As always, we’re excited to review another scooter from GoTrax, one of the hardest working companies in this space. Over the past few months, GoTrax has been busy overhauling its old fleet and one of those affected (in a good way) is the G5 lineup.

The GoTrax G5 is essentially an upgrade of the GMAX Ultra which is arguably one of the best commuter scooters ever produced by GoTrax (of course until the G5 came). This well-rounded scooter comes with neat features you’d only expect to find in higher-end scooter models, and costs less than $600.

The G5 electric scooter delivers serious upgrades to previous Gotrax models with, for the first time ever, front suspension. That’s already amazing, without even factoring features like the 10-inch air-filled pneumatic tires, a tested top speed of up to 18.9 mph, and the 461 watt hour battery.

Also, GoTrax recently announced changes to its warranty policies and now offers the industry-standard 1-year warranty on all major parts. This is exciting as it inspires brand-confidence in buyers, and from our first impressions, the G5 is really well-built.

Most other things are standard, like the long deck, well-connected fenders, solid sidestand, and the strong stem latch with a safety catch. We also have pluses like the G5 scooter’s cruise control, the IP54 rating, and the bright LED display.

We think the G5 electric scooter is really good value for money. Sure, there are a few compromises to be made (all budget scooters will have theirs) but overall, you won’t find many other models as  feature-packed as the G5 in this class. 

Want to learn more about GoTrax’s latest budget commuter scooter? Our review goes into finer detail below.

Yes, the G5 is a good budget e-scooter for heavier riders.

First, the scooter has a decent max rider weight capacity of 264 lb., and its performance is as good for a 215 lb. rider as it is for someone closer to the limit.

That aside, the G5 has a generous riding platform of 18 inches by 6 inches, perfect for riders with larger feet. The ride quality is also commendable, thanks to the 10-inch air-filled tires and the front shocks.

But,  best of all, the scooter has sufficient power from the 9.6 Ah, 461 Wh. battery and offers a pretty smooth ride especially on flat and moderately hilly terrains.

All these combine to form an incredible ride for bigger and heavier riders.

Like most kick-to-start electric scooters, don’t expect the GoTrax G5 to immediately accelerate when you press the throttle. It requires you to first build up some momentum by pushing it a little before engaging the throttle to activate the motor and start accelerating.

While this initial process may take a little practice, once you get the hang of it, the G5 offers a reliable and smooth acceleration experience. We tested the G5, and got a 6.8 seconds acceleration from 0-15 mph.

With its rear-wheel-mounted 500-watt powerful motor, it outperforms many scooters in its price range that typically come with 350-watt motors. The increased power translates into an impressive burst of speed that adds excitement to your rides.

First-time electric scooter owners will find themselves pleasantly surprised by the G5’s acceleration and the satisfying level of speed it can reach. With a tested top speed of 18.9 mph, it offers an exhilarating and zippy ride that is hard to beat in its price range.

The G5 electric scooter features three speed modes: sport, drive, and eco. Each mode limits the max speed at different levels, giving riders the flexibility to choose their preferred riding style. Most riders will find sport mode, which delivers the scooter’s full power, perfect for their daily commute. 

Drive mode is ideal for extending the range without sacrificing too much speed. On the other hand, eco mode or walking mode is the slowest of the three and is only suited for beginners who are still getting the hang of riding.

The G5 scooter struggles when it comes to climbing hills, as we found in our tests. On our 200-foot 10% incline, it took us 40 seconds to reach the top at an average speed of 3.4 mph. While it managed to make it up the hill without stopping, it was a noticeable challenge for the G5.

If you live in a hilly area, you might want to consider a more powerful (and likely more expensive) scooter. We’d recommend something like the dual motor Unagi Voyager or the Anyhill UM2. However, if you mostly ride on flat surfaces or gentle slopes, the G5 will work just fine.

It’s worth noting that smaller riders may need to put in extra effort to embark on an incline from a standing start because of its kick-to-start design.

The GoTrax G5 did averagely on our rigorous range test course. Equipped with a 9.6 Ah, 461 Wh. battery, the scooter covered 14.2 miles. Admittedly, this is shorter than other scooters, including the GoTrax G4 with a 14.6-mile range. However, commuters might want to consider the improved ride quality on the G5 scooter, which we’ll get to in a bit.

