 that both use the Bosch PowerTube 500 battery; the Vale Go! 9D and the Townie Path Go! 10D. The Vale introduces a more angular frame style and logo than most past Electra products, it only comes in step-thru frame style, is only available in one frame size, and utilizes thru-axles without quick release. To me, it’s quite unique in the Electra ebike lineup, and I appreciate that it comes in several gender-neutral colors
Electra was launched in 1993, introduced the first Townie cruiser models with flat-foot geometry in 2003, and was acquired by Trek in 2014. Trek is one of the “big three” bicycle manufacturers in the US, along with Giant and Specialized. Trek started in 1975, making hand-brazed steel frames, and since then have grown into a global powerhouse in the cycling industry with distributors in 90 different countries and hundreds of dealers that assemble and support the products. For consumers, this means more opportunities for test rides, post-purchase support, and parts availability

Pros:

The Electra Vale Go! 9D EQ offers a blend of hybrid and cruiser design elements that result in a sporty but comfortable ride. It’s only available in step-thru, making it approachable, but Electra really optimized stiffness, weight distribution, and performance to create a ride experience that is fairly unique
Priced $400 below the Electra Townie Path Go!, the Vale Go! uses the same great PowerTube 500 battery pack and Schwalbe Super Moto-X puncture resistant tires with reflective stripes, while introducing sturdy 12mm thru-axles vs. 9mm quick-release
The bike frame and paint-matched fenders are all aluminum alloy, making them lightweight and rust-proof. The design is sleek because the frame was hydroformed instead of just bent out of standard gauge tubing (you really see this on the form, which is tapered down to the axle mount)
Feature-complete, this electric bicycle could be used for casual cruising or regular commuting in varied weather conditions. Note the fenders, stylized pannier rack, and integrated Spanninga lights
Ebikes tend to be ridden more frequently and for longer distances, so Electra chose high-volume 2.4″ wide tires and an adjustable suspension seat post to dampen vibration and improve comfort. Note the riser handlebar, ergonomic grips, and wider saddle… That said, I found the Electra Townie Path Go! 10D to have an even more comfortable saddle, and you could always swap it aftermarket if you feel the same way
Electra pioneered the Flat-Foot geometry, used on the Vale Go!, which pushes the bottom bracket (spindle and crank arms) forward from the seat tube. This allows riders to lower the saddle position for easy mounting and stabilization while still achieving maximum leg extension while riding
I’m a big fan of the Bosch Kiox display panel because it’s fully removable (or lockable if you use the optional set screw), has a tough Gorilla Glass screen, delivers color readouts that are easy to interpret without actually reading (green for eco, red for turbo etc.), and it has a built-in Micro-USB port that can charge smartphone devices at 5 volt 1 amp output.
The Kiox display has Bluetooth integration, so you can connect an Android or iOS device to get software updates, adjust settings, and track rides with the Bosch Ebike Connect App.
The Kiox display also offers Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which can be used to connect to some heart rate monitors, including the Polar H7. This provides realtime heart rate data that compliments the onboard power meter (showing how much power you are exerting in Watts as a rider). These features let you manage workouts more effectively, almost like an exercise machine at the gym
Good quality hydraulic disc brakes provide smooth stopping power without a lot of hand effort. Electra has opted for 180mm rotor up front and a smaller 160mm rotor in the back, which gets the job done. Tektro hardware is more value focused, but the adjustable-reach levers are going to work for a wide range of hand sizes and both levers will pull with similar resistance vs. mechanical, which often has more resistance for the rear brake (right lever)
