{"id":10612,"date":"2021-03-10T17:23:57","date_gmt":"2021-03-10T17:23:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.electricscooterinsider.com\/?post_type=product&p=10612"},"modified":"2022-11-02T22:20:05","modified_gmt":"2022-11-02T22:20:05","slug":"gotrax-gks-review","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.electricscooterinsider.com\/electric-scooters\/reviews\/gotrax-gks-review\/","title":{"rendered":"GoTrax GKS Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Although the GKS is aimed at children aged anywhere between 6 and 12<\/strong>, it\u2019s best-suited to younger riders \u2013 specifically, those in the 6 to 8 bracket.<\/p> That\u2019s because GoTrax GKS has all the ingredients to make it an ideal scooter for first-time riders \u2013 doubling down on the safety features while cutting down the price.<\/p> Its Safety Start technology and braking system work together to help your kid take off with ease, and stop with confidence. Plus, its sturdy frame and 154 lb load mean it\u2019ll stand the test of time and growth spurts \u2013 though, it\u2019s not recommended for riders with a height of 5 feet or more.<\/p> <\/p> The GKS\u2019s five funky color schemes also make it an attractive choice for the youngsters.<\/p> Sure, as your child gets older, they\u2019ll want to eventually progress to something with a little more \u2018oomph\u2019 than the 7.5 mph top speed of the GKS. But considering the amount of fun your kid will get out of this scooter \u2013 and that it\u2019s available for the extremely budget-friendly price of $99.99 \u2013 the GoTrax GKS is the perfect place to start.<\/p> Best Kids Electric Scooters<\/a><\/strong> \r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/p> <\/div><\/div> <\/div><\/div> As with almost all kids' scooters<\/strong><\/a>, you\u2019re not going to find advanced shock absorption systems that deliver buttery-smooth riding, but young riders will benefit from the scooter\u2019s solid 6-inch rubber tires as they glide over asphalt and concrete<\/strong>.<\/p> The GKS can also tackle grassy surfaces but the areas need to be well maintained. This is ideal if your child is still learning the ropes \u2013 you can take them to the local park and give them close supervision as they learn to ride.<\/p> The GKS isn\u2019t quite as comfortable to ride as models like Segway\u2019s ZING E8<\/strong><\/a> or E10<\/strong><\/a>, both of which boast shock absorbers over the front wheel. But, those models both cost well over double the GKS\u2019 price.<\/p> The GoTrax GKS\u2019s handlebars don\u2019t try to be fancy<\/strong>. There\u2019s no embedded LED display, they don\u2019t fold inwards, and surprisingly, there\u2019s no thumb throttle or handbrake. So, how do you ride the scooter? Well, the GKS uses a safety start technology operated from two pressure sensors on the deck – more on that later (skip ahead to the \u2018features\u2019 section if you want to find out more now).<\/p> <\/p> Despite the pared-back design, they are clad in a grippy, colorful rubber that\u2019s in-keeping with the two-tone palette of the deck and wheels.<\/p> Whilst the rubber grips are a small piece to the overall GKS puzzle, it\u2019s important to note that they are easy to grab onto and can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. This is especially positive for a scooter that is so cheap, considering similarly priced no-name brand models sold on Amazon have foam grips that deteriorate over time.<\/p> <\/p> The GKS\u2019s frame is made of sturdy steel<\/strong> – which, as you bike enthusiasts out there will know, makes it very durable<\/strong>.<\/p> That said, while it\u2019s certainly not the heaviest scooter out there, the GKS\u2019s steel frame doesn\u2019t quite offer quite the same experience as an aluminum scooter does – mainly because it doesn\u2019t share the rust and corrosion-protecting qualities.<\/p> Is the GKS missing a trick here? After all, the GoTrax GKS\u2019s older sibling \u2013 the GKS Lumios<\/strong> <\/a>\u2013 is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, as are the models of Segway-Ninebot\u2019s \u2018ZING\u2019 line<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p> My view is that, ultimately, this trade-off can be accounted for in the price.