Are you looking for a fun and eco-friendly way to get around town? The GoTrax GMAX Ultra is the perfect solution. This electric scooter has a powerful motor and top-notch features that make it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a reliable and enjoyable way to get around. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features and performance of the GMAX Ultra to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Top Speed
While the GMAX Ultra does not match the speed of some performance scooters, it performs well as a premium budget scooter. With a top speed of 20 miles per hour, it is tied with the GoTrax G4 as the fastest GoTrax scooter. It is considerably faster than the GXL V2, Apex, XR Ultra, and Elite scooters, which were unable to surpass the 15.5 mph barrier.
If you want a scooter capable of higher speeds, the SPLACH Turbo Plus is a better choice. It can reach 26 mph, has a superior acceleration rate, and a respectable range of 33 miles for $150 more than the GMAX Ultra.
Acceleration
As with all GoTrax scooters, the GMAX Ultra requires ground-up propulsion when the throttle is engaged. This indicates that the initial acceleration requires assistance and may not be as swift as desired.
Hill Climb
According to GoTrax, the GMAX Ultra is capable of ascending 15-degree slopes. In practice, it can only handle slopes up to 8.5 degrees. Attempting anything beyond that causes it to become sluggish and difficult to control.
Suspension
If you’re familiar with the GoTrax line of inexpensive scooters, you’ll know that the lack of suspension is one of the ways they keep the prices low. The same can be said about the GMAX Ultra. Although this is a letdown for their premium model, the shock-resistant pneumatic tires do a good job of ensuring a comfortable ride.
These 10-inch chunky tires provide adequate protection against minor bumps and protect your knees and ankles from vibrations and small day-to-day impacts. To get the most out of the GMAX Ultra, however, you must stick to well-kept roads and sidewalks.
The Braking System
The GMAX Ultra is equipped with dual brakes. This consists of a rear disc brake and an electronic brake that activates when the brake is applied. The brake lever has a conventional design comparable to that of a bicycle. This provides you with reflexive control over the brakes, allowing you to safely stop.
The braking system can bring you to a stop from 15 mph in 5.3 meters. This is adequate for a scooter of this power, and is sufficient to effectively respond to the majority of situations. However, due to the fact that the brakes are only applied to the rear wheel, they are not as effective as they could be if applied to both wheels.
The AnyHill UM-1, another excellent budget scooter, uses a rear disc brake but channels its electronic brake to the front wheel to provide an impressive stopping distance of 2.2 meters from 15 miles per hour.
Charging Time
The 36V 17.5Ah LG battery can be fully charged in four to five hours, which is a respectable turnaround time given the battery’s size. Additionally, due to the superior quality of this battery in comparison to those found in other GoTrax scooters, you can expect it to maintain peak performance for longer.
Portability
The GMAX Ultra and the majority of the GoTrax lineup are distinguished by their straightforward, one-step folding mechanism. By pulling the lever at the base of the tiller, the stem collapses and the folding latch just below the handlebars can be attached to the folding buckle on the rear fender.
Even though the 17.9-inch handlebars do not fold, the GMAX Ultra is compact enough to fit in most standard trunks. Due to its weight, storing it in your trunk is preferable to carrying it over long distances.
The Handlebars
All of the handlebars on GoTrax’s electric scooters feature a strikingly similar design. They are functional, comfortable, and arranged in a perfectly straight line. Similar to the GoTrax G4, their length is 17.9 inches. This is slightly wider than the GXL V2, Apex, XR Ultra, and Elite, among other budget GoTrax scooters.
The extra width adds just enough functionality and stability to improve control and safety. The handbrake and thumb throttle are positioned intuitively, making it simple to maintain full control and make last-second adjustments. The LED dashboard is positioned in the center of the handlebars.
It is the ideal size for not getting in the way, but large enough to allow you to take in all pertinent information at a glance. Here you can disable the digital lock and view important information regarding your device’s speed and battery life.
Frame
The GMAX Ultra is not an exception to GoTrax’s excellent track record of making inexpensive scooters appear significantly more expensive. The metallic cyan accent on the matte black frame creates an eye-catching finish. The design closely resembles the GoTrax G4 and XR Elite.
Nonetheless, by using only one color for the highlighted sections, the designers have created a subdued appearance that conveys the impression of something sleeker and more potent. Similar to the G4, the GMAX Ultra’s relatively thin stem blends seamlessly into the large LED dashboard.
In addition, the majority of the cables are neatly concealed within the frame, with the exception of the connection between the brakes and the brake lever. While the Ultra lacks some of the features found on more expensive models, GoTrax has done an excellent job creating a budget scooter that is more than capable of attracting attention.
If you want to save money and look great at the same time, the GMAX Ultra may be the scooter for you.
Deck
The GMAX Ultra’s rubber deck is sufficiently grippy to keep your feet in place as you ride. Its width will provide sufficient space for me to comfortably place my feet. This is especially important if you wish to maximize the astounding 45-mile range. As a result of the 36V 17.5Ah LG battery being stored in the deck, the center of gravity is low, allowing for greater control and a more stable ride.
In addition, because it is in the deck and not the stem, GoTrax was able to maintain a narrow frame. While this positioning has a number of advantages, it also places the most vulnerable electronics of the scooter under your feet and close to the road. You must resist the urge to bunny hop up curbs or do anything that could potentially cause damage to the lower portion of the deck.
