Electra  Townie Go! 8D EQ Step-Thru Electric Bike

So I am a "traditional" bicycler too. I say I spend 80% time on a non electric and 20% on an electric bike. This is a torque sensor bike vs cadence sensor which important to realize that you will have to do some work to get this bike to go. Some cadence sensors will pedal for you. The torque system takes your effort and magnifies it. But for those that want exercise, you will get that on this bike and more. It rides easily up very steep hills and has an incredible battery range especially if you use the lower pedal assist settings. The bike also rides well if you use it as a "traditional" bike where the electric assist is off. The shifting is smooth, and it is a comfortable bike to ride (even without upgrading the seat). Plus, the bike is a real head turner. I have gotten more complements riding this bike because it is a work of art in additional to its functionality. Oh, I added a non Electra basket and a bell which makes it a lot more practical to use the bike to run errands.

My wife love it. Quiet ride. Easy to operate ,easy to ride and light to load on bike rack. It is Electra and we love it.

This is an easy-to-ride, fun, beginner bike for city streets and paved trails. A great way to explore the city while getting your daily dose of exercise. The step-through design is great for riders who may not wish - or be able - to swing a leg over a high center bar.

Being short of stature, 5'0" on a good day, finding an class 1 e-bike in the affordable range has been a challenge. Even the REI e-bikes small frame step through bikes are designed for those sisters who are 5'3 and above or those at 5'1" with extremely long legs. The other major manufacturers either offer the affordable small frame bike for those of 5'1" and beyond or an x-small frame beginning in the mid-$3000 range. (specifics: female, 5'0" with short inseam, early 70's, no longer can do hills and keep up with my husband but thoroughly enjoy recreational bike riding; the electric pedal assist should make riding enjoyable again.) The townie, with the more forward crank and highly adjustable seat was the one frame that appeared to allow my short legs/toes to touch the ground when stopped. I specifically chose the Go!8D because it has a removeable battery and the motor is at the mid-crank rather than on the rear hub. The package also offered matching fenders and lights wired to the battery. The next model up, for another $500 had a matching rear rack, better tires, a lock and hydraulic disc brakes. I chose to buy a Townie specific rack, a lock, bell and mirror separately as add-ons. The bike is beautiful, all the components work, and the REI tech adjusted the handlebars and brakes before I left the shop so I would have a tuned-in fit. On the first warm sunny day in February and with a fully charged battery, I took the Townie out for a spin with high hopes. The LED display fired up as expected and showed my level of assist, mph and battery level. With the seat adjusted for a comfortable stroke, it was possible to stop and balance on my tippy toes. When engaged, the battery kicked in and the pedal assist was working. Wheee...what a thrill to get up to 15 mph and just keep going without the feeling of extreme exertion. The "e" part of e-bike is wonderful! So, this would be a wonderful review, except, I returned the bike. For me, the Townie was too clunky-heavy and with the 2.35" big balloon tires, it felt like I was back on the single speed bike I had growing up. Without the pedal assist, the 50+ pounds and big tires gave the feel of a beach cruiser rather than a sleek bike. The pedal assist is necessary just to make the ride feel the same as pedaling a 25-30 pound bike. My desire is to do day-long rides on bike paths and rail trails and this was not the bike to do this and end the day with a smile. The Townie is a well-built bike and I think it would be perfect for short rides in town and other places that a person would choose a cruiser style of bike. The e-part with pedal assist does make pedaling easier and therefore offers longer, more comfortable rides. For the person looking at the Townie, my advice is to give it a good test ride. It may be your next set of wheels that make riding a bike fun again.