14 Reasons to Buy or NOT to Buy the GoTrax GXL V2

There was a time when the GoTrax GXL V2 was the Patrick Mahomes of entry-level electric scooters. It was the MVP. The go-to pair of wheels for riders seeking a sturdy, low-cost everyday model that they could rely on.

GoTrax GXL V2 Frame on Graffiti

But while it remains a sound choice for newcomers, there’s no hiding from the fact that its sheen has worn away with the passage of time. A new generation of scooters have muscled in on the GXL V2’s slice of the market, leaving some of its features looking a little long in the tooth.

So, is the GoTrax GXL V2 still worth the outlay? Here are 14 reasons why you should and shouldn’t buy it.

Where to Buy:
GoTrax Logo
Sale: $279.00
Reasons For

9 Reasons to Buy the GoTrax GXL V2

1. It screams value for money. Out of our entire database of 100+ electric scooters, it’s one of the cheapest models.

2. Packing a 36V 250W motor, the GXL V2 can hit speeds of up to 15.5 mph, making it faster than most other electric scooters in its price class (except for the Turboant M10 Lite).

GoTrax GXL V2 Frame From the Side

3. Thanks to its 36V 5.2Ah battery, it can keep the wheels rolling for 12 miles if you ride slowly. If you ride fast, you can expect 8 miles. This is enough for most short commutes and weekend rides. Plus, it takes just 4 hours to recharge, making it super convenient.

4. One of the V2’s crowning glories is its dual braking system. Here, you get a mechanical disc brake at the rear and an electronic brake at the front. This is a rarity in the sub-$400 category. All told, this setup equates to a braking distance of 4.9 meters from 15 mph, which is on par with its competitors.

5. With the GXL V2 having 8.5-inch pneumatic tires it bucks the trend of other cheap scooters that opt for inferior solid rubber variants. The result is a far more enjoyable riding experience since they soak up harsh vibrations and shocks.

GoTrax GXL V2 Pneumatic Tire

6. Weighing just 26.4 lbs and sporting a simple, yet effective, cantilevered folding mechanism, it scores highly in the portability department.

7. Surprisingly, it’s equipped with an IP54 water-resistance rating, meaning it’s protected from water splashes from all directions.

GoTrax GXL V2 Stem

8. Despite being a budget scooter and sporting an unassuming design, the sturdy aviation-grade aluminum frame can withstand daily wear and tear.

9. The deck measures 18.6 inches by 6.0 inches, meaning there’s a generous amount of standing space. This gives you enough room to find a comfortable riding position.

GoTrax GXL V2 Front Tire and Chassis

Where to Buy:
GoTrax Logo
Sale: $279.00
Reasons Against

5 Reasons NOT to Buy the GoTrax GXL V2

1. Though the GXL V2 performs well in its price class, it’s outshone by the superior Turboant M10 Lite. Retailing for between $329.98 and $369.98, it wipes the floor with the GXL V2. Not only does it sport a motor that’s 40% more powerful (250W vs 350W), a battery that holds 27% more energy (187.2Wh vs 237.6Wh), and brakes that deliver 41% more stopping power (4.9 meters vs 2.9 meters from 15 mph), but it also benefits from a more refined, modern aesthetic that the GXL V2 can’t match.

2. While the GXL V2’s 15.5 mph top speed will be sufficient if you’re a newcomer or casual rider, you may not be a fan of its sluggish acceleration.

Riding the GoTrax GXL V2

3. Because it’s powered by a relatively small 250W motor, it’s a poor hill climber. Additionally, while GoTrax states that it can support riders of up to 220 lbs, we can confirm that the scooter struggles with anyone that weighs over 190 lbs.

GoTrax GXL V2 Deck

4. The lighting setup isn’t satisfactory. The GXL V2 has been equipped with a headlight, but it’s missing a taillight. There are two drawbacks here. The first is that you aren’t visible from the rear at night, and the second is that there’s no brake light, meaning other road users won’t be aware that you’re slowing down.

5. The deck-to-handlebar height measures just 37.0 inches. This is one of the shortest that we’ve measured and it means that riders taller than 5.8 ft will be hunched over while riding.

GoTrax GXL V2 Handlebars

Verdict

Bottom Line

The GoTrax GXL V2 changed the game when it was released. But that was a few years ago now. The simple fact of the matter is that newer scooters have taken the blueprint it set down and upped the ante.

GoTrax GXL V2 in Street

The Turboant M10 Lite is a case in point. Despite costing roughly the same as the GLX V2, it has a faster top speed, a longer range, and represents far better value for money. And if you can stretch your budget, the original Turboant M10 is also an excellent all-rounder that comes with an even beefier spec sheet.

Where to Buy:
GoTrax Logo
Sale: $279.00

Further Information:

GoTrax GXL V2 Review

Josh Frisby
Josh Frisby

Josh, Founder of Electric Scooter Insider. Over the last 4 years, I’ve tested countless scooters, amassed a database of 140+ models, and helped thousands of people find the right scooter. All of the scooters that I review are put through a rigorous review process so I can clearly distinguish where one is better or worse than another.

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