The Gocycle G4i is a premium folding e‑bike designed for city commuters who demand lightweight portability and intelligent features. With a price tag around £3,000, it targets urban professionals, regular cyclists, and apartment dwellers who value design and convenience in equal measure. This review covers its ride experience, folding mechanism, motor system, battery endurance, braking performance, and daily usability, based on weeks of diverse urban and suburban testing. We focused on how well it handles real-world tasks—rail transfers, navigating congested streets, and weekend spinouts—so you know whether G4i truly lives up to its reputation as a top-tier, compact e‑commuter bike.
Specs at a Glance
- Motor: G4drive™ front-hub, 250W
- Battery: 36 V, 10.4 Ah (≈375 Wh), 80 km estimated range
- Weight: ~17.1 kg including pedals
- Top speed: 25 km/h (15.5 mph)
- Frame: Hydroformed aluminium front + carbon/magnesium mid
- Tyres: 20″ × 2.25″ Gocycle treaded
- Brakes: Hydraulic discs front & rear
- Suspension: 25 mm Lockshock rear
- Gearing: 3-speed Cleandrive® internal hub
- Price range: ~£3,000
Design and Build Quality
The G4i’s monocoque chassis combines hydroformed aluminium, carbon fibre, and magnesium into a compact, refined package. Build quality feels top-tier—no rattles, crisp welds and seamless integration between materials. Hidden cable routing maintains its sleek profile, while the sculpted front-hub fork—single-sided and carbon-finish—is a standout styling cue. The handlebar setup is clean, with an integrated USB port and flight-inspired cockpit that feels alpine yet intuitive. Paint is tough and gloss-finished, giving a polished appearance that resists nicks and tarnishing.
Folding the G4i is a joy: the one-handed mechanism takes 8–10 seconds to collapse. Once folded, it rolls easily on PitstopWheels®; this portability turns cramped train platforms and office corners into seamless stops. Despite its folding design, the frame remains extremely rigid and precise, thanks in part to the carbon mid-frame and magnesium drivetrain housing. Every time I unfolded it, I appreciated how Gocycle has preserved real bicycle ride quality—no sacrifice in stiffness or handling for the sake of compactness. Visually and mechanically, the G4i is a masterclass in refined, functional design.
Motor Performance and Power Delivery
Riding the G4i in urban settings under varying conditions—from gridlocked centre streets to leafy suburban lanes—the G4drive™ motor was consistently smooth and responsive. Acceleration is progressive, with torque sensing delivering intuitive boost during take-off and gentle hills. The standout experience was how natural the power felt—no jarring surges, just seamless assistance that complements your pedal input.
Top tier performance was felt during hill climbs: the 250 W output, backed by traction control, was enough to power through short steep gradients with minimal struggle. While it lacks the raw thrust of mid-motor cargo bikes, its lightweight build (17 kg) means it feels quick and agile. Quick transitions between assist modes via handlebar buttons paired with the clean-shift internal gearing ensured immediate response, compared to heavier folding rivals.
Compared to competitors like the Brompton P Line or Tern Vektron, the G4i held its own. The ride felt tauter and more polished than Brompton, and folding was quicker and more compact than Tern. The front motor allows balanced steering without weight bias—essential for urban confidence. Overall, motor response is crisp, balanced, and intelligently tuned for real life pace.
Battery Range and Charging
Gocycle claims the G4i’s 375 Wh battery can go up to 80 km, and our tests largely supported this—achieving 60–70 km at moderate assist (Eco or City). When pushing On-Demand mode aggressively, range dropped closer to 50 km. Our morning-and-evening commute (total 30 km with stop-go traffic and mild hills) left us with around half charge remaining—about spot-on with stated figures.
The battery is easily removed by sliding it backwards, and charging via the Gocycle 4 A charger takes approximately 3.5 hours from near-empty to full. There’s no lock, so removing it for overnight charging is key. A long‑term test showed minimal capacity fade after 150 cycles. The inclusion of a USB port is handy for topping up devices, and battery health is tracked in the companion app, offering reassurance and control.
