Gotrax Nephele Folding Electric Bike: Can This Compact E-Bike Go 28 Miles?
A budget-friendly folding e-bike perfect for short city commutes and tight storage spaces, though the weak motor and slow speed won't satisfy riders wanting more power or longer range.
Check Price on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Specifications
Best For
How this e-bike scores for different riding styles
Excellent folding capability with 16-inch wheels and 44.9-inch frame size makes this highly portable for apartments, car trunks, and public transit. At 70 lbs it's manageable for carrying short distances, perfect for last-mile transportation.
The 28-mile pedal-assist range and compact 16-inch folding design make this ideal for urban commuting, though the 15.5 mph max speed is modest for faster commutes. The removable battery and rear rack add practical value for daily use.
The comfortable adjustable seat, three riding modes, and moderate 15.5 mph speed suit casual neighborhood rides well. Front suspension and rear rack enhance leisure riding, though limited range on pure electric mode may restrict longer excursions.
The rear cargo rack supports light hauling, but 264 lb max weight capacity and modest 350W motor limit heavy-duty cargo use. Better suited for groceries and small loads rather than serious utility applications.
With only front suspension, 16-inch wheels, standard tires, and 350W motor, this bike lacks the power and rugged build needed for serious off-road trails. The steel frame and dual disc brakes provide some durability but insufficient for challenging terrain.
The 350W motor and 15.5 mph speed are entry-level specifications that won't satisfy performance enthusiasts. Power-to-weight ratio is low, and the bike lacks advanced features like app connectivity or high-capacity batteries needed for thrilling rides.
Our Verdict
The Gotrax Nephele 16-inch folding electric bike is a budget-friendly option that shines in portability and value but makes compromises in power and range. At just $439.99, it delivers impressive folding capability with 16-inch wheels that make it perfect for storing in tight spaces like apartment closets or car trunks. The bike comes with helpful features like a removable battery, LCD display, rear cargo rack, and UL safety certification. With 793 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, buyers generally appreciate what they get for the price. The 28-mile pedal-assist range is decent for short commutes, and the three riding modes give you flexibility to ride with full electric power, pedal assistance, or just like a regular bike.
This bike works best for people who need a compact ride for short city trips, apartment dwellers with limited storage, or anyone taking the bus or train who needs something portable for the last part of their journey. Students, casual riders, and folks with shorter commutes under 10 miles will find this bike does the job well. The adjustable seat and handlebars fit riders from 5 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 2 inches tall, and it can hold up to 264 pounds. The rear rack makes it handy for carrying a backpack or small grocery bags. At 15.5 mph, it moves at a comfortable pace for relaxed neighborhood rides or bike paths where you're not in a hurry.
However, the Nephele has real limitations that buyers should understand. The 350W motor is weak compared to most e-bikes, so hills will be tough and you'll need to pedal hard to help it along. The 15.5 mph top speed feels slow if you're used to faster bikes or have a longer commute. Without built-in lights, you'll need to buy and attach your own for safe night riding. The 15.5-mile pure electric range is short, so you'll be pedaling a lot to reach that 28-mile maximum. Anyone wanting a powerful bike for long rides, steep hills, or serious off-road trails should look at bikes with bigger motors and batteries. But if you need an affordable, foldable ride for short trips around town, this little bike offers solid value.
What We Like
- Super affordable at $439.99 with great folding design that fits in small spaces like apartments or car trunks
- Goes 28 miles when you pedal along with the motor, perfect for daily trips to work or school
- Easy to fold up and store anywhere, plus it has a rack on the back for carrying groceries or bags
- Has UL safety certification and good disc brakes on both wheels to stop safely
- Comes mostly built already and includes a one-year warranty covering parts that break
What Could Be Better
- Only goes 15.5 mph which is slower than most e-bikes, making it feel pokey on longer rides
- The 350W motor is pretty weak and might struggle going up steep hills with a rider on it
- Battery only lasts 15.5 miles if you don't pedal at all, which isn't very far compared to other e-bikes
- No built-in lights so you need to buy separate ones to ride safely at night
- Weighs 70 pounds which is heavy to carry up stairs or lift into a car
Standout Features
Full Specifications
Performance
| Motor Power | 350W |
Build & Frame
| Frame Material | High Strength Steel |
| Frame Size | 44.9 inches |
| Wheel Size | 16 inches |
| Suspension | Front Shock Absorbing Fork |
Weight & Capacity
| Bike Weight | 31.75 kg |
| Max Rider Weight | 264 pounds |
Features
Included Features
Not Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Gotrax 16" Folding Electric Bike, Max 28Miles Range(Pedal-Assist) & Speed 15.5Mph Power by Peak 500W, E-Bike with Removable Battery, Suspension & Adjustable Size, Commuter Bicycle for Adults/Teens
How far can this bike go on one charge?