Good drivetrain here, the 9-speed Shimano setup shifts smoothly and is reliable with a mid-range Alivio derailleur. Note the clear sticker slap guard to protect the right chainstay paint, and the aluminum alloy chainring guard to keep the chain on track, keep your pant or skirt ends clean, and protect the bottom bracket from log/rock strikes
The bike is very quiet, in part due to the toned down Bosch Active Line motor, but also because there’s no chain cover and the fenders are extra wide and sturdy, with the stylized rack acting as an extra-thick support arm. I tested it going off curbs and through bumpy grass in the video review above
The front fender is connected directly to the fork with fixed metal stays, meaning it won’t bump out of position easily. Notice also that there are additional threaded eyelets on the front fork for possibly mounting a front rack?
Trek has this ABC safety campaign of “always on, biomotion, contrast” which you can see in the silver accents, reflective tires, and integrated lights here on the Electra Vale Go! 9D. The headlight is mounted to the base of the steer tube
Great kickstand position, it’s far back, clear of the left crank arm so you won’t get heel strikes when pedaling. It’s also positioned directly below the rack to support heavier loads
Trek designed a battery system called RIB (removable integrated battery) that is basically a shield with a handle that is screwed onto the Bosch PowerTube battery pack. This RIB system is easy to remove from the right side of the frame and safer to carry around. You can charge the battery on or off the bike. Electra borrows this same battery design for their Vale Go! and Path Go! models
You can reduce the weight of the bike by 7.1lbs by removing the battery pack. This is a great approach for lifting the bike or transporting it on car racks. I have been taught that storing the bike at half full and away from extreme heat is best for lithium-ion cells. Extreme cold will temporarily stunt the battery, and limit range, but isn’t as damaging as extreme heat
The battery pack locks into the frame using an ABUS core with PLUS keys that can be matched to ABUS locks, it’s a great setup and one of the highest-end locksets around, more info on the official ABUS website… if you opt for the Electra Townie Path Go! model, the bike actually comes with an ABUS frame lock to secure the rear wheel that is already keyed alike
Trek chose the 4 amp Bosch charger for faster turnaround times. The charger is relatively lightweight, compact, and can fill the battery on or off the frame without the need for any dongles. The proprietary plug interface is durable and won’t get confused with other charging devices you might own… it’s my favorite ebike charger!
The Bosch Active Line Plus motor is super quiet and efficient, offers enough torque for city riding and moderate hills (if you shift gears appropriately), and lets you cycle the chain backwards through the drivetrain which can be handy for lubing the chain and performing bike maintenance without a stand
The Bosch electric bike motor controller measures rear wheel speed, pedal cadence, and pedal torque over 1,000 times per second and is one of the more reliable and reputable ebike drive systems around. Bosch has partnered with Magura in North America to provide great customer support if issues arise. The motor even offers shift detection, which reduces chain and drivetrain wear by easing power back when it senses gear changes in motion
Electra/Trek, Shimano, and Bosch probably worked together so that the rear wheel speed sensor could be mounted to the disc brake rotor mount vs. the wheel spoke. This means the sensor will be more durable and read with more accuracy over time. It won’t imbalance the wheel or make one spoke loose over time… it’s a great little upgrade that is only seen on the Vale Go! and not the Path Go! interestingly
With the compact motor and internally mounted Bosch Powertube battery pack, this ebike is fairly stealthy. It doesn’t stand out, doesn’t produce a lot of noise, the cables are mostly internally routed, and the ebike system weight is kept low and center for optimal handling