Even though the GMAX has an IPX4 rating for water resistance, it should not be used in wet conditions or when riding through water. Water may affect the traction of the deck and may damage the battery.
Tires
Due to the lack of suspension on the GMAX Ultra, the wheels must do all the work to smooth out the ride. GoTrax has supplied 10-inch pneumatic tires with a rounded profile to ensure their suitability for this task. As long as you maintain the recommended tire pressure of 50 PSI and stay on paved roads and smooth streets, you will enjoy a comfortable ride.
Air-filled tires offer increased traction, but require additional maintenance and are susceptible to punctures. However, these tires’ thick sidewalls make punctures less likely unless a long, sharp object is driven directly into it.
The unique characteristic of these tires is their rounded profile. Initially, this may not seem like much of an advantage, but when you’re riding, the curved tire edges allow you to cut through the corners with ease. The width also provides additional stability and prevents you from feeling as if you’re going to fall over with every bump.
Lights
The headlight and taillight are nice touches, but they are primarily useful for enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. However, they were not bright enough to make night time riding comfortable. If you must ride at night, you will need to purchase an additional headlight to increase your visibility and ensure you can see where you’re going.
In addition to its lights, the GMAX has reflective strips placed around the deck and frame. This is a useful addition. If riding your scooter in low light, you can also wear high-visibility clothing and use extra lights.
Display
The central LED console provides centralized control over all the scooter’s functions. The relatively bright, large display indicates your speed, distance, battery life, and cruise control status. In addition, it controls the digital lock and the front and rear lights. Two simple “+” and “-” buttons and the throttle are used to control the entire LED display.
The design’s simplicity is optimally suited to its purpose, allowing you to absorb all the necessary information at a glance.
Build Quality
Due to GoTrax’s reputation for producing inexpensive scooters, you may assume that the company has compromised on quality, but this is not the case. The frame is not light enough to compensate for the battery weight, resulting in a relatively heavy (46.3 lbs) scooter. Despite the fact that it is not featherweight, the manufacturers have more than made up for this in terms of durability and build quality.
When riding the GMAX Ultra or putting it into its folded position, it feels stable and there are no wobbles to be concerned about. GoTrax has provided detailed instructions on which screws to adjust if you discover anything that appears too slack in order to maintain structural integrity.
By storing the battery beneath the deck, GoTrax has created a more streamlined appearance and eliminated the need for cables to run along the deck or stem. Often overlooked, poor cable management can lead to accidents because cables can become entangled while riding; the GMAX Ultra eliminates this risk.
However, this is not an all-terrain scooter. As long as you take care of it, it will take care of you. You must prevent anything from colliding with the deck’s underside, where the battery is kept.
The Quality of the Ride
The GMAX Ultra provides a comfortable ride for a scooter without suspension. The large, shock-resistant tires contribute significantly to the smoothness of the ride, and the deck is large enough for you to stand comfortably. However, as an urban scooter, it is not designed for off-road travel or use on uneven surfaces.
The placement of the brake lever, thumb throttle, and LED display is optimally intuitive. Even on your first ride, it will be simple to make adjustments and examine the display. Some displays can be difficult to read while riding, but GoTrax has done a fantastic job of ensuring that the most important information is visible at a glance.
The low center of gravity provides additional stability when moving from side to side, and the additional weight low down aids in braking; if you need to stop abruptly, the heavy base will make you feel more secure. In terms of ride quality, the GMAX Ultra ranks alongside the GoTrax G4 and the Turboant X7 Pro.
The only scooter with which it cannot compete is the SPLACH Turbo Plus. The wide 22.8-inch handlebars, kickplate, and dual swingarm suspension system provide superior handling.
Warranty
The warranty offered by GoTrax is notoriously more limited than that of some of its competitors. The GMAX Ultra comes with a 6-month warranty that is activated as soon as the scooter is delivered. It covers the replacement of any faulty or broken component, unless it was caused by user error.
Unfortunately, it does not cover cosmetic damage to the scooter or normal wear and tear, such as surface blemishes, tears, and scratches. The GoTrax GMAX Ultra is a durable scooter that will provide years of enjoyment, but it requires care and maintenance. If you follow the instructions in the user manual and handle the product with care, it is unlikely that you will need to file a warranty claim.
Can You Ride the GoTrax GMAX Ultra in the Rain?
The GoTrax GMAX Ultra is not designed to be used in the rain. While the frame and components are made from waterproof materials, the battery should not be exposed to water. Furthermore, water can cause the brakes to become slippery, making it difficult to stop the scooter.
Additionally, riding in wet weather can reduce the amount of traction you have, making it more difficult to navigate turns. Therefore, it is best to avoid riding in the rain to ensure you remain safe.
Conclusion
The GoTrax GMAX Ultra is a worthy premium budget scooter. It has a powerful motor and a large, long-lasting battery, and it is equipped with features that will appeal to those looking for an urban scooter. With a top speed of 20 miles per hour, the GMAX Ultra is capable of taking you around town in a jiffy.
The 10-inch wheels, combined with the low center of gravity, make it a safe and comfortable ride. The LED dashboard provides an easy-to-read display of all relevant information, and the folding mechanism is simple and convenient. The GMAX Ultra is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable, long-distance commuter scooter.
