What is the best commuter electric scooter under $500?
The vast majority of people who buy electric scooters have a strict budget that they are willing to spend and they mostly look for commuter electric scooters. These days there are so many new e-scooters to choose from but very few are willing to spend €1500-$2000 for a high performance electric scooter.
The GOTRAX XR Elite has been designed to be a affordable commuter electric scooter for the masses. In this category it is one of the best scooters you can get. There are many reasons why XR Elite is so popular and in this short GOTRAX XR Elite review, I will go over the specs, features, pros and cons of the XR Elite.
The GOTRAX XR Elite Specs and Features!
GOTRAX XR Elite: Best Commuter Electric Scooter Under $500?
Speed and acceleration
GOTRAX XR Elite has a top speed of 15.5 mph or almost 25 km/h. These numbers were achieved under ideal conditions and in the real world you most likely won't reach these numbers, especially if you are a heavier rider.
The XR Elite accelerates to 23.3 km/h in 7.6 seconds on a flat road with a 165 pound rider. For example the Xiaomi M365 accelerates to this speed in 6.3 seconds. The acceleration is not very good for the XR Elite, which is to be expected and it is not a very important factor.
Battery and range
The estimated range of 36V 7.8aH high capacity battery is a little less than the advertised 18 miles. In real world conditions the range can be 15-16 miles and for heavier riders even lower than that.
But the battery itself has many features that increases its longevity, such as overcharging protection, over-discharging protection, temperature resistance, short circuit protection, open circuit protection and over current protection.
The XR Elite has a dual braking system: mechanical disc brake in the rear and regenerative brake in the front. In tests the XR Elite comes to a full stop from 24 km/h in 4.5 meters or 15 feet, which is a very good results. The brakes of the XR Elite are excellent.
Ride quality and portability
The XR Elite has large 8.5-inch or 21.6 cm pneumatic (air-filled) tires. It doesn't have a suspension but the large air-filled tires offer plenty of cushioning on smooth roads. Obviously there is more vibrations on rougher roads but nothing too bad.
The 6.6-inch wide deck is also the widest of the GOTRAX scooters this makes riding more comfortable for those with bigger feet.
With a weight of 14.46 kg or 31.88 pounds it folds down to a compact 104 x 43 x 15 cm. This makes the scooter very portable, making it comfortable to carry the scooter up the stairs or storing in the back of your car trunk.
The locking mechanism of the XR Elite has an extra locking pin added for extra safety as well.
Lights and build quality
The LED headlight of the XR Elite is brighter than other previous GOTRAX electric scooters. Another upgrade is the rear LED fender light, which only had a rear reflector on previous scooters. There are also additional reflectors on the sides of the scooter for added safety.
Although the LED headlight is a little brighter it is still recommended to added extra lights if you are panning to ride during low light conditions.
The cockpit of the XR Elite has quality grips on the handlebars, smooth brake lever, easy-to-use accelerator and bell for alterting others.
The water resistance rating of IP-54 means that the scooter can be ridden in light rain but not in very heavy rain or submerged under water.
The overall build quality and design of the GOTRAX electric scooters in general is very good, especially considering its price range.
GOTRAX XR ELITE Pros and Cons
Is it the best commuter electric scooter under $500?
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Overall the GOTRAX XR ELITE is certainly one of the best commuter electric scooters under $500. It doesn't have any outstanding features but it is a solid commuter scooter that ticks all the boxes. There are some drawback, such as the range and slow acceleration.
You will certainly get a better overall scooter for $800 but if you don't want to spend more than $500 then the XR Elite is certainly worth the money.
Also it is important to keep in mind that this is an entry-level scooter. If you are planning to use your scooter on a daily basis and ride on fairly rough roads then you might want to look for a more expensive but more robust scooter.
A Dream Come True!!
Jenny Roberts - Writer
I got a Xr Elite scooter and it is THE LIFE!! I also love how on the website it shows really strong details. Having this scooter is literally a dream come true!!
Lots of fun for adults as well as kids!
Jim S -
I snagged an elite right before they went out of stock again and so glad I did. So much fun to ride. I'm 6 ft 210 lbs and this scooter does not show any kind of weakness with me on it. Zooms up hills at 10 mph, and cruises consistently on flat ground at 15.5 mph top speed.
I use any excuse to go out and ride it through the neighborhood. Its a little heavy, but its worth it for the range you will get out of it. Extremely happy with our purchase, and will be looking to get another one when they come back in stock.