Ride Quality and Comfort
The G4i’s riding posture is upright and comfortable, thanks to the balanced handlebar setup. The 20″ tyres, with innovative tread, offer surprising comfort over typical city surfaces—absorbing mild potholes while delivering sharp cornering grip. The rear Lockshock suspension cushions larger bumps, reducing jarring when rolling over uneven ground. Despite lacking a front suspension, the chassis feedback remains composed—softer than rigid folders, yet more pointed than full-suspension builds.
During testing I rode daily commutes (10 mi), mixed errands, and weekend spins up gentle country lanes, and never felt strained. People of different heights (160–190 cm) found it accommodating—the single-size design caters broadly due to adjustable stem and seatpost range. For the heavier rider (90 kg), comfort stayed consistent; the Slick riding position feels secure, even during sudden acceleration. The G4i’s immediate usability—fold ride park fold—proved a genuine convenience in rain, wind, or traffic-heavy mornings.
Braking and Handling
Dual hydraulic discs offer strong, consistent braking with excellent modulation. In wet conditions, stopping from 25 km/h on damp cobbles remained controlled without judder. The braking power inspired confidence and enhanced safety when weaving through traffic or making sudden stops at junctions.
Handling is sharp and predictable—thanks to the stiff carbon fork and lightweight frame. Tight urban turns were met with stability, while longer sweeps on suburban roads felt poised and planted. Even with heavier payloads (rack bag or backpack), steering remained controlled and smooth. Downhill cornering felt stable, and the weight distribution balanced. The G4i handles confidently across low-speed manoeuvres and faster sweeps alike.
Features and Accessories
G4i’s cockpit integrates intuitive features: an easy-to-read LED fuel gauge, speed display, plus a programmable DRL front light. The twist buttons are accessible yet unobtrusive. Integration with the GocycleConnect app gives access to ride stats, custom assist modes, firmware updates, and route tracking. Bluetooth connection is reliable and battery-friendly.
The PitstopWheels® allow effortless rolling when folded, and the detachable pedals reduce volume for storage or transport. Gocycle offers minimal rack or fender options built-in, though aftermarket carriers use the rear rack mount. The included kickstand keeps the bike upright and neat when parked. There’s no integrated lock or heavy-duty lighting beyond DRL, but forward-thinking riders can fit accessories without fuss.
Weight and Portability
At ~17.1 kg total, the G4i sits among the lightest folding e‑bikes on the market. I regularly hoisted it single-handed onto trains and into small car trunks. Folding and unfolding took around 10 seconds—effortless after a couple of uses. The compact folded size (83 × 37 × 60 cm) means it fits into tight urban spaces: under desk, in cupboards or store rooms. When parked upright or on its wheels, it remains compact and neat. For commuters with limited storage or multi-modal needs, G4i strikes an ideal balance between ride quality and portability.
Value for Money
While priced around £3,000, the G4i convincingly delivers value. Its refined design, fast folding, app connectivity, and intuitive ride experience feel premium. Compared with alternatives—Brompton P Line (£3,700) and Tern Vektron (£2,600)—G4i stands out for its lighter weight, faster fold and generous range. You may find cheaper non-folding e‑commuters, but the G4i is specifically built for portability without compromises.
Gocycle’s reputation for quality and the included 2‑year warranty enhance ownership peace‑of‑mind. Replacement part availability is solid in the UK and Europe, and firmware updates ensure long-term performance. For urban professionals, students, or anyone seeking a premium folding ride, G4i justifies its cost through enduring usability and satisfaction, especially when considered over multi‑year commutes or train-ride savings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight foldable design (~17 kg)
- Intuitive, smooth torque sensing G4drive motor
- Fast 10-second fold with rolling wheels
- App connectivity and customizable ride modes
- Premium build, integrated lighting, compact size
Cons:
- High price relative to range-larger non-folders
- No rear rack or locked battery included
- 3-speed hub limits gearing for steep climbs
Verdict
The Gocycle G4i merges elegant design, practical portability, and intelligent functionality into a best foldable electric bike. Ideal for urban commuters who ride, train, or hop between offices, it excels in convenience and refined ride quality. While premium-priced, its lightweight build, 80 km range, and software-defined ride settings justify the investment for daily use and long-term comfort. If you prioritise easy storage, folding speed, and seamless integration into your lifestyle, the G4i delivers exceptionally with charm and precision.
