If you do not want to waste time or your hard-earned budget looking for the best budget electric scooter with a high-quality build, then you should definitely consider the GoTrax GXL V2. It has an excellent balance of weight, range, and specifications that make it perfect for urban commuters. Our team has culled this GoTrax GXL V2 review — read as we’ve highlighted its best features.
Pros
- Dual braking system
- Sturdy build
- Optimum cruise control
- Pneumatic tires
- Comfortable ride quality
- Affordable price point
Cons
- No rear light
- Acceleration curve can be improved
Design
GoTrax GXL V2 has a straightforward ergonomic design that eradicates excesses and redundancies. All buttons and levers are functional and essential, laid out simply for users to easily maneuver. This design decision emphasizes the Gotrax GXL V2 scooter’s sleek and minimal appearance while complementing its efficiency, allowing it to be used to its full potential.
This GoTrax scooter has a deck with a standing space of 47.2 cm by 15.2 cm. It may have a compact size overall but its deck is bigger than usual, which gives more allowance for movement and for larger shoe sizes. With the build quality, we can also see other conveniences for the folded scooter such as anti-slip capability.
GoTrax GXL V2 scooters have 10 cm of ground clearance. It is not advisable to jump off curbs at higher speeds, for instance.
This GoTrax electric scooter is also foldable. It unravels from a compact, carry-on bundle into a strong and sturdy commuter scooter in a matter of seconds. Its mechanism is straightforward, so it is ideal even for beginners.
Additionally, the GoTrax GXL V2 also has exemplary packaging. As it is rampant that perfectly good scooters have a tendency to arrive damaged due to flimsy packaging, this is indeed a game-changer. The GXL V2 is enclosed in a form-fitting case that keeps everything safe and intact until it is unboxed.
Gotrax GXL V2 Features
Speed and Acceleration
The manufacturer-declared speed of the GoTrax GXL V2 is 16mph. This maximum speed may be underwhelming for electric scooters in general, but is actually standard considering it is a budget scooter. Our experts find it worthy to note that this speed is fast enough on average in the electric scooter market.
The GoTrax GXL V2 runs on a 250-watt brushless DC motor that allows smooth and decent acceleration. During tests run by our team, it hits its top speed in around 10.0 seconds, which makes it fast enough especially for beginner and casual riders.
For comparison, the Xiaomi M365 reaches 14mph in 6.3 seconds. The acceleration of GoTrax GXL V2 may pale in comparison, but let us not forget that considering their 200-dollar price difference, its performance is still highly efficient.
As an added note, bear in mind that the GXL V2 lacks a zero-start feature, meaning you would have to manually kick it at around 1.8mph before the motor activates.
Motor
Personal electric vehicles with the price range of GoTrax scooters generally see less powerful motors. However, we found in our GoTrax GXL V2 review that the scooter has a 250W DC motor complemented by a 36V battery. The motor power affords the scooter a top speed of 15.5 mph with a maximum rider weight of 220 lbs.
The excellent build quality works well with the improved motor, as the scooter offers superb motor control. The scooter designed for commuting in busy cities will not accelerate by accident when you’re holding the handlebars, unlike other scooters.
Battery and Charging Time
The GoTrax series has an improved battery life and uses UL2271 certified lithium-ion batteries. As for the GXL V2, it is integrated with a 36V, 5.2ah lithium-ion battery, which fully recharges in 4-5 hours. You can find the battery level and battery status indicated on the LED display in the middle handlebar for accessibility.
You can travel for up to 12 miles with the scooter before it completely runs out of battery power. However, you should expect less if you are on the higher end of the rider weight it can accommodate. There are ride modes you can choose that can either make you ride quicker or make use of the battery more economically.
The estimated battery lifespan of this GoTrax electric scooter is at least 3 years with moderate use. As of the moment, GoTrax does not sell replacement batteries, but it can be switched with most Lithium-Ion battery pack variants of the same standard instead.
Range
The GXL V2 has a declared range of 19 kilometers, but our professional riders claim that its sweet spot is around 16.3 kilometers when fully charged. This electric scooter is ideally ridden on urban spaces with some hills and slopes here and there.
Its range depends on the terrain and power usage—the rougher the terrain, the steeper the slope, the more energy is consumed, hence, effectively reducing the scooter’s overall range. Other elements to take into account are the temperature and the rider’s weight.
What is great about the GXL V2 is it is light enough to carry in circumstances where you run out of power while in transit. The deck is also low enough to the ground so it can function as your normal kick scooter.
Braking System
What sets the GXL V2 apart from other electric scooters is its dual-braking system. Similar scooters in terms of price typically have a single braking system. The fenders are also as sturdy as can be, as they are built with reinforced plastic.
It operates with a rear disc brake and a front regenerative braking that provide you with total control of the electric scooter. Pulling on the rear disk brake will allow a smooth stop, even when riding at fast speeds.
Our experts emphasize that this dual-hybrid system provides ample cruise control compared to other commuter scooters. Unlike the GXL commuter, the GoTrax GXL V2’s rear disc brakes are run by an easy-to-use manual lever.
The disc brakes are a step up considering how it feels more natural while allowing the rider to try different positions in maneuvering. Additionally, it also increases safety as it frees the left hand to always be at the ready for braking.
Portability and Weight Capacity
The GoTrax GXL Commuter V2 has a stress-free, straightforward folding mechanism. It folds by simply pulling the tiller towards the back wheel and folding the mainframe to the rear fender. It can also be hooked to the buckle for transport and storage convenience.
