Gocycle G4 review: A futuristic folding ebike inspired by automotive design

Well, it starts at the front with a single-sided carbon fibre fork which has been designed specifically for this model of Gocycle. Next up is the hydroformed aluminium mid-section that also carries the battery. In the middle, by the main frame pivot that allows the bike to fold down, is a moulded composite section which has changed from the carbon fibre previously used and allowed Gocycle to reduce the price of this, the 2022 version of the G4, and finally, at the rear, there's Gocycle's patented magnesium 'Cleandrive' system.

That Cleandrive is an enclosed chain drive just like you'll find on a regular bike but here it's hidden from view and, thus, unable to leave greasy marks on your trousers. Also tucked inside the rear wheel is a neat Microshift three-speed hub gear. The matching twist grip on the handlebars allows you to easily move through gears whether you are pedalling or at a standstill.

But what about the electrics? After all, that's the reason to buy an ebike, right? A proprietary G4drive 250W motor is used that is built into the front wheel hub which, like the rear, is a single-sided design that means you can fix a puncture without having to remove the wheel. The 36V, 294Wh lithium-ion battery lives inside the front aluminium frame section and it can be charged in place via a small socket on the side of the frame or removed when the bike is folded and charged away from the bike.

Just how much mileage you can get between charges will depend on your riding style, which of the modes you use and how much you make use of the boost button, but don't expect to get much more than 40 miles between charges.

What is nice to see on a bike that costs this much is the inclusion of both mudguards and integral lights as standard. This is new for the 2022 model; previously these were add-on extras that would have pushed the price up by more than £200 if you wanted them fitted. Even better is the fact that the front light is powerful enough to see with rather than just be seen by.

What's it like to ride?

The G4 really is a simple bike to ride. If you want to, you can get on, turn the power on and just ride. However, to get the most from the G4 you need the Gocycle app. Once you've got the app on your phone you can not only spend endless hours tweaking and tuning the characteristics of the power delivery from the motor but also use your phone as a digital dashboard.

Here's just one example of how much thought has gone into the design of the G4. As you'll be using your phone as a digital dash, Gocycle includes a pair of nifty rubber straps to hold your phone on the handlebars, while underneath the 'bars there's a USB port to keep the phone charged while you're on the move.

In City mode the bike's torque sensor records how hard you're pedalling and adjusts the level of assistance accordingly, and the harder you pedal the more power the bike supplies too. Switch to Eco and it's a similar operation, the difference being the motor doesn't come in until the bike registers 250 watts of power at the pedals, whereas only 100 watts are needed in City to activate the G4drive.

The On Demand option is there for when you want to change how and when the assistance comes in. If you want to, you can have the power off altogether or have the motor switch at a point of your choosing and also set how hard you need to be pedalling to also get maximum power.

After trying the different configurations, I stuck with Gocycle's recommendation of City mode and found it worked just fine. As the motor started to work, the power progression was extremely smooth and it simply felt as though I was not having to pedal as hard to achieve the speed I was riding at.

On the odd occasions when I felt like I needed a bit more power, I simply used the boost button under the left grip, by my thumb. Once or twice I stopped at traffic lights and forgot to change down from top gear but a press of the boost button provided just enough of a nudge to get the bike rolling away quickly.

Most of the time, the stock three-speed gears were more than adequate. However, I often felt the bike was a little under-geared but that's just a personal thing. I'm sure the average Gocycle rider will be just fine.

The real surprise with the Gocycle G4 is just how pleasant it was to ride. All too often I've found small-wheeled bikes to be uncomfortable. While the small wheels mean a compact package when the bike is folded they also tend to transfer all the undulations of rough roads. Thanks to its super large volume tyres, that's not the case with the G4. Gocycle describes them as having a Moto GP-inspired tread and, while I never reached motorcycle speeds, the tyres felt secure no matter the terrain.

Is there anything it could do better?

The G4 is a very capable bike and the latest 2022 models represent much better value than previous versions. The £200 price drop is very welcome, as is the inclusion of lights and mudguards as standard. The model I rode came with the accessory front pannier that was a great addition but is a premium at £150.

My real concern with the G4 was security. I know the whole idea of a folding bike is that you can take it indoors with you rather than leaving it locked up outside. However, for a quick trip to the shops that isn't an option. Due to the design of the G4, there's nowhere you can pass a lock through the frame and I had to resort to securing it to a bike rack by one of the wheels. That's not ideal.

Should you buy one?

If you live in a flat or a small house and want a bike you can keep indoors then a folding bike is simply the best option and if you want one of the best folding bike options that is also electric then the G4 from Gocycle has to be one of the prime considerations. When it's folded, it is small enough to fit under the average desk and at just under 17kg, it's just about light enough to be carried short distances.

The G4 is easy to use, and the internal hub gears are simple to operate and virtually maintenance-free, there's no messy chain either, and reassuringly powerful disc brakes.

Other options are cheaper or lighter or both, but nothing comes close in terms of styling or ride comfort. For instance, the entry-level Brompton Electric is almost £1,000 cheaper but then again it has a lower specification; fewer gears, mechanical rim brakes rather than hydraulic discs and smaller wheels that can create a harsh ride. It's also worth noting that the front bag mount on the Brompton has to be used for the bike's battery bag, whereas with the Gocycle and its integrated battery, you can add an accessory bag at the front if you want to carry loads while commuting, such as a laptop, without resorting to a backpack.