Riding an electric bike through a bustling city at night offers a unique blend of excitement, convenience, and a fresh perspective on urban life. Recently, I took the Goat Power Bikes – Mini Goat e-bike out for its first shakedown ride in downtown Chicago after just acquiring it with 1,000 miles on the clock.

What is the Mini Goat?

The Goat Power Bikes Mini Goat is a compact but powerful electric bike that blurs the line between traditional e-bikes and motorcycles. It features a 60-amp controller and a 72v, 50 amp-hour battery, giving it enough power for spirited urban riding. Its design includes small cranks and a cadence sensor for pedal assist, making it surprisingly pedal-friendly despite its motorcycle-like power.

Key Specifications

• Battery: 72v, 50ah 50
• Pedal Assist Levels: Up to 9 programmable levels (default 5)
• Top Speed: Capable of over 50 mph in optimal conditions
• Suspension: Rear spring suspension for smooth rides over rough terrain
• Lighting: Bright headlights, tail lights, and turn signals for safe nighttime riding

Getting Ready

It was around 6:30 p.m. in Chicago, with the sun having set around 4:30. The temperature hovered near 43°F, a factor that can affect battery performance. I had just picked up the Mini Goat from the shop, where flat-out tire sealant and a foldy lock were added. The battery was at 50%, which promised a medium-length ride through the city.

Pedaling and Power Delivery

Contrary to my expectations, pedaling was smooth and easy. Despite the small crank size, I could pedal comfortably at my height (5’9”) and inseam (32 inches). The bike is nearly silent, with no motor noise, which adds to the stealthy and smooth riding experience.

The bike has a cadence sensor that adjusts pedal assist automatically. At pedal assist level one, I was cruising at about 14 mph, perfect for casual riding. Increasing to level two bumped speed up to 21 mph, and level three launched me to an exhilarating 41 mph—a speed more typical of a motorcycle than an e-bike.

Speed and Battery Usage

The Mini Goat’s power comes at a cost: heavy battery consumption. In just one and a half miles, the battery dropped from 50% to 44%, indicating that high speeds and aggressive throttle use drain power quickly. Despite this, the bike remained responsive and fast, with a throttle that felt punchy and ready to go at any moment.

Downtown Vibes and Holiday Festivities

Riding through Chicago’s downtown during the holiday season was an experience in itself. The Christmas tree near the iconic “Bean” and the brightly lit Merchandise Mart added festive charm. The streets were crowded with people, and police officers patrolled the area on bikes, ensuring safety during this busy time.

Maneuverability in Traffic

The Mini Goat’s compact size made it easy to navigate through tight spaces and busy streets. Lane splitting and quick lane changes felt natural, though caution was essential amid heavy pedestrian traffic. The bright headlights and turn signals helped maintain visibility and communicate intentions to others on the road.

Suspension and Comfort

The rear spring suspension absorbed bumps well, allowing for a smooth ride even over uneven pavement and curbs. This feature is especially important for urban commuters who encounter potholes, cracks, and other obstacles regularly.

Pedal Assist Levels and Speed Control

The Mini Goat offers multiple pedal assist levels, with the default setup having three. Level one and two keep speeds within typical Class 3 e-bike limits (up to about 21 mph), making it suitable for casual or commuter rides. Levels three and above unleash the bike’s full power, pushing speeds over 40 mph and beyond. The bike was setup up for 3 PAS levels during this ride.

Adjusting pedal assist settings through the onboard menu is possible, allowing riders to customize power delivery and throttle responsiveness. This flexibility is ideal for those who want to tailor the ride to urban speed limits or personal preferences.

Pedaling Without Power

Testing the bike in pedal assist zero (no motor help) revealed that it’s very difficult to pedal solely under human power. The Mini Goat functions more as an electric motorcycle than a traditional pedal bike, with a single-speed setup and a cadence sensor that doesn’t provide much mechanical advantage. Riders should expect to rely primarily on electric assistance.

Impact of Speed and Temperature on Battery Life

High speeds and aggressive throttle use significantly reduce battery range. During the night ride, the battery dropped quickly when riding at higher pedal assist levels and top speeds. Additionally, cold temperatures (around 43°F) further decrease battery efficiency.

Range Expectations

While exact mileage wasn’t recorded, the battery percentage data suggests that the Mini Goat can handle urban rides of approximately 30-40 miles on a full charge under moderate riding conditions. Aggressive riding at top speeds may reduce this range substantially.

Lighting and Visibility

The Mini Goat shines in its lighting setup. Its large, bright headlight illuminates the road ahead without blinding oncoming traffic. Tail lights and turn signals are also highly visible, enhancing rider safety during night rides.

Mirrors and Controls

Adding a Hafney bar end mirror improved rear visibility, an important accessory for city riding where traffic can come from all directions. The throttle is responsive and punchy but may require adjustment for smoother power delivery.

Seat and Ergonomics

The bike’s seat offers a wide but comfortable design, supporting long rides without discomfort. The compact frame length contributes to stability at high speeds, making the Mini Goat both a thrill ride and a practical commuter option.

Final Thoughts: Is the Mini Goat Right for You?

Pros

• Powerful motor with high top speeds (up to 50+ mph)
• Smooth and silent electric drive
• Compact and maneuverable for city riding
• Excellent lighting and safety features
• Adjustable pedal assist levels for customizable riding experience

Cons

• High battery consumption at top speeds
• Difficult to pedal without motor assistance
• Throttle can feel overly aggressive out of the box
• Battery performance affected by cold weather

Who Should Consider the Mini Goat?

If you’re looking for a high-performance electric bike that can keep up with traffic and deliver motorcycle-level speeds, the Mini Goat is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suited for urban riders who want quick acceleration, strong lighting, and a unique riding experience.

Casual riders who want a more traditional e-bike with extensive pedal power may find the Mini Goat’s characteristics less ideal. However, for thrill-seekers and commuters who value speed and agility, this bike offers a compelling package.