Folding bikes make a lot of sense on tour. Their compact size allows for easy storage, and they’re perfect for nipping into the village for a pint of milk.

Unless, that is, the nearest shop is at the top of a steep hill. Step forward, the Gocycle GX.

The latest addition to the Gocycle range, the GX combines the ultra-modern design and smart looks of the other models with a more compact fold.

While other Gocycles have removable wheels and a folding handlebar stem, the GX is hinged in the middle of the frame and there’s no need to remove the wheels.

It will easily fit under a fixed double bed, although you’d need to secure it carefully to prevent any damage during the journey.

Folding and unfolding the Gocycle is quick, simple and intuitive. Balance the bike on the kickstand, release the frame hinge and fold the front wheel towards the back wheel. Then simply lower the handlebar stem and secure it to the frame with a rubber loop.

For a more compact fold, you can flip the pedals or take out the seat post and saddlle, which then sit within the rubber loop holding the folded bike together. But essentially, that’s it.

If you’re taking the Gocycle on a train, it’s worth leaving the saddle in place because this makes it easier to wheel the GX around.

You will want to wheel it, rather than carry it: although it’s not heavy by general e-bike standards, almost 18kg is still rather a lot to lift.

You don’t notice that heft when riding, though. There’s up to 250W of electrical assistance, available up to 15.5mph. Both are the maximum allowed by law.

Assistance builds smoothly, with more help the harder you pedal – hills become ridiculously easy, and it’s possible to cover the miles quite quickly without working up a sweat, even on a hot day. The rear suspension and high-volume tyres give a smooth ride and reassuring grip.

To make the most of the Gocycle, you need a smartphone with the free Gocycle app. The bike works without it, but the app allows you to connect to the bike via Bluetooth, display a ‘dashboard’ on the screen, and switch between different modes.

Choose more assistance if you need it, or less electrical help to maximise the range. Gocycle claims a full charge lasts 40 miles in ideal conditions – we were just short of that in practice.

With a price tag of almost £3000, the Gocycle is definitely a premium product – you can buy e-bikes that will do much the same job for less. But they won’t have the Gocycle’s slick design, composed handling or gadget-geek appeal.

…or try one of these

Brompton Electric M2L

The word ‘iconic’ is perhaps overused, but it can fairly be applied to the Brompton folding bicycle. The electric version is slightly cheaper than the Gocycle and folds to a smaller size, but the Gocycle is a smoother ride.

Carrera Crosscity Folding Electric Bike

Gocycle and Brompton are premium products, but the Carrera Crosscity is around a third of the price. Your money buys a bike with a claimed range of up to 30 miles, with a handy pannier rack for luggage included.