Folding electric bikes are a great solution for those looking for portability without sacrificing power or functionality. The GoTrax F3 2.0 is an affordable folding ebike that packs in a lot of features for its price point. With a punchy motor, hydraulic brakes, and a sleek design, the F3 2.0 might just be the budget-friendly folding ebike you’ve been looking for. In this review, we’ll break down the key components, compare it to similar models like the Lectric XP 3.0, and take it out for a spin to see how it performs. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of whether this bike is the right fit for your needs.
GoTrax F3 2.0 Video Review
First Impressions: How Does the GoTrax F3 2.0 Stack Up?
At first glance, the GoTrax F3 2.0 might remind you of other folding ebikes, especially the Lectric XP 3.0, but there are some key differences. While both bikes share a similar frame and fat tire setup, the GoTrax F3 2.0 brings its own flavor to the table, especially when you start to dig into the riding experience. The current price of $999 puts it in direct competition with many other folding ebikes in the market, but let’s see how it stands up to the Lectric XP 3.0 in terms of specs.
Comparison Table: GoTrax F3 2.0 vs. Lectric XP 3.0
| Feature | GoTrax F3 2.0 | Lectric XP 3.0 (Standard) | Lectric XP 3.0 (Long Range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $999 (check latest price) | $999 | $1,199 |
| Motor Power | 500W Rear Hub | 500W Rear Hub (1,000 watt peak) | 500W Rear Hub (1,000 watt peak) |
| Battery Capacity | 48V 14Ah (UL 2271 Certified) | 48V 10.4Ah (UL 2271 Certified) | 48V 14Ah (UL 2271 Certified) |
| Tire Size | 20” x 4” Fat Tires | 20” x 3” Fat Tires | 20” x 3” Fat Tires |
When you compare the GoTrax F3 2.0 to the Lectric XP 3.0 models, it holds its own in terms of motor power and battery capacity, especially with the possibility of getting the larger 14Ah battery size depending on the price at the time of purchase. The F3 2.0 also offers fatter 4-inch tires for those looking for more stability on rough terrain. Both bikes are priced similarly, but with the long-range XP 3.0 variant, you get a larger battery, which accounts for the price difference.
If you’re considering other folding ebikes, be sure to check out our guide to the best folding ebikes for more comparisons.
Key Components and Features
Motor and Battery
The GoTrax F3 2.0 comes equipped with a 500W rear hub motor, which is standard for folding ebikes at this price point. What sets this bike apart is its 48V 14Ah battery. Having a battery this size is rare at the $999 price point, and it’s a feature that offers longer-range capabilities than other similarly priced models. Plus, the UL 2271 certification adds an extra layer of safety, something that’s increasingly important as more riders look for reliable, compliant batteries.
With pedal assist, you can expect to get up to 60 miles per charge with the F3 2.0 according to GoTrax, though this will vary depending on terrain and rider weight. We expect most riders will fall into the 28-40 mile range.
Brakes and Tires
One of the standout features of the F3 2.0 is the inclusion of hydraulic disc brakes. It used to be that at this price point, you’d find mechanical disc brakes, which don’t offer the same stopping power and modulation. The Nutt hydraulic disc brakes are paired with 180mm rotors, providing solid braking performance whether you’re riding in the city or on trails.
The 20” x 4” Chaoyang fat tires add to the bike’s versatility, providing a more stable and cushioned ride than narrower tires. These are particularly useful if you plan to take the bike on gravel paths or light off-road adventures. A fraction of Lectric owners miss the larger 4″ tires, as many brands, including Lectric, have shifted to 3″ tires.
Riding Experience
When it comes to riding the GoTrax F3 2.0, the motor feels punchy right out of the gate. Throttle-only mode provides immediate acceleration, making it fun for cruising around town or handling inclines with ease. The pedal assist system is a bit unusual, as it gives off the feeling of a torque sensor, even though GoTrax states it uses a cadence sensor. You’ll need to pedal a bit faster to get the full power of the motor, which might be a welcome change for those looking for more of a workout while riding.
On flat terrain, the F3 2.0 handled well, reaching a top speed of around 24 mph with pedal assist level 5. However, at these higher speeds, ghost pedaling can occur, making this ebike ideally suited as a Class 2 with a top speed of 20 mph. The Shimano Tourney derailleur and overhand thumb shifter are entry-level Shimano components, which is typical at this price point.
On steeper hills, the motor managed to maintain a speed of around 14 mph without struggling too much, making it more than capable for urban environments or moderate inclines.
Folding and Portability
As with most folding ebikes, the GoTrax F3 2.0 is designed for convenience. It folds down to a compact size, making it easy to transport in the trunk of your car or store in a closet. At 58.3 lbs, it’s not the lightest folder on the market, but it’s still manageable for most people.
The frame houses the 48V 14Ah battery inside, keeping it protected from the elements. This design makes the bike look clean, but you will need to partially fold the bike to access and remove the battery. However, for many, the added protection for the battery outweighs this small inconvenience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Hydraulic disc brakes: Uncommon at this price point, providing better stopping power.
- Larger battery option: The potential to get the bigger 14Ah battery depending on pricing is a huge plus for range-conscious riders.
- Fat tires: The 4” fat tires provide added stability and comfort on a variety of surfaces.
- Portability: Folds down for easier storage and transport.
- Affordable price: Even at the current price of $999, it offers excellent value for its features.
Cons:
- Non-locking grips: The stock grips tend to slip during longer rides.
- Front suspension noise: Some clunking noise from the front suspension on rough terrain.
- Key: It has to be in the bike to work
- Battery: It is hard to remove since you have to fold the bike
- Ghost Pedaling: The riding experience at 24/25 mph is not ideal.
Final Thoughts: Is the GoTrax F3 2.0 Worth It?
The GoTrax F3 2.0 brings a lot to the table for a budget folding ebike. With its punchy 500W motor, 14Ah battery, hydraulic brakes, and 4-inch fat tires, it offers impressive performance and features at a competitive price. While it does have some minor drawbacks, like the non-locking grips and noisy front suspension, these can easily be overlooked given the value it provides.