<\/p> With the GKS, you won\u2019t be getting that added dash of quality a good aluminum frame offers. But you\u2019ll also be paying a bargain-basement price to snag a scooter that\u2019s still tough as nails \u2013 just make sure you keep it out of the rain and store it in a dry area.<\/p> The GoTrax GKS isn\u2019t built for durability alone. It\u2019s built for safety, too \u2013 and its deck is \u2018Exhibit A\u2019 as to why.<\/p> <\/p> Home to the two pressure sensor \u2018buttons\u2019 that power the unique Start Safe technology<\/strong> \u2013 plenty more on that later \u2013 the scooter\u2019s deck is where you\u2019ll find its best feature. It\u2019s also quite low to the ground, giving the scooter a low center of gravity that\u2019ll help your young rider control it with ease.<\/p> Plus, even from a purely visual aspect, there\u2019s a lot to love about the deck. Rendered in an arrowed, optical illusion-inducing pattern, it is sure to resonate with younger riders and adds to the style that goes hand in hand with all that safety.<\/p> My only gripe with the deck is that it is lined with a thin layer of grip tape that is almost sandpaper-like. I would have liked to have seen rubber used instead since it typically provides more traction and makes for a more stable riding experience. Nevertheless, it doesn\u2019t impact ride quality too much and we can let this slip considering the cheap price tag.<\/p> The GoTrax GKS sports a pair of 6-inch rubber tires.<\/p> Though they\u2019re solid \u2013 which isn\u2019t always a good sign \u2013 the GKS\u2019s tires will be a breath of fresh air for young riders and their parents alike. How come?<\/p> They are extremely low maintenance<\/strong>. Unlike pneumatic (air-filled) tires, there is no risk of flats meaning your child will have control over the scooter\u2019s steering and handling at all times \u2013 a feature that\u2019ll come especially in handy when they\u2019re pushing the speedometer close to the GKS\u2019s top 7.5 mph speed.<\/p> <\/p> As previously mentioned, the GoTrax GKS boasts a robust steel frame that stands up to wear and tear.<\/p> Although it comes with a very basic level of waterproofing, the GKS isn\u2019t fully water-resistant. As we\u2019ll explore later, any rain damage to the scooter won\u2019t be covered under warranty \u2013 so it\u2019s best to keep this one indoors on wet days. This is especially important given the lack of corrosion-protecting qualities.<\/p> Another somewhat glaring hole in the GKS\u2019s blueprint is the lack of LED lighting.<\/p> You can easily remedy this with the purchase of separate, attachable lights and reflectors, though (and it goes without saying), this is not a deal-breaker since the majority of kids electric scooters<\/strong><\/a> don\u2019t feature a full set of LEDs (aside from the Hiboy S2 Lite<\/strong><\/a>).<\/p> Overall, the GoTrax GKS has a solid, no-nonsense approach to design. You won\u2019t find any claims of fancy, NASA-utilized metals or alloys when you open up your new GKS \u2013 just a dependable, durable scooter that\u2019ll offer your kid a safe, comfortable ride<\/strong>.<\/p> The GoTrax GKS weighs in at a lightweight 17.8 lbs. Bar one scooter (the Segway Ninebot ZING E8<\/strong><\/a>, which, at 17.6 lbs, is just a fraction lighter), this makes the GKS almost the lightest electric scooter that money can buy<\/strong>.<\/p> Unlike the ZING E8, though \u2013 which supports a maximum load of just 110 lbs \u2013 the GKS can support an impressive rider weight of up to 154 lbs<\/strong>. That means that the GKS\u2019s load-bearing capacities trump not only those of the ZING E8<\/strong><\/a> but also the E10<\/strong><\/a> and E12 (Segway\u2019s scooters for preteens), despite them being made for an older demographic.<\/p> As we\u2019ll soon see, weight and load are just a couple of the ways the GoTrax GKS holds its own against scooters that cost well over double its price.