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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 often associated with 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. Given the cost, we assess that 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 electric scooters review.
What Other Electric Scooters Should You Consider?
The GXL V2 is a former value award winner. However, today, the low-cost competition is fierce. The Maxshot V1 has over double the range, goes faster, and is less expensive. The bigger version of this scooter is the Gotrax G4. The G4 is about $150 more expensive, but we think it is of better value. It goes triple the range, almost double the speed, and is still relatively portable.
A smooth-riding, wallet-friendly scooter with some high-end features
Superior power, braking, and comfort for long commutes,
This budget scooter is a favorite due to its impressive top speed, range, and portability
Good but not great, and you'll be happy you considered other models first
Inexpensive, but we recommend other models with better range and speed
Rating Categories
Gotrax GXL V2
Segway Ninebot MAX G2
Maxshot V1
Maxshot V1SPRO
Volpam Q1
Range(30%)
4.5
10.0
6.7
6.1
4.7
Speed and Hills(30%)
4.3
7.7
6.2
6.1
4.1
Ride Comfort(20%)
4.0
9.8
4.0
5.0
3.0
Portability(20%)
7.7
3.5
8.6
7.6
9.3
Specifications
Gotrax GXL V2
Segway Ninebot MAX G2
Maxshot V1
Maxshot V1SPRO
Volpam Q1
Measured Effective Range
7 miles
34.4 miles
18.2 miles
15.3 miles
8.0 miles
Measured Maximum Speed
12.5 mph
21.4 mph
17.5 mph
18.7 mph
15.3 mph
Measured Weight
26.0 lb
54.0 lb
27.5 lb
36.2 lb
24.7 lb
Motor Size
250W
450W
350W
350W
350W
Peak Power
250W
1000W
500W
500W
500W
Tire Size
8.5"
10"
8.5"
10"
8.5"
Tire Type
Pneumatic
Pneumatic tubeless and self sealing
Solid (honeycomb)
Solid (honeycomb)
Solid (honeycomb)
Max Load
220 lb
265 lb
264 lb
265 lb
264 lb
Battery Size
187.2Wh
551Wh
375Wh
378Wh
187.2Wh
Brake Type
Front regenerative and rear disc
Front drum brake with a rear electronic brake
Drum braking and eABS regenerative anti-lock braking
Front electronic brake and rear drum brake
Rear drum braking and eABS
Measured Charge Time
4.3 hours
5 hours
4.2 hours
5.7 hours
4.4 hours
App
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
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. 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.
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.
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.
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
Speed and Hills
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.
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.
The GXL V2 delivered an above-average performance in this metric, which is a great result for all types of riders.
Portability
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.
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.
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.
At the end of our testing, the Gotrax's exceptional braking power made this scooter stand out. Credit: Laura Casner
