{"id":10528,"date":"2021-03-09T16:03:52","date_gmt":"2021-03-09T16:03:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.electricscooterinsider.com\/?post_type=product&p=10528"},"modified":"2023-08-29T10:12:59","modified_gmt":"2023-08-29T10:12:59","slug":"gotrax-apex-review","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.electricscooterinsider.com\/electric-scooters\/reviews\/gotrax-apex-review\/","title":{"rendered":"GoTrax Apex Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
Short on time? Check out our summarized review –\u00a017 Reasons to Buy or Not to Buy the GoTrax Apex<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p> <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t The GoTrax Apex wears many hats.<\/p> Its tidy folding functionality makes it an ideal scooter for those \u2018last mile\u2019 commutes. And, with a range of around 15 miles and a quick, 4-hour charge time, it\u2019s well-suited to the busy schedules of full-time workers.<\/p> The Apex \u2013 with its sleek, midnight black and green color scheme, and dazzling LED dashboard \u2013 is also sure to appeal to a younger, more style-conscious generation of riders.<\/p> <\/p> Oh, and it's budget-friendly. In terms of specs, you won\u2019t get a better deal from any other scooter at the same price.<\/p> So, whether you\u2019ve got your eye on this one as a gift for your teenager, for yourself as a commuter scooter, or because of its alluring price tag alone, the Apex offers something for everyone<\/strong>.<\/p> Adult Electric Scooters<\/a><\/strong> <\/div><\/div> <\/div><\/div> Trust me \u2013 the GoTrax Apex is one of the most comfortable budget scooters<\/a> we\u2019ve tested<\/strong>.<\/p> <\/p> For one, the Apex sports 8.5-inch pneumatic tires. These add a layer of comfort as they absorb the terrain underfoot. They are a godsend when it comes to navigating the cracks and bumps. Dare I even say that they are better than the Unagi Model One which is $990. Yup, they don\u2019t disappoint – especially when ridden on well-maintained roads and sidewalks.<\/p> Even better, the Apex has an added ace up its sleeve. Its tires have been fitted with a slightly thicker exterior; offering extra protection from punctures, and a slightly enhanced level of shock absorption compared to standard pneumatics. I should also add that, aside from these tires, the Apex has no conventional suspension \u2013 so the tires are your last line of defence.<\/p> Another reason the Apex is comfortable is down (perhaps counter-intuitively) to its battery.<\/p> …well, the location of its battery, at least. The Apex\u2019s battery is stored in the deck, giving the scooter a lower center of gravity. This lends it a stable, balanced, and ultimately more comfortable ride that\u2019s sure to go down a treat \u2013 particularly with first-time riders, or those still learning the ropes.<\/p> Starting from the top and working our way down, let\u2019s explore the handlebars.<\/p> My first thoughts? They don\u2019t fold. While this can be a slight setback \u2013 particularly if you\u2019re planning to travel with this scooter \u2013 it\u2019s something we\u2019ve more or less come to expect from the GoTrax range<\/strong><\/a> (if folding handlebars are a must for you, check out the Horizon 10.4).<\/p> <\/p> Other than this, the Apex\u2019s hand grips \u2013 coated in textured black rubber, for extra grip \u2013 lend themselves to the durable build quality. It\u2019s not just the hand grips that lend themselves to the joy of riding the Apex.<\/p> The Apex\u2019s flashy LED dashboard<\/strong> (parked smack-bang in the center, for maximum visibility), thumb throttle (to the right), and handbrake (to the left) all play their part in delivering a ride befitting a more expensive scooter. Not seen on all electric scooters, the handbrake is an important inclusion and one that will certainly assuage the fears of newer or younger riders – especially those that are familiar with riding a bike. Some scooters use electronic thumb paddles to brake but these can take some getting used to.<\/p> The handlebars also house a handy bell, for letting pedestrians and other riders know that you\u2019re coming through. No doubt a useful feature, sure \u2013 but also a little annoying. Mine rattled when I was riding.<\/p> As the newest in GoTrax\u2019s line of scooters, the Apex\u2019s designers might have felt a lot of pressure to \u201cshake things up\u201d, or reinvent the look and feel.<\/p> Thankfully, they stuck with the classic design that we\u2019ve come to love on all GoTrax scooters<\/a><\/strong>. The Apex retains the matte-black color scheme of its previous models. It\u2019s a good job, too \u2013 midnight black tends to be the scooter community\u2019s preferred choice of color, as it is mine.<\/p> Bear in mind, though, that the GoTrax logo is very visible. Located in big letters halfway up the stem, with a green background to make it pop, there\u2019s little chance people on the street won\u2019t know what kind of scooter you\u2019re riding.<\/p> <\/p> I say rock it \u2013 but if you\u2019re not a fan of showing off the brands you buy, this scooter\u2019s probably not for you.<\/p> One way in which the Apex distinguishes itself from its fellow GoTrax cohort \u2013 particularly the GXL V2<\/strong><\/a> and the XR Ultra<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 is in its foot deck.<\/p> And no, I don\u2019t mean the deck itself is particularly special \u2013 though, with a grippy surface, robust kickstand, and a sleek lined tread, there\u2019s certainly plenty to admire<\/strong>.