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Gotrax GXL V2 Review

A great budget-friendly scooter with unique upgrades rivaling some high-end models
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Gotrax GXL V2 Review (8.5-inch pneumatic tires help to give the GXL V2 a relatively comfortable ride.)
8.5-inch pneumatic tires help to give the GXL V2 a relatively comfortable ride.
Credit: Laura Casner
Price:  $299 List
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Manufacturer:   Gotrax
By Evan Johnson, Austin Palmer, and Nick Miley  ⋅  Dec 19, 2022
49
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#11 of 12
  • Range - 25% 4.2
  • Power - 25% 4.3
  • Ride Comfort - 20% 4.0
  • Portability - 15% 4.1
  • Braking - 15% 9.0

Our Verdict

Grab the Gotrax GXL V2 for a good all-around budget scooter. The Gotrax includes E-ABS anti-locking brakes, cruise control, and other features more often associated with the higher-end scooter models. Testing resulted in strong scores for comfort and, in particular, braking. Air-filled (pneumatic) tires and a solid steering column safety latch are standout design features. However, the unit's power and range left testers wanting more. We assess that, given the cost, the GXL V2 is a great choice for beginner scooter riders cruising in flat areas close to home or a charging location. Compare it to top competitors in our review of the electric scooters.
REASONS TO BUY
Cruise control feature
Really solid safety latch
REASONS TO AVOID
Carrying latch failure
Not very fast
Limited range
Bumpy

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Price $299 List
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Bottom Line A smooth-riding, wallet-friendly scooter with some high-end featuresOur favorite budget scooter because of its top speed, range, and weightTackle longer distance rides or big commutesA decent scooter with a handy app-based locking feature, a fussy carrying handle, and questionable build qualityAn affordable option for shorter commutes on flatter and smoother terrain
Rating Categories Gotrax GXL V2 Maxshot V1 Hiboy S2 Superfun S1-A Segway Ninebot E2 Plus
Range (25%)
4.2
6.8
5.6
5.9
4.7
Power (25%)
4.3
6.9
6.7
5.6
5.0
Ride Comfort (20%)
4.0
4.0
4.0
5.9
6.5
Portability (15%)
4.1
8.0
7.4
5.6
6.9
Braking (15%)
9.0
8.5
9.0
9.0
7.5
Specs Gotrax GXL V2 Maxshot V1 Hiboy S2 Superfun S1-A Segway Ninebot E2 Plus
Measured Maximum Speed 12.5 mph 17.5 mph 17 mph 15.7 mph 15.6 mph
Measured Effective Range 7 miles 18.2 miles 14 miles 14.7 miles 10.9 miles
Measured Charge Time 4.3 hours 4.2 hours 5.7 hours 5.3 hours 7 hours
Measured Weight 26.0 lb 27.5 lb 32.0 lb 31.6 lb 33.3 lb
Average Measured Braking Distance 12.0' 17' 14.3' 15.3' 21.0'
Brake Type Front regenerative and rear disc Drum braking and eABS regenerative anti-lock braking Front regenerative and rear disc Front electronic ABS brake with a rear disc brake Electronic front brake with rear drum brake
Tire Type Pneumatic Solid (honeycomb) Solid rubber Solid (honeycomb) Inner hollow, maintenance-free
Tire Size 8.5" 8.5" 8.5" 8.5" 8.1"
Lights Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Screen Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
App No Yes No Yes Yes
Manufacturer Maximum Load 220 lb 264 lb 220 lb 220 lb 198 lb
Manufacturer Motor Size 250 Watt 350 Watt 350 Watt 450 Watt 500 Watt
Bell Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Battery Type Lithium-ion Lithium-ion Lithium-ion Lithium-ion Lithium-ion

Our Analysis and Test Results

Gotrax makes a full range of electric scooters, with the affordable GXL V2 filling one of the entry-level slots in the line-up. While it didn't necessarily impress us with its power or range, we did enjoy its relatively comfortable ride, solid braking performance, and cruise control feature. All told, this is a decent option if you're on a budget, and range is not a major deciding factor.

Performance Comparison


gotrax gxl v2 - a comfortable ride and good braking performance were the highlights...
A comfortable ride and good braking performance were the highlights of the GXL V2, though its limited range and power were not that impressive.
Credit: Laura Casner

Range


The GXL V2 comes up a little short on the range tests, dying early after approximately 42 minutes of run time. However, this number is just part of the story. Halfway through testing the range, the scooter slowed significantly and tapered to a crawl as the battery wound down. All that is to say that the maximum speed discussed below in the power metric analysis only holds true for about half of the battery life. On the upside, the GXL V2 charged rather quickly. Our testing showed that the unit would absorb a full charge in just over four hours — about average for the class.