At 26.5 lbs, the GoTrax GXL V2 is classified as a lightweight commuter scooter. It is portably engineered to be both ridden and carried. Worry not, however, for our experts swear this electric scooter is built durable enough to host a max weight of 220 lbs.
Ease of Use: LED Display and Controls
GoTrax GXL V2 has a straightforward ergonomic design that eradicates excesses and redundancies. All buttons and levers are functional and essential, laid out simply for users to easily maneuver.
It also has an integrated LED display with a user-friendly interface to allow ease in navigation. The digital monitor displays the electric scooter’s battery life, speedometer, and riding mode. You can also use it to operate your headlight and switch riding modes from the small red button intentionally placed below the LED display.
Tires and Suspension
The GoTrax GXL V2 has dual 21-.6-centimeter pneumatic inner tube tires. These air-filled tires will provide enough cushion for a comfortable ride, especially in rough terrains despite their lack of suspension. Pneumatic tires also have a reputation of performing better in wet conditions compared to solid tires, as the latter tend to be slippery.
Despite the benefits of air-filled tires, it is also prone to getting flats. Luckily, our experts think the benefits outweigh the risk as there are easy preventive and repair solutions for these flats.
Moreover, as the GoTrax GXL V2 does not have an integrated suspension mechanism, one would have to solely be reliant on its pneumatic tires. This means that while it does a pretty decent job overall, you would have to regularly maintain and check the routes for bumpy and rough terrain to ensure a smooth ride.
Climbing Capacity
To test the GoTrax GXL V2’s efficiency in climbing steep hills, our professional scooter riders underwent a standardized test at a 60-meter, 10% grade surface, with the rider at 164lbs max weight. The GXL V2 passed with flying colors at 20.9 seconds at an average speed of 6.52 mph.
That said, the GoTrax GXL V2 may have a decent hill climbing performance, but it is always best to keep in mind that going uphill can take some time like other budget electric scooters. Our team recommends supplementing the motor with a few kicks on an incline to help your electric scooter overcome most of the ascents.
Lastly, bear in mind as well that the electric scooter’s ability to climb hills, like its other specifications, varies depending on the surface, the maximum weight carried, and the power output of the motor.
Water Resistance
While electric scooters in general are not made to be fully submerged in water, you can rest assured that the GoTrax GXL V2 can withstand light rain, splashes, and puddles here and there. It boasts an IP54 waterproof rating to back this up.
Accessories
Users will find the GoTrax GLX V2 electric scooter to be equipped with some useful accessories. These include a standard kickstand, mudguards on the front and the rear, a push bell incorporated on the handlebars, and a reinforced rear fender on the scooter’s back wheel. All these improve your ride quality, the scooter’s stability, and gear protection.
In case of faulty accessories, spare parts are not hard to come by. Replacement accessories are widely accessible in the market.
Safety Certification
In the course of our GoTrax GXL V2 review, we found that the scooter comes with a few certifications. As already mentioned, the batteries of the scooter come with UL2271 certification.
These scooters are also Underwriter Labs certified, which means that the GoTrax GXL V2 scooter is up to safety standards [1]. There’s more besides the scooter offering decent range and desired top speed. Everything from the foot pedal to the front and rear brakes work as expected and without endangering users.
The scooter also comes with a safety pin that you have to manually unscrew to lock the folding mechanism and a rear reflector for safe night rides. However, for rider safety, it is recommended that you still wear the appropriate helmet as well as knee and elbow pads.
Price and Warranty
The GoTrax GXL V2 electric scooters are on the lower end of the price spectrum even though you can see features that are incorporated in more expensive models. Even spare parts and other replaceable equipment are cheap and easily accessible. These include battery packs, fenders, spare tires, and more.
The scooter comes with a limited 90-day warranty which is not impressive but is still great to have. This is limited to manufacturer defects, which means it does not cover water damage due to the weather. However, GoTrax compensates for its exceptional customer service.
Gotrax GXL V2 Alternatives
For those who want to stay with the GoTrax brand, the GoTrax XR Elite is a great scooter. It offers a similar top speed and weight capacity. However, it has a longer range (with a 6-mile difference) as well as a rear LED taillight. It is slightly more expensive and heavier than the GoTrax GXL V2.
The Xiaomi Mi electric scooter is another model commonly compared with the GoTrax GXL Commuter V2. It has better speeds, more power at 600W, and a longer distance reached per single charge. However, it has a longer charge time, a heavier profile, and a higher price tag than other electric scooters.
FAQ
Is the GoTrax GXL V2 worth it?
Yes, the GoTrax GXL V2 is worth it. Its competitive specifications and affordable price point makes it a reliable scooter. This GoTrax scooter has a portable folding frame, exceptional build quality, dual regenerative brake, ample cruise control, and decent max speeds, among many others.
Review Conclusion: Gotrax GXL V2
Our thorough GoTrax GXL V2 review proves that this model has all the features that make it a great yet affordable commuter scooter. Besides quality build, the scooter gives a decent top speed at 16 mph and a profile light enough to lug around the city.
The GoTrax GXL V2 scooter also maintains features praised in the original GoTrax GXL Commuter, such as its pneumatic tires and rear disc brake, while also adding an improved motor, bigger tires, and battery life. It is the perfect scooter for flat ground and cities.
