Gotrax R1 Folding Electric Bike: Is It Worth It for Commuters?

The Gotrax R1 is a smart choice if you need a bike that folds up small and fits into tight spaces. At $560, you get a bike that works great for riding to work or school, especially if you live in a small apartment or need to take it on the bus or train. The bike folds down to about the size of a large suitcase, and at 45 pounds, most adults can carry it without too much trouble. It has a nice screen that shows you how fast you're going and how much battery is left, plus a bright headlight so cars can see you at night.

This bike is perfect for people who ride 5 to 10 miles to work each day and want something they can store easily. If you pedal along with the motor, you can go up to 40 miles before charging, which is plenty for most daily trips. The 5 different power levels let you choose how much help you want from the motor - use less power when the road is flat and save battery, or crank it up when you're tired or going uphill. The dual disc brakes stop you quickly and safely, and it's UL certified which means experts checked that it won't catch fire or have electrical problems.

However, this bike isn't the best choice if you want to ride fast or go on bumpy trails. It only goes 20 miles per hour at top speed, and without any suspension, rough roads will feel pretty jarring. If you want to ride without pedaling at all, you'll only get about 15 miles, which isn't much. The bike also doesn't come with useful extras like fenders to block splashing water when roads are wet, or a rack on the back for carrying your groceries or backpack. If you need to haul heavy stuff, go really fast, or ride on dirt trails, you should look at other bikes with more power and better features for those jobs.