What is GoTrax?
GoTrax is a Texas-based electric vehicle brand specializing in affordable and environmentally friendly electric bikes, scooters, and other rideables. Founded in 2017, GoTrax has followed a mission to make micromobility accessible to all, evidenced by their low prices and strong network of retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, etc. Despite the company's young age, GoTrax has quickly become one of the most popular electric vehicle brand, boasting over one million riders worldwide.
Why Get a GoTrax Electric Scooter?
Electric scooters are an excellent personal transportation option for students, professionals, and recreational riders. Compared to cars, electric scooters produce significantly less emissions due to their lightweight and battery-powered propulsion. Additionally, e-scooters can often prove to be a faster alternative to driving a car, especially in congested areas. Lastly, although choosing between an ebike and escooter is ultimately based on personal preference, it is important to note that escooters tend to be more lightweight and compact than ebikes.
With that in mind, it’s fair to say that just about everyone could benefit from owning an escooter. What’s special about GoTrax escooters is that they offer all of these benefits at some of the lowest prices in the industry; their cheapest model currently sells for just $279.
Factors to Consider When Buying a GoTrax Scooter...
Battery and Range - The battery size of electric scooters is usually measured in watts, and batteries typically range anywhere from 100 to 1000 watts. This number will dictate the distance your scooter can travel on a single charge, with a higher wattage indicating a longer range. For more information on this part of your scooter, check out our Guide to Different Battery Sizes and Ranges.
Motor and Speed - Your escooter’s motor is the workhorse of the vehicle. Similar to batteries, a higher wattage motor will result in improved performance (i.e. a higher top speed). Most scooters have an indicated top speed, which may not always be completely accurate, but nonetheless provides a good indication of the vehicle’s maximum performance.
Tires - The tires of your e-scooter receive the most wear and tear of all the vehicle’s components. Larger diameter tires are better at handling bumps in potholes than smaller tires, and puncture-resistant tires can offer significant advantages on rougher terrain.
Frame - Most e-scooter frames are made of aluminum, which keeps the vehicle lightweight and sturdy. Look out for scooters that have a folding frame, as this can be particularly useful for riders who have limited storage space.
Accessories - Additional features such as LED lights, seats, and kickstands are also common for electric scooters. Although these parts may not be integral to the function of the vehicle, it is important to consider how you will be using your scooter, and which additional features may be necessary.
Now that we’ve covered some preliminary information, let’s get into some of GoTrax’s best electric scooters…
The GXL V2 is just about as standard as you can get in terms of an entry-level GoTrax escooter. It features all the basics at one of the most competitive price points on the market.
10 Reasons to Buy the GoTrax GXL V2:
The GXL V2 comes with one of the best price tags on the market.
Pneumatic tires give a bouncy yet comfortable ride.
It’s powered by a 250-Watt brushless DC motor that allows decent acceleration.
The large 8.5-inch tires are a perfect size. Without being too bulky, they provide ample ground clearance, and can roll over most road hazards.
Being small and having an efficient foldable design makes the GXL V2 extremely portable.
At 14 mph to 0 mph, it has a stopping distance of 16.7 feet.
Due to its lightness, it can easily be used as a kick scooter even if the batteries run out.
There’s a built-in "cruise control" option, which is pretty sweet!
It easily bears weight to its limit, due to good ground clearance and a hefty design.
The safety latch is really strong, keeping you safe.
3 Reasons Not to Buy the GoTrax GXL V2:
The mileage is really low and depletes quickly.
The speed is far too slow to be used for a proper commute vehicle.
It has no tail light, only a front headlight, which is not bright enough.
Bottom Line
The GoTrax GXL V2 has been around for quite a while. The fact that it's still one of the cheapest on the market is quite an achievement. A powerful motor packed with a light, modern, futuristic design makes it the best e-scooter in its range. Although the GoTrax GXL V2 has the downside of having a smaller battery and slower top speed, the price and durability easily make up for it.
The G4 is GoTrax’s best-selling scooter for a reason - it is an affordable entry-level commuter that has the specs to stand alone as your daily driver.
10 Reasons to Buy the GoTrax G4:
The scooter’s folding mechanism enables it to fold in a single step.
The scooter arrives almost fully assembled.
Longer handlebars provide added stability and control.
The G4 comes with an easy-to-use built-in cable lock.
The deck’s patterned rubber is great for stability and balance, and provides comfortable rides.
The scooter's 10-inch solid tires are pre-coated with tire slime, so you don’t have to worry about punctures.
Aluminium alloy for the frame is strong and reliable.
The 36V 10.4Ah battery gives a long range.
The digital lock can be directly seen on the LED digital display.
It has an easy-to-use cruise control.
3 Reasons Not to Buy the GoTrax G4:
The G4 doesn’t support a removable battery.
There’s no suspension, which can make for a bumpy ride.
