The GoTrax XR Ultra is a highly popular electric scooter that has been making waves in the market for its impressive performance, reliability, and affordability. Designed to provide an efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, this electric scooter has become a go-to option for many commuters, students, and travelers.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features and specifications of the GoTrax XR Ultra, including its range, speed, weight capacity, and overall performance. Whether you’re looking for a reliable and efficient way to get around town or simply curious about the latest trends in personal transportation, this review will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about the GoTrax XR Ultra.
Speed and Acceleration
According to the folks at GoTrax, the XR Ultra can achieve a top speed of 15.5 mph, which is standard for a budget scooter. However, this claim is not entirely accurate. While it’s possible to reach the top speed intermittently, riding consistently at 15.5 mph is not feasible. This is not so much a problem with the XR Ultra itself but more due to real-world conditions that are not ideal for maximizing the scooter’s performance.
To fully utilize the 300W motor, the XR Ultra performs best on flat, smooth terrain. Its acceleration curve is average, which is suitable for beginners but lacks the excitement that more experienced riders may crave.
Range
The XR Ultra boasts an impressive range of 16 miles, which is a 4-mile increase from its predecessor, the GXL V2, and only slightly less than its sibling, the XR Elite. But what sets it apart from its siblings is its use of an LG battery. Why is this important? For starters, LG is a highly reputable technology company.
Many scooter manufacturers cut costs by using cheaper Chinese battery cells, but GoTrax has chosen to provide customers with a premium option. This means that riders can trust that their battery will keep the Ultra going for many rides to come. Furthermore, the LG battery comes with a battery management system that ensures the longevity of the scooter.
Essentially, as you charge and recharge your battery, its health deteriorates. This is a common issue that occurs with all batteries, including those in phones. Cheaper batteries without the necessary systems see a much faster decline in performance compared to more expensive, high-quality ones like the LG in the Ultra.
However, the more aggressively you ride the Ultra, the less range you can expect. For example, riding at top speed can lead to a 35-40% decline in range, equivalent to 9.6 to 10.4 miles. But if you ride leisurely in the low to medium speed range, you can expect a few more miles.
Hill Climb
With a 300W motor, the XR Ultra is equipped to handle hills with more power compared to other scooters in its price range. While it can tackle inclines up to 15% (or 8.5 degrees), it’s worth noting that riding towards the upper end of its capability will result in slower speeds while climbing.
If you attempt to ride up a hill with a grade of 10-12%, the scooter will slow down and move at a speed of 6 to 8 mph. Inclines above 12% will require some physical effort from you as the scooter will struggle to climb, and you may need to kick along to help it.
Overall, the XR Ultra may not be the best choice for steep inclines, but it can handle gradual gradients with ease.
Suspension
Despite lacking any suspension, the XR Ultra effectively dampens shocks from the road through its pneumatic (air-filled) tires. Most riders should find these tires adequate, but if you anticipate riding on rough terrain, you may feel more vibrations. It’s impressive to see pneumatic tires on a scooter priced under $400, as many lower-end models use solid rubber tires to cut production costs, resulting in poor shock absorption.
The XR Ultra stands out in its price range and even surpasses some pricier models, like the Ninebot ES2 and E22. For riders seeking the best suspension on a budget, the Horizon 10.4 is the most affordable option for tackling poorly maintained roads and light off-roading terrain.
The Braking System
The XR Ultra comes with a dual braking system that consists of a front regenerative brake and a rear mechanical disc brake, providing riders with the necessary tools to stop quickly and safely. This is a positive aspect of the scooter that sets it apart from other models, even some that are more expensive.
Unlike other scooters that apply the brake to only one wheel, the XR Ultra’s braking system targets both wheels, resulting in more responsive and strong braking. The hand-operated brake is easy to use, similar to that of a bicycle, and the lever is smooth to pull. It is also noteworthy that the brakes produce very little noise.
However, it is recommended to clean the disc brake regularly to maintain optimal performance. Overall, the XR Ultra’s braking system is impressive, especially considering its affordable price point.
Charging Time
The LG battery of the XR Ultra offers a maximum range of 16 miles, which is impressive for a budget scooter. However, what’s even more exciting is that this premium battery can be fully charged in just 3 to 4 hours.
Portability
The XR Ultra is conveniently lightweight, allowing you to carry it with ease in one hand. This makes it simple to transport up and down a few flights of stairs, or when you need to hop on and off public transport. Additionally, when folded, it measures 44 x 6 x 15 inches, allowing it to fit perfectly in the trunk, without taking up too much space.
When it comes to foldability, the XR Ultra shares a similar mechanism to the GXL V2. The folding system is highly secure and effortless to use. However, the XR Ultra has an added advantage: the safety pin is built into the folding system, unlike the GXL V2, which requires manual screwing and unscrewing of the safety pin.
This ensures that folding and unfolding the XR Ultra is fast and easy, without the risk of losing the safety pin.
Handlebars
The GoTrax XR Ultra has a sleek and modern look, thanks to its centrally located digital display. As with other GoTrax models, this feature allows riders to easily monitor their speed and battery life. Moreover, the display also provides convenient options to activate cruise control and operate the front headlight, making it an excellent value for its price of $359.99.
The throttle is conveniently located on the right-hand side and can be used to activate cruise control by holding it down for ten seconds while maintaining a constant speed. On the left, there is a brake and bell that are simple to use. Unlike some other scooters that have separate thumb pedals for throttle and brake, the XR Ultra features a hand brake.
