Full Review
Overview
The GOTRAX XR Elite is a budget-friendly electric scooter, priced at approximately $399.99. It's designed for urban commuting and leisure rides, offering a mix of essential features and performance at a reasonable cost.
Design and Build
Frame and Aesthetics
The XR Elite sports a sleek, matte black frame with red accents, giving it a stylish urban look. The brake cable is cleverly hidden inside the stem, enhancing its sleek design. The build quality is impressive for its price, with a sturdy aluminum frame that feels neither cheap nor flimsy.
Handlebars
The handlebars are user-friendly and include a central LED dashboard showing mileage, battery level, cruise control, and headlight control. The handgrips are comfortable, and the throttle and brake lever operate smoothly. A bell for pedestrian safety is a thoughtful addition.
Deck
With a 19 x 6.6 inches deck, it provides ample foot space for a comfortable stance. The anti-slip rubber material ensures a secure grip for your feet, essential for safe riding. However, its 3 inches ground clearance limits its ability to navigate curbs or high bumps.
Performance
Speed and Acceleration
The XR Elite is powered by a 300W motor, reaching a top speed of 15.5 mph. While it's not the fastest, it's adequate for city riding. The acceleration is modest, taking about 8 seconds to reach 14 mph, making it suitable for beginners or those who prefer a steady pace.
Range
The scooter boasts an 18.6-mile range per charge under ideal conditions. However, aggressive riding may reduce this range to around 15 miles. The battery is a 36V 7.8Ah unit, offering decent endurance for moderate-length commutes.
Hill Climbing
It can handle inclines up to 15%, but the performance dips on steeper hills, especially for heavier riders. It's adequate for most city landscapes, but might struggle in exceptionally hilly areas.
Ride Quality
The 8.5-inch air-filled tires provide a comfortable ride on smooth, paved roads. However, the lack of suspension means you'll feel more vibrations on rougher terrains. The air-filled tires offer some cushioning, but it's not advisable for off-road use.
Portability
Weighing about 31.88 lbs, it's on the lighter end of electric scooters, making it relatively easy to carry. The folding mechanism is efficient, with an additional safety locking pin, allowing for compact storage and easy transport.
Features
Lighting and Visibility
It comes equipped with a bright LED headlight and taillight, supplemented by six reflectors for increased visibility. These features are particularly beneficial for night riding, though additional ultra-bright lights are recommended for poor visibility conditions.
Display and Controls
The LED panel includes a speedometer and battery life indicator. It's a functional addition that adds a modern touch to the scooter.
Water Resistance
With an IP54 rating, the XR Elite can handle light rain and damp conditions, but it's advisable to avoid deep puddles.
Safety
The dual braking system, comprising a rear disc brake and anti-lock electrical braking, is responsive and reliable. It offers a stopping distance of around 15 feet at top speed, which is commendable for a scooter in this price range.
Assembly
The scooter arrives nearly fully assembled, requiring minimal effort to set up. You'll need to attach the handlebars, which is a straightforward process.
Final Thoughts
The GOTRAX XR Elite is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly, reliable electric scooter for city commuting and leisure riding. It excels in its simplicity and functionality, providing a comfortable ride with essential features. However, if you require high-performance capabilities, like tackling steep hills or rugged terrain, you might want to consider other options.
In conclusion, for its price, the XR Elite stands out as a practical, durable scooter that delivers on its promise of uncomplicated urban mobility.
Update After 6+ Months of Use
After using the GOTRAX XR Elite extensively for over six months, several aspects have stood out in terms of long-term usage.
Reliability
The scooter has proven to be dependable for daily commutes. The battery life has remained consistent, providing almost the same mileage as initially stated. However, it's crucial to maintain it adequately charged and avoid depleting the battery fully to maintain its longevity.
Durability
While the aluminum construction offers great durability, some minor issues have surfaced, such as loosening screws and slight wear on the anti-slip deck material. Regular maintenance checks and tightening of components have been essential to ensure continued safe use.
User Experience
The comfort during rides remains a highlight, though it's become more apparent that the lack of suspension can make longer journeys on rough city streets less pleasant. Investing in upgraded tires or additional cushioning might be beneficial for regular users.
Practical Issues
A common criticism from other users also resonates with my experience—the folding mechanism, though easy to use, can become less smooth over time. Regular lubrication and cleaning have helped mitigate this issue.
Overall Satisfaction
The GOTRAX XR Elite continues to offer great value for its price. It's a reliable urban commuter scooter with a robust build. However, prospective buyers should be aware of the need for regular maintenance and the limitations in ride comfort over rough surfaces.
