In this complete GoTrax G2 review, we will see why this ridiculously cheap scooter may be excellent value for money, and how it may be one of the cheapest scooters that are still a very decent option in many scenarios.
Who should buy the GoTrax G2?
The GoTrax G2 is a scooter that can be great for both adults and older children. It is perfect for beginners, first-time owners, and because of its low price, it’s possibly even a great choice for a gift.
This is arguably the best scooter for under $250. You will get a lot for that sum – decent top speed of 15.5 mph / 25 kmh, 220 lbs / 100 kg of weight limit, with the scooter being very portable and weighing just 21 lbs / 9.5 kg, plus an IP54 rating, and solid tires that can never go flat.
Simply put, if you want the best scooter that $249 can buy, your best bet will be the GoTrax G2.
Where to buy the GoTrax G2 from?
The GoTrax brand
GoTrax is most likely the best ultra-budget scooter brand in the US and Canada. The brand’s focus is clearly the budget demographic, as none of their models cost more than $500.
So, when it comes to affordable scooters that are great value for money, GoTrax knows their craft and has released a ton of successful scooters that have been very well adopted by the scooter enthusiasts.
The GoTrax G2 is one of their latest and most popular models.
Ordering and shipping
Some GoTrax models are sometimes available on Amazon, but that’s still rarely the case for the GoTrax G2, and this scooter is usually only available on the official GoTrax store.
The shipping is free, and it takes between 3 to 5 days. The price of the scooter can change from time to time, with the current price being $249 (the nominal price is $349, and the scooter is currently on a big discount).
Customer support, warranty and return policies
The standard GoTrax warranty and return policies apply to the GoTrax G2 – 30 days to return the scooter for a refund, and a 90-day warranty on the scooter’s most important parts (water damage and damage caused by modification is not covered).
GoTrax’s excellent customer support team is based in Dallas, Texas, and they are available Monday through Friday via phone, chat, or email.
Unboxing and assembly
The GoTrax G2 will arrive in a relatively small box, but with a lot of styrofoam and other protective layers to prevent shipping damage.
The package contains:
- GoTrax G2 scooter
- handlebar
- screws
- charger
- warranty card
- user manual
- multitool
The GoTrax G2 requires some assembly. You will have to put the handlebar inside the stem, and tightly screw all the screws.
Before riding, make sure that the battery is full, the brakes are operational, and that all the other screws are tightly screwed as well.
User manual
Ok, I get it, nobody likes reading the user manual. Still, I recommend at least skimming through it quickly – it’s very short and clearly written, and it can provide some small details that you may find useful later. Plus, scooter batches can differ even if the scooter model and version are the same, and some differences can only be found in the unit’s manual.
GoTrax G2 basics
The G2 is a scooter aimed at beginners and first-time scooterists, and it’s very easy to use.
At the top of the stem, under the screen, is the power button. A long press of the button powers the scooter on.
The throttle on the right handlebar accelerates the scooter, while the throttle on the left activates the brakes. If you hold down the acceleration for 10 seconds, the scooter enters cruise control mode, and you can ride without pressing the throttle until you press the brake.
It’s a true kick-to-start scooter, which is always the better alternative as it saves more battery and it prevents the scooter from launching forward if you accidentally press the throttle while pushing or carrying it.
Folding and unfolding
The folding mechanism of the GoTrax G2 is very secure, so secure in fact, that it takes a few seconds to fold and unfold.
You need to rotate the safety lock counter-clockwise and unscrew it before you are able to unlock the folding latch and fold the scooter. That’s what makes the folding mechanism super-safe. When you fold the stem, you need to connect the hook to the small frame on the rear fender, and the scooter is ready to be carried.
You can also drag the scooter by the handlebars and roll it on the rear wheel like a trolley if you don’t want to carry it all the time.
Lifespan and build quality
The G2 hasn’t been around for too long, and it’s probably too soon to talk about its lifespan.
One thing is for sure though – the build quality and the durability of the GoTrax G2 are much better than what you would expect for the price. This scooter is small but tough, made from aluminum alloy for the frame and rubber for the tires.
Now, the defect rate is obviously bigger than the one of more expensive scooters. Since this scooter costs just $249, it’s natural that the chances of something going wrong are higher.
But still, the majority of owners are satisfied with the quality, and that’s not something most other scooters under $300 can claim.
User experience and ride quality
Owning the GoTrax G2 is a very pleasurable experience.
The scooter is simple and fun to use, and powerful enough to be a decent commuter but not so overpowered that it sacrifices safety.
The ride quality is pretty good for a solid-tire scooter, with very little shaking and vibration going on, but you should be aware that it will not be as smooth and comfortable as the ride of a scooter with large pneumatic tires.
Motor, power, and speed
The GoTrax G2 has a single hub BLDC motor, integrated into the front wheel.
