The Gotrax GXL V2 is billed as the go-to short-distance commuter scooter, but does it stand up to testing? With an affordable price point, modest speeds, and simple controls, it’s easy for anyone to hop on and zip around without prior experience. However, there are some downsides to consider. Here’s a hands-on Gotrax GXL V2 review to help you decide if you should go ahead and buy it.
Table of Contents
What you need to know about the Gotrax GXL V2 e-scooter
The Gotrax GLX V2 was released in 2019 as the successor to the Gotrax GXL and has remained an accessible electric scooter for first-time riders. It’s available in three colors: black, pink, and grey. Assembly out of the box should only take a few minutes, requiring two screws for the handlebar and threading the handbrake.
The GXL V2 is fun for neighborhood trips, provides 12 miles per charge, and performs best on flat pavement. Any steep inclines will slow it down and drain the battery faster. There is no suspension, so off-road riding will be bumpy, and the scooter is not waterproof, so avoid the rain if you can.
The GXL V2 weighs roughly 26 lbs. (12kg) and is foldable. However, the plastic locking mechanism isn’t very secure, so carrying the scooter around can be challenging as it can unfold unexpectedly.
See also: The best cheap electric kick-scooters
What’s good?
Intuitive: For those who have never ridden an electric scooter, the Gotrax GXL V2 is straightforward to learn. The left handlebar has a bell and a hand brake for stopping, similar to what you’d find on a bicycle. The right handlebar has a thumb throttle to pick up speed with a simple push. A basic LED screen displays battery life and speed.
Safe speeds: Those who want to zoom by in the blink of an eye may take this as a downside, but limiting the motor to 15.5 mph makes it ideal for new and younger riders. If you fall off or slip, there’s less risk of getting seriously injured — though you should always wear a helmet just in case.
Fast charge time: Recharging the Gotrax GXL V2’s battery takes no longer than 3-4 hours, depending on how depleted it is. With a kickstand to keep it upright and a one-touch folding frame, you can quickly leave the scooter anywhere to charge.
What’s not so good?
Not waterproof: The Gotrax GXL V2 does not respond well to water, so if you live anywhere that rains, you won’t be using it much. Wet conditions can get rather slippery under your feet, and any water damage to the electronics will void the warranty.
Poor portability: While the scooter only weighs ~26 lbs. and can fold, the clip to keep it folded is so poorly designed that it’s nearly impossible to carry around. A plastic hook interlocks with a plastic latch on the back wheel, but a gentle shake is all it takes for the thing to come loose. Mind your surroundings.
Rough riding: You will feel any big bump or cracks along the road, as this scooter has zero suspension. Additionally, while the hand brake leads to a rear disc brake, reaching a complete stop can take 3-5 seconds, so stay vigilant.
Gotrax GXL V2 specs
Range: 12 miles (~19 km) on a single charge.
Speed: 15.5 mph (~25 km/h) max speed on flat terrain. Inclines will bring that down to 11-13 mph (17—20 km/h)
Motor size: 250W
Tires: 8.5-inch, air-filled tires.
Dimensions: 43.3″ x 16.7″ x 44.1″
Weight: 26.45 lbs
Charge Time: four to five hours. The charger has an indicator to let you know when the scooter is fully charged.
Should I buy the Gotrax GXL V2?
If you already own an electric scooter and want to upgrade, then the Gotrax GXL V2 is not for you. If you want to own your first electric scooter, then the GXL V2 can be a great introduction to the world of electric scootering, depending on how and where you plan to use it.
Here’s a checklist of questions that, if you answer yes to, you should go with Gotrax.
- Do you have hardly any hills in your neighborhood?
- Does it rarely rain where you live?
- Do you plan to use it for short distances ( under 12 miles)?
- Do you plan to carry the scooter on transit or in public spaces? — If so, you should use a metal key clip to secure the scooter while folded.
For only $350 US, the Gotrax GXL V2 is a fun, lightweight, affordable option. Still, you might consider paying a little more for practical considerations such as suspension, waterproofing, and a larger motor to travel farther distances. Or you may want the fun factor of higher speeds to pass other cyclists or e-scooters swiftly. In which case, the Gotrax G4 may be a better option.
Read more: The best electric kick scooters
Using the Gotrax GXL V2
How to fold and unfold the Gotrax GXL V2
Before folding the scooter, be sure to turn the power off. After all, you don’t want to hit the throttle and have the tires start spinning accidentally.
Folding: Hold the tiller, pull out the spring pin on the folding panel, and then rotate the pin counterclockwise. Then, fold the scooter down until the tiller hook catches the loop on the rear fender. The hook tends to pop out of the loop easily, so be gentle when moving the folded scooter so that it doesn’t unfold unexpectedly.
Unfolding: Push the rear fender down and pull the tiller up to unfold the scooter. The spring will snap into the lever to lock the folding mechanism.
How to charge the Gotrax GXL V2
Open the rubber charging port cover to find the port to plug in the charging cord. The charger box will show a red light while juicing up and a green light when the scooter is fully charged. Charging time takes around four hours. When the battery is full, cover the charging port to keep it clear of debris or a surprise raindrop.
Turning the Gotrax GXL V2 on and off
On: Press and hold the red button for one second.
Off: Press and hold the red button for five seconds.
To turn the headlight on or off, press the red button while the scooter is powered on.
Note that the LED console on the scooter displays speed in mph. However, you can press the red button three times to switch the speed unit to km/h.
How to make Gotrax GXL V2 go faster
The motor will not start until it reaches a speed of 1.2 mph or 2km/h, so you need to kick-push it to get going. To enable cruise control, press the right-hand thumb throttle down for ten seconds. Max speed in cruise control is 15.5 mph.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between Gotrax GXL and GXL V2?
A: The most significant difference is that the V2 has a hand lever disc brake, which is easier to access than the V1’s foot-operated disc brake. Other than that, the V2 has a stronger rear fender and is slightly more expensive than the V1.
Q: Is the Gotrax GXL V2 waterproof?
A: No, the scooter is not waterproof. The GXL V2 has a waterproof rating of IP54, which is resistant to small splashes or a few raindrops. However, wet conditions are unsuitable for riding and may damage the electronics.
Q: Does the Gotrax GXL V2 have Bluetooth?
A: No, there is no Bluetooth connectivity.
Q: Does Gotrax GXL V2 have cruise control?
A: Yes, hold down the thumb throttle for ten seconds to enable cruise control.
Q: How fast is the Gotrax GXL V2?
A: The GXL V2 has a max speed of 15.5 mph (25 km/h)
Q: Is the Gotrax GXL V2 good for kids?
A: Yes, the GXL V2 would be a suitable e-scooter for kids. The lower speeds, headlight, and folding frame make it easy and safe to use. For its price, it’s an affordable gift that’s a lot of fun.
Q: Is the Gotrax GXL V2 worth it?
A: The GXL V2 is a good introductory e-scooter for those making short trips. While it is affordable, it will slow down uphill and won’t hold up in the rain