Gotrax G4 Review: Best Budget Commuter Electric Scooter

Gotrax has consistently produced high-quality and affordable electric scooters. Today, we’ll be reviewing the Gotrax G4 electric scooter the upgraded version of Gotrax G3. The construction appears sturdy, and the design is appealing. The G4 is the first scooter I’ve tested that successfully reached the advertised top speed of 20 mph on flat terrain. Security features are top-notch, including a digital lock and even a built-in cable lock in the stem for added safety, a feature not commonly found in most scooters.

The ride was remarkably impressive and stable. The large tires offer a smoother and more comfortable journey, effectively absorbing small bumps on the pavement. This scooter is certainly worth considering, especially for entry-level commuters or individuals seeking a reliable and affordable mode of transportation for daily commutes, whether it’s to the office, college, or elsewhere.

Gotrax G4: Top Speed

The scooter achieves a top speed of 20 mph on flat terrain, meeting the advertised speed mentioned on the website, which pleasantly surprised me. It’s not just a number on display; you definitely feel the sensation of speed and smoothness compared to other electric scooters in its class. The acceleration was notably impressive, reaching the top speed in just 4.3 seconds. The scooter features two speed modes that can be adjusted using the up and down buttons located on the left handlebars. The G4 also features a walk mode, which, when enabled, allows the scooter to walk alongside you at a speed of 2 mph.

Gotrax G4: Cruise Control

The G4 boasts a cruise control feature, which proves particularly useful when you need to maintain a steady speed on long, smooth terrain or slowdown in busy streets. Activating this feature is easy: simply press the throttle for 10 seconds while maintaining a consistent speed, and you’ll hear a beep indicating that cruise control has been engaged. The display provides an indication that you’re in cruise control mode not typically found in other budget scooters.

However, it’s important to note that you can’t directly disable this feature, you can exit cruise control mode by either pressing the throttle or applying the brake. At times, I’ve noticed that the scooter activates cruise control automatically. It’s essential to be cautious of this, particularly for inexperienced riders, as it could potentially pose a safety risk.

Gotrax G4: Dual Locking System

The security features of the G4 are top-notch. The scooter requires a digital passcode to be entered before starting when you power it on. Additionally, it has a built-in cable lock in the stem, a feature not typically found on budget scooters. You can easily secure the scooter by rolling the cable around an immovable object and changing the digits on the stem. To unlock, simply put your 4-digit passcode, and you’re ready to go. There’s also a dedicated button for changing this password. However, you need to manually retract the cable into the stem after unlocking, as there isn’t an automatic function for this.

Gotrax G4: Hill Climbing Ability

The G4 is equipped with a 350-watt hub motor on the rear wheel and features large 10-inch wheels. It’s capable of climbing hills with inclines of up to 7 or 8 degrees, although it’s not recommended for steeper hills or slopes. During uphill testing, the scooter experienced a significant decrease in speed, and acceleration was not particularly impressive. Starting at 17 mph, the scooter dropped to 5 mph, requiring some kicks to restart at one point. However, it performed relatively well compared to the TurboAnt X7 Max and notably better than the Hiboy S2.

Gotrax G4: Range

The scooter is equipped with a 36V 10.4Ah lithium-ion battery which requires almost 4-5 hours for charging. Although the advertised range is 25 miles per charge, we only achieved a range of 15 miles during testing, which included various terrains such as rough terrain and hills with a 10% incline along our route. However, based on my experience, I believe it could potentially reach almost 18 miles on a single charge under ideal conditions, such as using level 1 speed, traveling on a flat surface with no bumps or hills. This may not meet the advertised range, it’s still a respectable performance, especially when compared to the Hiboy S2.

Gotrax G4: Wheels

The G4 boasts upgraded 10-inch large pneumatic tires compared to the Gotrax XR Elite and XR Ultra, which had 8.5-inch tires. The larger tires contribute to a smoother and more comfortable ride quality compared to its predecessors. They offer excellent handling and stability on rough surfaces. While the scooter does not have dedicated suspension, the large tires effectively absorb small bumps, providing stability even when cruising at high speeds.

One drawback of these wheels is the potential for inner tube flats, which may require replacement. However, the process of replacing them is not easy. Upon reviewing customer feedback from other owners, I found that the website often experiences stock shortages of inner tubes, requiring customers to wait until inventory is replenished. This could present an inconvenience for individuals relying on their scooters for daily commutes.

