GoTrax G4 Review
GoTrax G4 Specifications
- Top speed: 32 kmh 20 mph
- Range: 40 km 25 mph
- Motors: rear hub
- Power: 350 W
- Climb angle: 15 °
- Battery: 374 Wh, 36 V
- Battery type: smart battery management system
- Charging time: 5 h
- Avg. charging cost: US: $0.06, Canada: $0.03, UK: £0.12, EU: €0.11
- Ingress protection (IP): IP54
- Weight: 16.3 kg 36 lbs
- Weight limit: 100 kg 220 lbs
- Tire size: 10 in
- Tire type: pneumatic
- Foldable: yes
- Build material: aluminum
- Brakes: dual electronic KERS
- Lights: LED headlight + rear brake
- Control: digital display
- Cruise control: yes
- Keys: digital lock
- Warranty: 12 months
- Return period: 14 days
- Unfolded dimensions (L * W * H): 107 * 45.5 * 120 cm 42.13 * 17.91 * 47.24 in
Tests and measurements
- Speed tests (EScooterNerds): 32 kmh 20 mph
- Speed tests (third party): 32 kmh 20 mph
- Range tests (EScooterNerds): 35.4 km 22 mi
- Range tests (third party): 40 km 25 mi
- Braking distance tests (third party): 6 m
- Climb tests (EScooterNerds): 15
- Climb tests (third party): 15
- Waterproofing tests (third party): no issues in moderate rain
Ratings and scores
Pros
- great value
- good quality
- solid performance
Cons
- small detail issues are possible
When to buy
Consider purchasing the Gotrax G4 electric scooter if you’re in search of an efficient urban commuting solution. Also, consider this scooter if you’re looking for a very theft-resistant model that won’t break the bank.
When not to buy
Consider avoiding the purchase of the Gotrax G4 electric scooter if you prioritize super-strong performance or riding off-road.
In this comprehensive GoTrax G4 review, we will examine all the use cases, features, and details of the GoTrax G4, and see why this innovative model hits the nail right on the head when it comes to security, and why it’s a great budget commuter.
Basics
I simply love when budget scooter brands dare to try out new features and challenge the status quo in their new models, instead of just doing business as usual and waiting to see what Xiaomi does next and rushing to replicate that.
Let’s check the magical process of unboxing and assembly of GoTrax G4.
Unboxing, assembly
The scooter arrives in a plain box with lots of styrofoam and protective covers, partially assembled, and your only job will be installing the handlebars inside the stem, connecting the cables and the screen, and tightening the screws.
It’s also a good idea to check if all the other screws are charged, and also if the brakes are working properly, and that the tires are inflated.
The box will contain:
- scooter
- 4 screws
- Allen wrench
- charger
- tire pump valve
- user manual
- warranty card
Make sure your scooter is charged fully before the first time you ride it.
User manual
The user manual for the GoTrax G4 is not too long, and not too boring, so I recommend skimming over it at least to make sure you are not missing out on some important specifics for your unit. It includes tips about proper usage, riding, and maintenance, and also explains all the console functions.
How to ride GoTrax G4
The scooter powers on and off with a long press of the power button. It has a standard thumb-throttle accelerator that doesn’t tire your fingers even when riding for longer periods.
When the throttle is held down for 8 seconds, the cruise control mode is activated, and the scooter will move on its own even if you don’t hold the throttle
When the scooter is on, holding the power button for 3 seconds toggles the lights on and off.
The scooter has two-speed modes (L1 and L2), and while in the first speed mode, the speed is limited to 15 mph / 25.5 kmh.
This is a kick-to-start scooter, so a light kick off the ground is required before you can get going.
Opinions on this matter differ, but I believe this is a great safety feature, and it also does wonders for the battery over the long run, so it’s an overall win.
The screen of the scooter is pretty bright, even on very sunny days. It displays the current speed, the battery level, the covered distance, and the light status.
