New belt-drive 28 mph electric bicycle from Electra offers cafe racer styling

Electra is back with a new electric bicycle, and this one is based on the classic cafe racer design. The new Café Moto Go electric bicycle has an impressive list of components and specs, including a Gates Carbon Drive and continuously variable transmission.

Electra Café Moto Go electric bicycle

Electra’s new Café Moto Go electric bicycle combines a classic design with the most premium and advanced e-bike components on the market.

The retro-inspired electric bike is the latest to feature one of the most premium transmissions in the bicycle market: a Gates Carbon Drive. The belt drive system isn’t cheap, but the extra cost is worth it for many. The drive is maintenance-free and means the rider will never have to fiddle with a derailleur or greasy chain. It’s also silent, an added benefit on a quiet electric bicycle.

Without a derailleur, the Electra Café Moto Go relies on an Enviolo internally geared hub for gear shifts. Previously known as NuVinci, the Enviolo system comprises a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a 380% gear range.

Powering the belt and CVT transmission is a Bosch Performance Speed mid-drive electric motor.

Technically rated at 350 W continuous, this class-leading motor is actually putting out quite a bit more power and helps the bike reach a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h).

That makes it a class 3 e-bike in much of the US or a speed pedelec in Europe.

The frame is hydroformed 6061-T6 aluminum and features a fake tank molded directly into the tubing – another ode to cafe racer styling.

Hidden in the downtube is a Bosch PowerTube 500 Wh removable battery.

Braking on the Electra Café Moto Go is accomplished with a pair of Hayes hydraulic disk brakes, which is another nearly maintenance-free component chosen to make riding easier and more convenient.

A Brooks leather saddle and leather tool bag are included as well.

A front and rear light are mounted above each of the Vee Rubber Speedster tires.

Each one of these components are high quality, classy choices. They also add up to a final MSRP of $4,499. Not cheap, but not terrible either considering the long list of high end components.

Premium e-bike competition

The Electra Café Moto Go is not a standard commuter e-bike or a budget-level offering. It is designed to compete with premium-level e-bikes.

Other e-bikes in its class include the Priority Embark and Riese & Müller Supercharger e-bikes. The Electra Café Moto Go has specs that edge out the Embark and nearly match the ultra premium Supercharger – if not for the Supercharger’s dual batteries. Though at nearly half the price of the Riese & Müller Supercharger, the Café Moto Go is certainly a more affordable way to get your hands on a premium electric bicycle.

Is this level of high end components a necessity for e-bikes? Of course not. But for those that want more convenience, less maintenance and a more pleasurable ride experience, these high quality parts really make a difference.

We’ll hopefully have a Café Moto Go in our hands soon to review and perform in-depth testing. Until then though, all we can say is that the bike has an impressive look and the parts to match.