Gotrax G4 review: Should you buy it?

The G4 is Gotrax’s best-selling electric scooter, with a well-rounded performance that makes it inviting to first-time adult riders, but is it worth your money? Valuable features you won’t find on many other scooters, such as a built-in cable lock, make the Gotrax G4 a solid budget option, even if there is room for improvement. Read our hands-on review to help you decide if the Gotrax G4 is right for you.

Gotrax G4 review: At a glance

What I like about the Gotrax G4

One of the major advantages of the Gotrax G4 is its enhanced security measures. Notably, this model incorporates a four-digit combination cable lock in its stem and an additional three-digit electronic lock, creating a two-tiered defense system against theft. The cable lock can extend up to 22 inches, allowing it to secure to most posts or bike racks. However, it won’t withstand the force of industrial-grade cable cutters. As someone who lives in a city where bikes and scooters get stolen on a daily basis, I appreciated the peace of mind of being able to leave my scooter briefly unattended in public places.

Additionally, the Gotrax G4 has pretty robust build quality for a beginner scooter. Contrary to some affordable scooters that can cheap out on parts and materials, the G4 is built with substantial metal components, resulting in a rugged yet reliable ride. Although the handlebar grips may not be the epitome of comfort, they provided a secure grip even during my sweat-inducing rides. Though I never crash-tested the scooter, the structural integrity provided decent protection against scuffs and scrapes.

Another advantage is its real reflectors encased in hard plastic, significantly outperforming the mere reflective stickers found on other scooters in this price range. Reflective stickers are prone to wear and tear and hence require regular replacement, often at inconvenient times. However, with the Gotrax G4, you don’t have to worry about that. Combined with the bright headlight, the permanent reflectors ensured my visibility on the road and made me feel safer during nightly commutes.

What I don’t like about the Gotrax G4

Despite its merits, the Gotrax G4 electric scooter does present some drawbacks. Foremost, its weight could be a deterrent for some. Although its 37lbs weight may not seem excessive, its larger size makes it feel more cumbersome to carry. That being said, the secure metal folding clip prevents any mishaps during transportation, and it is small enough to put in the trunk of a car.

The G4’s throttle also proved problematic in my experience, as its responsiveness left much to be desired. I often had to press the throttle multiple times to engage the motor each time I stopped, which, combined with the push start, made moving again somewhat tedious and unpredictable once the red switched from red to green.

Finally, the G4’s dashboard design isn’t very user-friendly. It features a bell rung by an unconventional backward pull and a trio of lateral buttons that control gear switching. The ‘Plus’ and ‘Minus’ buttons switch gears up and down, respectively. I think a double-press of the power button instead could have simplified a function. Additionally, turning on the headlight requires holding the power button for three seconds, an inconvenient delay if immediate illumination is needed. These design choices made navigating the scooter’s controls more confusing than necessary.

Gotrax G4 specs

• Max range: 20-25 miles
• Top speed: 20mph (32km/h)
• Motor: 350W
• Battery: 36V 10.4Ah 374.4Wh
• Charge time: Six hours
• Tires: 10-inch pneumatic tires
• Dimensions: 44.4 x 18.5 x 48.3 inches
• Weight: 37lbs (20kg)
• Max rider weight: 220lbs

Should you buy the Gotrax G4?

If you want to buy your first electric scooter and don’t want to splurge on your first purchase, the Gotrax G4 is a solid option. Regarding build quality, it’s a notch above the Gotrax GXL V2 ($279 at Amazon) and has valuable, useful features, such as a metal locking clip to keep the scooter folded instead of a cheap plastic latch. But it also makes it a bit heavier. The two-speed modes make it accessible to first-time riders who don’t want to go too fast but need a little more pick-up on the incline, although you won’t get a ton of range and may need to top up the battery throughout the day.

Overall, the Gotrax G4 is an excellent deal for riders concerned about safety and durability for quick commutes. With two different anti-theft measures, you can have peace of mind knowing your e-scooter is safe without buying an additional lock. Plus, the hard-plastic reflectors and bright headlight will make you visible for nighttime riding on the road. However, there is a bit of a learning curve for the dashboard controls, and you will have to bring the bulky power adapter along for longer distances. If you want more range with slightly higher speeds, It might be worth bucking up for the Segway Ninebot Max ($699 at Amazon) instead.

Gotrax G4 review: FAQs