Electric bikes can be expensive. Even folding models that are marketed as “affordable” often hover around the $1,000 mark, but the GOTRAX eFold costs literally half that. At this ultra-budget price range, the compromises are often too significant to recommend with confidence, and there is a genuine risk the brand could vanish suddenly, leaving customers without any support. That said, GOTRAX is a name we actually recognize. While they might be better known for their electric scooters, they’re no strangers to the ebike scene.
In this review, we will walk you through the components, test the motor, and compare with another Walmart budget folder to help you determine if the eFold is a smart budget buy or if you should keep saving.
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See It In Action | GOTRAX eFold YouTube Review
While the specs look good on paper, the real test is on the road. Watch our video review above for an up-close look at all the components, a folding demonstration, and our pros and cons list. Plus, find out if the 350W motor has enough torque to conquer our steep hill climb test.
GOTRAX eFold Specs & Features
Despite the low price tag, GOTRAX includes a few surprises here, starting with a fully functional display rather than the simple LED pad often found in this category.
350W Motor & 48V Battery System
The eFold is powered by a 350W rear hub motor engaged via a cadence sensor. While 350 watts might sound underpowered compared to industry giants, the bike is lighter than most, making that power go further. GOTRAX stuck with a 48V system rather than downgrading to 36V, which preserves better power delivery.
The battery unit is located inside the frame. At 7.8 Ah, this is just over half the capacity of what we consider an average ebike battery. You will need to keep your range expectations in check. In our testing, after a 10-mile ride traveling at high speeds and including our hill climb tests, we had about half the battery remaining. Sticking to flat ground and lower assist levels should get you closer to the claimed 40-mile range. It is paired with a 1.5A charger, so estimated charging time from empty is about 5.5 hours.
A major highlight is safety: the battery is certified to UL 2271, and the entire bike’s electronics certified to UL 2849 standards. Seeing this level of safety certification on a $500 bike is a big plus. The bike also has an IPX4 rating for water resistance which permits riding in light rain.
Tires, Brakes, and Lighting
It’s rolling on smaller 20 x 2.6-inch tires that have a little tread on them for mixed terrain. The mechanical brakes work adequately—we could lock the wheels up in our tests. For visibility at night, it has a front light that runs off the main battery. Our review model only had a reflector on the rear rack, but according to the GOTRAX website, it looks like the integrated lighting package now includes a running taillight.
Frame, Fit, and Adjustability
At just 49 lbs, it’s much easier to lift than many folding models that weigh over 65 pounds. It features a boxy aluminum folding frame similar to other popular models and comes in one color: blue. Folding it is straightforward: drop and fold the handlebars, unlatch the frame, and rest it on the welded stand. The battery is housed inside the frame, requiring you to fold it for access, with the keyhole for the battery lock located on the underside of the frame.
Despite the small tires, the eFold accommodates a wide range of riders. It fit Ryan (featured in our YT review) comfortably at 6′ tall with a 32-inch inseam. The adjustable handlebars were set to their highest position but there was still plenty of seatpost left to raise the seat even more. We also tested it with 5’5″ rider and they achieved a comfortable fit.
Performance Test: Range, Speed & Hill Climbing
The eFold is a Class 2 electric bike with a top speed of 20 mph, featuring a right-hand twist grip throttle and 5 levels of pedal assist.
Acceleration & Top Speed Test
Throttle-Only Speed
On flat ground, the 350 W motor feels zippy. The twist grip throttle offers good modulation, allowing you to cruise at lower speeds if you choose—a nice change from the jerky “all or nothing” response of some budget thumb throttles. On our throttle-only test, the max speed we achieved was 19.8 mph according to the display and 18 mph on our GPS.
Riding With Pedal Assist
Since this uses a cadence sensor, power engages like an on/off switch when it detects pedaling. You need to push the pedals about a half-turn before the motor engages. The eFold uses a speed based pedal assist system, so each level of assist is tied to a speed limit, and the motor will disengage when you go beyond those speeds. Here are the speeds we noted in each level:
- PAS Level 1: 9-10 mph
- PAS Level 2: 11-12 mph
- PAS Level 3: 13-14 mph
- PAS Level 4: 15-16 mph
- PAS Level 5: 18-20 mph
We managed to reach the top Class 2 speed of 20 mph on the eFold’s display, while our GPS showed about 1–2 mph less at peak speeds.
Pedal Feel: Single Speed Gearing
To keep the price low and maintenance simple, this is a single-speed bike.
- The Trade-off: There are no gears to shift, which makes starting from a dead stop on an incline is harder, and maintaining 20 mph requires a fast pedaling cadence. The throttle comes in handy when you need a little extra push and we found pedaling between 10-15 mph most comfortable.
- Hill Climbing: On our steep test hill, the bike slowed to 4–5 mph on throttle only. It made it to the top, but slowly. Even with pedaling, the single gear limits how much you can contribute on steep inclines.
Walmart Ebike Showdown: GOTRAX eFold vs. Concord Urbanfold
It is impossible to talk about the GOTRAX eFold without mentioning its direct competition on the sales floor: the Concord Urbanfold. Both bikes are available at Walmart, both fold, and both cost roughly the same (fluctuating between $400 and $550).
We have reviewed both, and here is how they stack up:
- Electrical System: This is the biggest win for GOTRAX. The eFold uses a 48V system, while the Concord Urbanfold relies on a weaker 36V system. Higher voltage generally means better efficiency and cooler running temperatures for the motor.
- Display: Another win for the GOTRAX is the inclusion of a fully functional LCD display that shows speed, battery life, and mileage. The Concord Urbanfold uses a basic LED control pad that only vaguely indicates battery level and assist mode.
- Drivetrain: The Concord Urbanfold features a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, whereas the GOTRAX is a single-speed. If you live in a hilly area, the Concord’s gears will allow you to help the motor much more effectively than the single gear on the GOTRAX.
- Weight: The Concord edges out the GOTRAX here, weighing in at 45 lbs compared to the GOTRAX’s 49 lbs.
- Brakes & Tires: Both use mechanical disc brakes. The GOTRAX has slightly wider tires (2.6″ vs 2.2″), offering a bit more cushion.
If you want simplicity, better information while riding, and a more robust electrical system, the GOTRAX is the winner. However, if you absolutely need gears for hills, you might want to read our full Walmart Concord Urbanfold review to see if that trade-off is worth the drop in voltage.
Pros and Cons
Here is a quick breakdown of what stood out to us during our testing and what you should consider before buying.
Is the GOTRAX eFold Worth It?
If $500 is the absolute limit of your budget, then we think the GOTRAX eFold is a good buy. GOTRAX has managed to put a genuinely good package together that balances cost with necessary features.
Yes, there are compromises like the modest range and mechanical brakes, but that is expected at this price point. Frankly, this bike made us pause; clearly, there are decent options in the budget market. If you are looking for a first ebike or a portable option for camping, this is a solid choice backed by a company that likely won’t disappear tomorrow.
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