It’s also worth pointing out that our tested range falls short of the manufacturer’s claimed 25-35 miles. This is due to the fact that our test was conducted on the highest speed mode, ridden aggressively, which provides a realistic representation of the scooter’s minimum range capability.

Strong braking power is crucial for safe rides. That said, scooters like the G5 electric scooter with mild top speeds do not necessarily need overly powerful braking systems. In our case, the electric scooter came to a halt within a  distance of 15.5 ft from a speed of 15 mph. 

The G5 electric scooter has a dual mechanical braking system comprising a front and rear disc brake and an additional electronic brake. The braking setup is smooth, stable, and well-suited for urban commuters.

The tradeoff for scooters at this price and in this weight class is usually on range and suspension since big batteries, larger tire size, and suspension systems are expensive and weigh a bit. But something interesting happened with the G5 – it’s the first of GoTrax’s electric scooters to come with front suspension. That alone speaks volumes about the ride quality you can expect compared to its predecessors.

The addition of front wheel suspension, combined with 10-inch air-filled tubed tires, results in a ride that feels solid and cushioned. The new G5 electric scooter handles sudden bumps and unexpected potholes with so much ease,smoothing out your journey and keeping you comfortable along the way. 

But it doesn’t stop there. The scooter also comes with wide handlebars, a spacious riding platform, and a deck tail that offers plenty of room for adult riders. You’ll have the space and freedom to enjoy your ride without feeling cramped or restricted. If you’re a newbie rider and would want to learn how to ride like a pro, check out our beginner tips.

When it comes to steering, the G5 introduces a subtle notched feel that enhances stability at higher speeds. While it may take a moment to get used to, it doesn’t significantly impact the overall steering experience. You can confidently navigate your way through the streets while enjoying the G5’s impressive speed.

One thing to note is that the thumb throttle’s spring can be a bit stiff, which might cause some fatigue during longer rides. However, the G5 offers a convenient cruise control feature to alleviate this issue. By holding down the throttle for around five seconds, you can lock in your desired speed, allowing for effortless cruising on straight stretches.

The G5 electric scooter is one of GoTrax’s heavier models, but it still offers convenient portability for urban commuters. When folded, it stands at just under 22 inches, making it compact enough to fit into tight spaces–48-inches by 21.8 inches by 21.5 inches, when folded.

Weighing in at 44 lbs, it can be easily carried with one hand, allowing for hassle-free transportation upstairs or loading into a car. The scooter also comes with a standard handlebar latch system and a stem latch with a release tab and safety catch, ensuring quick and effortless folding and unfolding.

There’s nothing particularly remarkable about the G5’s cockpit, as GoTrax maintains the same design found in its other models.

However, to begin with, the handlebar grips are noticeably thicker than standard grips, offering a solid and secure connection between you and the scooter. We loved their textured surface with nubs, which helps to add traction for more control during your ride.

The centerpiece of the cockpit is the bright LED display, conveniently located at the center of the stem. This display provides crucial information such as your speed, riding mode, and battery level, and the best part is that it’s clearly visible even when riding in direct sunlight.

The placement of the thumb throttle, bell, and brake levers follows the standard configuration seen in other GoTrax scooters we’ve reviewed before.

As with most budget scooters, the GoTrax G5 is not specifically designed for night riding. From our tests, its stock headlights and overall lighting do not offer sufficient brightness for riding in the dark. Even so, the scooter does come with some lighting features worth mentioning.

To begin with, the G5 includes an adjustable LED digital headlight that can be tilted to your preferred angle. It also offers three brightness levels to choose from, allowing you to customize the lighting to some extent.

Additionally, there is an LED tail light on the rear fender that flashes in red when you brake or make a turn. This adds a safety feature to alert others of your movements, and one we’re glad to see on the new GoTrax budget commuters.

The icing on the cake for G5’s lighting features is the LED ground effect lighting on the sides of the deck. These lights change colors based on your speed and riding mode, adding a fun touch to your scooter experience.

For improved visibility during nighttime rides, we highly recommended supplementing the G5’s lighting with additional aftermarket options. For example, consider adding an extra bright headlight along with blinking lights to your helmet or backpack to enhance visibility on the road.

Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the G4 and a few other recent GoTrax models, the G5 comes fitted with 10-inch x 2.3 inch air-filled pneumatic tires. These tires are designed to withstand rough terrain and potholes along with offering shock absorption.