The motor has 200 Watts of power, which gives the scooter a top speed of 15.5 mph / 25 kmh. The official top speed has actually been topped in a few user tests, although all of the tests were performed by lighter riders.
Battery, charging, and range
Some of the specs of the battery of the GoTrax G2 are not well known, but we do know it’s a 24 Volt battery. The battery is placed inside the stem, instead of the usual placement in the deck. That makes the scooter a bit front-heavy, but at the same time, the battery doesn’t suffer as much from impact, and the ground clearance is much better as well.
The GoTrax G2 has a range of 7 mi / 11 km, which will be enough for small to medium commutes.
Charging the battery fully takes 4 hours. The charging port is near the top of the stem, right next to the power button, and is protected from the elements by a plastic cap. While charging, the indicator light on the charger will be lit in red, and when the battery is fully charged, the light will turn green.
How much does it cost to charge the GoTrax G2?
The GoTrax G2 is very cheap to charge. In the US, during off-peak hours, the cost is less than a cent, and close to one cent during peak hours!
Brakes
The GoTrax G2 features a redundant braking system, with an electronic brake in the motor that’s activated by the left thumb throttle, and a rear fender foot brake as a backup. While the electronic brake is very well tested and there’s little chance of malfunction, the rear brake is even more fool-proof, which makes this scooter very safe.
When using both at the same time, the scooter achieves a very short stopping distance, even when riding at full speed.
Wheels and tires
The tires of the GoTrax G2 are made from solid rubber, and can never ever go flat. They are 6.5 inches in diameter.
As with all other solid tires, these are very tough, and they will not require any maintenance, except maybe for a little visual check every now and then. However, the usual tradeoff of solid tires is also present, and the ride quality will not be as smooth.
Lights and riding at night
The GoTrax G2 has a fairly strong LED headlight on the top of the stem, angled slightly downwards. It casts light at a long distance, but still, if you plan on riding at night, you will want to get a stronger light (something like the Cincred on Amazon is a great and affordable choice).
Other than the main headlight, the scooter has a lot of reflective stickers on various important parts.
Handlebars, screen, and controls
The handlebars of the scooter have rubber protective covers that prevent slipping when your hands get sweaty. The left handlebar hosts the brake throttle, and the right handlebar hosts the acceleration throttle. The screen can display the current speed, the battery level, and the speed settings.
The power button and the charging port are right under the screen, and the hook is right below them. The hook is actually one of the most useful little details on this scooter, and I’m really baffled by the very small number of scooters that come equipped with this useful accessory. Luckily, this scooter has it, and it’s very useful for hanging your shopping bags or your backpack on it, and it’s also used for folding the scooter.
Design, frame, and deck
GoTrax scooters have a certain signature look and feel to them, and the G2 maintains a lot of that in its design. It’s slick, light, casual, and elegant, yet still tough and sturdy. The scooter is available in three main colors: white, black, and grey, and all of them have red details.
The stem of the G2 is quite big compared to the rest of the scooter, mostly because it contains the battery. The scooter is stable and doesn’t rattle while riding because of that.
The deck is thin and light, and it’s probably the coolest-looking part of the scooter. It features a rubber grip tape on top to prevent slipping.
Weight, dimensions, and portability
The GoTrax G2 weighs just 21 lbs / 9.5 kg. That makes it one of the lightest electric scooters that adults can use.
When folded, the scooter is almost unbelievably small. With the very small weight and the very small volume when folded, this scooter can be labeled as extremely portable.
Weight limit and usage by adults
The weight limit of the GoTrax G2 is 220 lbs / 100 kg.
While the G2 has been a popular choice for a children’s scooter, its weight limit and its handlebar height clearly make it suitable for most adults as well, which also means it will be one of the cheapest electric scooters for adults available.
Water resistance, IP rating, and riding in the rain
The GoTrax G2 has an IP54 rating against water damage. The IP54 means that the scooter is resistant to water splashes from all angles, but it still isn’t fully waterproof and it can’t be submerged into water (can any electronic device achieve that, for that matter?).
The GoTrax G2 can handle some riding through the rain or snow, and chances are, it will not suffer any damage from it. However, that still goes against the manufacturer’s recommendations, and should be avoided.
Accessories and customizations
There are plenty of customizations and accessories for the GoTrax G2, available at the official GoTrax store.
The most recommended ones, and the ones that you should really consider adding to your scooter, are:
Also, it’s worth checking out the generic electric scooter accessories, as you may find even better deals and products there.
For this scooter, I recommend either a half-helmet if you want to make sure you are following all the safety procedures, or a bike helmet if you want a lighter and possibly more comfortable option. My guide on the best scooter helmets goes into all of the best helmet options in detail.
Finally, even though this is a very affordable scooter, it is likely to get stolen if you leave it outside without locking it. You don’t have to go overboard on the lock, but you should consider at least a solid combination lock, or maybe even a cheaper U-lock. See my guide on the best locks for electric scooters to find some excellent picks for every budget.
