GOTRAX Apex Electric Scooter Review

As a reviewer passionate about electric scooters, I was quite thrilled to take the GOTRAX Apex out for multiple test rides to provide a well-rounded overview. In this review, I'll delve deep into my personal experiences, ranging from performance to design, comfort, and practicality. So, let's kick off this journey.

Build Quality and Design

Right out of the box, the GOTRAX Apex looks sleek with its minimalist design and sturdy frame. The black finish with subtle branding gives it an understated yet stylish aesthetic that would appeal to a wide demographic. After weeks of riding and several foldings, the scooter's robust build quality held up without any rattles or parts coming loose – a testament to its solid construction.

Performance and Handling

The 250W motor packed into the GOTRAX Apex might not be the most powerful on the market, but it's surprisingly spry in urban settings. It confidently propels you up to its max speed of 15.5 mph, which feels fast enough for bustling city streets. However, on steeper inclines, the motor does struggle a bit, which is something potential hill-dwellers should consider.

Handling on the Apex is a delight. It's nimble and responsive, allowing for quick maneuvers around pedestrians and obstacles. The rubber grips offer a secure handhold, even when zipping down bumpy paths, though I did notice a bit more vibration transmission than I'd like.

Range and Battery Life

GOTRAX promises a range of up to 15 miles on a single charge, and in my experience, this claim holds mostly true – provided you're riding conservatively. Whipping around at top speeds and climbing hills frequently saw a reduction in that range, which is expected from a scooter in this price bracket.

Charging time is around 4 hours, which means you can easily top it up during work hours or overnight. One feature I'd have appreciated, though, is some form of fast charging for those moments when time is of the essence.

Comfort and Ride Quality

The 8.5-inch pneumatic tires on the Apex make a world of difference for ride comfort. They adequately absorb shocks from minor road imperfections, thereby smoothing out what would otherwise be a jarring ride. I did note, however, that the scooter lacks any additional suspension, so I'd advise steering clear of more formidable potholes.

The deck of the scooter provides sufficient space for a comfortable stance, even for someone with size 11 shoes like myself. Having a good amount of foot room is a significant factor in ride comfort, especially on longer commutes.

Portability and Ease of Use

Weighing in at 32 lbs, the GOTRAX Apex isn't the lightest scooter out there, but it's certainly not a chore to carry up a few flights of stairs or into public transit. The folding mechanism is intuitive and snaps into place, offering a secure lock that doesn't budge. When folded, the scooter is compact enough to stow away in a car trunk or under a desk.

Features and Connectivity

The LED display on the handlebar is bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight, showing crucial info like speed, battery life, and gear settings. One omission I did find disappointing was the lack of a companion app. With how many devices are connected these days, an app would have been a nice feature for tracking rides and adjusting scooter settings.

Final Thoughts

The GOTRAX Apex is a solid entry-level scooter catering to those looking for reliability and ease of use without breaking the bank. It elegantly balances its strengths and weaknesses, offering an attractive package for new riders or those seeking a no-frills commute option. While it may not satisfy thrill-seekers or off-road adventurers, it's a commendable scooter for city dwellers looking for an efficient and fun transportation alternative.

Update After 6+ Months of Use

Having owned the GOTRAX Apex for over six months now, my appreciation for its practicality has only grown, though some of its limitations have become more apparent. Over extensive use, battery longevity has remained robust, which is impressive. However, I've noticed a slight degradation; where I initially got close to the full 15-mile range on a single charge, it now taps out closer to 12 miles under similar use conditions.

The durability of the design holds up, with no significant wear on the chassis or folding mechanism, showcasing the scooter's ability to manage the rigors of daily commute. Yet, it's worth noting that with regular use, the tires have begun showing wear and require more frequent checks to ensure safety and performance.

A significant caveat that has revealed itself over time is how the scooter handles wet conditions. The tread on the tires doesn't offer optimal traction in the rain, leading to a few slippery moments. Despite being highly portative and easy to fold, the weight becomes somewhat cumbersome when carrying it daily over long distances like in a large subway system or up multiple flights of stairs.

In retrospect, the lack of advanced features like a companion app or connectivity options for tracking and diagnostics occasionally leaves the Apex feeling a tad behind contemporarily equipped models. This aspect hasn’t improved and sometimes dims the overall satisfaction for a tech-savvy user.

Pros:

• Durable build and maintains a stylish look


• Battery still holds a good charge after extended use


• Practical and straightforward for everyday commutes

Cons:

• Range slightly decreases with battery age


• Traction issues in wet conditions


• No advancement in connectivity or interactive features


• Noticeable tire wear under regular use

In conclusion, if you're contemplating a reliable and straightforward electric scooter for city commuting, the GOTRAX Apex still offers commendable value for its price. It's beneficial for those who prefer simplicity in design and use over high-tech features. However, for users looking for peak performance in varied weather conditions or innovative features, you might want to explore other options. Despite its shortcomings, the Apex remains a solid performer in its class.