Gocycle $5,000; www.gocycle.com
One second I’m pedaling along Ft. Lauderdale’s Las Olas Beach at a leisurely pace, the next I’m flying down the road at nearly 20 mph. Onlookers stared as I fully embraced my inner Lance Armstrong. But alas, the credit for this impressive speed doesn’t belong to me, rather to the 250-watt motor built into the frame of what I’m riding—a Gocycle electric bicycle, a no-nonsense vehicle that debuted in the United States at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show in October 2014.
Designer and founder of Gocycle Richard Thorpe watched our test and grinned at all the attention his bike was attracting. Seeing the Gocycle grow into a popular product has been Thorpe’s dream since he left a flourishing career as a designer at McLaren Automotive to create it. He eagerly approaches anyone ogling the Gocycle and answers any questions they might have.
Besides a blow-your-hair-back top speed, the Gocycle also has a remarkable range, cruising nearly 40 miles on a single charge (fully charging the bike takes 5 hours) while in eco-mode at 5 to 7 mph. Shifting is done automatically via an electronic Cleandrive Shimano Nexus 3-speed system, ensuring that you’re never in the wrong gear and that you achieve the maximum range per charge. Hydraulic front and rear disc brakes provide serious stopping power.
Another important aspect of the Gocycle, especially for boaters, is its simple stowability. Weighing only 35 pounds, it folds up and fits in a bag that’s just under 2 feet long, 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. After a little practice, unfolding the bike and getting it ready to ride takes about 2 minutes.
This isn’t some commuter bike, it’s a serious piece of equipment, perfect for cruisers who want to be able to explore a destination without renting a car or hailing a cab. And you feel pretty cool while riding one too.
Read more about the Gocycle here
This article originally appeared in the January 2015 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.
