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They’ve now introduced two new models, the CXi and CX+, as well as a new handlebar, the Flofit. The CXi and CX+ are the company’s first cargo e-bikes. They are essentially identical, except that CX+ upgrades CXi by adding their Flofit® handlebar. You can see the Gocycle CXi and CX+ in action on Youtube.
These are compact cargo e-bikes, which is to say they are long enough to carry one child, a pet or large panniers behind the rider, but there’s not enough room for two kids. It’s made to carry up to 480 lbs., so no worries on passenger weight. The rear rack accepts MIK-compatible accessories, which will offer buyers plenty of choices. And because they are cargo e-bikes, the kickstand is a dual-leg, motorcycle-style unit to make loading easier.
The 500W motor is governed by a torque sensor and good for a max speed of 20 mph. A 375Wh battery powers it, which Gocycle says should give riders up to 50 mi. in range on a single charge. The drivetrain is pretty remarkable in that it uses a 5-speed internally geared hub plus Gates belt that is completely enclosed to prevent any unsightly marks. And all the cables and wires are routed internally for a very clean appearance.
Like the Gocycle G4, the CXi and CX+ fold in seconds and use Gocycle’s drive-side-mounted carbon fiber Pitstopwheels. Did we mention they are super stylish thanks to Gocycle’s OneDesignDNA philosophy?
All that and both the CXi and CX+ weigh just 51 lbs., which likely makes them the lightest cargo e-bikes on the planet, which seems reasonable considering they were designed by one of McLaren’s former engineers.
The Flofit® handlebar offers riders a remarkable amount of adjustability while also integrating the e-bike controls, brake levers and light. The Flofit® handlebar allows riders to adjust reach, height and rotation, as well as brake lever reach.
The CXi goes for $6999, while the Flofit®-equipped CX+ goes for $7999. Gocycle says that production will be modest, which should do two things: It will likely help assure flaw-free production … and drive up demand.
EBR’s Take
The Gocycle CXi and CX+ aren’t even out and they are already winning the most-stylish-cargo-ebike sweepstakes. There’s so much to like here, such as the fact that these are cargo e-bikes that can be folded up, which makes terrific sense considering cargo e-bikes are bigger than most e-bikes. The 480-lb. weight rating tells us two things: Not only can they carry a second person, they had to do some testing to arrive at such a specific number.
The fully enclosed drivetrain and five-speed hub mean riders have plenty of gears and no pants stains.
Because Gocycle didn’t announce any accessories for these cargo e-bikes, and because cargo e-bikes don’t really cargo until they have some accessories added like seats, racks or baskets, people are suspicious that it will be difficult to really make the most of them, but the rear rack accepts MIK-compatible accessories, which means that there are a number of accessories already on the market. Gocycle doesn’t need to start designing accessories.
We do have a few reservations about the CXi and CX+. Cargo e-bikes typically need a little extra power to haul a load unless they use a mid-drive motor. A 500W hub motor is not a ton of power. Of greater concern is the 375Wh battery. Can a 375Wh battery can move 300 lbs. 50 mi.? That seems unlikely. As weight goes up, range goes down. No one wants to find that out 3 mi. from home.
We love the design of the Flofit® bar, but aren’t yet convinced that it’s the most ergonomic bar on the market because of the way it positions the hands. We do want to point out that the way the seatpost extends from the frame that the CXi and CX+ will fit a broader range of riders than most one-size e-bikes will.
With limited production and a price tag north of $5k, we’re unlikely to see many of these rolling through the neighborhood, which is a shame. These are so good-looking that they could serve as a marketing campaign for e-bikes.
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