With a list price of $900, GoTrax GMax Ultra is the company's top-of-the-line commuter scooter. It boasts a 350-watt motor and a 36-volt, 17.5-aH LG lithium-ion battery. Its 10-inch air-filled tires made rides more comfortable than expected considering it doesn't have a suspension. It took approximately four to five hours to charge.
The scooter is a kick-and-go, meaning you kick to take off and then use the well-placed thumb throttle on the right side of the handlebar to keep moving. It can hit a top speed of 20 mph and, according to GoTrax, you can get about 45 miles of travel between charges. In real-world usage, it was about half of that, which is still pretty good. This also depends on the rider's size, hills and wind conditions. It supports riders up to 220 pounds.
On the left side of the handlebars is the power button, as well as plus and minus buttons. Hold the power button for three seconds to turn the scooter on and off. By default, the scooter requires a three-digit passcode to turn on that is entered using the plus-minus buttons and the power button to confirm. This won't stop someone from pushing the scooter, but the passcode along with a built-in stainless-steel cable and four-digit combination lock are nice to have for quickly locking it up. Plus, if you try to turn it on and roll it, the motors will slow its movement while making a beeping sound until the passcode is entered.
Holding the minus button puts the scooter in walk mode. This gives you a 3-mph power assist while you walk the scooter. Another nice feature: if the throttle is held for 10 seconds it enters cruise control where the scooter will maintain its speed until the brakes or throttle are touched. It can also be used to change gears when combined with the plus button.
The build quality of the scooter is very good and it weighs 46 pounds. I exceed the 220-pound limit and it moved effortlessly without any creaking underneath me -- at least on level ground. Uphill was another story, though it performed admirably uphill with someone under the weight limit.
The rear disc brake worked great regardless of the rider's weight. A rear brake light illuminates when engaged and there's an LED headlight with a reflector beneath it. The LED display on the scooter is clear and visible in direct sunlight. It provides information on current speed, battery level and total distance traveled. The scooter is rear-wheel drive; when riding, most of the weight is in the rear and this helps maintain traction. It also makes the front lighter when lifting on or off a curb.
The scooter's design is clean and sleek, made from aluminum alloy A606 and has an IPX4 rating, which means you're safe from splashing water. It easily folded down for transport and, since the handlebars lock from the side of the deck, it's impossible for the latch to come loose while carrying. When upright, the handlebars are at a perfect height. I didn't feel hunched over them or pressure on my palms, and the steering column is steady and responsive.
Want more information on Is an Electric Moped a Good Choice?? Click the link below to contact us.