<\/p> Somewhat frustratingly, the GoTrax GKS doesn\u2019t fold<\/strong>. Naturally, this means the scooter isn\u2019t well-suited when it comes to slotting into the trunk to take on vacation \u2013 it\u2019s more of a \u2018keep in the garage when not in use\u2019 kind of job.<\/p> Don\u2019t get me wrong, though \u2013 there are plenty of positives. As we\u2019ve just seen, it\u2019s one of the lightest scooters around. So, even though it\u2019s not quite as portable as other scooters, your child should at least have no trouble carrying it around \u2013 and certainly no issues when it comes to maneuvering it while riding.<\/p> A Guide to Foldable Electric Scooters (Lightest & Most Compact)<\/a><\/strong> The GKS requires more assembly than any other scooter I've reviewed.<\/p> <\/p> First, you\u2019ll need to attach the front wheel component with the deck by tightening the screws with the 5 mm Allen wrench that\u2019s provided.<\/p> Then, you need to take the \u2018tiller\u2019 (also known as the stem), and slot it into the tube above the front wheel and screw it into place.<\/p> <\/p> You\u2019re almost done. The last step is screwing the handlebars to the top of the tiller \u2013 ensuring all screws are tight in the process, of course \u2013 and your brand new GoTrax GKS is ready to ride.<\/p> Now, all that\u2019s left to do is charge the scooter and have your young explorer take it for a spin.<\/p> All in all, it takes around 15-20 minutes to assemble.<\/p> The GoTrax GKS\u2019s 150W motor allows it to reach a top speed of 7.5 mph<\/strong>.<\/p> Now, this doesn\u2019t exactly make the GKS an adrenaline-charged thrill ride. Even compared to other scooters that are aimed at a young audience, the GKS is slow \u2013 and, if we\u2019re splitting hairs, it\u2019s just about the slowest electric scooter on the market.<\/p> But should you care? Nope.<\/p> That\u2019s because speed isn\u2019t intended to be one of the GoTrax GKS\u2019s selling points. Safety, yes. Style, definitely. Speed? Nope. The GKS is for your kid, after all, and its purpose is to help younger children build up their confidence on an electric scooter \u2013 not to go so fast that they end up with grazed knees.<\/p> When it is time to graduate to something a little faster \u2013 or if your young one is already showing an insatiable need for speed, then check out the Hiboy S2 Lite<\/strong><\/a>. It costs more, and is targeted at slightly older kids than the GKS\u2019s demographic, but comes with a zippy top speed of 13 mph.<\/p> The GoTrax GKS has a maximum range of 4 miles. When out on the asphalt, this translates to around 40 minutes of actual ride time<\/strong> \u2013 although this will depend on whether your little daredevil is maxing out the GKS\u2019s speed, as well as on the type of terrain they\u2019re traversing.<\/p> If you\u2019re thinking 4 miles isn\u2019t a huge distance, you\u2019re right. And the truth is, if you\u2019re looking for a kid\u2019s scooter<\/strong><\/a> with more mileage up its sleeve, you\u2019re better off going with something like the trusty Hiboy S2 Lite<\/strong><\/a>. It\u2019s more than double the price of the GKS, but sports a mileage of up to 10.6 miles.<\/p> But remember, you\u2019re not choosing the GKS for its range, or its top speed. You\u2019re picking it for its safety and style features\u2026 not to mention its price tag.<\/p> <\/p> Plus, if the battery does give up the ghost in the middle of a ride, it\u2019s not the end of the world; the GKS can still be used as a regular kick scooter, even without the added juice of the electric motor.<\/p> Electric Scooters with the Longest Range<\/a><\/strong> It was clear GoTrax\u2019s engineers had several things in mind when designing the GKS. Safety, style, ride quality, and ease of use. Hill climbing, though, is not one of them.<\/p> The GKS is made for adult-supervised rides on flat, well-paved, urban surfaces. Unlike the Segway Ninebot ZING E8<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 a scooter capable of tackling inclines of up to 7% \u2013 the GKS simple doesn\u2019t have the power to scale challenging inclines<\/strong>. However, it must be said that most slight, gradual inclines in your local neighborhood should be manageable.