Folding and unfolding
The scooter’s folding mechanism is pretty secure, and the stem doesn’t shake too much while riding. And yet, folding the scooter is very simple, as all that’s required is unlocking the folding button and latch on the stem, and connecting the hook on the stem with the small port on the rear fender.
Besides locking, the hook on the stem is also very convenient for hanging bags or other objects off of it. The hook locks into place, and if you hang something on it, there’s no way it’s falling off of it, so this is possibly the best hook on an electric scooter yet.
The handlebars are not foldable, and the height of the handlebars is fixed.
Performances
Let’s take a look at GoTrax G4’s performances next.
Speed, power
With a continuous 350-Watt BLDC hub motor, the GoTrax G4 can outperform most competing scooters in its price category.
The top speed of the GoTrax G4 is 20 mph / 32 kmh, and that speed has been confirmed many times in my own tests.
The scooter takes between 5.5 and 7 seconds to reach its top speed, depending on the rider’s weight and the battery level.
If this speed is not good enough for you check my article on the fastest electric scooters.
Climb and climb test
The motor is integrated into the rear wheel for maximum torque and traction and gives the scooter an official climb angle of 15° / 27%, which has been confirmed in a few climb tests that I did.
So, the GoTrax G4 should be strongly considered for anyone riding somewhere with lots of ups and downs, as it will conquer most mild but also a lot of moderate hills without any problems.
If this climb angle is still not enough for you check my article on the best electric scooter for climbing hills.
Range, range test, and commuting
This is one of the longest-range GoTrax models, or at least that’s the claim.
The official range is 25 mi / 40 km on a single battery charge.
My tests are not exactly in line with this claim, with most of my tests averaging around 22 mi / 35 km. That’s close to the claimed range, and I’ve seen worse cases of over-reporting the range, but it’s still not good enough.
Now, to be fair, the claimed range will probably be achieved if riding the scooter at a lower speed and conserving power. However, most of us will never ride that way.
If you are looking for a bigger-range electric scooter that will deliver the official range check my article on the best long-range electric scooters.
Battery, charger
The lithium-ion battery of the GoTrax G4 has a voltage of 36 V, and a capacity of 10.4 Ah and 374 Wh.
The battery is replaceable, and if it wears out after a few years, you can get a new one from GoTrax at an affordable price.
Charging the GoTrax G4 takes between 4 and 5 hours if you’re charging the battery from scratch, and it costs less than 2 cents for a full charge during off-peak hours.
It’s best if you don’t let the battery get completely discharged though, so charging the scooter will probably take you around 3 hours usually, which is much lower than the typical charging time of most budget commuter scooters. The charging port is situated on the front ride side of the deck, and it is protected by a rubber cover.
As usual, while charging, the indicator light on the charger will be red, and when the battery is full, it will turn green. You shouldn’t charge the scooter in too hot (104 °F / 40 °C), or too low (32°F / 0°C) temperatures.
Ride experience
Since the scooter is a bit heavier than the typical commuter scooter, it will also be more reliable, and the rides will generally be stable.
Also, since the air-filled tires are quite big in both diameter and width, the rides will be quite comfortable, even when riding over some smaller bumps or cracks, and also handling and cornering will be easy and elegant.
Braking and folding are both safe and easy, and riding the scooter is fun, so my general experience of riding the scooter was positive.
GoTrax G4 vs other electric scooters
Let’s see how the GoTrax G4 compares against other electric scooters.
GoTrax G4 vs GoTrax XR Elite
A little sibling rivalry can be healthy, and the competition between the G4 and the XR Elite models is probably the most common comparison in the GoTrax realm.
The G4 will be a bit more next-level than the Elite, as it will have more range, bigger top speed, quicker acceleration, and probably climb better. Also, it will have larger tires, which will make the rides noticeably more comfortable.
The Elite, however, will fight back with smaller weight, smaller dimensions, better portability, and of course, better price. For about $100 less (sometimes maybe more), the Elite is probably a better choice for beginners. See the full GoTrax XR Elite review if that’s what you need.
