GOTRAX GXL V2 REVIEW

Summary:

Gotrax has carefully analysed what appeals to commuters and the issues they confront while designing an e-scooter exclusively for them. They kept the quality 8.5′′ pneumatic tyres, light frame, and strong folding mechanisms in the revised Gotrax GXL v2, but improved the construction quality, braking system, and incorporated cruise control.

These premium features, along with the Gotrax GXL v2’s affordable pricing, make it the ideal e-scooter for beginners or younger riders looking for a quality piece of equipment without the bells and whistles that come with a larger price tag.

Performance Overview:

The Gotrax GXL v2 features a 250-watt motor and a 187-watt hour lithium-ion battery pack. Both components are at the top of what can be expected at this cheap price range and provide your motorcycle a good boost of power.

You’ll also discover two speed settings (which are managed similarly to bike gears), allowing you to cruise at 10mph or easily accelerate to 15.5mph. We discovered that using top power to properly scour modest urban inclines (up to 10-degrees) assisted with hill climbing, however you will slow down towards the summit.

The cruise control feature is one feature we were happy to find on an electric scooter at this pricing point. Your scooter will retain its current speed if you press down the throttle for 10 seconds. While this option may deplete your battery if utilised indefinitely, it enhances the riding experience and is not even available on some of the higher-end luxury models.

The Gotrax GXL v2’s main selling feature, in our opinion, is its ease of control and usage. From the first time you ride, it’s intuitive and enjoyable.

Speed & Acceleration:

The GXL v2 is advertised as having a peak speed of 15.5 mph, which is certainly possible but is dependant on a number of factors such as rider weight and weather conditions.

The straightforward gear arrangement makes it simple to reach peak speed. If you’re at the bottom of a hill or about to pass another electric scooter rider, the gears are sensitive enough to swiftly increase the pace.

While the highest speed isn’t as high as more costly versions with two motors, it’s quite fast enough for city riders unless they live in a very mountainous area. Gotrax has expertly balanced the speed capabilities for a commuting scooter — throw in the handy cruise control, and it should satisfy even the most discerning of casual riders.

On the Gotrax GXL v2, the acceleration is extremely good. It won’t jolt you into full pelt as soon as you get on, but it will get you there swiftly and easily.

The GXL v2 does require a starter because it has a zero-start option, but it does so reliably and acceleration begins at roughly 2mph. Your acceleration is controlled by a simple push button throttle that is conveniently located in the controls and is very easy to handle due to its low stiffness.

After a measured average of 10 seconds, you can attain full speed once you’re going. Granted, it doesn’t have the fastest acceleration when compared to other scooters, but for the price, it’s a great deal.

Battery & Range:

The GXL v2 is marketed by Gotrax as having a 12-mile range on a single charge. When compared to its more expensive predecessors, the Gotrax GXL v2 falls short, yet within its price range, it excels. This makes it the ideal electric scooter for short-distance outings or a quick commute – just the type of rider Gotrax is targeting.

At full charge, we were able to travel 9 miles, however this varies from rider to rider. It’s worth noting that every time you brake, the lithium-ion battery regenerates a tiny bit of electricity, which can assist extend the battery life. The battery pack’s charge period is similarly 3-4 hours, making it relatively rapid to charge between trips. You can charge it in the afternoon and dependably go home if you commute to an office 8 miles away.

Motor Configuration:

If you’re used to a twin motor, the 250w single motor at the back of the Gotrax GXL v2 may cause a shift in balance.

However, we’ve discovered that single motor scooters typically have the sensation of a classic kick scooter, and the GXL v2 is no exception. Once again, this targets a certain client who may be unfamiliar with electric scooters and like the weight distribution.

Construction & Quality:

The GXL frame is deceptively slim. We’re used to cheap electric scooters with weight systems that trend toward the larger side of design. With the Gotrax GXL v2, this is not the case.

The GXL v2, which is made of durable yet lightweight aluminium, looks the part when compared to more expensive models. The 8.5-inch pneumatic tyres are tiny to maintain the streamlined design, and red trim can be seen throughout the vehicle. The entire bundle will appeal to commuter scooter buyers who are concerned about their appearance.

The Gotrax GXL v2 electric scooter is surprisingly strong, as you’d expect from an aluminium chassis, and the manufacturer claims a high weight restriction of 220 pounds. This maximum weight is more than some of the scooters in the top pricing category, so it’s a nice feature. It increases the appeal of the GXL v2 by retaining its attractive appearance while accommodating a larger spectrum of riders.

When you consider the price, the Gotrax GLX v2’s build quality is very remarkable. The aluminium frame, as previously said, offers the scooter a firmness that is reassuring when riding and maintains it well-balanced without being cumbersome.

A locking mechanism is included inside the folding stem to keep your folded scooter in place. This was first a touch stiff, but as you get used to how it works and it loses its stiffness, you shouldn’t notice.

The scooter’s controls are centred on an LED display that rests flat in the handlebars, which is a great design quirk. The LED itself is straightforward, monitoring speed and displaying battery life. Many riders are now accustomed to using Bluetooth or a separate app to collect a variety of information while riding. Although the Gotrax GXL v2 may appear unsophisticated in contrast, its basic features work flawlessly, and the display is very clear even at night.

Braking:

One of the most significant upgrades from the previous generation is the braking system. The rear disc brake of the original GXL Commuter was actuated by a foot pedal on the back wheel. Anyone who has tried to stop from a high speed while operating a rear foot pedal knows how inconvenient this can be.

