Hello everyone, Jay here from MJTech, and today I’m excited to introduce another electric bicycle/scooter-like bike called the Gotrax Flex. Priced at around $425 with available coupons, this bike offers a compelling value proposition.Â
Firstly, the Gotrax Flex is equipped with 12-inch pneumatic tires, providing a smooth and comfortable ride on various terrains. It also comes with a convenient carrying basket, making it practical for transporting essentials during your rides.
One of the standout features of the Gotrax Flex is its dual suspension system on the back, which is quite impressive considering its affordable price point. This suspension setup contributes to a smoother ride, absorbing bumps and vibrations effectively.
So, the Gotrax Flex appears to be a promising electric bike/scooter hybrid, offering a range of features typically found in higher-priced models. Stay tuned for my in-depth review where I’ll dive deeper into its performance and functionality.
| FRAME MATERIAL | 6061 Aluminum Alloy |
| MOTOR | 350W |
| TOP SPEED | 20 mph |
| SMART TECHNOLOGY | LED Display |
| TIRES | 14" |
| BRAKING SYSTEM | F: Electromagnetic / R: Disc |
| FOLDABLE | Yes |
| BATTERY | 36V 7.8Ah |
| RANGE | 18 miles |
| MAX LOAD | 220 Lbs |
Unboxing and Assembly
Upon unboxing, you found the Gotrax Flex e-bike well-protected with warning labels. Despite being delivered by FedEx, known for its poor reputation, the bike arrived undamaged, which was a pleasant surprise.
The assembly process began with attaching the steering bar, which came pre-set up from the factory. You removed the stand and used five number five Allen bolts to position the handlebar securely.
Next, you assembled the rear basket using five number five Allen screws, ensuring that the yellow sticker on the basket faced the back side of the bike as indicated. Optionally, you mentioned adding blue Loctite for extra security on the screws.
The seat came pre-assembled, requiring you to simply place the bar into the frame and adjust the latch securely. You removed all the wrapping from the bike and highlighted the satisfaction of finding the keys included. Lastly, you removed additional wraps from the back side of the bike to complete the unboxing and assembly process.
Design and Build Quality
Starting with the suspension, the rear dual spring suspension provides a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and vibrations effectively. However, the lack of suspension on the front means that larger bumps can be felt more prominently, impacting overall ride comfort.
The design of the bike focuses on comfort, particularly with the seat. The wide and well-padded seat ensures that riders experience minimal discomfort, even during longer rides. The thoughtful design of the seat prevents it from causing discomfort or pain typically associated with narrower seats that might dig into the rider’s legs.
Additionally, the Gotrax Flex boasts a 9-inch super wide deck, providing ample space for comfortable foot placement. The wide seat belt and mechanical key further enhance the user experience, ensuring a secure and enjoyable ride.
Safety is also prioritized with the inclusion of a headlight and a red tail light, enhancing visibility during low-light conditions. The dual drum brakes provide reliable stopping power, adding to the overall safety features of the bike.
The foldable design of the Flex adds to its versatility, allowing for easy storage and transportation. Moreover, the adjustable seat height ensures that riders of different heights can find a comfortable riding position.
While the overall comfort is commendable, there are some design aspects that could be improved. The handlebar height might be a bit low for some riders, leading to a slightly uncomfortable riding position for taller individuals. Additionally, the deck length could be longer to accommodate different foot placements comfortably.
In terms of build quality, the Gotrax Flex appears sturdy and well-constructed, with attention to detail evident in the assembly process. The ease of assembly is highlighted as a positive aspect, making it accessible for users to set up the bike without much hassle.
The bike features a functional headlight and a convenient charging port located towards the front. The absence of a smart screen is noted, with a simple battery indicator displaying charge levels in increments of 25%.
Gotrax Flex: Motor and Driving Test
The Gotrax Flex e-bike offers a straightforward experience without the need for hacking or adjusting P settings to enhance its speed capabilities. With its 36-volt 400-watt system, it delivers a reliable performance suitable for casual rides without expecting extraordinary speeds. Despite its limitations in terms of power output, the combination of bicycle and scooter elements creates a unique and enjoyable riding experience, particularly for shorter individuals or kids.
The bike features drum brakes on both the front and rear, providing efficient stopping power without any notable complaints. While it lacks an electronic horn, the inclusion of a bell adds a touch of convenience, even if it sounds more like an ice cream truck bell than a traditional horn.
During speed tests, the Gotrax Flex reached an average speed of 15 mph, with occasional peaks up to 17 mph. The maximum range observed was approximately 12 miles, making it suitable for shorter commutes or leisurely rides. The build quality, particularly regarding the brakes, is satisfactory, considering the bike’s price point. While hydraulic disc brakes would have been a premium addition, the mechanical drum brakes perform adequately for the bike’s intended use.
During off-roading tests, the Gotrax demonstrated decent performance on moderate terrain, including grassy areas and slight inclines. The thin tires are manageable on gravel but require caution when navigating curves to prevent sliding.
In terms of battery life, the initial bars offer about five miles of range each, with the last two bars depleting more quickly. This information provides users with a clear understanding of the bike’s remaining range during longer rides.
So, considering its affordability and intended use as a casual e-bike/scooter hybrid, the Gotrax Flex delivers a satisfactory performance and build quality, making it a viable option for individuals seeking a budget-friendly electric ride.
Battery and Range
A 36-volt battery powers the Gotrax Flex e-bike; however, the exact number of amp hours is not specified. On the other hand, the maker claims that the device can travel about 16 miles on a single charge. This range estimate is based on normal riding circumstances and may change based on the weight of the rider, the terrain, the speed, and the amount of pedal assistance applied.
Although the battery’s precise amp-hour capacity is unknown, its estimated 16-mile range points to a battery that can sustain moderate-distance rides appropriate for leisure or commuting. It’s convenient for short- to mid-range journeys because riders may anticipate having enough riding time before needing to recharge the battery.
Gotrax Flex: Conclusions
One of the standout features of the Gotrax Flex is its rear suspension, which adds to the overall comfort and ride quality, especially on uneven surfaces. The adjustable rear suspension allows riders to fine-tune their riding experience based on personal preferences and road conditions. While the lack of front suspension may lead to feeling bumps more noticeably through the handlebars, it’s not a significant drawback for road use.
The inclusion of a rear basket adds practicality to the e-bike, offering convenience for carrying small items or groceries during rides. Additionally, the comfortable seat ensures a pleasant riding experience without any complaints.
So, the Gotrax Flex is a compelling choice for those seeking an affordable yet functional e-bike or scooter for local use. Its combination of features, comfort, and performance make it a worthy consideration in its price range.
Priced at $400 on Amazon, the Gotrax Flex offers a great value proposition as a compact e-bike/scooter hybrid. With its 400-watt motor and 36-volt battery, it provides a decent performance capable of delivering up to 12 miles of range in real-world testing. This range makes it ideal for local commuting or leisurely rides around the neighborhood.