GoTrax G4 vs GoTrax XR Ultra
Since the GoTrax XR Ultra is even more geared towards beginners in the budget category, the differences between it and the G4 will be a bit more pronounced.
The G4 will be about 4.5 mph / 7 kmh faster and have about 15 km / 9 mi more range. It will also climb better, and handle bigger loads, even though the specs are the same on paper (the G4 simply has a more powerful motor).
The tire size will be another advantage of the G4, as its 10-inch tires will trump the measly 8.5-inch tires of the Ultra.
Still, the Ultra has a few things going for it as well.
Obviously, with a price difference of $150 – $250, it will be much friendlier on the budget, and it will be especially good for anyone who’s looking for that first scooter but still doesn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on it.
Also, the Ultra will be a lot more portable, occupy much less space, and weigh about 9 lbs / 4 kg less. If that sounds like a better deal to you, check out the GoTrax XR Ultra review.
GoTrax G4 vs GoTrax G3
The previous scooter in this GoTrax lineup, the GoTrax G3, is weaker in terms of performance, as one might expect. Both the range and the top speed are higher with the G4.
Interestingly, their weight is the same, which is unusual for scooters with different performances. Also, for some reason, the GoTrax team has decided to make the G3 a bit more water-resistant with an IPX6 ingress protection level.
The price discrepancy between these two models is often in flux, and currently, the G3 is around $200 cheaper than the G4. That’s not a good representation of the differences in performance and quality between these two scooters, and I believe that GoTrax is trying to make the G3 more attractive to buyers because the G4 has simply been way more popular while the G3 may have been lagging in sales.
Currently, the G3 costs $399, and I believe that’s a good price for it, so if you’re looking to save some money and wouldn’t mind compromising on performance, check out the GoTrax G3 at the official GoTrax store.
GoTrax G4 vs GoTrax GMax
Simply put, the GoTrax GMax is a heavier, more expensive version of the G4 with more range and a slightly better braking system.
Pretty much everything else is the same – the general design and build quality, the top speed, the water resistance, the tires, everything.
If you’d like about 17 mi / 28 km more range, and wouldn’t mind spending an extra $150 for it, take a look at the GoTrax GMax at the official GoTrax store.
GoTrax G4 vs Xiaomi M365 Pro
The advantages of the GoTrax G4 will be a small advantage in price, but also some noticeable differences in the top speed, motor power, and climb angle.
Also, the GoTrax G4 will charge much faster, which is because it has a smaller battery, but at the same time, it doesn’t really have that smaller range, at least not as small as you would expect from the battery capacity.
The G4’s locking features are partially matched by Xiaomi’s app, which also has a lock feature similar to the digital lock of the G4, but Xiaomi doesn’t have a match for the built-in combination cable lock.
Besides the huge branding and market popularity advantage, the Xiaomi M365 Pro will have a bit more range on its side, but it will also be a bit lighter (about 5 lbs / 2.3 kg), a bit smaller in dimensions, and probably a bit better build quality overall (although not by a lot).
See the complete review of the Xiaomi M365 Pro to learn more about this mega-popular scooter.
GoTrax G4 vs Ninebot Max
Comparing the GoTrax G4 and the Ninebot Max is a bit unfair towards the GoTrax G4, as it can cost almost half the cost of Ninebot Max.
The Ninebot Max will have a tremendous advantage in the range department, and not just because of the specs, but because of what user tests and reports confirm – with a range of 40 mi / 64 km, the Ninebot Max is a true range monster, and a much better choice if range is your priority.
However, that range will come at a price, and that price will be almost 7 lbs / 3 kg of extra weight, larger dimensions, less portability, and, of course, around $300 more.
If that’s a price you think you’re willing to pay to get one of the most popular scooters ever, see my Ninebot Max review.
GoTrax G4 vs Turboant X7 Pro
The GoTrax G4 and the Turboant X7 Pro are often compared against one another, and that’s a very good matchup in my opinion.
