In the world of electric scooters, the GoTrax G3 vs G3 Plus debate highlights two standout options. This comparison dives into their specs, build quality, performance, ride experience, and features to help you decide which one suits you best.
Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional rider, this guide will make it easier to pick the right scooter for your needs. Let’s get started!
Gotrax G3 vs G3 Plus: Specifications
| Specs | GoTrax G3 | GoTrax G3 Plus |
| Motor | 300W | 300W |
| Top Speed | 15.5 mph | 18 mph |
| Battery | 36V 7.8Ah | 36V 6Ah |
| Range | 18 miles | 18 miles |
| Charging Time | 5 hours | 5 hours |
| Tire Size | 8.5 inches | 10 inches |
| Brakes | Electromagnetic Brakes (F) Rear Disc Brakes (R) | Electromagnetic Brakes (F) Rear Disc Brakes (R) |
| Wheel Type | Pneumatic | Pneumatic |
| Front Light | LED | LED |
| Taillight | LED | LED |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum Alloy |
| Suspension | Dual Suspension | Dual Suspension |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Scooter Weight | 36.3 lbs | 34.5 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 220 lbs | 220 lbs |
| Color | Matt Black | Light Grey |
| Price | GoTrax Website | GoTrax Website |
- Also Read: Gotrax Scooter Turns on But Won’t Move?
Gotrax G3 vs G3 Plus: Comparison and Review
Build Quality, Construction and Design
The build quality of both scooters is impressive, featuring a strong aluminum alloy A6061 frame. The G3 and G3 Plus are both solidly built. The stem on the G3 Plus wobbles a bit.
The GoTrax G3 has a roomy foot deck that’s 6.5 inches wide and 17 inches long, giving you plenty of space for a comfortable ride. The G3 Plus has an even larger deck, providing a bit more room.
Both scooters are made to last, with sturdy frames and components that can handle regular use. You can expect about 2-3 years of lifespan, but their battery life is below average compared to other scooters in this range.
The G3 Plus is slightly more durable and water-resistant than the G3. However, I’ve found that newer models of the G3 scooters actually have a better lifespan than the G3 Plus.
The G3 has a cooler, sleeker design than the G3 Plus. It features block colors with white and orange accents. The G3 Plus, on the other hand, is light grey. Overall, the G3 just looks better than the G3 Plus.
Performance and Power
The GoTrax G3 comes with a 300W motor, giving you enough power for quick acceleration and climbing hills. It has a rear-wheel motor.
On the flip side, the G3 Plus also features a 300W motor but with a front-wheel setup. This design makes the G3 Plus more efficient, offering better torque and acceleration.
The G3 can hit a top speed of 15.5 mph, delivering smooth performance. The G3 Plus, however, can reach up to 18 mph, making it 2.5 mph faster than the G3.
Thanks to its lightweight design and improved motor efficiency, the G3 Plus outpaces the G3.
When it comes to acceleration, the G3 takes about 8-9 seconds to go from 0 to 15 mph, while the G3 Plus does it in just 6-7 seconds, depending on the rider’s weight. Both scooters provide impressive acceleration and enough torque for hills and different terrains.
The G3 Plus accelerates better mainly due to its lightweight, aerodynamic design, improved speed controller, and larger wheels. However, this does mean that its real-world range is slightly less than that of the G3.
Range and Battery
The GoTrax G3 scooter features a 36V non-removable battery with a capacity of 7.8Ah, which translates to 280.8Wh.
In ideal conditions, the G3 has a range of about 18 miles. However, in real-world use—considering a 160-pound rider, first gear, and optimal conditions—you can expect around 13-15 miles for the G3 and 11-13 miles for the G3 Plus.
It’s important to note that the scooter’s range mainly depends on the first three battery bars displayed. Once you hit the fourth bar, the range drops significantly as the battery drains.
Charging Time
The G3 scooter features a 36V non-removable battery that takes about 4-5 hours to charge.
The G3 Plus also has a 36V battery, but it’s a bit smaller at 216Wh. It still charges in the same 4–5-hour range, but it does charge a little faster than the G3 because of its smaller size.
