Gotrax GXL V2 Review

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. This is a decent option if you're on a budget, and range is not a major deciding factor. But overall, there are many other great options.

Performance Comparison

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. Remember that rider size, terrain, and conditions heavily impact range, so a kid will likely get more out of this scooter than the adults who tested it.

Speed and Hills

We look 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 various 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.

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.

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.