GOTRAX GXL Electric Commuter Scooter V2 REVIEW | Mac Sources10
Traveling has never been so fun
One thing I have learned from visiting CES, other conventions, and day trips is that after walking for hours upon hours I would be in misery by the end of the day. Instead of enjoying my work trip, I started to dread it and since I am flat-footed it affected, me more than the average person. Because of this, I started looking for alternate modes of transportation like Uber, Joyride and other options like what you find in Nashville, and even pay-for electric scooters that are starting to pop-up in bigger cities. The scooters are by far the most fun option and when I used them, I felt like I was still able to enjoy the outdoor sites while traveling through the city. The love of this particular mode of transportation led me to wanting one of my own that I could take with me anywhere. Enter the GXL Commuter Scooter (Version 2) from GoTrax.
DETAILS
The GXL Commuter Scooter is a powerful electric scooter that features 8.5" air-filled tires and a 250-watt motor. The scooter can travel at speeds of up to 15.5 mph and distances between 9–12 miles with a full battery charge (36v). The distance you can travel largely depends on the speed you are maintaining and the type of terrain you are traversing. The scooter weighs 27 pounds, which isn’t ‘light,’ but it’s not so heavy that folding it up for transport is an issue. There are two big additions to the GXL Commuter Scooter version 2 that weren’t in the original — a hand-brake and a reinforced baseboard and fender. The device will support up to 220 pounds.
FAST FACTS
- Tires are ‘pneumatic tires’ and are designed to absorb the shock of bumpy city streets
- GXL features a lever-activated folding frame
- There are 2 speed settings available — 1st gear at 10 mph or 2nd gear at 15.5 mph
- Charging time for a full battery is approximately 3–4 hours
- Scooter is equipped with a headlight for nighttime commutes
IMPRESSIONS
The GXL Commuter Scooter came in a decent box with sufficient packaging. I didn’t have a horrible time getting it unboxed and even though it was a little bulky, it wasn’t too unw i ldy for one person to handle. Out of the box, there is very little assembly required. The main body of the scooter is already put together and the user only needs to attach the ‘head’ of the scooter, which contains the controls, handbrake, headlight, and console among other things. This process wasn’t difficult, but it does take patience. The brake line must be attached in this step and it has quite a lot of tension with it. So, it might take someone a few tries before you get it just right.
Naturally, I wanted to ride it right away. Unfortunately, it was not fully charged in the box. So, I had to plug it in and let it sit for a couple of hours before I could give it a test ride. I love where the charging port is located (just below the handlebars) because it’s easy to access and the rubber that covers it simply peels away when you need to uncover the port. I would say that the specified charging time is pretty accurate. I never timed it with a stopwatch, but after a couple of hours, there was a decent charge available to be able to use the scooter. I would say it charges in about half the time as our electric bicycle does.
The GXL Commuter Scooter is super easy to use. Once it’s fully charged, you simply power the scooter on, select first or second gear, kick off with one foot, and press the throttle to go. There are some electric transportation options that require an app, but this one does not. That was rather refreshing to know that the GXL Commuter Scooter has autonomy from a mobile device and that you don’t always have to have that connection in order to use the scooter.
One of the reasons I really love having electric transportation options like the GXL Commuter Scooter is because it’s something that my teenage daughter can use to get back and forth to work. She works less than a mile from where we live, but if she were to walk back and forth, she would have to cross busy roads and it’s just much easier for her — especially at night — to use this scooter. Because she does do this on occasion, I’m really grateful the scooter has both a bell and a headlight.
My daughter has used both this scooter and the aforementioned electric bicycle and she actually prefers the scooter. She said that it’s much easier to use, can be stored easier, and it’s just more fun because it feels like you are going so much faster. The speed isn’t spectacular, but for an electric scooter, it’s more than enough for shorter commutes like what she has to do on a regular basis.
As much as I love this scooter, there is one small shortcoming — hills. While the scooter does a great job on even terrain, going up hills or inclines really isn’t its strong point. It will get you there, but it’s not an easy climb and I found that sometimes it’s just easier to push it uphill rather than try to ride it.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The GXL Commuter Scooter is a great companion for any sort of travel. It can help get you from point A to point B so that you can save your feet for more important walking. As far as expense goes, it’s still an investment at $300, but that’s a far less expensive electronic transportation option th a n something like a Boosted Rev (MSRP $1600). If you are looking for an electric scooter I would recommend the GXL Commuter Scooter from GoTrax because it’s perfect for adults of any skill level. GoTrax does offer several different types of scooters to suit all ages, but I think for most adults, the GXL Commuter Scooter is the way to go.
Originally published at https://macsources.com on June 7, 2019.
