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Wirecutter's top pick (updated 2026-10-08): it had the most battery left in both of its ride tests, holds speed up hills, and has automatic cruise control and a built-in cable lock. It has no eco mode, a short deck and a bulky charger, and RiderGuide found the rear-only brakes weak until adjusted and the throttle fussy to start.
Real-world range: Claimed range varies by listing. Wirecutter's G4 500W did two laps of a 3.68-mile park loop and still showed three of four bars, and finished a 10-mile city loop with 1.5 bars left. RiderGuide measured 14.6 miles with a 165 lb rider, about half the claimed range.
Weight: 38.7 lb measured by Wirecutter (37 lb spec); 37.4 lb measured by RiderGuide
Recalls (CPSC): No CPSC recall found for the Gotrax G4 (SaferProducts.gov recall search, checked 2026-10-11).
Top complaints
- Brakes need adjusting and aren't very strong
RiderGuide says the G4 has only rear braking (a disc plus an electronic brake), the brakes needed adjusting before they stopped well, and it measured 21.5 ft to stop from 15 mph.
- Fussy throttle and jerky acceleration
RiderGuide says you have to kick off to about 3 mph and sometimes double-tap the throttle before the motor engages, and the cruise control can't be disabled. Wirecutter found acceleration harsh and jerky at times, though never enough to feel unsafe.
Source: RiderGuide (GOTRAX G4 review), Wirecutter - Short deck, no eco mode and a bulky charger
Wirecutter's tester (men's 12.5 shoes) struggled to fit both feet on the 17-inch flat deck, which made looking behind awkward. There's no low-speed eco mode, and the charger brick is about 5.5 x 2.5 inches.
Source: Wirecutter
What owners love
- Best range in Wirecutter's test
It had the most battery left after both Wirecutter ride tests, and held 15 mph all the way up the main hill in Prospect Park and up the Manhattan Bridge from a stop.
Source: Wirecutter - Automatic cruise control and anti-theft extras
Cruise control kicks in at each mode's top speed so you can take your thumb off the throttle (Wirecutter). It has a three-digit display code and a built-in steel cable combination lock.
Source: Wirecutter, RiderGuide (GOTRAX G4 review) - Light enough to carry, with a quick fold
Wirecutter measured 38.7 lb, one of the lighter scooters it tested. RiderGuide says it folds in about 5 seconds and the stem hooks to the rear fender for carrying.
Source: Wirecutter, RiderGuide (GOTRAX G4 review)
- You have large feet or ride in bulky shoes
- You want strong front and rear brakes
- You want an eco mode to stretch the last miles
- Commutes of up to about 10 miles
- Riders who don't want an app
- A 2-year battery warranty (at $499 or more)
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter: Top pick (updated 2026-10-08): the best mix of range and portability Wirecutter tested, with automatic cruise control. Flaws are no eco mode, a short deck and a bulky charger; the 2-year warranty drops to 1 year if bought under $499.
- RiderGuide (formerly Electric Scooter Guide), best electric scooters: Best under $500 (updated 2026-09-25): the quickest budget commuter RiderGuide has tested and easy to carry, but the throttle needs a kick start and the brakes needed adjusting.
- RiderGuide (GOTRAX G4 review): Review (originally 2020, page updated 2026-10-07): a solid entry-level commuter, not a performance scooter. RiderGuide reports poor post-purchase support.