Gotrax GXL Review

Gotrax Gxl Review

The Gotrax GXL V1 electric scooter is a top choice for those seeking a powerful, reliable mode of transportation. With a long-lasting battery and compact design, it’s easy to take this scooter on the go and store it in small spaces. Since its launch in 2017, it has consistently ranked as one of the best electric scooters in terms of value for money, frequently appearing on best-seller lists in the USA.

However, like all Gotrax electric scooters, the Gotrax GXL V1 has both pros and cons to consider before making a purchase. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of this popular electric scooter.

BEST GOTRAX GXL V1 ELECTRIC SCOOTER REVIEW

Power:250W
Maximum speed:25km/h
Autonomy:20 km
Charging time:4 hours
Recommended maximum weight:100 kg
Wheels:8.5” pneumatic
Dual brake:Manual for the rear wheel and electric for the front wheel
Braking:Improved regenerative
Resistance:Water and dust
Weight:12.5 kg
gotrax gxl v1 electric scooter (2)

PROS

Quality-price ratio
Enough power to maintain a speed of 25 km/h
Dual braking system: manual and electric
Regenerative braking that charges the battery
Protection against water and dust

CONS

The wheels are pneumatic and are difficult to change in the event of a puncture
The handlebar is not adjustable in height
The rear wheel brake cable is a bit unprotected
It is a bit cumbersome to transport it folded because it weighs 12.5 kg
gotrax gxl v1

Before buying an electric scooter

The suitability of the Gotrax GXL V1 electric scooter for you will largely depend on your individual needs and usage. To help you make an informed decision, we have created a comprehensive guide covering important factors to consider before purchasing an electric scooter. Below, we’ve summarized the key features that we believe are crucial in making a choice:

Power

If you are over 70 kg in weight or live in an area with steep inclines, a high-power scooter (with a power output of at least 250W) may be a more suitable option.

Autonomy

If you plan on using the scooter for long distances, the scooter’s autonomy, or distance it can travel on a single charge, is a key factor to consider.

Charging time

If the scooter has limited autonomy but you have the opportunity to charge it between trips, it’s important to look at the charging time to ensure it’s not too long.

Security

The scooter’s braking system is crucial in ensuring safety, especially with higher power scooters that may reach higher speeds. Additionally, having both a front and rear light is important for night-time riding.

Dimensions and weight

If you plan on transporting the scooter along with other means of transportation, it’s important to consider its weight and size when folded for ease of movement.

gotrax gxl commuting electric scooter review

Power

The Gotrax GXL V1 electric scooter is equipped with a powerful 250 W motor, with the ability to reach a peak power of 500 W during acceleration. This extra boost in power makes it easy for you to tackle slopes with a 14% incline and even steeper inclines, although it may require a bit more effort.

Maximum speed

The Gotrax GXL V1 electric scooter is capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 km/h and has two operating modes: ECO mode and Normal mode.

ECO mode: In ECO mode, you can travel at a maximum speed of 18 km/h, which is ideal for areas with pedestrian traffic.
Normal mode: Normal mode allows you to reach the maximum speed of 25 km/h.

Additionally, the scooter features cruise control which can be managed through the accompanying app. This enables you to maintain a constant speed without constantly adjusting the accelerator. Note that the constant speed refers to the energy delivered to the motor, rather than the actual speed. If you encounter a slope while cruising, the speed may decrease due to the consistent energy delivered to the motor.

Autonomy

The distance you can travel with the Gotrax GXL V1 electric scooter depends on several factors like your weight, the terrain, wind, etc.

The scooter comes with a 7800 mAh battery that, according to the manufacturer, can provide an estimated range of 20 km under specific conditions: with a weight of 75 kg, a temperature of 25°C, on a flat road with no wind, while in energy-saving mode and traveling at a constant speed of 15 km/h.

If you’re heavier than 75 kg, facing strong wind, or have to stop frequently at traffic lights, the range may be lower than 20 km. However, the scooter’s range is still expected to be at least 15 km, which is still a decent distance.

Gotrax Gxl V1 Review

Loading time

The charging time for the Gotrax GXL V1 electric scooter is approximately 4 hours. It is charged using a regular plug and a charger similar to the one used for a laptop. There is a front panel equipped with 4 LED lights that display the battery status while you’re riding.

