17 Reasons to Buy or NOT to Buy the GoTrax Apex
Cheap, reliable, and plucky when it comes to speed and range, this mule of a model is a real highlight in the GoTrax range.
Sitting in the sub $400 price category, it was a genuine jolt in the arm for a market that was saturated with sub-par, rickety scooters.
How times have changed. Because, while we still have a special place in our hearts for the Apex, it has simply fallen behind a new generation of budget scooters that have built on its successes and raised the bar. Evolution waits for no one – and sadly, this legendary model is one of its victims.
So, with all that said, we’re going to share the key reasons why you should and shouldn’t buy the GoTrax Apex.
12 in total
5 in total
12 Reasons to Buy the GoTrax Apex
1. The GoTrax Apex is an upgraded version of the once-popular GXL V2. It brings more power, a refreshed design, and addresses pretty much every drawback of its predecessor, making it the best budget model in GoTrax’s line of scooters.
2. While the Apex shares the same 36V 250W motor as the cheaper GXL V2, it benefits from a 6.3% faster acceleration rate thanks to its rear-mounted motor (vs the GXL V2’s front motor). Combined with its 15.5 mph top speed, it’s one of the fastest in its price class.
3. Under our performance tests, the Apex managed to keep the wheels rolling for 9 miles when being ridden in its fastest setting. This increases to 15 miles if you ride slowly.
4. One of the standout features is the smart battery management system. This has been designed to prevent overheating and overcharging so that your battery can keep running for hundreds of charging cycles. This is a feature usually seen on more expensive scooters.
5. Thanks to the deck-located battery, the Apex has a low center of gravity that fosters a strong sense of balance and control. You’ll find that this improves the scooter’s handling and maneuverability over models that opt for stem-located batteries.
6. Based on our independent research, it's in the top 27% of scooters for its lightweight build. Featuring an intuitive 2-click folding mechanism and a thin, grabbable, stem, the 32.1 lb frame is easy to fold and carry. In fact, it has one of the most efficient folding mechanisms of all budget scooters.
7. Sporting 8.5-inch pneumatic tires, the Apex delivers a layer of comfort as they absorb the terrain underfoot. Plus, they have a slightly thicker exterior wall than other budget models, thereby offering extra protection from punctures.
8. We’ve had the Apex for over 2 years and during this time it’s withstood wear and tear. This is mainly thanks to its durable aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frame and surprisingly good build quality.
9. The grip-covered deck provides ample room for your feet to adopt an L-shaped stance.
10. On top of its surprisingly powerful headlight, the Apex features a taillight – which improves upon previous GoTrax models.
11. After testing the Apex we were pleasantly surprised at just how responsive its dual braking system was. Based on our tests, the rear mechanical disc brake and front electronic brake bring the Apex to a standstill in 5.0 meters from 15 mph. This performance trumps that of the G4 ($649) – one of GoTrax’s premium commuter models – which took 6.0 meters.
12. The uniquely-shaped display is one of the most noticeable upgrades from the GoTrax GXL V2. Instead of a small display tucked into the top of the tiller, you get a screen that’s angled slightly down towards you. This makes it much easier to see riding stats – including speed and battery level – since the glare from direct light isn’t as bad. It could benefit from being brighter, though.
5 Reasons NOT to Buy the GoTrax Apex
1. A year or two ago, the Apex used to rule the roost of the sub $400 category, but with the advent of newer models – like the Turboant M10 Lite (which retails for between $329.98 and $369.98) – its performance has taken a back seat. Not only is the M10 Lite more powerful in terms of motor (+40%) and battery (+10%) power, but it features an all-together more sleek and well-thought-out design to deliver better value for money.
2. The GoTrax Apex has a weight capacity of 220 lbs, but because it’s powered by a relatively small 250W motor, it becomes extremely sluggish for riders that are towards the heavier end of its capacity. For best results, we only recommend riding the Apex if you weigh less than 190 lbs.
3. GoTrax claims that the Apex can scale 14-degree inclines. It can’t. The scooter struggles with anything over 8 degrees and just manages to maintain performance with inclines of 5 degrees. This is a drawback for riders that live in hilly areas.
4. While the Apex improves upon previous GoTrax models by featuring a taillight, it’s fairly limited in its function. The taillight illuminates the scooter from the rear, but it doesn’t flash when you brake.
5. It’s one of the smallest scooters we’ve ever tested. According to our measurements, the Apex has a deck-to-handlebar height of just 36.4 inches, meaning that anyone over the height of 5.8 ft will find the handlebars too low.
Bottom Line
Like its cousin, the GoTrax GXL V2, the Apex was deservedly seen as a go-to entry-level scooter in its pomp. If you’re looking for a reliable everyday model that delivers what its spec sheet promises for years of use, then you can’t go far wrong with the Apex.
However, newer models like the Turboant M10 Lite have taken the formula honed by GoTrax and refined it. For less money, the M10 Lite gives you a more powerful motor, a bigger battery, and better overall ride quality while equalling the Apex for durability and portability.