In addition to measuring run time, we evaluate the scooters' effective range. To achieve this, we cruise each scooter at an average of 13 mph until the scooter's battery dies. While top models can wear out riders cruising for over 20 miles, the GXL V2 fell significantly short of that standard at just 7 miles. This result is significantly shorter than the manufacturer's claimed range of up to 12 miles. Yet, this outcome is not surprising when analyzing the accompanying specs. The GXL V2 sports a 36V 5.4Ah (187.2 Wh) battery, whereas leading models are north of 500 Wh. Keep in mind that rider size, terrain, and conditions heavily impact range, so a kid is likely to get more out of this scooter than the adults who tested it.

gotrax gxl v2 - we were less than impressed by this scooter's range. it may work...
We were less than impressed by this scooter's range. It may work fine for those who don't travel long distances or just want to play around.
Credit: Laura Casner

Power


Our power metric looks at the hill climbing and top speed of each scooter. Additionally, we look at how acceleration feels, how stable the scooter is going up and down hills, and the overall cruising speed through a range of landscapes. As mentioned above, the GXL V2's power started to give out at about half the battery charge and noticeably reduced the maximum speed. This limitation will likely dissatisfy many users. However, this outcome is less likely to be as extreme in a flat urban environment, especially with smaller riders.


We use the same 3.5% grade hill to test all the scooters we review. Such terrain did not pose much resistance to the GXL V2. If the scooter passes this test as the GXL V2 did, we take it on a much steeper climb with a grade of 10.5%. On this hill, the GXL V2 slowed to a 3 mph crawl and eventually came to a stop just past the halfway make with an adult tester onboard.

We also test the scooters for their maximum speed. The recorded speed is an average of three time trials wherein the scooter is allowed to get up to speed before being timed traversing a 100-foot flat track. The Gotrax GXL V2's speed tops out right around 12.5 mph, which could be adequate for younger riders. However, it left us feeling like we were merely putting around. It is also worth noting that this is quite a bit slower than the claimed top speed of 15.5 mph and a lot slower than the leading models that boast speeds over 20 mph.

Ride Comfort


The GXL V2 received a positive appraisal in our comfort tests. This outcome is largely due to the scooter's cushy, 8.5" diameter pneumatic tires, which glided over all but the most severe cracks and bumps it encountered. Additionally, these tires helped to dampen vibration, thus smoothing out the ride. While the GXL V2 lost some points elsewhere in our evaluation, it made up some ground in this metric.


To test the scooters for comfort, we run them around a particularly rough section of road in a neighborhood near our testing facility –- this allows us to get a good feel for the ride on each machine. Additionally, we note how it feels when we hit unexpected cracks and bumps during other tests. All told, the GXL V2 delivered an above-average performance in this metric which is a great result for all types of riders.

Portability


While you might not think about it when you first start shopping for a scooter, carrying and storing it is a key consideration before purchasing one of these machines. Storage and portability are especially important if you plan to use them for commuting. As such, riders looking to hop on transit, ride an elevator, or climb some stairs with their scooter might find the GXL V2 to be less than ideal.


Our main concern with this scooter is that the latch (which keeps the steering column in place and allows it to be used as a handle) failed early in our testing. So, while folding the scooter to stow it in the trunk of a car will work well, the mechanism is unreliable for carrying long distances or going up and down stairs. This failure is unfortunate because the scooter is lightweight, tipping the scales at just 26 lbs. Moreover, lifting and carrying this scooter is fairly easy, assuming the latch system doesn't fail as ours did. All that aside, when the steering column is in its upright position, it is secured with a redundant safety latch that we found to be robust and unlikely to fail.

gotrax gxl v2 - the lightweight gotrax is an easily portable scooter, but the latch...
The lightweight Gotrax is an easily portable scooter, but the latch and carry system quickly failed on our test model.
Credit: Laura Casner

Braking


Surprisingly, the GXL V2 is a leading performer in the braking metric. This scooter can stop on a dime. While braking isn't as impressive as putting up 20+ mph performances in our max speed tests, having the ability to come to a stop quickly and easily is confidence-inspiring, especially when cruising in densely packed urban environments.


The impressive braking performance of the GXL V2 can be attributed to the combined front electric and rear disc brakes. While this electric and disc combo is becoming the norm, the GXL V2 adds an antilock brake system in the front that is activated even when using the rear brake. Such an advanced braking system felt a bit out of sync with the rest of the scooter –- especially in light of the price point. However, we were glad to have such a robust safety system when pushing this machine to its limits.

gotrax gxl v2 - a front electric brake with abs and a rear disc brake give the gxl...
A front electric brake with ABS and a rear disc brake give the GXL V2 great stopping power.
Credit: Laura Casner

Should You Buy the GXL V2


The GXL V2 is among the least expensive models we've tested, which is apparent in its below-average performance. However, given the price, we think this scooter has a lot to offer -– particularly if it is ridden for fun by smaller riders. For example, the GXL V2 is comfortable to ride, and its braking performance tops the charts. So, if comfort, braking, and affordability trump speed, range, and portability, then you should consider purchasing this scooter.

What Other Electric Scooters Should You Consider?


The GXL V2 may be the ideal scooter for smaller riders. However, if you are bigger and want more performance and power without spending a ton of money, consider the Razor E Prime III. The Razor has greater range, power, similar comfort, and significantly better portability, yet it isn't much more expensive.

gotrax gxl v2 - at the end of our testing, the gotrax's exceptional braking power...
At the end of our testing, the Gotrax's exceptional braking power made this scooter stand out.
Credit: Laura Casner

Evan Johnson, Austin Palmer, and Nick Miley