<\/p> Nope \u2013 what I\u2019m talking about is that the Apex\u2019s battery is stored in the deck. While this may seem like a minor design aspect, this is actually instrumental in affording the Apex with a low center of gravity. This lends the rider the effect of feeling more balanced and in control of the scooter and makes it easier to handle and steer.<\/p> <\/p> Coleman, our resident GoTrax scooter tester, hopped on the Apex for his first test run and was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it was when it came to maneuvering it<\/strong> through the streets of Glendale.<\/p> Boy, do the GoTrax Apex\u2019s tires have a lot to offer. Firstly, they measure 8.5-inches in circumference, offering a larger surface area than tires on similarly-priced scooters. This helps with handling and control and is just one of the plethora of reasons the Apex is such a dream to ride.<\/p> Secondly, those tires are pneumatic. If you\u2019ve read some of my other reviews, you\u2019ll know I don\u2019t make an effort to hide my issues with solid tires, so it\u2019s always a relief to review (and ride) scooters boasting the airless variety.<\/p> <\/p> The Apex\u2019s pneumatic tires offer a basic level of shock absorption and help cushion any blows and imperfections<\/strong> from rougher surfaces. Pleasantly, this is something we see a lot with GoTrax scooters, and the Apex doesn\u2019t buck the trend.<\/p> The newest model in the GoTrax range does offer one refreshing twist, though. As previously mentioned, its tires are slightly thicker than its siblings\u2019 \u2013 an innovation no doubt designed to make it more puncture-proof.<\/p> <\/p> I\u2019m happy to report that \u2013 after taking the Apex for a spin \u2013 there\u2019s no obvious disparity in ride comfort or quality when compared to the thinner tires of the GoTrax GXL V2<\/strong><\/a> or XR Ultra<\/strong><\/a>. This one really is the wheel deal.<\/p> As you\u2019d expect from such a renowned brand, the Apex is built to last.<\/p> For one, the frame is made of a sturdy, aerospace-grade aluminum alloy<\/strong>. As far as budget scooters go, it is up there with the best and even boasts the same make-up as the GoTrax G4 (a higher-end GoTrax scooter that we\u2019ve also been lucky enough to test).<\/p> <\/p> Oh, and it comes with the same IP54 water resistance as all other GoTrax models, so you should have no qualms riding this one on a rainy day.<\/p> The only note I\u2019d make here is that the Apex\u2019s deck, as mentioned, is quite low-lying, meaning it can be prone to scratches and superficial damage if you\u2019re not careful. As we\u2019ll see shortly, the warranty won\u2019t cover issues of this kind, so this is something to bear in mind before attempting any risky curb mounts. I\u2019d also advise avoiding puddles considering the placement of the battery in the deck.<\/p> The Apex\u2019s 32.1 lb weight puts it somewhat on a par with the XR Elite<\/strong><\/a>, but it\u2019s gained a few pounds compared to earlier GoTrax models, including the XR Ultra, and GXL V2.<\/p> Nevertheless, it\u2019s in the top 27% of scooters for its lightweight build<\/strong> (based on our independent research of 99 scooters) and still manages to support up to 220 lbs. Though, if you find yourself towards the upper limits of the weight threshold, the acceleration and general performance of the scooter will lag.<\/p> The Apex is as easy as they come when it comes to folding.<\/p> <\/p> It folds down in just a click, meaning it\u2019s convenient for storing in the trunk for long rides, or in a closet at home. Better still, the Apex\u2019s folding functionality never comes at the expense of safety \u2013 a red safety latch protects the handlebars from folding inward while riding.<\/p> <\/p> Plus, you can easily curl your hand around the thin handlebar stem for easy lifting<\/strong>.<\/p> A Guide to Foldable Electric Scooters (Lightest & Most Compact)<\/a><\/strong> Assembly takes a few steps.<\/p> <\/p> To start, press down on the fender to separate the folding hook and fender buckle. Lift the scooter into an upright position, and lock it in place.<\/p> Then, it\u2019s simply a matter of slotting the steering console (i.e. the handlebars) in the top of the scooter\u2019s stem, and tightening a few screws with a 4 mm Allen wrench (which comes included).<\/p> I do have to say that the assembly instructions provided aren\u2019t completely correct<\/strong> – I think they reused older manuals from previous GoTrax scooters and just replaced the model name. For example, the manual states you have to remove the hook located on the tiller before slotting the handlebars into place and retightening. This isn\u2019t the case – the hook is lower than where the handlebars insert into the tiller leaving just a few screws (as mentioned above) to be tightened.<\/p> It can be a little finicky at times \u2013 particularly when it comes to configuring the brakes. But the instructions (which you can find a digital copy of here<\/strong><\/a>) are fairly clear (albeit the above), and it shouldn\u2019t take you longer than half an hour between unboxing your new shiny Apex and taking it for your first spin.<\/p> I wish I had recorded the entirety of the assembly for you but I found GoTrax\u2019s video which runs through each of the steps required:<\/p>Who is it Best For?<\/h2>
Will the GoTrax Apex Be a Good Fit For You?<\/h3>
Electric Scooters For Teenagers<\/a><\/strong>
Electric Scooters For Commuting<\/a><\/strong>
\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/p>Pros and Cons<\/h2>
Ride Quality<\/h2>
Is the GoTrax Apex Comfortable to Ride?<\/h3>
Design<\/h2>
Handlebars<\/h3>
Frame<\/h3>
Deck<\/h3>
Wheels<\/h3>
Build Quality & Durability<\/h3>
Weight & Load<\/h3>
Folding & Portability<\/h3>
\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/p>Assembly<\/h3>