<\/p> That doesn\u2019t completely mean your kid won\u2019t be able to take on some of the neighborhood\u2019s more moderate slopes, though. It just means they\u2019ll have to do their fair share of kicking to get up them.<\/p> Electric Scooters For Climbing Hills: Breeze Up the Steepest of Inclines<\/a><\/strong> The GoTrax GKS doesn\u2019t come with any suspension.<\/p> <\/p> There isn\u2019t anything resembling the 40 mm front shock absorbers you see with Segway-Ninebot\u2019s line of kid\u2019s scooters, which means the GKS isn\u2019t meant for rough terrain.<\/p> Don\u2019t stress, though \u2013 you (and your child\u2019s knees and ankles) can rest easy because the GKS wheels provide at least a basic level of shock absorption when ridden on well-maintained roads and sidewalks<\/strong>.<\/p> Electric Scooters With Suspension: Buttery-Smooth Rides<\/a><\/strong> The GoTrax GKS relies on a friction brake located over the rear wheel. While it doesn\u2019t boast any of the same bells and whistles as more advanced scooters (there\u2019s no regenerative braking system here, I should add), this foot brake will still do the business.<\/p> <\/p> Perhaps the only annoying thing about the GKS is that there\u2019s no handbrake. Understandably, this might make it hard for younger children to get used to at first \u2013 particularly if they\u2019re already accustomed to a hand-operated brake from their bicycle.<\/p> However, this is where GoTrax's Safety Start technology comes into play. There are two buttons on the deck and once they sense pressure the motor will engage and the wheels will gradually turn. To slow down, your child simply needs to take their foot off the back button and the motor will automatically disengage<\/strong> – making it incredibly easy to control the speed of the scooter, especially when the rear fender is stomped on.<\/p> If the lack of a handbrake is a dealbreaker for you, I\u2019d recommend taking a look at Segway-Ninebot\u2019s ZING E8<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 its triple braking system isn\u2019t to be missed.<\/p> There are many reasons to invest in the GKS, but its 5-hour charge time<\/strong> isn\u2019t one of them.<\/p> <\/p> There\u2019s no sidestepping this one. 5 hours is a long time, particularly considering the relatively limited 4 mile range. Plus, this charge time looks even longer when you compare it with Segway\u2019s line of kids scooters that are equipped with Smart Battery Management Systems that aid a charge turnaround of 4 hours in return for 6.2 miles. Similarly, some adult scooters, like the GoTrax XR Elite, which boasts 18.6 miles, take just 3-4 hours to charge.<\/p> Charge this one overnight, or expect to have some inpatient nippers on your hands.<\/p> Coolness and safety don\u2019t necessarily always overlap. That\u2019s why it\u2019s a pleasant breath of fresh air that the GoTrax GKS\u2019s innovative Safety Start Technology manages to buck the trend, providing both style and security in spades. Let me explain.<\/p> As previously mentioned, on the GKS\u2019s deck there are two evenly-spaced pressure sensors \u2013 basically, big buttons. One is located towards the front of the scooter, and the other to the rear. To begin their ride, your kid must simply place one foot on the front button and kick to go. Simple enough, right?<\/p> <\/p> But here\u2019s where the magic happens.<\/p> To engage the motor, your child has to place their other foot on the rear button.<\/p> What makes this technology perfect for beginners is that there\u2019s no chance that the scooter will zoom without your child being ready. Your child can only begin to use the electric motor to accelerate when they\u2019re balanced in a safe riding position.<\/p> This savvy safe-start system will also help your child come to a safer, more comfortable stop. Removing their rear foot from the pressure sensor kills the motor. So, by the time your child goes to use the rear fender brake, the motor\u2019s already been disengaged, and the scooter is already losing pace.<\/p> You don\u2019t see this kind of feature everywhere \u2013 in fact, this technology is unique to GoTrax\u2019s GKS line.