Quick Answer: For most budget commuters, Hiboy is the better all-around brand — its core Hiboy S2 (~$380) adds dual braking and pneumatic tires that the cheapest Gotrax models skip. Gotrax wins on the lowest entry price (the Gotrax GXL V2 often sells near $300) and on range, where the Gotrax G4 delivers about 18 real miles versus the S2’s ~14. Pick Hiboy for the safest stops under $400; pick the Gotrax G4 for the most miles per dollar. Plan for roughly 60–70% of any scooter’s advertised range once rider weight, hills, and cold are factored in.
Gotrax and Hiboy are the two brands most shoppers cross-shop when they want a reliable electric scooter without spending $1,000. Both are U.S.-supported budget makers that sell genuine replacement parts and honor warranties — the single biggest thing separating them from the disposable no-name scooters that flood Amazon. We’ve tested the core models from each to settle the most common budget question: Gotrax or Hiboy?
The stakes are mostly about commuting, and the math favors either brand. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the average one-way U.S. commute is about 27 minutes, and most of those trips are under 5 miles — comfortably inside the ~14–20 real miles a good budget scooter from either brand delivers. Just don’t trust the box: independent testers at Electric Scooter Guide consistently measure real-world range at roughly 60–70% of the manufacturer’s rating, so a scooter advertised at 25 miles realistically covers about 15.
Gotrax vs Hiboy at a glance
| Brand | Best for | Entry price | Core strength | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiboy | Safest budget commuter | ~$380 (S2) | Dual braking, pneumatic tires | Costs a bit more to start |
| Gotrax | Lowest price & most range/$ | ~$300 (GXL V2) | Cheap entry, strong G4 range | Cheapest models use single brake |
The verdict in one line
If you want the safest, most well-rounded budget scooter, buy Hiboy. If you want the cheapest scooter worth owning or the most range for your money, buy Gotrax. Neither is a performance brand — for suspension, long range, or off-road power you step up to Segway, NIU, or Apollo (see our best electric scooter rankings).
Round 1: Price — Gotrax wins
Gotrax owns the lowest rung of the budget ladder. The Gotrax GXL V2 regularly sells around $300, making it one of the cheapest scooters we’d still recommend. Hiboy’s entry Hiboy S2 starts closer to $380. That ~$80 gap is real money at this tier — but it buys you a second brake, which matters (Round 2).
At the top of each lineup the gap closes: the
Gotrax G4 ($430) and the
heavier-duty Hiboy Titan
($600–$700) compete on value rather than sticker price.
Winner: Gotrax — lower floor, same value ceiling.
Round 2: Safety & braking — Hiboy wins
This is Hiboy’s signature advantage. Even the entry Hiboy S2 ships with dual braking (electronic regenerative plus a rear disc), while the cheapest Gotrax models lean on a single brake. Dual braking gives shorter, more controlled stops and spreads wear across two systems, so neither wears out as fast. For city riding where a sudden stop is the difference between fine and a hospital visit, this is the spec we’d prioritize first.
It pairs with the most important accessory of all: a helmet. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that the majority of e-scooter injuries involve riders not wearing one, so budget for a CPSC-certified helmet regardless of which brand you choose.
Winner: Hiboy — dual braking standard, even at the entry price.
Round 3: Range — Gotrax (barely) wins
The Gotrax G4 is the budget range champ between these two, delivering about 18 real miles on its 10-inch pneumatic tires. The Hiboy S2 manages about 14 real miles, and the entry Gotrax GXL V2 trails at roughly 9 miles — fine for last-mile trips, short for a full commute. Step up within Hiboy’s line to the Hiboy S2 Pro (~25 advertised / ~17 real miles) and Hiboy reclaims the lead. Remember the 60–70% rule: rate any of these by what it actually does, not the box number.
Winner: Gotrax G4 for range-per-dollar; Hiboy S2 Pro if you spend up.
Round 4: Ride quality & build — close, slight Hiboy edge
Both brands now use pneumatic (air-filled) tires on their core models, which is the single biggest ride-quality upgrade at this price and a reason to avoid solid-tire bargain scooters. Tire sizes are comparable (8.5–10 inches). Hiboy’s frames feel a touch more refined and its dual-brake hardware adds confidence, while Gotrax decks tend to be wide and stable. Neither brand offers real suspension at the entry level — for that, see our best electric scooter with suspension picks. It’s close, but the braking hardware tips it.
Winner: Hiboy — by a nose.
Recommended models head to head
| Model | Brand | Real range | Top speed | Brakes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiboy S2 | Hiboy | ~14 mi | 19 mph | Dual (disc + electronic) | ~$380 |
| Hiboy S2 Pro | Hiboy | ~17 mi | 19 mph | Dual | ~$480 |
| Gotrax GXL V2 | Gotrax | ~9 mi | 15.5 mph | Single | ~$300 |
| Gotrax G4 | Gotrax | ~18 mi | 20 mph | Disc + electronic | ~$430 |
Which should you buy?
- Buy Hiboy if safety and a well-rounded ride matter most. The Hiboy S2 is the best all-around budget commuter here, and the Hiboy S2 Pro adds range without losing the dual brakes.
- Buy Gotrax if you want the lowest price or the most range per dollar. The Gotrax GXL V2 is the cheapest scooter worth owning, and the Gotrax G4 leads on miles.
- Buy neither if you need real suspension, 30+ mile range, or hill-climbing power. At that point the value math points to Segway, NIU, or Apollo instead.
The bottom line
Gotrax and Hiboy are both genuinely good budget brands — the choice comes down to priorities. Hiboy edges it overall on the strength of standard dual braking, making the Hiboy S2 our default budget recommendation. Gotrax wins on price and range-per-dollar, with the Gotrax G4 the smarter pick for longer commutes. Still deciding how much to spend? See our best budget electric scooter roundup, our best value electric scooter rankings, and our best electric scooter under $500 picks. New to the brands entirely? Our best electric scooter brands guide ranks every maker worth your money, and whichever you choose, kit it out with the right electric scooter accessories — a helmet, a good lock, and lights.