Gotrax G4: Braking

Dual braking is always proven to be effective, especially in budget scooters. The G4 has a front electromagnetic brake and a rear disc brake controlled by the brake lever on the left handlebar. While the dual braking is a cool feature, I found that the disc brake did its job better than the front brake when stopping the scooter. The disc brake locked the back wheel without causing the rider to lean forward. There is also a brake light that flashes when you apply the brakes, although the light is too dim compared to the headlight.

Gotrax G4: Deck

The deck of the G4 appears to be slightly shorter compared to previous models. Measuring at 18 inches in length and 6.5 inches in width, the rubberized deck, along with its 4.4 inches of ground clearance, offers ample space for adjusting your feet comfortably. However, our technician found it necessary to slightly adjust their footing position to stand properly because he wear size 11 shoes.

Gotrax G4: Design and Features

The Gotrax G4 is constructed with high-quality materials. The stem, made of sturdy aluminum alloy, stands almost 45 inches above the ground, allowing even taller riders to comfortably stand on the deck. On the right side, you’ll find the throttle, which operates smoothly but feels finicky sometimes; overall, it performs well.

In the center, there’s a wide LED display that shows battery bars and the distance covered when not in motion. During the ride, it displays speed, current level, cruise control indication when activated, and a headlight indicator when in use.

Moving to the left side, there are control buttons for changing modes and powering the scooter, along with a brake lever on the left handlebar for controlling the disc brake. One aspect I’m not fond of regarding the handlebars is the grips. While they offer a strong grip, their design can leave marks on the hands after extended use and may cause scraping.

Gotrax G4: Portability and Folding

The G4 can be easily folded and unfolded for convenient transportation. Weighing 37 lbs, it’s relatively manageable to carry, but it may not be ideal for extended periods due to its weight. To fold the scooter, simply engage the latch on the clip located on the rear fender. Unlike some other models, such as the TurboAnt, where it may disengage if not kept straight, the G4 securely locks into place and remains stable.

Gotrax G4: Water Resistant

The G4 comes with an IPX4 water-resistant rating, providing some protection against water exposure. However, it may not be the ideal choice for riding in wet conditions. While the rear fender offers some protection against water and dirt for the rider, the tires could potentially slip on wet surfaces, leading to safety concerns. Similarly, applying the brakes on wet surfaces could pose issues. Therefore, it’s not recommended to ride the G4 in wet conditions to ensure rider safety.

Is it Good for heavier and taller riders?

Definitely, the G4 is strong, capable of supporting weights up to 220 lbs. With handlebars positioned 48 inches from the ground, it’s ideal for taller and heavier riders, offering stability while standing. However, carrying heavier loads may impact the scooter’s performance in terms of speed and range. For riders approaching the weight limit, uphill rides may pose a challenge as the scooter could struggle with such loads. In terms of ride comfort, the scooter can easily accommodate heavier weights, providing stability and a smoother ride even on uneven surfaces.

Gotrax G4: Ride Quality

I had an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride throughout my journey with the G4. Compared to the Hiboy S2, the G4 performed admirably well. Its large 10-inch pneumatic tires handled rough surfaces with ease, despite lacking a dedicated suspension system. Even on rugged paths with small bumps, the ride remained impressive. Speaking of stability, the scooter exhibited excellent control without any stem wobble.

The ride was remarkably quiet, with minimal motor noise. instead, I could only hear the subtle sound of the tires, which was acceptable. The G4 exceeded my expectations during hill climbing tests; although not recommended for steeper inclines, it effortlessly tackled gradients of up to 7 or 8 degrees. Even at top speed, the scooter remained stable, and when applying the brakes, it brought the scooter to a safe stop. The acceleration was both impressive and smooth. I would rate the scooter 9 out of 10 because I believe no scooter is perfect and there is always room for improvement. However, the G4 impresses with its strong build quality and comfortable ride experience overall.

Who is it Best For?

The scooter is the perfect choice for those seeking a budget option for their daily transportation needs. It’s particularly ideal for teenagers commuting to college. The G4 offers a fun riding experience and outperforms the Hiboy S2 electric scooter. It’s well-suited for city exploration, providing an enjoyable experience along the way. Additionally, its user-friendly design makes it easy for beginners to ride, making it perfect for entry-level commuters.

Gotrax G4 Electric Scooter Review: Conclusion

The G4 performs well and incorporates all the essential features one would expect in a budget scooter. While it may not be perfect, it certainly outshines others in its class. The ride quality is smooth, and its speed is notably impressive, as previously mentioned, it’s the first scooter I’ve tested that reached the advertised top speed. Additionally, it’s easy to handle, making it an excellent choice for anyone considering their first electric scooter. Personally, I’m impressed by this scooter and would highly recommend giving it a try.