With the GXL v2, Gotrax has changed things up, and the rear disc brake is now operated by a front brake lever, similar to a bike brake. When you combine this with the regenerative front brake, you have a rapid and easy-to-use stopping system that improves the electric scooter’s overall safety.

Suspension & Comfort:

The pneumatic tyres are responsible for the Gotrax GXL v2’s suspension. Because there is no extra suspension, the tyres bear the brunt of the road impact. This puts a lot of trust in the tyres’ ability to function, but they’re up to the challenge.

They handle well on uneven terrain and cracks, but if you want to race down a crooked street, you should expect some jolts through the stem and handlebars. It’s important to think about how you want to utilise the Gotrax GXL. It will function admirably as a commuting scooter on smooth roads, but you will find it difficult to enjoy riding it over cobblestone streets.

Ride Quality:

The Gotrax GLX v2 has an excellent overall riding quality. It’s a dream in excellent weather, with a clear, smooth road and little hills. The strong frame, soft handlebars, and pneumatic tyres offer a smooth ride and comfort during your journey, even through tight places and rapid twists.

When driving on a rough road or up and down hills, the quality suffers a little. Of course, you’ll slow down, and the vibration through the handlebars might be pretty painful after a while. You won’t find a scooter that can handle every sort of terrain for the price, but it’s perfect for its intended role as a commuting scooter.

Lights:

A single LED lamp is positioned between the handlebars at the front of the scooter on the Gotrax GXL v2. While the built-in light is adequate, if you plan on riding at night, extra headlights with a broader light radius are strongly recommended.

The GXL v2 doesn’t have a back taillight, which is a bummer. This can be readily fixed by adding more lights, but it’s still a disappointment and appears to be an error in a scooter meant specifically for commuters.

Portability:

Another feature we liked about the GXL v2 is its sheer mobility. When completely unfurled, the scooter is very small, but the lever-activated folding mechanism neatly lowers and locks the size to only 39.4 inches long. Unlike many other electric scooters, which still take up space when folded down, this one is the perfect size to go on public transportation or sneak under a desk.

The weight, at 27 pounds, is also a manageable load. It shouldn’t be too difficult to take up the stairs, which puts it in line with other electric scooters that are praised for their mobility (the Xiaomi M365 for example).

Tyres:

Tyres are a hot topic among e-scooter enthusiasts, especially the argument between air-filled ‘pneumatic’ vs. airless’solid’ tyres. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but when compared to a standard scooter wheel, they are unquestionably superior. The air tyres from the original model have been retained on the Gotrax GXL v2.

The GXL v2’s 8.5-inch pneumatic tyres serve as suspension and perform admirably. Even on slick roads, the grip works effectively, and you’ll be cushioned from the bulk of bumps and skids you’ll face on the road. They also lend itself to rapid responses and light manouvering while controlling the scooter.

One disadvantage of pneumatic tyres is that they are more prone to puncture, whereas airless tyres are puncture-resistant by design.

If you plan to ride the scooter every day, this is something to think about. But, in general, it shouldn’t be an issue for you because Gotrax has a good reputation for customer support and a large selection of spare parts and replacement accessories for their electric scooters.

Deck:

The deck of the Gotrax GXL v2 is a substantial improvement, extending roughly 19 inches in length and accommodating bigger shoe sizes. The anti-slip grip on the deck should keep you steady and steady throughout your travel. If you’re a first-time electric scooter buyer, this is a huge benefit because you won’t have to adjust to a specific posture or shift your weight around a lot to feel comfortable.

Controls & Display:

This electric scooter’s LED display isn’t the largest, and it’s fairly basic in terms of what it delivers and displays on the screen. So you don’t be caught off guard, it will clearly indicate your speed and remaining battery power.

The Gotrax GXL V2 also has cruise control, which is a great tool to have if you’re on a long drive or going to and from work and want to maintain a consistent pace.

Water Resistance:

The Gotrax GLX v2 has an IP54 rating for water resistance. This means it’s not waterproof, but it’ll withstand a light drizzle or a few shallow puddles just fine. Many people value the flexibility to ride an electric scooter even in cloudy weather, which contributes to its usefulness for leisure and commuting trips.

Reliability:

Overall, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more trustworthy scooter in the Gotrax GXL v2’s pricing range. The batteries can keep up with the motor, and the overall durability of the tyres, brakes, and construction instil confidence, making it a superb pick for a cautious or first-time rider.

The penumatic tyres provide good traction and can withstand mild rain. This is especially vital if you want to travel by electric scooter, as having to pack up and rush for the bus at the first sight of precipitation is always a disappointment.

Warranty:

The GLX v2′ sole serious flaw was the Meagan 90-day warranty it gave. When compared to the lifetime warranty offered by the Cabrera Impel is-1, for example, it’s abysmal.

Known Issues:

The following are the most of the difficulties that concern this model:

• The battery will be quickly depleted at top speed.
• Punctured tyres are more likely.

It’s actually pretty difficult to have this corrected, especially because this scooter is so inexpensive.

Maintenance:

The Gotrax GLX v2 has a simple maintenance and upkeep system. The manufacturer’s website has spare components, however because the firm is situated in the United States, shipping expenses may apply.

Is this Electric Scooter value for money and is it worth buying?

When it comes to this model from Gotrax, you really get an excellent electric scooter. It’s one of the best-selling books in the United States and across the world, and it’s praised for all of its excellent features. When completely charged, it has a range of 12 miles and a peak speed of 15 mph, which is more than enough for any commuter.