There is a common misconception that Gotrax is a Chinese brand, but this is not true. I have researched this and found on their official website too that they are an American company based in the United States, Texas. I had a positive experience with their products, and today I am reviewing their well-known Electric Scooter, Gotrax G3. If you are looking for a budget-friendly electric scooter, this is the way to go. When I received the product, I was amazed by the design and construction of the scooter within that price range. After riding it, I am confident that Gotrax G3 stands tall among other scooters in its price range.
- Easy to assemble and fold
- Budget-friendly with good build quality
- Anti-theft passcode and alarm system
- Smooth ride with pneumatic tires
- Compact and easy to transport
- Speed limit capped at 15.5 mph
- Tested range is only 11 miles
- Struggles on steeper inclines
The Handlebars
Starting from the handlebars, are made of pure aluminum alloy, providing durability without making the scooter too heavy. I love riding the Gotrax G3, and handlebars play a big role in making it a smooth and enjoyable experience for me.
Let’s talk about grips; the grips are made of pure textured rubber, and it feels good to hold them. I control my scooter very well on bumpy terrain, thanks to the scooter grips. If we compare the handlebars with previous models, Gotrax G3 stands tall among them as they have upgraded many things in it.
Moving forward, there is a prominent LED display in the center, which shows speed (current speed), battery life (bars), cruise control, and headlight status. On the left side are 3 buttons (+), (-), and Power. As the name indicates, the Power button is for powering the electric scooter, and if you hold this for a couple of seconds, it will turn off. The scooter requires a kick start to initiate movement, and the throttle needs to press 2 or 3 times to activate the motor. When you are not riding, it will show the miles on display.
One thing that I love about this scooter is its unlock feature. Once you power up the scooter, it will ask you for a three-digit passcode, and if somebody puts in the wrong code or wants to start it without a passcode, the alarm will start beeping, which is an excellent security feature.
The other two buttons are for changing speed modes. This scooter has 2 speed levels, Level 1 and Level 2. At level 1, the scooter will go at 9 and a half miles per hour, and if you want to go above this speed, you have to press the plus(+) button to change the level to Level 2.
Gotrax G3 E-Scooter
Features:
- 300W Motor: Offers sufficient power for flat terrain and slight inclines, providing a top speed of 15.5 mph.
- 8.5-inch Pneumatic Tires: Air-filled tires provide excellent traction and shock absorption, ensuring a smooth ride on bumpy roads.
- Anti-Theft Security Features: Includes a passcode system and built-in combination lock, enhancing the scooter’s security against theft.
- LED Display & Cruise Control: The LED display shows speed, battery life, and other important details, while the cruise control adds convenience for long rides.
- Quick Folding Mechanism: Easy to fold in one step, making it highly portable for commuters.
Speed, Motor, and Weight
The most important thing scooter enthusiasts look for when buying a scooter is speed. The G3 has a top speed of 15.5mph. The speed of the scooter depends on various factors like if the rider’s weight is too heavy or the terrain is too rough; it will definitely reduce the speed, and you may not reach the maximum speed.
The best part of this scooter is the motor. A 300W motor provides enough acceleration and power that it can climb smaller. The G3 can hold up to 220lbs/100kg weight, but as I told you earlier, if you put too much weight on the scooter, the speed and motor will be affected, and ultimately the speed would be reduced.
Battery and Range
The G3 is equipped with a 36V irremovable battery with a capacity of 7.8Ah. The battery has a maximum range of 18 miles under ideal conditions. The range also depends on the weight and terrain. I did not experienced this range (18) so far. On average, the scooter has a tested range of 11 miles. Depending on the weight of the rider, the range may vary.
Let’s talk about charging time; it has a better charging time as compared to the smaller model Gotrax rival. The G3 is charging at 2x faster than the rival. The charging time is around 4 to 5 hrs, but the fun makes the wait worth it. The charging port is under the deck, which has a waterproof cover on it, preventing the battery from getting wet.
Wheels and Deck
The G3 has 8.5-inch pneumatic tires. Some people may find them smaller, but they still provide a smooth ride and great suspension on bumpy surfaces. To be honest, I didn’t feel uncomfortable while riding. Gotrax recommends these air-filled tires be filled at 50PSI.
The deck is 6.5 inches wide and almost 17.5 inches long just before the start of the back wheel area. The deck provides quite a wide area to stand. My feet easily fit on the deck, and I feel comfortable and stable while standing. I experienced a safe and secure ride, and the build quality is neat.