It goes 15.5 miles using just the motor without pedaling, or up to 28 miles if you use the pedal-assist mode where you pedal along with the motor helping you. It takes 5.5 hours to fully charge the battery.
Is this bike good for riding up hills?
The 350W motor is pretty weak for hills, so you'll need to pedal hard to help it climb steep slopes. It works okay on flat ground or gentle inclines, but this isn't the best choice if you live in a hilly area.
How fast does this electric bike go?
The top speed is 15.5 miles per hour, which is slower than most e-bikes. That's about as fast as jogging pace, good for casual neighborhood rides but not great if you want to go faster.
Can I fold this bike to fit in my apartment or car?
Yes, it folds up nicely and the 16-inch wheels make it super compact. The frame is 44.9 inches long, so it fits in small spaces like apartment closets, under desks, or in most car trunks. It weighs 70 pounds though, so lifting it takes some strength.
What size person can ride this bike?
The bike fits people from 5 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 2 inches tall because the seat and handlebars adjust. It can hold riders up to 264 pounds. The seat and handlebars move up and down so different people can ride it comfortably.
Best For
How this e-bike scores for different riding styles
Excellent folding capability with 16-inch wheels and 44.9-inch frame size makes this highly portable for apartments, car trunks, and public transit. At 70 lbs it's manageable for carrying short distances, perfect for last-mile transportation.
The 28-mile pedal-assist range and compact 16-inch folding design make this ideal for urban commuting, though the 15.5 mph max speed is modest for faster commutes. The removable battery and rear rack add practical value for daily use.
The comfortable adjustable seat, three riding modes, and moderate 15.5 mph speed suit casual neighborhood rides well. Front suspension and rear rack enhance leisure riding, though limited range on pure electric mode may restrict longer excursions.
The rear cargo rack supports light hauling, but 264 lb max weight capacity and modest 350W motor limit heavy-duty cargo use. Better suited for groceries and small loads rather than serious utility applications.
With only front suspension, 16-inch wheels, standard tires, and 350W motor, this bike lacks the power and rugged build needed for serious off-road trails. The steel frame and dual disc brakes provide some durability but insufficient for challenging terrain.
The 350W motor and 15.5 mph speed are entry-level specifications that won't satisfy performance enthusiasts. Power-to-weight ratio is low, and the bike lacks advanced features like app connectivity or high-capacity batteries needed for thrilling rides.
Scores
Check current price and availability
Check Price on AmazonTags
More from Gotrax
See All →
Gotrax 20" Folding Electric Bike with 40Miles (Pedal-assist1) by 48V Battery, 20Mph Power by Peak 500W, Adult Electric Bicycle with 5 Pedal-Assist Levels& LCD Display, Suitable for Commuting
Gotrax 20" Folding Electric Bike with 55 Miles (Pedal-assist1) by 48V Battery, 20Mph Power by 500W, Smart LCD Display and 5 Pedal-Assist Levels, 7-Speed&Front Shock Absorber for Off-Road Bicycle
Other E-Bikes You Might Like
Browse All →
5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike for Adults - 1000W Peak Motor, 37KM/H Top Speed, 468WH Removable Battery, 7-Speed Gears & Adjustable Stem - Commuting & Mountain E-Bike with Color LCD Display
5TH WHEEL Discover Electric Bike for Adults,750W Peak Motor Electric Bicycle 23Mph 26" Commuting Electric Mountain Bike,43Miles Removable Battery,7-Speed Gears,Front Suspension,LCD Display
ACTBEST Apex Electric Bike for Adults, 26" 1000W Peak Electric Mountain Bike, 22MPH Top Speed, Max Range 55+ Miles, 48V Removable Battery, 21-Speed Lightweight E-Bike, Black 48V
ACTBEST Apex Electric Bike for Adults, 26" 1000W Peak Electric Mountain Bike, 22MPH Top Speed, Max Range 55+ Miles, 48V Removable Battery, 21-Speed Lightweight E-Bike, BLack1
Ready to buy the Gotrax Nephele?
Check the latest price and availability on Amazon. Free shipping available on eligible orders.
Check Price on Amazon