This design allows for an easier transition to the scooter if you are used to riding a bike, while the throttle pedal has an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to use.
Frame
The GoTrax XR Ultra offers a range of frame colors, including gray, black, and purple, providing users with the option to stand out from the crowd. The frame also features mudguards that protect riders from debris flicking up from the tires. However, the exposed brake cable running down the stem is an unexpected design choice.
While it’s not necessarily unattractive, it’s not ideal for those looking for a simplistic and stylized finish. Fortunately, the cable is small and not too noticeable. One thing not immediately apparent from the product images on the GoTrax website is the thickness of the handlebar stem.
It may be challenging for individuals with small hands to grip comfortably. Nonetheless, the stem’s increased size is necessary because the battery is front-mounted in it, reducing the likelihood of damage while riding. The only downside to this is that it slightly increases the scooter’s top-heaviness, although it does not impact the ride quality.
Most of the frame is made of aluminum alloy, except for the folding hooks, grips, accelerator, and brake, which are either made of rubber or plastic. This construction material makes the scooter durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Deck
Although the GoTrax XR Ultra offers more endurance than its previous model, it’s important to note that a comfortable ride is still essential. The scooter’s extra range won’t be worth much if the ride is uncomfortable. Fortunately, the XR Ultra has a 6.6-inch deck that is wide enough to allow riders to get comfortable with both feet facing forward at an angle, even though it’s a budget scooter.
Additionally, the deck is covered with anti-slip rubber grip material that provides excellent control, ensuring that riders feel secure as they cruise the streets.
Tires
The absence of suspension on the XR Ultra may be a concern for some riders, but the inclusion of 8.5-inch shock-absorbing pneumatic tires provides a comfortable ride. While the tires can handle some surface irregularities, riders should consider the type of terrain they plan to ride on to ensure they choose a scooter that is suitable for the conditions.
It’s important to keep in mind that the XR Ultra is not suitable for rough terrain, and riders should choose a scooter that meets their needs. The pneumatic tires on the XR Ultra are best suited for riding on sidewalks and smooth asphalt, where they can absorb small bumps and vibrations.
Lights
The XR Ultra has a basic light setup that includes a headlight and front and side reflectors. While the headlight projects a decent beam of light and makes you visible to oncoming pedestrians and traffic, it is insufficient for extreme low light conditions. In areas where there are few street lights, the headlight is inadequate.
The XR Ultra is equipped with reflectors, but it does not have a tail light, which is disappointing. A tail light is essential for riding at night as it ensures that you are visible to other road users. If you plan to ride at night, it is highly recommended that you purchase an additional taillight.
The Build Quality
While the XR Ultra may not have all the fancy features of more expensive scooters, it’s far from being poorly made. Constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, it’s incredibly durable and capable of withstanding the rigors of everyday use. Moreover, the build quality doesn’t stop at the frame.
The XR Ultra comes equipped with an LG Li-ion battery, a rare inclusion in a budget scooter. Many manufacturers of budget scooters use inexpensive Chinese battery cells to reduce costs, but GoTrax’s commitment to quality is apparent in their decision to use a long-lasting battery.
The Quality of the Ride
The GoTrax electric scooters are designed to provide a user-friendly experience with intuitive controls and a comfortable riding position. New riders will be able to ride the XR Ultra with ease and quickly get used to it within minutes. While the handlebars may be slightly narrow, they still allow you to find a stable position for better control of the scooter.
The 8.5-inch shock-absorbing tires provide sufficient cushioning for small bumps and surface imperfections, compensating for the lack of suspension, and making smooth sidewalks and asphalt the perfect riding surface. However, if you’re planning to ride off-road, it’s best to consider a scooter with a proper suspension system such as the Horizon 10.4 and avoid the XR Ultra.
Warranty
While GoTrax’s 90-day warranty isn’t as extensive as some other manufacturers, such as Apollo Scooters who offer up to a 24-month warranty, this is to be expected considering the lower price point of their scooters. To be eligible for the warranty, you must retain the purchase receipt from an authorized retail partner.
If you encounter any problems within 90 days of your purchase, you will be entitled to warranty service. It’s important to keep in mind that this warranty only covers parts or issues caused by manufacturing defects, and not things like scratches or scuffs. However, if the motor were to fail, it would be covered under the warranty.
It’s also worth noting that although the GoTrax XR Ultra has an IP54 water resistance rating, any weather-related water damage will void the warranty.
Is the GoTrax XR Ultra Worth Buying?
Based on the features and specifications of the GoTrax XR Ultra, it appears to be a decent option for those looking for an affordable electric scooter for short commutes and recreational riding. It offers a lightweight and compact design, decent speed and range, and comfortable shock-absorbing tires.
However, it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for those looking for a high-end scooter with advanced features or for those who plan to ride on rough terrain. Additionally, the 90-day warranty may not be as comprehensive as those offered by other scooter brands.
Ultimately, whether the GoTrax XR Ultra is worth buying depends on individual preferences, needs, and budget. It’s recommended to do further research, read reviews from other users, and compare it with other scooters in its price range to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
The GoTrax XR Ultra is a solid budget electric scooter that offers a good mix of performance, portability, and affordability. It has a decent top speed and range, comfortable ride quality thanks to its shock-absorbing tires, and a simple yet secure folding mechanism for easy storage and transportation.
The build quality is impressive, especially considering the price point, with aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and an LG Li-ion battery. However, it does have some drawbacks, such as a basic light setup that may not be sufficient for nighttime riding and a limited 90-day warranty.
