Gotrax GXL V2 Review
Pros: Pneumatic tires - smooth ride, cruise control feature, really solid safety latch
Cons: Carrying latch failure, not very fast, no extra suspension
Manufacturer: Gotrax
Our Verdict
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Gotrax GXL V2 | |||||
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| Awards |  | |  | ||
| Price | $350 List $348.00 at Amazon | $1,099 List | $650 List $552.49 at Amazon | $550 List $549.99 at Amazon | $360 List $305.75 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Pneumatic tires - smooth ride, cruise control feature, really solid safety latch | Lots of features, customizable settings, fastest in the test, very smooth ride, long distance range, good headlight, additional lights for enhanced visibility | Lithium-ion battery, measured 22 mile range, 350-watt motor, fast and smooth ride | Fast, front suspension, decent travel radius | Smooth ride, powerful single brake |
| Cons | Carrying latch failure, not very fast, no extra suspension | Heavier weight - more difficult to carry, settings can be confusing - had to look up instructional video, 8hr charge time if you don't use the fast charger (sold separately) | Heavier weight, long charge time | Cruise control defaults to ON, tires quick to wear, steering column lock lacks redundancy | Slow, does not fold, limited range |
| Bottom Line | Great budget scooter with unique upgrades rivaling higher end models | A very comfortable ride that checks all of our boxes and truly impressed us with its speed and range | A smooth driving, high-end electric scooter with an impressive range and a pep in its step | A relatively inexpensive scooter with a respectable top speed, convenience, and decent travel radius | Despite being a household brand name, this model's poor showing in almost every test category left reviewers struggling to find positive things to report |
| Rating Categories | Gotrax GXL V2 | Apollo City | Gotrax G4 | Hiboy MAX | Razor E300 |
| Range (25%) | |||||
| Power (25%) | |||||
| Ride Comfort (20%) | |||||
| Portability (15%) | |||||
| Braking (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Gotrax GXL V2 | Apollo City | Gotrax G4 | Hiboy MAX | Razor E300 |
| Measured Maximum Speed | 12.5 mph | 22.5 mph | 19.8 mph | 19.3 mph | 12.0 mph |
| Measured Effective Range | 7 miles | 23 miles | 22 miles | 12.2 miles | 4.7 miles |
| Measured Charge Time | 4 hours 15 minutes | 8 hours 30 minutes | 5 hours 50 min | 4 hours 30 min | 6 hrs 20 min |
| Brake Type | Front regen Rear disc |
Front disc Rear drum Rear regen |
Rear disc brake and E-ABS braking system | Front electronic brake and rear disc brake | Rear disc brake |
| Tire Type | Pneumatic | Pneumatic | Pneumatic | Solid rubber | Pneumatic |
| Tire Size | 8.5" | 10" | 10" | 8.5" | 9" |
| Lights | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Screen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| App | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Maximum Load | 220 lbs | 260 lbs | 220 lbs | 220 lbs | 220 lbs |
| Bell | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Measured Weight | 26 lbs | 42.8 lbs | 37.8 lbs | 35.2 lbs | 42.5 lbs |
| Battery Type | Lithium | Lithium | Lithium | Lithium | Sealed lead acid |
| Motor | 250 Watt | 600 Watt | 350 Watt | 350 Watt | 250 Watt |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Gotrax makes a full range of electric scooters with the affordable GXL V2 as one of the entry-level models in their lineup. While it didn't necessarily impress us with its power or range, we did enjoy its relatively comfortable ride and solid braking performance. If you're on a budget and range is not a major deciding factor, we feel this is a decent option to consider.
Performance Comparison
Range
The GXL V2 comes up a little short on the range tests, dying early after approximately 42 minutes of run time. Halfway through testing the range, the scooter slowed significantly, so full-speed cruising is depleted early. Charging quickly is a plus, however, with just over four hours for a full charge.
Effective range was measured by traveling at an average of 13 mph, and the GXL V2 fell relatively short at 7 miles. This is significantly shorter than the claimed range of up to 12 miles though not super surprising given the 36V 5.4Ah (187.2 Wh) battery size. Keep in mind that rider size, terrain, and conditions can heavily impact range.
Power
Measuring power on the GXL V2, we take a look at how acceleration feels, hill climb stats, and the overall cruising speed through a range of different landscapes. At half battery, the power started to give out and noticeably reduced available speed. This regulation may dissatisfy some users but could show up less in a flat urban environment or with smaller riders.
Our 3.5% grade hill test didn't pose much resistance. However, at 10.5% the scooter slowed to 3 mph and made it just past the halfway mark with our tester onboard. The Gotrax scooter's top speed hits right around 12.5 mph, which could be adequate for smaller riders but left us wanting more. It is also worth noting that this is a fair bit slower than the claimed top speed of 15.5 mph.
Ride Comfort
The GXL V2 came in strong in our comfort category thanks to its pneumatic tires, which glided over most cracks and bumps in the road. While the GXL V2 lost some points elsewhere, it gained some ground in this category.
The 8.5" diameter tires are an adequate size and filled with air, helping to dampen vibration and smooth out the ride.
Portability
Riders looking to hop on transit might find the GXL V2 less than ideal. Folding felt sturdy at first, but the latch and carry system failed early on. Folding to stow in a car might work well but long distances or stair sessions might not be an option for the daily commuter. It is fairly lightweight, however, weighing in at just 26 lbs. Lifting and carrying this scooter is fairly easy, assuming the latch system doesn't fail as ours did.
Braking
Stopping in the GXL V2 inspires confidence thanks to the combined front electric and rear disc brake. While this electric and disc combo is becoming the norm, the GXL V2 adds ABS activated in the front, even when braking in the rear. With its high-tech and advanced set of braking features, the quality felt more than budget.
Value
The GXL V2 is among the least expensive models we've tested, and that is apparent in its below-average performance. We feel it's still a decent value if a comfortable ride and braking performance are higher priorities than speed, range, and portability.
Conclusion
The GXL V2 could be an ideal gift for smaller riders. If traditional commuting isn't your goal, then prioritizing comfort and braking over speed or carry-ability could make the GXL V2 a great fit.
— Evan Johnson and Austin Palmer
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