Recommended maximum weight

The Gotrax GXL V1 electric scooter is designed to carry a maximum weight of 100 kg. However, if you exceed this weight, the scooter will still work but will consume more energy, leading to a shorter battery life.

Wheel

The Gotrax GXL V1 features 8.5″ tires, providing a smooth ride by absorbing shock from obstacles like potholes, curbs, and sidewalk lines. However, this type of tire is also susceptible to punctures. Replacing the wheels on the Gotrax GXL V1 can be difficult and may require a professional mechanic. To prevent this inconvenience, it is possible to switch to solid wheels, but this will result in a less comfortable ride as the shock absorption is reduced.

Security

Dual brake system
The Gotrax GXL V1 scooter features a disc brake in the rear wheel, which is activated through a lever on the handlebars, similar to a bicycle.
The front wheel is equipped with an electric brake that slows down the scooter when the throttle is released. The brake strength can be adjusted through the scooter’s app, offering three options: weak, medium, and strong.
Regenerative braking

The front wheel of the Gotrax GXL V1 scooter is designed to convert some of the braking energy into battery power, helping to increase the overall lifespan of the battery.

ABS system

The front wheel of the scooter is equipped with an anti-lock ABS system, similar to what is found in cars. This ensures that even under heavy braking, the front wheel remains under control and can be easily managed.

Lights

The Gotrax GXL V1 is equipped with a bright LED rear light and a highly visible front light, making it safe to ride at night.

gotrax gxl commuter electric scooter

Endurance

The Gotrax GXL V1 has been designed with an IP54 protection rating against dirt, dust, and water splashes. This makes it suitable for riding on rough roads or during light rain showers without worrying about damage.

Design

The Gotrax GXL V1 scooter has a strong, high-quality aluminum construction for a durable finish.

Color: Available in black
Extended dimensions: 1080 x 430 x 1140 mm
Folded dimensions: 1080 x 430 x 490 mm
Weight: 12.5kg

Carrying the Gotrax GXL V1 scooter when it is folded can be quite challenging. It has large dimensions and is quite heavy, so if you need to transport it on public transportation or have to walk up multiple flights of stairs, it may not be the best option for you. Additionally, the handlebars cannot be folded, so it may be difficult to fit into small spaces. If this is a concern, you can check out our guide to the best electric scooters available, which includes information to help you choose a scooter that is right for you.

Reviews of the Gotrax GXL V1 electric scooter

Riding the Gotrax GXL V1 scooter is just as fast as cycling, but it offers a much more comfortable experience, thanks to its lightweight design.

Compared to other electric scooters, the Gotrax GXL V1 stands out as the better option. It offers longer battery life and performs better than the other scooters the author has tried. It is a great choice for people who are looking for a convenient mode of urban transportation that can take them from one place to another at an acceptable speed.

However, it should be noted that the scooter is too heavy to carry for extended periods, so it may not be the ideal choice for those who need to carry it frequently. Additionally, it has a low platform, so caution should be taken when navigating high curbs.

Should I buy the Gotrax GXL V1 electric scooter?

Which is basically what you’re here for, right?

It is for you if:

For medium to long distance travels where you plan to rely solely on the scooter for transportation, it’s important to ensure you have a secure place to store it. If you’re considering leaving it in a locker, for example, make sure the scooter’s dimensions are suitable for the space available.

Not for you if:

The Gotrax GXL V1 scooter is suitable for those who plan to use it in combination with other forms of urban transportation such as buses or subways. This scooter can be carried along on these transfers and can be stored in a locker, given that it fits the available space. However, if you are constantly moving around, for example, at work or university, it may become challenging to carry the scooter from one place to another, as it may be too heavy to carry for extended periods.

gxl commuter scooter

Final Words

In conclusion, the Gotrax GXL V1 Electric Scooter is an efficient urban transportation option, with strong performance, extended battery life, and sturdy build quality. However, it may not be the best choice if you are looking for a scooter that is easily portable due to its larger size and weight.

Hi, I’m Jason Tie

I have been passionate about electric scooters and bicycles since they came on the market, but I really took to skateboarding when I was young.

I started with the skateboard at 7 years old when my dad taught me how to ride. Since then, I have mostly owned freestyle skates and longboards- even if they were difficult for some people in our town.

2 thoughts on “Gotrax GXL Review”

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