The GoTrax Mustang is half e-bike, half motorbike, fully capable of doing an urban commute into work on a mix of roads and cycle lanes.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Good For:
- Commuting
- Multi-terrain adventures
Pros:
- Fat tires and front suspension make a smooth ride
- Powerful motor
- Throttle gets you up to 20mph
- Pedals can get up to 25mph
Cons:
- Heavy
- No rear suspension
- Difficult to use pedals if you're tall
Expert Verdict:
Our expert reviewer Richard absolutely loved the GoTrax Mustang. He found it exceptionally comfortable and a great way to get around and explore Salt Lake City. He liked that it can hold its own in heavy traffic, but it can also scoot down bike-only lanes and quickly cut through alleyways and shortcuts.
Specs:
|
Max speed |
Throttle: 20mph Pedal assist: 25mph |
|
Frame |
Aluminum Alloy A6061 |
|
Range |
Up to 86 miles |
|
Motor power |
750W |
|
Battery |
48V 15aH LG Battery |
|
Gears |
Shimano 7 Speed |
|
Suspension |
Front suspension |
|
Tire size |
4” |
|
Weight |
76.6lbs |
|
Maximum load |
264lbs |
|
Brakes |
Tektro Hydraulic Dual Brakes |
|
Display |
Full-color screen |
|
Charge time |
5-6 hours |
|
Lights |
Integrated front and rear LED lights |
|
Assist levels |
5 |
Components and build quality
This electric cruiser is a great option for navigating urban landscapes - a 750W rear hub motor city cruiser that could be your new commute companion. It is powered by a 48 V 15 Ah battery and can assist you up to a top speed of 20mph when using the throttle and 25mph using pedal assist.
Having both the throttle and the pedals means that you can switch from motorbike mode to cycling mode easily when you need a rest or just want to cruise. Though it is worth noting that pedalling on this bike can be tricky if you're a taller rider (more on that later).
GoTrax claim that the Mustang has a range of up to 86miles which will of course vary with outside temperature and terrain but it’s definitely more than enough to get you to and from work if you were using this to commute across the city to work. This range is also if you were to use the bike on pedal assist level 1. Rich found that the bike achieved a range of around 18 miles when only using the throttle, but this was in the hilly Salt Lake City.
The Mustang retails for $2,400 but I have often seen it on sale for just under $2,000 on the GoTrax website so keep an eye out for their deals.
Performance and handling
The 20x4” tires and front suspension means that any bumps in the road are well absorbed by the bike so you can enjoy a smooth ride. The long seat also provides maximum comfort and arguably compensates for a lack of rear suspension. This is certainly one of the most comfortable bikes we've tested when using the throttle mode.
But this low seating position, which isn't adjustable, will mean that taller riders will find their knees hitting their own elbows whilst pedalling.
So for anyone 6 foot or above, this is better as a throttle bike. You can pedal for short bursts but it's uncomfortable over a long period. The plus point is that the saddle is incredibly comfortable, and you have a good straight back riding position.
These components also make the Mustang suited to multi-terrain trips out. It is ready to handle gravel and grassy paths if you want to take this bike out on weekend adventures.
The width of the tires, coupled with the weight of this bike also means that you feel very planted and connected to the road giving you a strong sense of control. The torque sensor also makes this bike feel intuitive and gives you a natural feeling of assist when you are using the pedals.
The steering can also take some getting used to because the handlebars only turn about 20 or 30 degrees left or right. This is a city cruiser, rather than a nimble bike for tight spaces. The trick is use your body to lean and steer, as though riding a motorbike.
Though this is a heavy bike the weight doesn't make it feel any slower or less agile as the motor is powerful enough for it not to affect the feel of the ride. It does however factor in if you need to carry it up stairs if you live in an apartment block with no place to store it on the first floor. It feels like a big old lump - so you're not going to want to be carrying it, in our experience.
Safety and security
Hydraulic brakes keep you safe as they guarantee that you can stop in all conditions. The fat tyres also add to the bike’s sense of stability and you feel nicely planted to the road with plenty of grip.
This bike also comes with integrated front and rear LED lights so that you can see and be seen on the roads at all times making it suitable for nighttime riding.