Maintenance
Maintainance for the GoTrax G2 doesn’t have to be difficult, nor too involved.
Whenever you clean the scooter (which can be once a month), you should make sure all the screws are tightly screwed using the multitool that arrives with your scooter. You can also optionally use some Loctite or lubricate the screws.
The only other thing you need to check is the brakes, and maybe occasionally do a visual inspection for damage. Unlike with air-filled tire scooters, you will not need to do any tire maintenance at all.
App
GoTrax still hasn’t released an app for their scooters, and their scooters typically don’t have the option to connect to an app through bluetooth.
You can check out the Universal Scooter Helper App by EScooterNerds, which will not serve as a replacement for a regular app made for the GoTrax G2 scooter, but it will help you in your decision making and ownership by providing you with useful tools, resources, calculators, tips, hacks, guides, and many other features. It is available for both iOS and Android.
GoTrax G2 specifications
GoTrax G2 Specifications
| Top speed | 25 kmh |
| Top speed | 15.5 mph |
| Range | 11 km |
| Range | 7 mi |
| Motors | single BLDC hub in front wheel |
| Power | 200 W |
| Battery | 24 V |
| Charging time | 4 h |
| Ingress protection (IP) | IP54 |
| Weight | 9.5 kg |
| Weight | 21 lbs |
| Weight limit | 100 kg |
| Weight limit | 220 lbs |
| Tire size | 6.5 in |
| Tire type | solid |
| Foldable | yes |
| Terrains | urban |
| App | no |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Return period | 30 days |
| Folded dimensions (L * W * H) | 112 cm * 43 cm * 42 cm |
| Folded dimensions (L * W * H) | 44 in * 17 in * 17 in |
| Unfolded dimensions (L * W * H) | 112 cm * 43 cm * 109 cm |
| Unfolded dimensions (L * W * H) | 44 in * 17 in * 43 in |
| Deck to handlebar height | 93 cm |
| Deck to handlebar height | 37 in |
| Adjustable handlebar | no |
GoTrax G2 vs other electric scooters
This is how the GoTrax G2 fares against the scooters it is most often compared against.
GoTrax G2 vs GoTrax GXL V2 Commuter
The GoTrax G2 compares surprisingly well against its older brother, the GoTrax GXL V2 Commuter.
They both have the same top speed, water protection, and comparable motors.
It’s not that the GXL V2 Commuter is a heavy scooter, but compared to the G2, it may even seem so.
The GoTrax GXL V2 Commuter will come with a bit more range, a better climb angle, and larger tires which will provide more comfortable rides. It will cost about $150 extra because of that, so if that sounds like a fair trade to you, check out my complete GoTrax GXL V2 Commuter review.
GoTrax G2 vs GoTrax Rival
The GoTrax Rival is one of the latest additions to the GoTrax line, but in many ways, it is very similar to the GoTrax GXL V2 Commuter. In fact, it is pretty much an improved version of it.
That’s why the comparison against the GoTrax G2 will be quite similar – the Rival has more range, better climb angle, more motor power, and larger tires, while the G2 will be lighter and cheaper. You can check out the GoTrax Rival on the official GoTrax store if you’re interested.
Downsides and tradeoffs
The GoTrax G2 is a scooter that adults can use for just $249. Naturally, that price will come with a few downsides and tradeoffs.
For starters, as with any solid-tire scooter, the rides will not be spectacularly smooth. The GoTrax G2 is good enough for its price and the rides will not be terrible, but they will not be silky smooth either.
The digital screen is not very bright, and it’s possible that some information may not be visible on the brightest days.
Some owners have reported that the rear fender can get damaged or even break after extensive use.
Those are pretty much all the main issues of the scooter.
Frequently asked questions
Here’s what you might want to know about the GoTrax G2 electric scooter.
Is GoTrax G2 for kids or adults?
The GoTrax G2 is a truly universal scooter, safe for both kids and adults. It has all the properties an adult would want from a portable commuter, but is also very easy to use, making it a great option for younger riders too.
How fast does the GoTrax G2 go?
The GoTrax G2 has a top speed of 15.5 mph / 25 kmh. It is a perfect, pedestrian-level speed that allows you to ride quickly, but safely, without too much danger to you or others.
Where is the GoTrax company from?
GoTrax is a US-based company, headquartered in Texas. They are partnered with the Chinese-based motorcycle manufacturer Tao Motors, who are famous for their high-end vehicles produced at affordable prices.
Verdict
Is the GoTrax G2 the best electric scooter in the world? No.
Is the GoTrax G2 the best electric scooter in the world under $250? Probably yes.
The small weight and volume, the tires that are immune to flats and don’t require maintenance, the decent performance, the quick charging time, the solid water resistance, and the weight limit able to support adults, all make this scooter a great package and excellent value for money.
Where to buy the GoTrax G2 from?
