BIKE/BOARD

Gocycle Launches CXi and CX+ Long-Tail Electric Cargo Bikes

February 22, 2024

Gocycle introduces its first electric cargo bikes, the CXi and CX+, featuring extended rear ends and versatile racks, while maintaining clean design and innovative technology.
The CXi and CX+ retain Gocycle’s unique design elements like hidden cables, a front hub motor, enclosed drivetrain, and partially enclosed brakes, ensuring both aesthetics and functionality.
With a payload capacity of up to 480 lbs and features like sturdy racks and a stable center stand, these bikes offer versatility and ease of use, making them ideal for various cargo transportation needs.

Gocycle just announced their first two electric cargo bikes, the CXi and CX+, which are expected to ship in September. They’re designed to be very similar to the rest of the Gocycle line, but with a longer tail and a versatile rack for carrying kids or other cargo.

Both of these electric cargo bikes have many of the same unique features that the brand’s short-tail models are known for. There are no exposed cables, the motor is in the front wheel, they both have a completely enclosed chain drivetrain, and even the brake pistons and rotors are partially enclosed. There’s a reason for all this clean design and technology: for easy movement and storage.

Where It All Began

Gocycle was started by Richard Thorpe, a lifelong cycling enthusiast who just so happened to be an engineer for McLaren. When he left to found Gocycle around 2002, he employed his incredible engineering skills to make an e-bike that was unlike any other on the market.

He started with 20-inch magnesium “pitstop wheels” that come on and off just like a Formula 1 car’s wheels. From there, he solved every problem with every other bike he’d ridden. The first e-bike launched in 2009, winning the Best Electric Bike award at Eurobike.

The geometry of a folding e-bike has to be great in order to fold up cleanly and quickly. I’ve reviewed a lot of folding e-bikes, including several Gocycle models. They have the best ride quality and fit-and-finish of any 20-inch folding bike on the market. They are absolutely fun to ride and very responsive — it reminds me of my BMX bike.

Gocycle CXi Electric Cargo Bike

Feature	Description
Price	$6,999
Frame	6061 T6 aluminum
Fork	Carbon fiber
Motor	Gocycle G4, 500 W front hub drive
Battery	36V 375Wh
Controls	Gocycle
Charge Time	3.5 hours
Top Speed	20 mph
Range	Up to 50 miles (claimed)
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Nexus 5-speed internally-geared hub
Chain	Gates carbon belt
Brakes	Hydraulic disc brakes
Saddle	Velo
Rims	Carbon fiber 5-spoke “Pitstop Wheels”
Tires	Gocycle, 20×2.25”
Weight	50 lbs
Color Choice	Grey/Black, White/Black, White/Orange, White/Yellow, White/Blue or White/Green
Sizes	One size

The CXi is one of the first-ever cargo electric bikes from Gocycle. It has a longer rear end than a traditional Gocycle electric bike and the frame is designed to handle up to 480 lbs of rider plus cargo.

There’s one of their unique “Light Pipe” daytime running lights across the front of the bar. All the electronics are wired inside the bar and fully integrated with the battery system. The drivetrain consists of one of their torque-sensing Gocycle G4 front hub motors with built-in traction control to avoid slippage. The display is built into the back of the handlebar, showing the power level and battery level.

Instead of their usual enclosed chain drive to put rider power to the back wheel, they’ve switched to a Gates carbon belt and a Shimano Nexus 5-speed internally-geared hub for lower maintenance. They still fully enclose that part of the drivetrain for a clean look and easy stowage.

_{You can see the fully-enclosed rear drivetrain and a good profile of the rack suspended from a Wingpillar.}

The bike can handle a total payload of 480 lbs (rider + cargo), and the sturdy rear rack is mounted off of what they call a “Wingpillar.” The rack is compatible with MIK HD child seats and other accessories. There are optional premium cherry or teak wood tops available for the rack, as well.

The bike has a center stand that folds up completely underneath the frame. When it’s down, it’s more stable than a side stand that leaves your bike more vulnerable to tipping while you load it with cargo or kids.

_{Note the sturdy center stand for stability when parked and loading or unloading.}

Gocycle CX+ Electric Cargo Bike

Feature	Description
Price	$7,999
Frame	6061 T6 aluminum
Fork	Carbon fiber
Motor	Gocycle G4, 500 W front hub drive
Battery	36V 375Wh
Controls	Gocycle
Charge Time	3.5 hours
Top Speed	20 mph
Range	Up to 50 miles (claimed)
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Nexus 5-speed internally-geared hub
Chain	Gates carbon belt
Brakes	Hydraulic disc brakes
Saddle	Velo
Rims	Carbon fiber 5-spoke “Pitstop Wheels”
Tires	Gocycle, 20×2.25”
Weight	50 lbs
Color Choice	Grey/Black, White/Black, White/Orange, White/Yellow, White/Blue, or White/Green
Sizes	One size

The CX+ cargo electric bike is the new halo product from Gocycle. It features an all-new FloFit handlebar. The FloFit’s special design starts with a different shape. Most Gocycle models have a pretty straight handlebar, but this new handlebar adds bar ends to allow for varied hand positioning for stability and comfort.

It’s adjustable in reach, height, and grip angle, and it offers multiple positions for fingertip controls. There’s an optional Quad Lock mount for your phone and a USB port to keep it charged.

The only real difference between the two models is that the CX+ has the new handlebar. It’s up to you to decide if that’s worth a $1,000 difference.

Know When To Fold ‘Em

The bike folds not quite in half; it’s more that the front third folds back, the handlebar folds over, and the seat/seatpost can be removed. The bike is light for an electric cargo bike, weighing about 50 lbs, which is a good 30 lbs less than many other cargo e-bikes on the market. The fact that it folds will make it attractive to some, especially for use in RVs, boats or even cars, no bike rack required.

_{When folded, it does take up less space in length. The “pitstop wheels” can be easily removed to make it even smaller.}

Both the CXi and CX+ can be ordered in Grey/Black (pictured), White/Black, White/Orange, White/Yellow, White/Blue or White/Green. They will produce these in small quantities at launch (no details if they’ll produce more), and they’re open for pre-orders now at https://gocycle.com/gocycle-fc/. Pricing is expected to be £5,999 / €6,999 / $6,999 for the CXi and £6,999 / €7,999 / $7,999 for the CX+ model with the new Flofit handlebar.

They’re taking limited, fully refundable pre-orders of £499 / €499 / $499.

There are some specs on the website, but those aren’t finalized until spring and may change by the time the bike is expected to start shipping (by September 2024).

Though neither Gocycle electric cargo bikes are in the affordable category, knowing how great the riding experience is on their other bikes, these will be some of the best electric cargo bikes you can buy.