GoTrax G2 Review
GoTrax G2 Specifications
- Top speed: 25 kmh 15.5 mph
- Range: 11 km 7 mph
- 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 21 lbs
- Weight limit: 100 kg 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 * 43 * 42 cm 44.09 * 16.93 * 16.54 in
- Unfolded dimensions (L * W * H): 112 * 43 * 109 cm 44.09 * 16.93 * 42.91 in
- Deck to handlebar height: 93 cm 36.61 in
- Adjustable handlebar: no
Tests and measurements
- Speed tests (third party): 25 kmh 15.5 mph
- Range tests (EScooterNerds): 10 km 6 mi
- Range tests (third party): 10 km 6 mi
- Braking distance tests (third party): 6 m
- Waterproofing tests (EScooterNerds): no issues in light rain or snow
Ratings and scores
Pros
- very affordable
- great value
- super-portable
Cons
- budget quality
- low performance
When to buy
Get this scooter if you’re after a great-value budget scooter for beginners.
When not to buy
Consider another option if you’re looking for strong performance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Performance
Here are some of the performance aspects of the GoTrax G2.
Motor
The GoTrax G2 has a single hub BLDC motor, integrated into the front wheel.
The motor has 200 Watts of power, which, in my opinion, is more than enough for regular commuting.
Speed and speed test
The scooter has a top speed of 15.5 mph / 25 kmh.
When I tested this scooter I had high hopes that I would beat the manufacturer’s top speed. In the end, I only confirmed that the manufacturer’s top speed was right on point.
The top speed has actually been topped in a few user tests, although all of the tests were performed by lighter riders.
If you prefer faster electric scooters check out my guide on the fastest electric scooters.
Range and range test
The GoTrax G2 has an official range of 7 mi / 11 km, which will be enough for small to medium commutes. When I tested the scooter in pretty good conditions and I achieved 7.2 mi / 11.5 km.
Climbing and climb test
The Gotrax G2 has an official climb angle of 15 degrees.
I took the Gotrax G2 to a local hill with an angle of 12 degrees and the scooter had no problems with that incline.
But when I tried the 15 degree incline it struggled for a while, and in the end, it stopped.
If you live in a hilly area and need a scooter with a better climb angle, check out my guide on the best electric scooters for climbing.
Ride experience
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.
GoTrax G2 vs other electric scooters
This is how the GoTrax G2 compares against other scooters.
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 at the official GoTrax store if you’re interested.
Build quality and lifespan
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.
Features
Here are some of the features you should know about for the GoTrax G2.
Battery and charging
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.
Charging the battery fully takes 4 hours, which in my opinion is a good time for that battery voltage.
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.
I can only say that those brakes have saved me a couple of times from bumping into people on the street.
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.
Suspension
The Gotrax G2 electric scooter is equipped with a dual suspension system that consists of front and rear shock absorbers.
This suspension system is designed to help absorb bumps and vibrations, making for a smoother and more comfortable ride.
In my opinion, the Gotrax G2 has a very good suspension.
If you want a scooter with even better suspension check out my guide on the best electric scooter with suspension.
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.
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.
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.
Frame and deck
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.
I even managed to put the scooter in my friend’s little car which is only meant for 2 people.
Weight limit
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.
If you need an electric scooter that has a bigger weight capacity check out my guide on the best electric scooter for heavy adults.
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.
If you prefer a more waterproof electric scooter check out my guide on the best waterproof electric scooters.
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 might 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.
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.
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.
