This GOTRAX GXL V2 review highlights it as the Honda of electric scooters. It may not win any style points or races, but it’s a reliable choice for commuting. I took the GOTRAX GXL V2 for a spin, and I found it dependable and comfortable, even if it doesn’t offer the most thrilling ride.
For many people, that’s all they really need. Plus, at under $400, it’s a fantastic bargain among electric scooters.
GOTRAX GXL V2 Review
Specifications
- Motor: 250W
- Top Speed: 15.5 mph
- Battery: 36V 5.2Ah 187.2 Wh
- Range: 12.5 miles
- Charging Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Tire Size: 8.5 inches
- Brakes: Front Electric Brakes & Rear Disc Brake
- Maximum Slope: 6%
- Wheel Material: Rubber
- Front Light: LED
- Taillight: LED
- Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
- Suspension: None
- Waterproof Rating: IP54
- Scooter Weight: 27 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Colors: Black, Pink
- Price: Check GOTRAX Website / Check Amazon
Pros
- It’s lightweight and easy to handle.
- The braking system is strong and reliable.
- It’s priced very affordably.
- The safety latch is really sturdy.
- It has a convenient cruise control feature.
Cons
- The range is somewhat limited.
- The ride can be bumpy at times.
- It doesn’t have a lot of power.
- Also Read: Owning Your First Electric Scooter
Design
Appearance: The GXL V2 looks almost identical to the pricier GOTRAX XR Ultra. It features a thick downtube that houses a non-removable battery, a relatively thin deck, and a sharp connector that joins the two halves. The scooter is mostly black, with just one white section on the downtube that proudly displays the “GOTRAX” logo.
Exposed Brake Cable: One thing that stands out is the exposed handbrake cable running along the outside of the downtube. While this might be common for bikes, most electric scooters hide their brake lines within the frame. But hey, when you’re spending under $400, it’s a trade-off you can live with.
Handlebar Features: On the handlebars, you’ll find a small bell and a functional display that shows your speed and battery life. There’s a single button to turn the scooter on and off, switch riding modes, and activate the front headlight (though it’s missing a taillight). On the right side, there’s a thumb-activated throttle lever. Hold it down long enough, and you’ll activate cruise control—no need to keep your finger on it for the whole ride! Just press the brake to turn off cruise control.
Folding Mechanism: Folding the GXL V2 is easy; just pull the tab and press the lever at the base of the downtube. The thick downtube makes it a bit tricky to carry for those with smaller hands, but it’s still manageable.
Performance Comparison
Range: The GXL V2 falls a bit short on range. It lasted about 42 minutes of run time before the battery died. But that’s just part of the story. Halfway through my ride, it slowed down significantly and came to a crawl as the battery drained. So, the maximum speed you see in the specs only holds up for about half the battery life. On the bright side, it charges quickly—just over four hours for a full charge, which is pretty standard for this type of scooter.
When we measure range, we cruise each scooter at an average speed of 13 mph until the battery runs out. While top models can go over 20 miles, the GXL V2 only managed about 7 miles. That’s quite a bit less than the manufacturer’s claim of up to 12 miles. It’s not surprising, though, considering it has a 36V 5.4Ah (187.2 Wh) battery, while leading models often have batteries over 500 Wh. Keep in mind that rider size and terrain can affect range, so lighter riders will likely get more distance than I did.
Power: We evaluate power by looking at hill climbing ability and top speed. We also consider how acceleration feels and how stable the scooter is on different terrains. As I mentioned earlier, the GXL V2 started losing power around half the battery charge, which noticeably reduced its maximum speed. This might disappoint some users, but it’s less of an issue in flat urban areas, especially for smaller riders.
To test hill climbing, we use a consistent 3.5% grade hill. The GXL V2 handled this without much trouble. We then took it up a steeper hill with a 10.5% grade. Here, it slowed to a crawl at about 3 mph and eventually stopped halfway up with an adult rider.
For maximum speed, we averaged three time trials on a flat 100-foot track. The GXL V2 topped out around 12.5 mph, which is fine for younger riders but felt pretty slow to us. This is also significantly below its claimed top speed of 15.5 mph and much slower than other models that can exceed 20 mph.
Ride Comfort: The GXL V2 did well in our comfort tests, thanks to its cushy 8.5-inch pneumatic tires. These tires glided over most bumps and cracks, helping to smooth out the ride. While it lost points in other areas, it excelled here.
To evaluate comfort, we rode over a rough section of road near our testing facility and noted how it handled unexpected bumps during other tests. Overall, the GXL V2 delivered an above-average performance in comfort, making it suitable for all types of riders.
Portability: Portability is an important factor when choosing a scooter, especially if you plan to use it for commuting. If you need to hop on public transit or climb stairs with your scooter, the GXL V2 might not be the best choice.
One concern we had was with the latch that keeps the steering column in place and doubles as a handle—it failed early in our testing. While folding the scooter for storage works well, this mechanism isn’t reliable for carrying long distances or navigating stairs. That said, the scooter is lightweight at just 26 lbs, making it easy to lift and carry—assuming that latch doesn’t fail again! When upright, there’s a secondary safety latch that feels robust and secure.
Braking: Surprisingly, the GXL V2 shines when it comes to braking performance. It can stop on a dime! While it may not hit speeds over 20 mph like some competitors, being able to brake quickly is reassuring—especially in busy urban settings.
The impressive braking system combines front electric brakes with rear disc brakes. This setup is becoming standard in many scooters, but the GXL V2 adds an antilock brake system in front that activates even when using the rear brake. This advanced system feels a bit out of place given the scooter’s price point, but it was great to have such reliable brakes when pushing this scooter to its limits!
Price and Availability
The GoTrax GXL V2 is priced at $349, but it is available right now for $299. It’s the company’s most affordable scooter, not counting the GKS, which is a great option for kids. This makes it one of the cheapest electric scooters out there with these features.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a solid budget electric scooter under $400, the GOTRAX GXL V2 is definitely worth checking out. For about the same price, you can get the Razor E Prime for $399, but it has a shorter range and a lower weight limit. The Segway Ninebot ES1L is available for as low as $299 on Amazon, but it only reaches a top speed of around 12.4 mph.
Grab the GOTRAX GXL V2 if you’re looking for a solid budget scooter. It’s packed with features usually found in more expensive models, like E-ABS anti-lock brakes and cruise control. During testing, it scored high for comfort and especially for braking.
The 8.5-inch air-filled tires and a sturdy steering column safety latch are standout design elements. However, the scooter’s power and range could be better. We think the GXL V2 is a great choice for beginner riders who plan to cruise in flat areas close to home or charging spots.
In the end, the GOTRAX GXL V2 is a straightforward scooter that gets the job done for anyone needing an affordable way to travel from point A to point B.