VerdictAI
#5 in Best Electric Bikes

Gotrax Dolphin 26" Electric Bike, Max Range 30Miles(Pedal-assist1) & 20Mph Power by Peak 500W, 5 Pedal-Assist Levels & Front…

Best for

Best budget

Amazon rating

★★★★★4.4(389)

Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score

Verdict scoreFair
62/ 100

Based on 1 trusted source

Current price

$467.49

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Updated May 17, 2026 · 1 min read

Gotrax Dolphin 26" Electric Bike, Max Range 30Miles(Pedal-assist1) & 20Mph Power by Peak 500W, 5 Pedal-Assist Levels & Front…

The consensus

What reviewers found

Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.

Across the reviewers we read, the Gotrax Dolphin is the lightest-duty pick in this roundup and the one most clearly aimed at casual urban riders. Amazon's 4.4-star average across 389 reviews — the largest verified-purchase sample in the pool — describes a step-thru frame that's easy to mount in everyday clothes, predictable pedal-assist for stop-and-go traffic, and a removable battery that charges in roughly 5.5 hours. r/BicycleArea and r/ElectricScooterReview posts position it as a no-drama starter commuter under $500.

What reviewers liked

  • Highest verified-purchase review volume in the pool (389 Amazon reviews, 4.4 average)
  • Step-thru frame draws consistent praise from r/BicycleArea and r/ElectricScooterReview for easy mounting
  • Removable 280Wh battery makes apartment charging practical
  • Among the cheapest e-bikes in the pool at under $500

Where it falls short

  • r/ebikes high-trust comparison thread flags mechanical brakes as a real downgrade versus hydraulic
  • Owner reports on related Gotrax models cite weak rear brakes and loose hardware out of the box
  • 15.5-mile pure-electric range is short for any meaningful commute
  • 350W sustained motor is the weakest in this pool — not suited for hills or heavier riders
  • No specialist-outlet or independent-lab signals to corroborate the marketing claims

Across the reviews

Synthesis · not our verdict

Across the reviewers we read, the Gotrax Dolphin is the lightest-duty pick in this roundup and the one most clearly aimed at casual urban riders. Amazon's 4.4-star average across 389 reviews — the largest verified-purchase sample in the pool — describes a step-thru frame that's easy to mount in everyday clothes, predictable pedal-assist for stop-and-go traffic, and a removable battery that charges in roughly 5.5 hours. r/BicycleArea and r/ElectricScooterReview posts position it as a no-drama starter commuter under $500.

The r/ebikes specialist community is more measured. A high-trust thread comparing the Dolphin to the Gotrax R1 2.0 prefers the R1 for its hydraulic brakes and better warranty, implying the Dolphin's mechanical brakes are a real downgrade. A separate high-trust r/ebikes owner thread on a different Gotrax model reports poor rear-brake performance and a loose saddle out of the box — concerns worth pricing in when budgeting for setup.

The trust-weighted picture: a legitimate sub-$500 step-thru for flat-route urban riding, with realistic expectations on top speed (20 mph), range (15–30 miles depending on assist mode), and brake quality.

Key specs

Source: Amazon listing
Highlight 1
【Powerful Riding Performance】Gotrax Dolphin electric bike is powered by 350W brushless motor with max speed of 20MPH. Equipped with 26" tires and a 280.8Wh removable battery, it can travel 15.5miles on pure electric mode with just 5.5 hours of charging. If in Pedal-Assist mode, it can travel up to more than 30miles. Plus, carry an extra battery for embraced cross-continental travel experiences.
Highlight 2
【Tailored Safety & Comfort】Gotrax Dolphin E-bike features a height-adjustable seat and angle-adjustable handlebar, allowing for personalized comfort on extended journeys. Enhanced by dual disc brakes and front shock absorbers, it delivers powerful stopping ability, ensuring both safety and comfort. The console and bell contribute to a confident and secure ride across a variety of road conditions.
Highlight 3
【Diverse Riding Experiences】Explore 3 riding modes for a fulfilling journey! Effortlessly cruise, exercise, or commute seamlessly – we have you covered. Select Pure Electric Mode, Pedal-Assist Mode, or ride like a normal bike, tailoring your mode to match the purpose of your journey. Plus, the Pedal-Assist Mode offers 5 speeds, expanding your riding options for a more personalized experience.
Highlight 4
【Sport Ride Like No Other】Gotrax Dolphin shimano 7-speed system is built to any terrain, ensuring utmost durability. Opting for a lower gear minimizes strain on your feet. Enter the boost mode by pressing and holding the button for 2-3s. With a 6 Km/h (3.7 mph) boost, effortlessly lessen riding fatigue, maximizing distance and usage time for a seamless experience on both daily commutes and journeys.
Highlight 5
【Easy Assembly & After Sales Guarantee】The electric bike is easy to assemble, most of the work already done and clear instructions and tools provided. Plus, Gotrax comes with a 365-day part assurance and customer support. If you experience any problems, we will strive to provide you with 100% satisfactory after-sales service.
Highlight 6
【UL Certificaed】With our product's UL2849 safety certification, your safety is our priority.

What customers say

2 verified voices
Built much better. Two year warranty. Front suspension. Hydraulic brakes instead of crappy mechanical brakes that dont feel nearly as good and ...
Trustedvia r/ebikes
Check out my review and road test of the GoTrax Dolphin Budget Step Thru cruiser e-bike! Is it worth $599.99? Watch and find out!
Supportingvia r/ElectricScooterReview

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Video review

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Gotrax Dolphin 26" Ebike "Walkthrough/Review"” · YouTube

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