Cons:

If we compare this ebike to the more expensive Electra Townie Path Go! 10D, we notice that it is $400 less expensive and ~2lbs lighter but has inferior lights (plastic Spanninga vs. alloy-encased Supernova that use more LEDs and are brighter), it lacks a full chain cover, it doesn’t come with a frame lock, and it has a more limited-use rear rack with no flat portion on top for trunk bags or child seats (I wasn’t able to find a max weight recommendation either). The biggest difference however, is the less powerful Bosch Active Line Plus motor vs. Performance Line (50Nm of torque vs. 65Nm) and a different display panel (Bosch Kiox vs. Bosch SmartphoneHub)
The Bosch Active Line Plus motor is very quiet and efficient, but it doesn’t offer the same high torque power as Performance Line motors and cadence support is limited to 105RPM vs. 120RPM. That means, if you switch gears down while heading into a big climb, the motor might not be able to keep up with your fast pedaling. If you slow down as a result and need to downshift again, the motor may struggle ongoing until you’re riding at a much lower speed… this isn’t the end of the world, it’s just not as flexible for high-cadence pedaling and sporty riding
The Bosch Active Line and MY20 Performance Line motors introduce a sort of “clunk” feeling when I stop pedaling. It’s like there’s some inertia built up in the motor or drivetrain that dissipates with a feeling and sound that the higher-end Performance Line Speed and CX motors do not have… perhaps this isn’t as noticeable with time if the motor breaks in? I mainly test brand new ebikes but almost always notice this “clunk” feeling, which I describe in the video review above
The location of the battery charging port is very low on the left side of the seat tube, pretty close to the left crank arm. When plugged in, the charging cable actually blocks the rotation path of the left crank, so be careful not to bump the pedals, or consider charging the battery off the bike. It would be physically easier to reach and safer to have the charging port positioned up high on the right side of the bike
Part of me really likes the Removable Integrated Battery RIB casing design that Electra is borrowing from its parent brand Trek here, because of the built-in handle and right-side removability from the frame. However, I dislike that it adds roughly 1.3lbs to the battery, that the shield is color-matched to the bike (making it less attractive to swap between other Electra/Trek models if you own multiple bikes), that the locking core is positioned on the left side of the frame vs. the right, and that the key must be used to mount the battery vs. simply pushing hard on the case to click it into the frame
The steel chainring is very standard, there’s no narrow-wide tooth pattern or guide element to help retain the chain. It could hop off inwards towards the motor casing on very rough terrain, but this is a minor concern for a cruiser ebike with city tires and no suspension
The headlight is bright and aimable, but doesn’t have side windows for maximum visibility. I noticed that the Vale Go! 9D didn’t come with a bell for signaling other riders like the Townie Path Go! 10D
The bike is only available in one frame size and style, the step-thru. I find that interesting considering that the Electra Townie Path Go! is being produced in both step-thru and high-step
Considering the relatively high price of these electric bikes, some people might wonder why Electra didn’t opt for the super high capacity Bosch PowerTube 625 battery. I suspect that the longer dimension of that pack wouldn’t allow for the shorter downtube and step-thru frame styles on the Vale and Path models.
This is a minor thing, but I feel like the bottle cage position is too low. If you actually add a bottle cage to the top tube on this ebike, it will be positioned exactly where you step-thru the frame and could easily get kicked. I like where Trek placed the Bottle cage on their step-thru Allant+ models, much higher up towards the stem… but at least it comes with bottle cage bosses at all ;)
The Bosch Active Line and Performance Line motors have a larger q-factor than competing mid-drive units from Shimano, Yamaha, and Brose. The width is 175mm, and that spaces the crank arms out a bit further… not that big of a deal, but worth mentioning because a standard analog bicycle q-factor is 145mm to 157mm on road, city, and gravel bikes
Neither wheel is setup with quick release, you’ll need a 5mm and 6mm hex key wrench to get both wheels off. That could be inconvenient in the event of a flat tire… and finding alternative quick release hardware may be difficult due to the unique 12mm thru-axles used on the Vale Go!
As with any premium electric bike with name brand components and a leading drive system that is custom-integrated into the frame, this ebike costs more money, but at least it is sold through a vast network dealers who can offer support and comes with a great 2+ year comprehensive warranty

Useful Resources:

Official Electra website
Bosch Kiox ebike display settings
Electra ebike shop directory to find an Electra/Trek dealer near you for fitting and test rides

January 29, 2024 (3 months ago)

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…...

Read Review

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 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…...

2013 Electra Townie Go Review

MSRP: $2,200
MODEL YEAR: 2012, 2013

Proven platform, Electra's Townie is comfortable, durable and stylish. Incredibly simple and clean, no computer to mess with, no extra cables or settings...

Blasst

4 years ago

Hi Court,

Thanks for doing this review, it helps to have other things to read right now. Keep up the great work.

Court

Hey Blasst! Sure thing, I’m working on the Electra Path Go! next, should be live soon :D

I know most people comment on the youtube video review, but all your hard work is appreciated.

