Gocycle, the British e-bike company founded by a former McLaren automotive designer, has just unveiled an innovative family electric cargo bike. The CX range of long tail bikes are lightweight and foldable, as you’d expect from a Gocycle, and there’s an interesting new handlebar on the CX Plus model that quickly adapts to rider comfort.
Gocycle calls it the Flofit, and it’s “possibly the most adjustable and comfortable handlebar ever developed!” company founder and designer Richard Thorpe said in a press release. “Adjustable range, grip angle, offering multiple hand positions and of course foldable – it’s a game changer for the discerning urban e-cyclist.”
Maybe, but right now all we have is a promise and a bunch of image renders, not even a photo of the actual bike. That’s not to say we can’t trust Gocycle—the company has been making super-premium e-bikes since 2009, including a fast-folding e-bike with integrated running lights, internal cable routing, minimalist displays, and those weird and cool Side mounted wheels.
Gocycle says the CX weighs just 23 kilograms (51 pounds), which is very light for a cargo e-bike, but it can support up to 220 kilograms (485 pounds) of total weight, including rider, passenger and cargo. By comparison, the Rad Power RadWagon electric cargo bike doesn’t fold, weighs about 77 pounds, and has a weight limit of 350 pounds, but it also has a larger battery and a more powerful 750W motor, and it’s significantly cheaper. But let’s see how you can tuck the RadWagon into the back of a train, elevator, or car.
As for the center stand’s ability to support such a large load, Gocycle’s Thorpe discussed with edge:
“Gocycle has always been a pioneer in double-leg retractable center stands – we’ve earned an enviable reputation for lightweight, strong and foldable products! The new patent-pending CX stand has been designed and tested with a maximum vehicle load rating of 220 kg and is suitable for multi-passenger/rider loading and unloading use cases. With our many years of experience in the folding and compact wheeled e-bike market segments, it presented a difficult design and engineering challenge.”
The rear wood deck (cherry or teak) on CXi and CX Plus is compatible with MIK accessories, including child seats, pet carriers, bag baskets, and Gocycle’s F1-inspired halo system to protect children.
As for the rest of the specs, the frame is a mix of alloy up front and carbon fiber at the rear. There are also carbon fiber wheels and front forks and a 375Wh (10.4Ah / 36V) removable battery with a charging time of 3.5 hours. The front hub motor is said to have a range of “up to 80 kilometers (50 miles).” In the US, you get a 500W motor with a top speed of 20 mph, which is lower than the Europeans’ standard 25 km/h and 250W combination.
Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes help bring the 20 x 2.4-inch tires to a reliable stop. The gearbox is supported by a torque sensor for more intuitive pedal assist, a five-speed Shimano Nexus hub with Gocycle’s predictive shifting capabilities, and a Gates CDX carbon belt drive instead of a long, greasy chain and finicky gearbox.
1/10
Gocycle’s e-bikes have never been cheap, and the CX family doesn’t change that.Still, these are cargo e-bikes that can replace cars for some families, including those paying $12,000 Per year Own and maintain a new car that sits idle 96% of the time.
The CXi model has an RRP of £5,999 (approx. €7,000 / $7,600) and is available for pre-order now, while the CX Plus has an RRP of £6,999 (approx. $8,860 / €8,210), with first deliveries to the UK, US (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), Europe is expected to start in September. Please note that you will need to pay a refundable deposit of £499 to guarantee your place in the queue.
Gocycle has successfully weathered the double whammy of a boom/bust pandemic sales cycle and the sudden disappearance of “free” investor money. In 2023, excess e-bike inventory is flooding the market at low prices, which is great for consumers, but not so great for small boutique manufacturers. “That’s hard for a company like Gocycle that is focused on value innovation, thoughtful design, and prides itself on maintaining an industry-leading 4.5-star customer service rating,” Thorpe said. “The era of ruthless discounting will eventually fade away, and we hope urban e-bike customers and dealers will value innovation over cheap deals or free stock.”