Comfort and Ride Quality
The G3 rolls on 8.5-inch air-filled tires for a smooth, comfortable ride. The G3 Plus, however, boasts larger 10-inch pneumatic tires, also filled with air. Both offer great grip on various surfaces.
The G3 Plus, with its bigger tires, provides an even more comfortable and stable ride.
The larger tires on the G3 Plus make for a smoother ride than the G3. Plus, it’s easier to handle, features a single button, has simple controls, and a roomier foot deck. The tires absorb small bumps and shocks on normal roads, but neither scooter is suitable for off-roading, especially the G3.
Handling and Controls
This scooter handles smoothly and stays stable, thanks to its spacious foot deck, solid foot surfaces, and pneumatic tires that soak up shocks and vibrations. Keep in mind that the G3 doesn’t have a suspension system; it relies on those air-filled tires for comfort.
The G3 Plus is even easier to control. With its front-wheel drive, larger tires, and lightweight design, it offers better shock absorption and a more enjoyable ride.
Folding and Portability
The G3 Plus is designed for easy portability and folding. It’s lightweight and simple to fold, making it convenient for transport and storage. The G3 has a lever-lock near the handlebars for unlocking, plus a folding latch that connects to a buckle at the back wheel.
The G3 Plus works a bit differently. It uses a safety pin that you need to untighten instead of a lever-lock. It also has a latch that connects with a buckle.
When folded, the G3 is more compact in length, while the G3 Plus is more compact in height.
LED and Ambient Lights
Both scooters come with front LED lights for night riding and a responsive taillight to boost safety and visibility. Activating the lights is super easy. I noticed that the G3 Plus has brighter lights compared to the G3.
To turn on the lights, just double-press the button on the G3 Plus. For the G3, you simply hold down the ‘+’ button.
Weight and Load Capacity
The G3 weighs about 37.5 lbs, while the G3 Plus is lighter at 34.5 lbs. That makes the G3 Plus a bit easier to handle and faster.
Both scooters can support riders up to 220 lbs, making them versatile for different sizes.
- Also Read: GoTrax GXL V2 Review
Additional Features: Comparison and Review
Quick Assembly
The GoTrax G3 is super easy to put together. You just connect the handlebars to the tiller using a folding latch and four screws.
The G3 Plus has a different folding mechanism. It only requires you to position the handlebars and secure them with six screws. Both scooters can be quickly assembled right out of the box.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The GoTrax G3 doesn’t have Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. That means you’re missing out on app features.
Water Resistance
The G3 has an IPX4 water resistance rating, which means it can handle light splashes and light rain. On the other hand, the G3 Plus boasts an IPX5 rating, making it better for wet conditions. If you often ride in rainy weather or near water, the G3 Plus is a better choice.
Interestingly, I’ve found that newer models of the G3 scooters are actually more water-resistant than the G3 Plus.
Speed Modes
Both scooters offer two speed modes, L1 and L2, so you can choose a slower or faster ride depending on your preference.
On the G3, the first speed mode goes up to 9 mph, while the second reaches 15 mph for extra power. You can switch gears using the plus ‘+’ and minus ‘-‘ buttons. Holding the minus ‘-‘ button activates Walk Mode (2-3 mph).
The G3 Plus doesn’t have a Walk Mode feature. I also noticed that the speed modes on the G3 Plus are only 3 mph apart, with speeds of 15 mph and 18 mph, which you can change with a single button. I think it would be better if there were more distinct speed options, or even more than just two modes.
Digital Display
Both scooters have a user-friendly digital display on the handlebars. It shows your speed, distance traveled, and battery life at a glance.
- Also Read: How to Reset Gotrax Scooter?
Conclusion
The GoTrax G3 Plus has slightly better build quality and components but is less sturdy than the G3. The G3 Plus wins with better motor efficiency, faster acceleration, and better hill-climbing. But the G3 has a longer range.
For a smoother, more comfortable ride, go with the G3 Plus. It has larger tires, a lightweight design, and better shock absorption. Both share a lot of features, but the G3 stands out with adjustable brakes, better gears, and enhanced security. Both scooters are a great value for their low prices.
In the GoTrax G3 vs. G3 Plus showdown, pick the G3 Plus for performance and comfort. Choose the G3 if you want extra features. Consider what’s most important to you!