<\/strong><\/p> Understandably, then, it\u2019s one of this scooter\u2019s top selling points. If you\u2019re investing in your child\u2019s first foray into the exciting world of electric scooters, you can\u2019t go wrong with the GKS.<\/p> Let\u2019s face it. When you\u2019re buying a scooter for kids<\/strong><\/a>, it\u2019s not the features \u2013 and certainly not the technical specs \u2013 that are going to sway them. It\u2019s the colors.<\/p> Here\u2019s where the GoTrax GKS comes into its own. Available in five different two-tone color schemes, there is something for everyone. Your kids will each get a color scheme that best reflects their unique style and personality, while you\u2019ll avoid the stress of having to sort out fights over which scooter belongs to who.<\/p> So without further ado, let me talk you through each color.<\/p> First, you\u2019ve got the GKS\u2019s flagship design \u2013 a slick, midnight-black body, with electric blue accents making the scooter\u2019s deck, wheels, and handlebars pop.<\/p> Next up is a striking bubblegum pink that\u2019s sure to be a hit with your little girl. This one trades the blue accents of its boyish counterpart for a white trim, giving the scooter a cutesy, marshmallow vibe that emanates fun.<\/p> The GKS\u2019s third and fourth variations let your kid choose from a black frame with either eye-popping red accents or zesty lime green highlights. Both are sure to appeal to young adventurers of all ages.<\/p> And, finally, you\u2019ve got my personal favorite; a black frame with grey trim. This a more understated, stripped-back design and will no doubt strike a chord with youngsters who want a \u2018grown-up\u2019 scooter.<\/p> Your kid will be spoilt for choice.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t It\u2019s a resounding yes from me.<\/p> I mean, come on \u2013 as the cheapest scooter on the market it would be hard for this thing to not be worth your $99.99 investment.<\/p> Sure, the more modest range of specs means your kid won\u2019t be breaking the land speed record any time soon. And its 5 hour charge time and 4 mile range might be potential snagging points for some parents. But, you\u2019ll be paying at least double for any other kid\u2019s scooter worth its salt.<\/p> Even if you use the GoTrax GKS for the sole purpose of getting your child comfortable with their first electric scooter \u2013 before soon upgrading \u2013 it will have still been worth the money you paid.<\/p> If you do invest in the GoTrax GKS, it\u2019s highly unlikely you\u2019ll want to trade this one in anytime soon. With safety features, durability, and style in abundance, this scooter is worth every dime<\/strong>.<\/p> Best Cheap Electric Scooters<\/a><\/strong> <\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
Best Electric Scooters for Boys<\/a><\/strong>
Girls Electric Scooters for Boys<\/a><\/strong><\/p>Pros and Cons<\/h2>
Ride Quality<\/h2>
Is the GoTrax GKS 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>
Performance & Safety<\/h2>
Speed & Acceleration<\/h3>
Range<\/h3>
\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/p>Hill Climbing<\/h3>
\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/p>Shock Absorption \/ Suspension<\/h3>
\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/p>Braking<\/h3>
Charge Time<\/h3>
Features<\/h2>
Safety Start Technology<\/h3>
Available in a Range of Colors<\/h3>
Specification: GoTrax GKS Review<\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
Value for Money<\/h2>
Is it Worth the Price Tag?<\/h3>
\r\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/p>Alternatives<\/h2>
What Other Scooters Should You Consider?<\/h3>
GoTrax GKS Lumios<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Why is it Better Than the GoTrax GKS?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Why is it Worse Than the GoTrax GKS?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Price:<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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$149.99<\/del><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t