Gotrax GXL Commuting Electric Scooter Review 2023: Suitable for Commuters?
Pros
Cons
Gotrax is known for producing scooters with specific riders in mind. As the name suggests, the Gotrax GXL Commuting Electric Scooter was designed especially for commuters.
Based on product specifications, this Gotrax scooter is a budget-friendly alternative to higher-priced brands. Unlike other similar-priced scooters who just copied the design of popular brands, the Gotrax GXL stands out with its unique form and features.
Can this e-scooter hold its own against its more expensive competitors? We give you the deets on this Gotrax GXL electric scooter review.
Speed and Power output
In terms of speed, the Gotrax GXL can be compared to the Xiaomi M365. It has a 250-watt engine that thrusts the scooter to reach a maximum speed of up to 15mph. The motor is a bit loud but with the wind rushing through your ears, you will barely notice the sound.
Another unique feature of this Gotrax electric scooter is its two-gear system. The first gear has a maximum speed of 10mph. You can unlock its top speed of 15mph once you switch to its second gear. This helps you control how fast you want to go and how much battery you are going to use.
Initially, the Gotrax GXL electric scooter did not have an automatic cruise control function. The feature was only added around the last quarter of 2018. According to its website, in order to activate cruise control, you simply need to hold the accelerator down for about 10 seconds tops and the scooter will automatically maintain its speed.
While it is not meant for off roads, the GXL scooter can cruise through grasslands and bike trails without shaking. It can also tackle up to 10-degree slopes.
Range and Battery Performance
This Gotrax electric scooter boasts a maximum range of 9-12 miles on a single charge. Admittedly, it is shorter compared to its more expensive counterparts. Overall, it is a reliable scooter that can take you to your destination, just avoid long-distance rides.
It is powered by a lithium-ion 36V battery that regenerates each time you hit the brakes. The battery takes just about 3-4 hours to fully charge which is faster compared to other standard electric scooters.
However, riders reported that the scooter cannot last an hour if constantly driven at maximum speed. We suggest that you keep the scooter in gear 1 if you are planning to go on a one-hour ride.
The great thing about this scooter, though, is how you can easily use it as a kick scooter in case you happen to run out of battery while on the road.
Design & Construction Quality
The Gotrax GXL electric scooter offers a sleek, minimalist design that comes in two colors: black and blue. The scooter barely has any logos or text on it so you can freely customize it according to your preference.
Despite being marketed as a budget-friendly scooter, the build quality is surprisingly good. It is not flimsy or unstable, unlike most cheap scooters. The GXL is built with an aluminum frame that can carry riders of up to 220 lbs.
Materials
Unlike scooters of the past that are mostly made of heavy metal, this electric scooter Gotrax offers is made of lightweight aluminum steel, making it a portable electric scooter. It weighs approximately 27 lbs which makes it a bit heavier than the 26-pound Swagtron Swagger 5 but you can still carry it around with ease.
Handlebar:
The handlebars have a simple and straightforward design, complementing the overall look of the scooter. It has a decent grip and offers some very practical features.
The GXL scooter has a thumb-operated accelerator located at the right handlebar. It also has a light and gear button installed between the handlebars.
Foldable:
When purchasing a good commuting scooter, riders should always look for something that is portable. Luckily, this Gotrax scooter ticks all the right boxes when it comes to its folding mechanism.
It has a lever-activated folding frame which allows the scooter to collapse into a compact shape. When folded, it has dimensions of 39.4″ x 6.3″ x 14.4″. You can then easily store the GXL folding electric scooter inside bus compartments, car trunks, etc. or carry it around while walking.
Assembly:
The Gotrax GXL commuting electric scooter comes mostly assembled. You only need to install the handlebars using the hex key that is shipped with the scooter. Some may find this a bit cumbersome, especially if you are not used to handling tools. Gotrax does offer a detailed user manual in case you need help putting the scooter together.
Tires & Braking System
Gotrax claims to offer tires that are specifically made for commuting. The GXL uses two 8.5 inch air-filled shock-absorbing tires. This ensures riders a smooth, comfortable ride. It is quite impressive for Gotrax to be using these types of tires as they are usually offered by higher-end brands.
However, people seem to have mixed reviews about these tires. While some commend them for easily gliding through bumps and cracks, others observed that they are prone to flats. If you do come across a flat tire, Gotrax does sell some spare tires and tire tubes.
Another noteworthy feature of the Gotrax GXL scooter is its dual-braking system. It has a front brake and a rear brake. The front is regenerative and only works when your battery is on. On the other hand, the rear brake is disc-based and is activated by manually stepping on the backpedal. It is a nifty feature that we think should be implemented in more electric scooters.
Safety
All Gotrax scooters are UL2271 certified, which means its batteries are tested according to electrical standards. You can ride safely without worrying if your battery will unexpectedly explode.
Bluetooth
Unfortunately, the Gotrax GXL does not offer Bluetooth connectivity unlike the Swagtron Swagger 5 and the Xiaomi M365 scooter. It also has no smartphone app that allows you to control the speed settings.
However, we find the lack of app to be quite practical. You do not want to be constantly looking at your smartphone when commuting in busy streets.
Brand & Customer Service
Gotrax is one of the most reliable brands when it comes to producing the most cost-effective forms of personal transportation. It first skyrocketed into fame after launching its Hoverfly hoverboard series which quickly became Amazon’s top-selling hoverboard. After that, they started expanding into a full line of electric scooters.
The GXL scooter is just one of its many successful products. It is well-built, portable, with decent speed and range. Its customer support is available from Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-5:00 pm CST. (1) This may not be beneficial if you live in a different timezone.
It also offers a limited 90 Day Warranty (2) for manufacturer defects. You simply need to fill out a form and attach a photo of the issue along with your receipt if you purchased the product in-store.
A number of users were unhappy about the short warranty period as they claimed that the battery performance declined a few months after use. Some also reported that the company’s phone lines were inoperable and they were only able to connect with customer support via email.
Downsides
- There are no rear lights
- Short warranty period
- Tires are prone to flats
- LED display is barely seen when exposed to direct sunlight
- Users have complained about defective batteries after just a few months of continued use
Who Should Buy the Gotrax GXL Commuting Electric Scooter?
We recommend the Gotrax GXL to those who are looking for a reliable, budget-friendly commuting scooter. Admittedly, this scooter has a short maximum range, but you can just turn it into a kick scooter in case it runs out of battery. This makes it ideal for commuters 13 years and above.
It can handle a rider weight of up to 220 lbs. so if you are within this range, you should have nothing to worry about. Otherwise, look into the Swagtron Swagger 5 that can carry up to 330 lbs.
Final Verdict
The Gotrax GXL Commuting Electric Scooter deserves a rating of 3.4/5. It offers unique features that are comparable to higher-end models. The minimalist design is also appealing to some. Plus, it is foldable and lightweight so you can easily carry it around.
Gotrax GXL Video Review
| Gotrax GXL Commuting Electric Scooter Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 15.5 MPH |
| Motor | 250 watts |
| Range | 9-12 miles |
| Battery | 36 Volts |
| Charge Time | 3-4 hours |
| Max Load | 220 LBS |
| Weight | 27 LBS |
| Wheel Size | 8.5 inches |
| Tires | Pneumatic |
| Brake System | Disk |
| Warranty | 90 days |
| Price | $ |
FAQs
References
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