However, there have been some complaints about them requiring a valve extender when inflating the front tire.This is pretty typical of these types of tires though, which explains why GoTrax provides the extender as part of the package.

To ensure optimal performance, we recommended adding around 5-10 pounds of extra pressure when inflating the tires. This compensates for the air loss that can occur when removing the rubber tube-style extenders from the valve stem.

At 18 inches by 6 inches, the GoTrax G5’s large deck offers a mixed bag of advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, its generous length provides a comfortable and stable riding platform, especially for adult-sized feet. On the other hand, it can be a drawback in terms of portability, as it may be a tight fit in smaller car trunks.

We like the rubberized deck mat which ensures decent grip–and as usual, these types of decks are much easier to keep clean over decks covered in grip tape. There’s also a solid rear fender that can serve as a footrest, albeit with caution not to put too much weight towards the back lest you lose your balance.

The G5 might not be flashy or a head-turner but its sturdy construction ranks high among other budget scooters. 

In terms of aesthetics, the G5 showcases a modern and sleek appearance, representing a noticeable improvement over previous GoTrax models. While it may not rival the top-tier brands in terms of design, it adds a touch of style to your commuting experience. The gunmetal grey color also adds to the overall sophistication of the design.

A feature on the G5 electric scooter feature that deserves special mention is the solid kickstand. Unlike the flimsy counterparts found on many scooters (especially at this price), the G5’s kickstand offers reliable support, keeping your scooter upright at the perfect height without any worries of it easily breaking off.

The G5’s cable routing is also exceptionally well-done, with cables running down the stem, through the folding mechanism, and into the deck with minimal exposure. This design detail gives the scooter a clean and polished appearance rarely seen in other sub-$600 scooter models.

With its IP54 water and dust resistance rating, the G5 can handle puddles and occasional sprinkler encounters. However, its rating might not inspire complete confidence for those willing to risk it on rainy days. That said, water damage is typically not covered under warranty for portable electric vehicles, so even with higher IP ratings, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Additionally, the G5 comes fitted with solid rims that in part contribute to its overall sturdy construction. On the downside though, they will likely make it harder for you to change your flat inner tube, but that shouldn’t happen often if you’re a careful rider.

For added security, the G5 electric scooter comes equipped with an electronic lock system. This feature ensures your scooter remains quite safe and deters potential thefts.

Overall, the G5 may not have extravagant features, but its solid build and dependable performance make it a reliable scooter for daily commuting. It strikes such a good balance between quality, affordability, and practicality.

The GoTrax G5 checks a lot of boxes for safety. Firstly, it has reliable dual brakes allowing for a stopping distance of 15.5 feet when traveling at 15 mph. Next, its thoughtful lighting package ensures visibility in low light conditions. 

The G5 also carries an IP54 rating, which means it’s somewhat safe to ride in the event of sudden showers. The scooter’s generous fenders also provide good coverage, shielding it and the rider’s feet from road spray and debris.

Not to mention, the electronic lock system that helps to deter theft and the audible horn for alerting other road users.

GoTrax now offers a 12-month warranty that covers most major parts of the scooter, signifying a huge improvement compared to their previous model. This warranty provides comprehensive coverage against common manufacturing defects such as charging issues, motor and motherboard failure to name just a few.

Worth noting though is that the warranty does not apply to damage caused by rider misuse or mishandling, unauthorized modifications, or damage resulting from adverse weather conditions. Additionally, cosmetic damage is not included in the standard warranty coverage.

To understand the specific terms of the warranty, we highly recommend that you carefully review the detailed warranty information provided on GoTrax’s website. And if you’d like to further guarantee your purchase, you can extend your G5 warranty to 2 years for an extra $132.

The G5 is the perfect choice for those seeking a reliable and stylish commuter scooter without straining their wallets. Essentially, GoTrax has taken its popular GMAX Ultra, given it a sleeker appearance, and upgraded it with a front shock absorber to come up with this model.

During our tests, we were particularly impressed by a few of the G5’s standout features. The ultra-long and spacious deck provides ample room for a comfortable ride, while the dual brakes surprised us with their excellent performance. Not to mention, the LED ground effect lighting adds such a great touch of class to the overall design.

At a price below $600, the G5 offers exceptional value for money. It’s a fantastic pick for anyone in search of a reliable and high-performing scooter for daily commutes or running errands