Let’s compare the Gotrax GXL V2 vs Xiaomi M365 electric scooters. Both of these high quality two wheelers can be a great choice for adults looking for an easy way to commute or a fun ride for teens.
But there are some major differences between both models. Our guide below will help you find which is the most suitable for you. First we’ve got a quick comparison table of the key features of the Gotrax GXL V2 vs Xiaomi M365.
Then we look at the main differences between them and the advantages of each scooter, in turn. Finally, we’ll summarize the pros and cons of both rides, to help you make the right choice.
Note: The Xiaomi M365 is sometimes marketed as the Xiaomi Mi M365, the Xiaomi M365 Mi, or simply the Xiaomi Mi – they’re all exactly the same model.
Gotrax GXL V2 vs Xiaomi M365 – Quick Comparison
In the table below we’ve summarized the main features of each scooter in a side by side comparison, to make it easy to see the differences between them.
Gotrax GXL V2 | Xiaomi M365 | |
---|---|---|
Description | Lightweight, folding electric scooter, ideal for commuting | Lightweight, folding electric scooter, ideal for commuting |
Age | * 16+ | * 16+ |
Weight Limit | 220 lbs | 220 lbs |
Suggested Height of Rider | 5' - 6'6" | 5' - 6'6" |
Top Speed | 15.5 mph | 15.5 mph |
Price | See at Amazon | See at Amazon |
Battery System | 36V 5.2ah extended range lithium ion battery | 42V from 30 x 18650mAh LG lithium ion battery units |
Range | 9 - 12 miles | 18 miles |
Battery Recharge Time | 3 - 4 hours | 5 hours |
Motor and Gearing | 250 Watt brushless DC hub motor | 250 Watt |
Maximum power | 500 Watt | 500 Watt |
Cruise control | Yes | Yes - can be set via App |
Speed modes | Max and economy | Standard and ECO (can be limited to ECO via App) |
Front brake | Hand operated regenerative E-ABS | Hand operated regenerative E-ABS |
Rear brake | Hand operated disc brake | Hand operated disc brake |
Stopping distance | Approx. 13' at 15.5 mph | Approx. 16' at 15.5 mph |
Material | Aluminum alloy, reinforced frame with reinforced plastic fenders | Aircraft grade aluminum alloy |
Colors | Black, white, red | Black, white |
Adjustable Handlebars | No | No |
Hand Grips | Non-slip rubber | Non-slip |
Foldable handlebar | No | No |
Front Wheel Size | 8.5" | 8.5" |
Tires | Pneumatic, air-filled, rubber tires | Pneumatic, air filled, rubber tires |
Tire pressure | 50-75 psi | 35-60 psi |
Suspension | None | None |
Retractable Kickstand | Yes | Yes |
Waterproof rating | IP54 | IP54 |
Lights | LED front light, rear reflector | Front & rear LED, flashing brake light |
Monitors | Digital display of speed, light status, cruise control & battery life | Battery life indicated by 4 LEDs |
Bluetooth / Smartphone connectivity | No | Yes, App for Android and iOS |
Incline capability | 14 degrees | 14 degrees |
Bell | Yes | Yes |
Provided with lock | No | No |
Alarm | No | No |
Warranty | 90 days | 12 months |
Product Weight | 26.45 lbs | 26.9 lbs |
Deck to Handlebars Height | 38" | 38.6" |
Deck Dimensions | 19" x 6" | 18" x 6" |
Ground clearance of deck | 3.9" | 3.5" |
Foldable | Yes - folds to 17.1" L x 14.6" W x 43.3" H | Yes - folds to 19.3" L x 16.9" W x 42.5" H |
Folding locking mechanism | Yes | Yes |
Assembled Dimensions | 42" L x 14.6" W x 43.8" H | 42.5" L x 16.9" W x 44.9" H |
Assembly Time | approx 20 minutes | 5 minutes (just 4 screws) |
Company based in | USA | China |
* Note on Age: Both companies recommend a minimum age of 16+ but this is a little conservative – an age range of 13+ (based on reviews from many buyers) with parental supervision may be suitable if a teenager is tall enough (about 5′) to safely reach and control the handlebar.
Main Differences
The main differences between the Gotrax GXL V2 and Xiaomi M365 scooters are the price, the maximum travel range, level of connectivity and display.
The Xiaomi M365 is usually about twice the price of the Gotrax GXL V2. It has a 17% more powerful battery (42V vs 36v) which allows the rider to travel up to twice the distance (18 miles vs 9-12 miles) on a full charge. However, this larger battery does take longer to recharge (5 hours vs 3-4 hours).
The Xiaomi M365 can be paired with an iOS or Android smartphone via Bluetooth – there is a bespoke app to view real-time data such as battery condition, speed, riding habits, cruise control. However, it is not advisable to use a phone while riding! The app can also be used to control energy recovery.