The headlight is not as bright as GoTrax’s more inexpensive models.
Bottom Line
This budget electric scooter provides a lot of features at a low price. It’s an excellent commuter vehicle that doesn't break the bank. With pre-slimed tires, choice of a 350W or 500W motor, a battery management system, IP54 water-resistance rating, and a built-in 4-digit combination cable lock, G4 is a fantastic value for the money.
Claiming a 19 mile range and a top speed of 15 mph, the XR Elite is another example of a GoTrax vehicle that is affordable and offers all the essential features needed to get moving.
6 Reasons to Buy the GoTrax XR Elite:
Great build quality for the price, especially with the folding mechanism which makes the vehicle more compact when you need to store it.
Fairly long range of 19 miles based on the price of the scooter.
8.5” pneumatic tires make for a more comfortable ride that can handle small bumps on the road.
IP54 water resistance for inclement weather.
Strong, durable aluminum frame.
32 lb. total weight makes the XR Elite fairly easy to transport.
2 Reasons Not to Buy the GoTrax XR Elite:
The top speed is only under 15 mph, which may not be fast enough on some busy urban roads.
Relatively low motor power makes the XR Elite a poor hill climber.
Bottom Line
The XR Elite could be seen as an intermediary between the GXL V2 and G4, both in terms of price and performance. As with most GoTrax products, you get what you pay for with the XR Elite - an escooter that can usually get the job done, without any crazy specs for fancy features.
The Flex stands out among GoTrax escooters as the only one with an integrated seat, making it a much more comfortable option.
6 Reasons to Buy the GoTrax Flex:
Integrated seat makes the flex more accessible to a wider range of riders.
Rear basket adds additional carrying capacity of up to 50 lbs, which most scooters don’t have.
Large 14 inch tires are capable of handling potholes and bumps along the road.
Rear suspension also adds additional cushion to your ride.
Option of 350W to 500W motors so you don’t pay for more power than you need.
Flex is also available in multiple versions of varying max ranges and top speeds.
3 Reasons Not to Buy the GoTrax Flex:
Basket is not very large, so it will not be able to replace some car trips.
Seated positon makes riders less visible on the road.
The Flex does have poor hill climbing ability.
Bottom Line
The Flex is likely the best GoTrax escooter option for older riders, riders with disabilities, and really anyone who’s looking for a more comfortable ride. Reviewers of the Flex note that the poor hill climbing ability is the vehicle’s biggest flaw, but other than than, it’s a great value for the price of just $499.
Although GoTrax has become known for budget-friendly vehicles, they also offer some higher-end vehicles such as the GMAX Ultra, which tout improved performance.
7 Reasons to Buy the GoTrax GMAX Ultra:
Includes a digital screen, which displays speed, distance, and battery life.
Because of the 10-inch air-filled shock-absorbing tires, you can enjoy smooth rides on any rough road.
45-mile maximum range is plenty of distance even for long-haul commutes.
GMAX Ultra includes an easy-to-use built-in steel cable lock.
You can easily carry your scooter around through the quickly collapsible folding mechanism to ensure safe storage.
The GMAX Ultra also gives an option of kick to start.
Boasts of large battery life due to high-quality lithium-ion battery cells.
3 Reasons Not to Buy the GoTrax GMAX Ultra:
In the same price range, you can get electric scooters that can go faster than 20 mph.
It takes approximately 4 hours to charge the battery, which is a lot of time.
The headlight and tail lights could be brighter.
Bottom Line
The GMAX Ultra is certainly a step up from most other Gotrax scooters, and the price reflects that. However, if you’re looking for a scooter that won’t skimp out on range, the GMAX Ultra may be worth the extra money.
GX3
Continuing with the high-end scooters from GoTrax, the GX3 is one of GoTrax’s newest scooters and a part of the company’s high-speed, all-terrain performance line. At the time of releasing this guide, the GX3 is only available for pre-order.
7 Reasons to Buy the GoTrax GX3:
Max speed of 38 mph is higher than many other electric scooters on the market.
Dual 1000W motors provide “all wheel drive” and plenty of power.
Full suspension makes the GX3 capable of handling rough terrains.
11” all terrain tires provide extra cushion and traction in off-road settings.
50-60 mile max range makes the GX3 capable of long distance travel.
Frame made of steel and aluminum is highly durable and wear-resistance.
300 lb weight limit can handle larger adult riders.
3 Reasons Not to Buy the GoTrax GX3:
Priced at $1,799, the GX3 is much more expensive than most Gotrax scooters.
The GX3 weighs 94 lbs, which makes it very difficult to lift and carry.
Top speed of 38 mph can be dangerous, and is also illegal on many public roads.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the best performer from GoTrax, this is probably going to be the right choice for you. The GX3 has a top speed that most other scooters will never beat, it offers great range, and it’s off-road ready. The biggest hold up for the GX3 is the price, but you certainly get what you pay for.