GoTrax F3 review: The Best of Both a Fat Tire and Folding E-Bike?

The GoTrax F3 is a folding fat tire e-bike that combines the practicality of a compact folding frame with the comfort and capability of a much larger electric bike. With a powerful 500W motor, chunky 4-inch tires, front suspension and a claimed range of up to 60 miles, this is an e-bike designed for riders who want to tackle more than just the daily commute.

I spent the day riding the GoTrax F3 around Park City, Utah, putting its power, comfort and handling to the test on a mixture of roads and inclines. Here is everything you need to know.

Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price: $999

Good for:

• Riders looking for a comfortable fat tire e-bike
• Tackling hills and steep inclines
• Multi-terrain adventures
• Riders who want both pedal assist and throttle power

Pros:

• Extremely smooth power delivery
• Powerful enough to tackle steep hills
• Comfortable upright riding position
• Fat tires and suspension absorb bumps well
• Sturdy and high-quality folding frame

Cons:

• Heavy and stiff to fold
• Still fairly large when folded
• May be difficult to lift into a car
• Range drops significantly when using maximum assistance or throttle

Expert verdict:

“I love this bike! I don’t care that it is heavy and hard to fold…”

I spent the day riding the GoTrax F3 around Park City, Utah and was blown away by its smooth and effective delivery of power, particularly when tackling the steep inclines. For $999, the GoTrax F3 offers a seriously impressive combination of power, comfort and versatility. You can watch my full review on YouTube if you want to see my full review: 

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Specs:

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Components and build quality:

This electric bike is powered by a 500W and the 48v 14ah offers up to 60miles of range. The range is reduced the more you use the throttle and the higher level pedal assist you ride in. So you can get 60miles if you ride in PAS1 and closer to 15miles if you ride only in PAS5. It can also hit a respectable top speed of 28mph. 

You can ride using the pedal assist system or the twist and go throttle. There is also a 7-speed Shimano gearing system which means that you can fine tune your ride to suit your riding style. 

The GoTrax F3 is a high quality build bike. The clasps and hinges on this folding bike feel super sturdy and secure. The folding element of this bike is useful for storage but I would say that if you want to put it in the boot of a car you might need a fairly sizable boot as it is still pretty big when folded. I also found it quite stiff and heavy to fold but someone bigger might have no trouble at all. The fact that it is so stiff also means that it doesn't feel rickety when unfolded like some other folding electric bikes I have ridden do. 

The rear rack adds another layer of practicality, giving you somewhere to carry bags or additional cargo. With a maximum payload of 264lbs, the F3 should be capable of handling everyday luggage and gear for longer adventures.

The LCD display is another highlight. It is bright, colourful and easy to read, even in bright daylight. It gives you access to your essential riding information without feeling cluttered or difficult to navigate.

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Performance and handling:

The power delivery on the GoTrax F3 is incredibly smooth and natural. This was probably one of my favourite things about riding the bike. The 500W motor has plenty of power available when you need it, particularly when tackling steep hills, but it does not feel jerky or unpredictable.

I spent the day riding around Park City, Utah, where there was no shortage of inclines to test the bike on. The F3 handled them incredibly well, delivering consistent assistance without feeling like the motor was struggling.

The fat tires and front suspension work together to make this a super comfortable ride, soaking up bumps and dips in the road. Combined with the cushioned saddle and upright riding position, the F3 is a bike that feels comfortable enough for all-day riding. Those chunky 20 x 4-inch tires also give the bike plenty of versatility. While it works perfectly well on paved roads, the extra grip and cushioning make it suitable for dirt tracks, gravel paths and other light off-road terrain too.

The motor is powerful enough that, at higher levels of assistance, you could potentially find yourself spinning the pedals without adding much effort. However, the Shimano 7-speed gearing system helps you avoid that ghost pedalling sensation and gives you more control over your cadence.

Handling is also surprisingly good considering this is a fairly heavy fat tire e-bike. It feels easy enough to steer and manoeuvre, while the weight of the bike and the large contact patch from the tires help it feel nicely planted on the road. You definitely know that you are riding a substantial bike, but that weight actually contributes to its feeling of stability rather than making it feel difficult to control.

Comfort is one area where the GoTrax F3 really stands out. The combination of fat tires, front suspension and a generously cushioned saddle means that rough roads and uneven surfaces are much less noticeable than they would be on a conventional commuter bike. The upright riding position also makes the bike feel relaxed and approachable. You are not leaning aggressively forward, putting pressure on your wrists or forcing yourself into an uncomfortable position. Instead, you can sit comfortably and enjoy the ride.

This is one of those bikes that encourages you to keep riding. Whether you are commuting, exploring a new area or heading out on a longer weekend adventure, the F3 feels like a bike you could spend several hours on without getting uncomfortable.

Safety and security:

The GoTrax F3 comes equipped with integrated front and rear lights, helping to improve your visibility when riding in low-light conditions.

The hydraulic brakes are another major positive. Considering the weight of the bike and its potential top speed of 28mph, having reliable stopping power is essential. The brakes feel responsive and provide confidence when slowing down or coming to a stop.

The fat tires also contribute to the bike's overall feeling of stability and grip, particularly when riding across uneven surfaces.

While the folding mechanism is quite stiff, the locking points themselves feel secure and solid once the bike is assembled. That sturdy construction gives you additional confidence when riding at speed or tackling rougher terrain.

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