Electric folders

Q9

The Gocycle G4 and Tern Vektron Q9 are premium-quality electric folders with distinct differences. Neither fits the ultra-portable category populated by 16-inch wheelers like the Brompton Electric and the Flit. Their 20-inch wheels are the basis for exhilarating, speedy riding (in the case of the Gocycle) or workhorse cargo-carrying capability (the Tern).

The fact that they fold is useful nevertheless. They can be stored in a studio flat or easily transported by train. And, of course, compared to an unpowered folder, they’ll take you further and with less effort over more demanding terrain.

Both are quite expensive if you consider the purchase price alone but, as with any e-bike, running costs are minimal. Long term, they’re much, much cheaper than a car. The Gocycle is an excellent commuter, while the Tern could be a car replacement like an e-cargo bike.

The Gocycle uses three main frame materials: a weight-saving carbon fibre mid-frame; a hydroformed aluminium front frame; and a magnesium Cleandrive transmission casing. It also has a carbon fibre singlesided ‘fork’. The Tern is more conventional in using hydroformed aluminium throughout: 7005 alloy for the distinctive frame and 6061 for the fork. enough to do but I would have liked a stronger magnet or even a strap system like the Gocycle’s to keep the folded halves together.

The Gocycle’s design prioritises low weight and a sporty ride, whereas the Tern emphasises strength and carrying capacity – its extended rear end accommodates a stretched out rear rack, and it has sturdylooking frame joints and hinges. As a result the Tern weighs 27% more than the Gocycle, at 23kg versus 18.1kg on my scales.

The Gocycle’s height-adjustable seatpost is made to fit riders from 5ft 1in to 6ft 6in, although there’s a compact option that drops that range to 4ft 10in to 5ft 9in. Tern says that the Q9 resizes in seconds to fit riders from 4ft 10in to 6ft 5in. This is thanks to a telescopic seatpost and the fore and aft adjustment of the bike’s Andros stem.

Both bikes can be wheeled along when folded by extending the seatpost and/ or handlebar. It’s just as well; you wouldn’t want to run along a station platform carrying these bikes. With practice, you should be able to folder either bike in under 30 seconds. Folded sizes are broadly similar. The Gocycle rests nicely on its kickstand, while the folded Tern can also be stood up on the rear rack, which I actually found the most stable position.

The Gocycle G4 had a design update a couple of years ago which, as well as new frame materials and a carbon fork, saw the introduction of an all-new G4drive front hub motor. This is quieter and has more torque than its predecessor, despite its discreet appearance. Like almost every element of the Gocycle, the hub motor is the manufacturer’s own design. It’s paired with a 300Wh battery, which is neatly hidden in the frame. When the bike is folded, you can slide the battery out to

Price: £3,399.

recharge it away from the bike. The Gocycle’s battery can be used to charge other devices as there’s a 1A USB-C outlet on the handlebar.

The Tern has an efficient, reliable and superbly smooth Bosch mid-drive motor. As an Active Line Plus unit, this isn’t the most powerful in the range but then the Vektron isn’t an e-MTB or full-blown cargo bike, and the lower torque rating compared to top-end mid-drives doesn’t seem to dent its hill-climbing ability, which is excellent.

The Vektron Q9 (there’s also an S10) gets a framemounted and removable 400Wh Bosch Power Pack battery as standard. It’s compatible with 300Wh and 500Wh Power Packs as well.

Both the Gocycle and Tern come with fast (4A) chargers with estimated charging times of three and four hours respectively. The handlebar displays are very different. The Tern has an easy-to-use Purion display. Gocycle owners can choose between the minimalist Fuel Gauge display (a line of red LEDs in the handlebar that show battery capacity and the selected assistance mode) or the Gocycle app; you’ll need to attach your phone to the handlebar via the rubber

Sizes: One size with telescopic seatpost.

Folded size: 88×39×61.5cm (with kickstand up).

Weight: 18.1kg (39.9lb)

Frame and fork: Carbon fibre mid-frame, hydroformed aluminium front frame, magnesium Cleandrive transmission casing. Carbon fibre single-sided fork.

Wheels: 406-60

Gocycle tyres, 20in magnesium one-piece wheels on stub axles.

Transmission:

Folding pedals, 32t chainring, Shimano Nexus 3-speed hub gear with magnesiumenclosed Cleandrive cover, 12t rear sprocket. Three ratios, 39-73in.

Electronics: Gocycle G4drive front hub motor with traction control. Gocycle frame-integrated, removable 300Wh battery. Fuel Gauge display.

Braking: Hydraulic disc brakes. Steering and seating: Folding handlebar stem with integrated handlebar featuring Gocycle’s LED Fuel Gauge display and 1A USB-C charging port. Telescopic seatpost, Velosport saddle.

Equipment:

Supernova LED lights front and rear, full-length mudguards, kickstand. gocycle.com

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