The much cheaper Gotrax GXL V2 has no connectivity but it does have a digital display showing current speed, light status, cruise control and battery life, whereas the Xiaomi M365 only has flashing indicators to show battery life.
Check out the video below to see the Gotrax GXL V2 in action:
For comparison, the video below shows the Xiaomi M365 on various surfaces:
Advantages of Gotrax GXL V2
The Gotrax GXL V2 has several advantages over the Xiaomi M365:
- Often retails for about half the price of the Xiaomi Mi M365, but check prices below
- Easier to monitor speed, light status and cruise control status as it has an inbuilt digital display (whereas with the Xiaomi 365 you need to use an app on your smartphone)
- Slightly higher ground clearance (3.9″ vs 3.5″) reduces the chance of grounding the deck on uneven surfaces
- Easier to access cruise control (hold the throttle for 10 seconds vs use an app on your smartphone)
- Shorter stopping distance (13′ vs 16′ at 15.5 mph)
- The battery can be recharged more quickly (3-4 hours vs 5 hours)
- 1 extra color option so there is more chance of finding one in your ideal color
- Easier to purchase replacement parts (Gotrax is a USA company whereas Xiaomi is a Chinese company)
Advantages of Xiaomi M365
The Xiaomi M365 has a few advantages over the Gotrax GXL V2:
- 17% more powerful battery (42V vs 36V)
- Up to twice the range (18 miles vs 9-12 miles)
- Speed mode can be limited to ECO (using the app) for new or younger riders
- Rear LED light whereas the Gotrax GXL V2 only has a rear reflector
- Slightly wider handlebars make turning and controlling the scooter easier
- Has Bluetooth connectivity for various functions, including setting your own cruise control
- Longer warranty (12 months vs 90 days)
- Faster to assemble (5 minutes vs up to 20 minutes)
Pros of Both
Here is a summary of what we love about both scooters:
- Fold up very small for easy carrying and storage
- Quick to assemble – no more than 20 minutes
- Specifically designed with the commuter in mind
- Top speeds are low enough to be relatively safe (although we still recommend wearing protective gear for scooters) but high enough for a thrill
- Pneumatic front and rear tires (larger than on many commuter scooters) give a more comfortable, stable ride with good grip on the road
- Regenerative braking helps recharge the battery
- Electronic ABS brakes make stopping safer
- Rear disc brakes ensure reliable stopping
- Battery life indicators help you recharge when needed
- Easy to recharge the battery using home electric supply
- Aluminum alloy frames means no rust and makes the scooters lighter for storage
- Front and rear lights or reflectors make for safer driving in the dark
- Cruise control
- Retractable kickstand
- Bell on handlebars for when you need to warn others that you are approaching
- No pollution and low noise
Cons of Both
Here is a summary of what we don’t like so much about both scooters:
- Lower power than some scooters but these are both budget scooters
- Battery recharge time is at least 3 hours so charging needs to be planned
- Aluminum alloy frames are not as strong as steel (but rust less)
- No suspension, although pneumatic tires do provide some shock absorption
- Height of handlebars can’t be adjusted (although this does make them more stable)
- No option to add a seat for those who have difficulty standing for long periods
- While the pneumatic tires should be able handle some soil or gravel, these scooters aren’t really designed for off-road
- Helmet and protective clothing (see our FAQ for recommended safety gear) may be uncomfortable in hot weather
- IP54 waterproof rating means the scooters can withstand splashing but they are NOT waterproof – riding them in very heavy rain should be avoided
- Batteries must not be stored in temperatures below freezing and must be recharged at least once a month to keep them fully operational
- Not provided with anti-theft locks or alarms to allow the scooters to securely be left unattended
Conclusion – Which is Best?
These scooters are popular models from Gotrax and Xiaomi. They are both very similar in size, lightweight, easily foldable, have the same top speed and share many of the same features. So which is the best?
In our view the answer depends mostly on whether range is of paramount importance. If a range of 9-12 miles is adequate for your needs, we would say that the Gotrax GXL V2 wins hands down.
Yes, the range is smaller but most other features are comparable to the M365 (top speed, weight capacity, size, motor, speed modes, braking system, tires, incline capability). And some are actually better (charging time, stopping distance, number of color options, digital display, access to cruise control).
It’s also typically about half the price of the Xiaomi M365 and, being made by a US company, purchasing it supports jobs in the home market.
Tip: as the Gotrax GXL V2 warranty is only 90 days, it may be worth buying a 2 Year Protection Plan for extra peace of mind.
Owner’s Manuals
The Gotrax GXL V2 owner’s manual is available in PDF format from Gotrax here.
The Xiaomi M365 owner’s manual is available in PDF format from Mi here.
NOTE: A parent’s decision to allow a child to ride either the Gotrax GXL V2 or the Xiaomi M365 should depend on the child’s individual maturity, skill and ability to follow rules.