Both scooters are similarly priced, weigh about the same, have similar portability, same tire size, and also have similar motors, top speeds, and climb angles.
The GoTrax G4’s biggest advantage is its brand recognition, as GoTrax is one of the most renowned brands in the budget scooter category.
Also, it will have better ingress protection with an IP54 against the Turboant’s IPX4, and of course, the advanced security features that are unique only to the G4.
The Turboant X7 Pro will have a bit more range, and that’s its biggest advantage.
It should also be able to carry a bit more weight (275 lbs / 125 kg) and also has a detachable battery, which is an interesting feature that might be useful in some scenarios.
If that sounds like it might fit your needs better, check out the Turboant X7 Pro or my full Turboant X7 Pro review.
Build quality, lifespan
The build quality of the GoTrax G4 is pretty good, but I wouldn’t describe it as great. Several issues are present that affect the overall build quality, and while they’re being addressed in newer editions of the scooter, I still can’t say this is an excellent-quality scooter.
The scooter’s frame is made out of aluminum, which results in a body that’s both tough and light. The deck and the stem are both ergonomic and comfortable even for prolonged rides.
The brake cable is integrated inside the stem and is barely visible, which is a big indicator of good design and engineering in my book, and I always give the scooters that achieve that a few extra points. The deck is wide enough for most people and has a rubber mat on top to prevent slipping, and the kickstand is secure and durable.
Features
Let’s dive into GoTrax G4’s excellent features.
Cable lock
After the digital lock, the combination cable lock will be the last line of defense against theft, and it will make the lives of thieves miserable, as it’s integrated into the frame of the scooter itself, and trying to forcefully break it might damage the scooter easily and reduce its value. The lock has 4 digits for 10.000 combinations, so trying to guess it will take a while.
With not one but two built-in locking systems integrated into the scooter, the need for an additional scooter lock will be minimal, unless you truly want to make sure your scooter doesn’t get stolen no matter what.
Digital lock
The initial password for the digital lock of the scooter is “000”, and changing that will be one of the first things you want to do.
Operating the digital lock is a bit involved. You will have to toggle through the numbers with the plus and minus buttons and use the power button to confirm the number choice.
Once you’ve entered the password, you press the power button two times to deactivate the lock.
To set your lock code, you press and hold the power button and the plus button at the same time for 10 seconds, then use the same operations to set the new password, and press the power button twice to confirm (check your manual for this as well).
Push assist mode
If you want to walk with your scooter, you can activate the push assist mode by holding the minus button, and the scooter will move along with you at a speed of 1.8 mph / 3 km.
This is an interesting feature, although I’m not sure how practical it is, as the walking speed is fixed, and pressing the button while walking for a longer distance is not very ergonomic.
Brakes, safety
The GoTrax G4 features a redundant braking system, with a disk brake, and an electronic brake that cuts power to the motor, and they are both engaged by pressing the brake lever on the left handlebar.
Both of the brakes target the rear wheel, which goes a long way in preventing the scooter from tipping over when braking.
The braking distance, when stopping at full speed, will be around 23 ft / 7 m.
You can adjust the disk brake with the Allen key if you need to.
The electronic brake also features an E-ABS, which prevents the wheel from locking while braking, and also has some regenerative braking, but most owners have reported that the feature is not really noticeable and doesn’t regenerate that much battery juice.
Tires
The tires of the GoTrax G4 are pneumatic, and 10 inches in diameter, which makes them quite bigger than the typical 8.5-inch tires found in most budget scooters, and the difference in the ride comfort and stability will be significant because of that.
They are self-regenerative and come already filled with anti-puncture slime, and that’s probably the main reason why punctures are very rare. The recommended tire pressure is 50 PSI.
Since they are quite big and absorb a lot of the shock from riding, the scooter doesn’t come with any additional suspension.