Brakes (Front Light & Brake Light)
The security of G3 is excellent. It has a rear pneumatic disc brake, and the brake is very smooth, I didn’t feel it jerky at all. The brake works perfectly and smoothly without locking the wheels. They have mentioned on their website that they use electromagnetic brakes, which means it is not only the disc brake that is stopping the scooter but also the motor playing a role in braking.
The scooter has a brake light that blinks when you press the brake. If the headlight is off, the brake light will give steady light. On the left side of the handlebar, there’s a bell that rings like a horn when you pull the trigger. The headlight is quite bright though, which ensures visibility in low-light conditions. The LCD is easy to see at night. The scooter could easily be used for nighttime commutes in areas with poor visibility.
Assembly and Folding Mechanism
The Gotrax G3 is easy to assemble, and I am amazed at how easy its assembly was. Once I took the packaging off, it took me only 5 minutes to assemble the scooter. I pushed the handlebar into the tiller and just 4 screws, two on the left and two on the right. One thing I want to mention is, the screws have thread locker, so they fit strictly. It is just awesome.
The scooter is easy to fold and has a one-step folding mechanism. The G3 has a lever lock on the tiller made of metal. On the back wheel, it has a folding latch that connects with the lock on the tiller. Once you connect, the scooter will be in a folded position, and you can easily use it for transportation.
The scooter weighs 37lbs. I was reading customer reviews, and one G3 owner mentioned that to save my parking fees, I could even roll it to my team room and fold it under the table. One thing I noticed is that we can still use the kickstand in the folded state of the scooter. To be honest, the folding and assembly processes were as easy as you like.
Security & Anti-Theft Features
The Gotrax has always prioritized the security of its scooters, and it is the most important thing for the consumers as well. The G3 has a lot of security features. As I mentioned above, the scooter requires a passcode before starting, and if someone tries to start it anyway, the anti-theft alarm system will start beeping and alert nearby individuals too.
There is even a built-in combination lock for security. Code in the LCD Display and code in the pole. If someone tries to cut the cable, they still need to put a passcode on the LCD to start the scooter. I am impressed by the security, and it is just awesome.
Build Quality and Ride Experience
The Gotrax G3 is a high-quality electric scooter that offers a smooth ride, impressive suspension, and excellent security features. It was extremely smooth and comfortable ride experience. Starting from the grips, they were extremely grippy, providing strong grips to the hands. The air-filled pneumatic tires provide great suspension and give a smooth ride on bumpy terrain.
The scooter is made of aluminum alloy with sturdy and robust construction, which does not feel flimsy to ride on. The scooter is easy to control; everything is in good shape, and I just love the cruise control feature of the scooter. The brake system is very smooth and isn’t noisy at all.
Tip: If you are riding it for the first time after unboxing. Always go at a slow or normal speed at first to make sure the scooter is perfectly assembled and fastened.
Hill Climbing Ability
The G3 comes with handling 15% inclines (8.5 degrees). The 300W motor is decent, but with that incline rate, it will slow down the scooter, and you have to assist with a kick to climb hills. The G3 can climb smaller hills, but for safety concerns, avoid going to hilly terrain.
Is the Price worth it? Who Should Buy?
The G3 is a budget-friendly scooter. The features of the scooter are impressive in that price range. I still think that speed could be more in that price, but overall, I love the product and recommend it for short to mid-range commutes.
This scooter will be a great choice for those seeking a high-performance option on a medium budget, especially teenagers who go to college and commuters looking for a reliable and efficient mode of transportation. From sturdy design to motor power, the G3 is a great choice for short distances to work. This scooter is lots of fun and great for commuting in the city.
Customer Support and Warranty
Gotrax offers 30 days of warranty. Although it is too short if we compare it with other brands of scooters. But it is expected from Gotrax with their affordable price ranges. If something happens in 90 days, you should have a sales receipt from an approved retail store to qualify for a warranty. Please note that they only cover issues caused by manufacturers’ defects. Even though the scooter has an IPX4 rating, riding in the rain may void the warranty.
FAQs
Does GOTRAX G3 have GPS?
No Gotrax G3 do not have built in GPS.
Can I leave my GOTRAX scooter charging overnight?
It’s okay to leave my GOTRAX scooter charging overnight. But it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent overcharging and potential battery issues.