Jason Aaron Fager

I bought one of these around Halloween 2019 and have put close to 500 miles on it. I was about sold on the Townie 8i, but the shop ordered a Vale specifically for me to try out and it just ended up putting a bigger smile on my face.

When I bought it, I was 5’11” 365 lbs and I hadn’t ridden a bike in over 30 years, so I was concerned about durability and the motor being strong enough to haul me up hills. So far, the motor has helped me up all but the steepest grades and it’s only needed one truing due to loose spokes (shortly after I got it) and one spoke replacement.

The shop swapped the stock saddle for a Townie saddle, which I found vastly more comfortable. I had them replace the pedals with mountain bike pedals which helped a lot since I have penguin feet and gave me more stability when standing up.

The rear rack is definitely questionable and I couldn’t fit the trunk bag my wife got me for Christmas onto it without a struggle. The suspension seat post is more distracting than anything else, though I’m sure it wasn’t designed for a rider my size so I can’t really fault it for that. I had some problems with my baggier pant cuffs getting caught in the chain and ripped up by the motor. The US version of the bike doesn’t come with the chain guard pictured on the European site, but the factory shipped one to the shop at no charge and they were able to attach it fairly easily. I tried to get an ABUS cafe lock, but despite the mounting points on the frame, it doesn’t look like anything in the ABUS range actually fits over the rear fender.

Biggest problem I had with the bike is the battery compartment. It was finicky right out of the box and within a month I was having issues with the battery getting stuck in the frame or the key getting stuck in the lock. Took it back to the shop and we ended up breaking the key in half trying to get it apart. They finally got it apart and shifted some things around and now it works reliably, but the battery isn’t lined up with the frame the way you’d expect and I don’t know if it will end up having similar problems in the future after it’s bounced around on the trails for a while.

Wow! Your comment is gold, thank you so much Jason! It’s really interesting to read about your experience with the bike and I REALLY appreciate you sharing your body stats, so we can relate that to bike performance. It’s awesome that the bike feels capable, and that you’ve only had a loose and broken spoke. This is something I’ve heard from other larger riders too, the spokes tend to get loose a bit easier. Good for you having such a great relationship with the shop. I’m glad they were able to get a chain cover for you. Have you tightened the preload on the suspension seatpost? Just take it out of the seat tube, and look in the base. You can use a hex key tool to tighten the preload so it will feel more steady (if it’s bouncy or soft for you right now). Interesting to hear that the battery interface has also been a little tricky, but so glad they got it working right for you! Perhaps your bike was one of the very first and just had a couple of small things that they have since corrected. In any case, reading your comment made me smile :D

Yann

2 years ago

Hi Court,
I was wondering since you tested both the Allant+ 7 (low step for my wife) and this Vale Go, which you’d recommend for family recreational rides on small roads and light trail/gravel path?
Thanks a lot
Yann

Hi Yann! I think the Trek Allant +7 offers more utility with the full rear rack (top mountable) and the suspension fork. It looks pretty close in terms of price, and I think you’d get more utility… but the style of the Electra Vale Go is very nice, so that might play a role. The final point for me is that the Allant has a more powerful Bosch motor :)

Stephen

I wanted to get the Allant+ 8s. I even test rode it. Coming from a Trek Verve 2 Lowstep, I felt more hunched over. I liked everything about the Allant, except for that “sporty” leaning stance. Seeing that I felt a bit dejected, the Trek store pulled out the Electra Vale Go 9 S for me. It looked fantastic. I test rode. I liked the more upright riding stance. I bought it. After riding for an hour, I realized the seat had to go. I got the same brand, but larger, and with springs — ordered from Am Azon. It is better. Seat post still seems off, probably because I am 6′ and 300 lbs.

Overall I like this bike — like the display, love how it connects to phone and maps my ride. Even at my weight, I can get about 25 miles per hour with pedal assist. Any faster, is scary, anyway. I was really sold on the support channel of Trek and Bosch. I feel there will be bike parts and battery parts for many years to come.