Gotrax R2 Folding Electric Bike: The Perfect Commuter Ebike?
The Gotrax R2 is a solid folding e-bike that balances portability, decent range, and everyday features at a fair price, making it ideal for commuters and casual riders who need compact storage.
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Key Specifications
Best For
How this e-bike scores for different riding styles
Excellent portability with folding capability that reduces size by over half to 34.6x24x28.7 inches. At 32.66lbs, it's lighter than many folding e-bikes, making it practical for car trunks, apartments, and public transit integration.
The 55-mile pedal-assist range easily covers typical commutes, and the foldable design allows for easy storage in offices or mixed-mode transit. The 20mph speed is class-appropriate for urban riding, though the lack of throttle mode and 32.6lb weight may slightly reduce convenience.
The 7-speed system, comfortable fat tires, and 5 pedal-assist levels make it versatile for casual rides. The front suspension and dual disc brakes add comfort and control, though the lack of throttle mode reduces effortless cruising capability.
The 500W motor, dual front suspension, 3-inch fat tires, and disc brakes provide decent off-road capability for moderate trails. However, the lack of rear suspension, single 20-inch wheel size, and only front shock absorption limit serious mountain biking performance.
While it includes a rear rack and 300lb max weight capacity (allowing ~267lbs for rider+cargo after bike weight), the smaller 20-inch wheels and folding frame design aren't optimized for heavy hauling or cargo stability compared to dedicated cargo bikes.
The 500W motor and 20mph top speed are limited by Class 2 regulations and fall short of high-performance expectations. The power-to-weight ratio of 15.3W/lb is modest, and there's no throttle mode for maximum acceleration.
Our Verdict
The Gotrax R2 is a well-rounded folding electric bike that does a lot of things pretty well at $899.99. It gives you a strong mix of portability and performance without costing too much money. The bike folds down to about half its size, which is perfect if you live in an apartment or need to put it in your car. You get 55 miles of riding when you use the pedal-assist mode, and the battery is easy to remove so you can charge it inside your house. The 500-watt motor gets you up to 20 miles per hour, and the fat tires make the ride feel stable and comfortable. The bike comes ready to use with headlights for night riding, a rear rack for carrying stuff, and a clear display screen that shows your speed and battery level.
This bike works best for people who ride to work or school every day and need something they can fold up and store easily. It's also great for weekend rides around the neighborhood or on easy trails. The folding feature is really handy if you take the bus or train part of the way to work. People who are about average size will find it comfortable - it holds up to 300 pounds total. The 7-speed gears and 5 levels of electric assist mean you can adjust how much help you want from the motor. If you like riding in the city or suburbs and want a bike that doesn't take up much space, this is a smart choice.
However, this bike isn't perfect for everyone. If you want to ride really fast or tackle super steep hills, the motor might feel weak. Serious mountain bikers will want something with better suspension since this only has shocks in the front. The smaller 20-inch wheels are good for folding but don't roll as smoothly as bigger wheels on long rides. You also have to keep pedaling because there's no throttle - you can't just sit back and let the motor do all the work. If you need to haul heavy loads regularly or want the fastest, most powerful e-bike possible, you should look at other options. But for regular folks who want a reliable folding bike for everyday riding, the Gotrax R2 delivers good value.
What We Like
- Great folding design that shrinks to just 34.6 inches long - fits easily in car trunks and small apartments
- Really good battery life with 55 miles on pedal-assist mode, plenty for most daily trips
- Nice fat tires at 3 inches wide give you a smooth, stable ride on different surfaces
- Comes with useful extras like bright LED lights, rear rack for bags, and easy-to-read display screen
- Lightweight at only 32.6 pounds compared to other folding e-bikes, making it easier to carry around
What Could Be Better
- No throttle option means you always have to pedal - can't just twist and go like some other e-bikes
- Smaller 20-inch wheels don't roll as smoothly over bumps as bigger 26-inch or 28-inch wheels
- Only has front suspension, so your back still feels bumps on rough roads
- The 500-watt motor and 20mph speed are just average - not super powerful for steep hills
- Battery takes 5.5 hours to fully charge, which is longer than some quick-charge models
Standout Features
Full Specifications
Build & Frame
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Wheel Size | 20 |
Weight & Capacity
| Bike Weight | 32.66 |
Features
Included Features
Not Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about 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
How far can I ride on a single charge?
You can ride up to 22 miles using just the electric motor, or up to 55 miles if you use the pedal-assist mode where you pedal and the motor helps you. The distance depends on how much you pedal and which assist level you choose.
How long does it take to charge the battery?
The battery takes about 5.5 hours to fully charge from empty. You can charge it while it's on the bike or remove it and charge it inside your home.
How much does the bike weigh and can I carry it?
The bike weighs 32.66 pounds. While that's lighter than many e-bikes, it's still fairly heavy to carry for long distances. The folding feature makes it easier to move around and store.
Can this bike handle riders of different sizes?
Yes, the bike can safely hold up to 300 pounds total weight. This includes the rider and anything you're carrying on the rear rack. There's a 365-day warranty if you have any problems.
Does this bike have a throttle so I don't have to pedal?
No, this bike does not have a throttle. You need to pedal to make it go, but you can choose from 5 different levels of electric assistance to make pedaling easier. There's also a regular bike mode if you want to ride without any motor help.
Best For
How this e-bike scores for different riding styles
Excellent portability with folding capability that reduces size by over half to 34.6x24x28.7 inches. At 32.66lbs, it's lighter than many folding e-bikes, making it practical for car trunks, apartments, and public transit integration.
The 55-mile pedal-assist range easily covers typical commutes, and the foldable design allows for easy storage in offices or mixed-mode transit. The 20mph speed is class-appropriate for urban riding, though the lack of throttle mode and 32.6lb weight may slightly reduce convenience.
The 7-speed system, comfortable fat tires, and 5 pedal-assist levels make it versatile for casual rides. The front suspension and dual disc brakes add comfort and control, though the lack of throttle mode reduces effortless cruising capability.
The 500W motor, dual front suspension, 3-inch fat tires, and disc brakes provide decent off-road capability for moderate trails. However, the lack of rear suspension, single 20-inch wheel size, and only front shock absorption limit serious mountain biking performance.
While it includes a rear rack and 300lb max weight capacity (allowing ~267lbs for rider+cargo after bike weight), the smaller 20-inch wheels and folding frame design aren't optimized for heavy hauling or cargo stability compared to dedicated cargo bikes.
The 500W motor and 20mph top speed are limited by Class 2 regulations and fall short of high-performance expectations. The power-to-weight ratio of 15.3W/lb is modest, and there's no throttle mode for maximum acceleration.
Scores
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