Tire replacement
If your tire suffers a flat or wears out because of overuse (you can tell by the disappearance of the treads), you can find spare tires for cheap from the GoTrax store or on Amazon. Replacing the tires is pretty easy and you should be able to do it yourself even if you’re not a mechanic.
This video from GoTrax does a good job of demonstrating the process.
Water resistance, IP rating
The GoTrax G4 comes with an IP54 water protection rating, which means it is water-resistant but not fully waterproof, and it can handle water splashes from all angles, while not being submerged in water.
GoTrax advises to avoid riding in the rain despite the scooter’s resistance to water damage. Still, many owners have dared to try that out, and yet, defects caused by water are almost unheard of with this scooter. My two cents is to avoid riding in wet conditions as much as you can, but not worry too much if you do it at times.
Weight, weight limit, dimensions, portability
The GoTrax G4 weighs 36 lbs / 16.3 kg, which puts it a bit above the average weight for a budget electric scooter.
The dimensions of the scooter are also on the bigger side, with folded dimensions of:
- length: 42.3 in / 107.4 cm
- width: 17.9 in / 45.5 cm
- height: 20.5 in / 52 cm
The official weight limit of the GoTrax G4 is 220 lbs / 100 kg.
It’s best to stick to the official weight limit, as there are no guarantees for people above it (they should probably check out the best electric scooters for heavy adults guide).
Despite that, the scooter is still relatively portable because of its natural center of gravity, and the lack of awkward parts sticking out of it and getting caught in other objects. It will fit into most car trunks, public transport, and offices without a problem.
Lights, riding at night
The scooter has an LED headlight on the top of the stem, slightly angled downwards for a better lighting distance. It also has 6 reflective stickers (2 on the front wheel, 2 on the rear wheel, 1 on the front, 1 on the rear fender), and a rear brake light that flashes in red when you use the brakes. The main headlight is strong and you will be visible at night.
Accessories and gear
Besides the necessary scooter helmet, you can find several other interesting customizations available specifically for the GoTrax G4.
It’s best if you check the GoTrax accessories and see which ones will you like the most (I recommend the trunk, and the phone mount as the two must-haves). In addition, you can also check out some of the standard electric scooter accessories, as most of them will fit the GoTrax G4.
While some owners have reported installing a seat, I haven’t been able to find one online that would fit this scooter. It may be possible for something custom to be done, but that will almost certainly not be worth the effort for most people (get yourself a scooter with a seat if that’s what you need).
Spare parts, maintenance
While your scooter is under warranty, you should get most spare parts you need for free, unless the part has been damaged by improper use (including water damage).
After that, all the parts you need are available on the GoTrax spare parts page, almost always for very cheap.
Issues and problems
The most common issue (and so far the only one I’ve found happening to more than one user) is the big decrease in battery life with time. Many riders have reported around 30%-40% battery life loss after only one year of riding. The scooter will start the first year with an expected range of around 16 mi / 26 km, but then drop down to less than 10 mi / 16 km after a year.
Many things can affect this issue. Leaving the charger overnight frequently, and riding the scooter at max speed for the whole day, every day, are the most common ways to kill the battery of the scooter far too early.
You can solve, or prolong this issue by taking better care of the battery pack and going easier at the scooter, but at the end of the day, you get what you pay for.
Who is the GoTrax G4 perfect for?
While the GoTrax G4 is an excellent general-purpose scooter, my impression is that the brand has attempted to create a scooter that’s first of all perfect for a certain category of owners, and only then caters to the regular scooterist.
While it’s a great pick for beginners, first-time owners, commuters, young professionals, and students, this scooter shines in one area where most other scooters either have partial features or no features at all.
Anyone who’s worried their scooter might be a common target of theft attempts, or leaves their scooter outside in a rougher area, or needs to leave their scooter outside a lot (like going in the store or working in delivery), or is simply a bit more on the paranoid side, will find that the GoTrax G4 is a solid scooter that is probably the most theft-resistant budget choice out there.
