The Electra Loft Go! 7D EQ is now available in Europe, following its launch in North America in December 2022.
The electric hybrid bike from Trek-subsidiary Electra is the latest addition to its range of city bikes, launched in 2014. It is described as an attainably priced electric bike for transportation and commuting in cities.
The bike has an electric motor in the rear hub with torque-sensing pedal assist and a range of 40 miles (64km), thanks to the 250Wh battery.
It’s available in a step-over or step-through design and costs £1,850 / $1,999.99 / €1,999.99.
Urban riders and city dwellers
Electra, the leading lifestyle bicycle brand in the USA, says the Loft Go! will help “urban riders and city dwellers” avoid traffic, crowded public transport, ride-share surges and “fluctuating gas prices”.
Kevin Cox, Electra’s president, says the brand takes “a lot of pride in making the simple act of riding a bike fun for everyone – this includes using bikes and ebikes for everyday transportation”.
Behind these claims are several attributes. The ‘attainable’ price of the Loft Go! is said to help make cycling accessible and the aesthetics of the bike are intended to make it more enjoyable.
Weight is also kept relatively low for an electric bike, enabling easy lifting and manoeuvring, at a claimed 21kg (46.3lb).
Electric motor with a 40-mile range
The Electra Loft Go! has a Hyena e-system with a rear-hub motor and 40Nm of torque controlled through a torque sensor.
The bike is said to have three power modes with a top speed of 20mph (32kph). However, EU and UK electric bike laws state an electrically assisted pedal cycle must have a top speed not exceeding 15.5mph, so we can expect the speed of the Loft Go to be capped.
The bike has a 1x drivetrain with a 44-tooth chainring and 7-speed Shimano Tourney 14-34t cassette to aid in traversing terrain, according to Electra.
Electra says the motor is powered by a 250Wh battery, providing a maximum range of 40 miles (64km). The battery can be charged fully in four hours. A 250Wh range-extender battery is also available.
The battery is inside the down tube. Electra says this helps the Loft Go! seem like a non-assisted bike.
You can monitor the power support and battery charge via an LED controller mounted on the handlebar.
Two frame designs and practical features
The Electra Go is available in two frame designs, step-over or step-through.
The step-through design has an upright riding position, extended wheelbase and relaxed seat tube angle, which helps create a spacious cockpit, according to Electra.
The step-over frame is said to be sporty with a more conventional double-diamond frame and a riding position suited to navigating through traffic.
Electra says the two designs offer the same style, design and quality consumers can expect from its non-assisted city bikes.
The step-through version comes in two sizes, small and medium, for riders from 152cm to 191cm tall. The step-over version comes in medium and large, suiting riders from 163cm to 193cm tall.
The bike has several practical features that should make everyday city riding easier. It comes fitted with mudguards, bike lights and a kickstand – one of deputy editor Jack Luke's essential commuter accessories.
It has 700x40mm tyres and flat-mount disc brakes.
Electra Loft Go! 7D EQ spec and prices
Electra says the Loft Go! is available in Europe from 23 February.
The bike uses Shimano and Microshift components, Kenda tyres and a Bontrager stem.
Electra Loft Go! 7D EQ step-over
- Frame: Electra Loft Go! step-over, 6061-T6 aluminium
- Fork: Hi-ten steel
- Wheels: Alloy double-walled with 6-bolt disc rotor mount
- Tyres: Kenda Piedmont 700x40mm
- Shifter: Microshift TS39-7 Thumb Tap
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Tourney TY300
- Electric motor: Rear-hub motor with 40Nm torque
- Battery: 250Wh
- Lights: Spanninga LED taillight and Herrmans H-Black 120-lumen LED headlight
- Price: £1,850 / $1,999.99 / €1,999.99
Electra Loft Go! 7D EQ step-through
- Frame: Electra Loft Go! step-through, 6061-T6 aluminium
- Fork: Hi-ten steel
- Wheels: Alloy double-walled with 6-bolt disc rotor mount
- Tyres: Kenda Piedmont 700x40mm
- Shifter: Microshift TS39-7 Thumb Tap
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Tourney TY300
- Electric motor: Rear-hub motor with 40Nm torque
- Battery: 250Wh
- Lights: Spanninga LED taillight and Herrmans H-Black 120-lumen LED headlight
- Price: £1,850 / $1,999.99 / €1,999.99
