Changing your Gotrax scooter’s speed display from kilometers per hour (km/h) to miles per hour (mph) is simple and takes just a few steps. This guide walks you through the process for various Gotrax models, ensuring you can ride confidently with familiar speed readings.
Key Takeaways
- Most Gotrax models allow unit switching via the display panel. No app or tools required—just a few button presses.
- The process varies slightly by model. Always check your scooter’s user manual or identify your model first.
- Hold the power and mode buttons simultaneously. This is the most common method across Gotrax scooters.
- Look for a “km/h” or “mph” indicator on the display. A successful change will show the new unit immediately.
- Resetting to factory settings may revert the unit. Repeat the process if needed after a reset.
- Some older models may not support mph. Confirm compatibility before attempting the change.
- Always test the display after changing units. Ride safely and verify the reading matches your expected speed.
How to Change Gotrax from Km to Mph: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve recently purchased a Gotrax electric scooter—or you’re just getting the hang of your ride—you might have noticed that the speedometer displays kilometers per hour (km/h) instead of miles per hour (mph). For riders in the United States, Canada, the UK, and other countries that use the imperial system, seeing km/h can be confusing and even unsafe if you’re not used to the metric scale. The good news? You can easily change your Gotrax scooter from km to mph in just a few seconds—no tools, apps, or technical skills required.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to switch your Gotrax display from kilometers to miles. Whether you own a Gotrax GXL, G4, G2, G Max, or another popular model, this guide covers the most common methods. We’ll also share troubleshooting tips, model-specific instructions, and safety reminders to ensure you get it right the first time.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to change your Gotrax from km to mph, understand why the setting might revert, and feel confident riding with a display that matches your local speed norms.
Why Change from Km to Mph?
Visual guide about How to Change Gotrax from Km to Mph
Image source: ridermojo.com
Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about why this change matters. Speed units aren’t just about preference—they impact safety, legality, and usability.
In the United States, speed limits, road signs, and traffic laws are all based on miles per hour. If your scooter shows 25 km/h, that’s roughly 15.5 mph—but without the conversion, you might misjudge your speed. This can lead to riding too fast in residential areas or too slow on bike lanes, both of which can be dangerous.
Additionally, many riders use their scooters for commuting or exercise and want to track their pace in familiar units. If you’re training for a 10-mile ride or comparing your speed to a friend’s, mph makes far more sense than km/h.
Finally, some Gotrax scooters are imported or sold globally, which means they may default to metric units. Changing to mph ensures your scooter feels native to your region and riding habits.
What You’ll Need
The great thing about changing the speed unit on a Gotrax scooter is that you don’t need any special equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your Gotrax electric scooter (powered on)
- A flat, stable surface to stand on
- About 30 seconds of your time
That’s it! No smartphone app, no USB cable, no technical know-how. The setting is built into the scooter’s onboard computer and accessible through the display panel.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Change Gotrax from Km to Mph
Now, let’s get to the main event. Below are the step-by-step instructions for changing your Gotrax scooter from kilometers per hour to miles per hour. We’ll start with the most common method, which works for the majority of Gotrax models.
Step 1: Power On Your Scooter
First, make sure your Gotrax scooter is turned on. Press and hold the power button (usually located on the handlebar or stem) until the display lights up. You should see the battery level, speed, and possibly other indicators like lights or cruise control.
Wait a few seconds for the display to fully initialize. Some models show a startup animation or self-test sequence. Let it complete before proceeding.
Step 2: Locate the Mode and Power Buttons
Next, identify the two key buttons on your scooter’s handlebar:
- Power Button: Typically a round or rectangular button used to turn the scooter on and off.
- Mode Button: Often labeled “M” or “Mode,” this button cycles through different display modes (e.g., speed, trip distance, odometer).
These buttons are usually positioned near each other on the left or right side of the handlebar. On some models, they’re integrated into a single control panel.
Step 3: Press and Hold Both Buttons Simultaneously
Here’s the magic step: Press and hold both the power button and the mode button at the same time.
Hold them down for about 3 to 5 seconds. You don’t need to press hard—just firm enough to register the input.
While holding, watch the display closely. You should see a change in the unit indicator. If it currently shows “km/h,” it should switch to “mph” (or vice versa).
Step 4: Release the Buttons and Confirm the Change
Once you see the unit change, release both buttons. The display should now show speed in miles per hour.
To confirm, give the throttle a gentle twist. The speedometer should respond and display a number in mph. For example, if you’re going 10 mph, it should show “10” with “mph” indicated (sometimes as a small icon or text below the number).
If the change didn’t happen, don’t worry—we’ll cover troubleshooting in a later section.
Step 5: Test Ride (Optional but Recommended)
For peace of mind, take your scooter for a short test ride. Ride at a steady speed and check that the display shows a realistic mph reading. Compare it to a known speed (like a car passing you or a GPS app on your phone) to verify accuracy.
This step is especially helpful if you’re unsure whether the change took effect.
Model-Specific Instructions
While the above method works for most Gotrax scooters, some models have slight variations. Below are instructions for popular Gotrax models.
Gotrax GXL (V1 and V2)
The Gotrax GXL is one of the brand’s most popular models. Here’s how to change it from km to mph:
- Turn on the scooter.
- Press and hold the power button and mode button together for 3–5 seconds.
- Watch for the unit to switch from “km/h” to “mph.”
- Release the buttons and confirm the change.
Note: On the GXL V2, the display may briefly flash or show a settings menu. If this happens, the unit change is still triggered by the button hold.
Gotrax G4
The Gotrax G4 features a sleek display and responsive controls. To switch units:
- Power on the scooter.
- Press and hold both the power and mode buttons.
- Hold for 4–6 seconds until the unit changes.
- Release and verify the display now shows mph.
Some G4 users report that the change happens after a slight delay. Be patient and keep the buttons pressed.
Gotrax G2 and G Max
For the G2 and G Max models, the process is nearly identical:
- Turn on the scooter.
- Press and hold power + mode buttons.
- Wait for the unit to toggle.
- Release and confirm.
On the G Max, the display is larger and may show “MPH” in bold letters when active.
Gotrax XR and XR Elite
The XR series uses a similar interface. Follow these steps:
- Power on.
- Hold power and mode buttons for 3–5 seconds.
- Look for the unit change on the screen.
- Release and test.
Tip: If the display shows a gear or mode indicator (like “ECO” or “SPORT”), the unit change still applies to the speed reading.
What If the Change Doesn’t Work?
Sometimes, the unit doesn’t switch as expected. Don’t panic—this is usually fixable. Here are common reasons and solutions.
The Display Doesn’t Change
If pressing the buttons doesn’t change the unit, try the following:
- Check battery level: A very low battery can limit display functions. Charge your scooter fully and try again.
- Ensure both buttons are pressed: It’s easy to miss one. Press firmly and simultaneously.
- Try a longer hold: Some models require 5–7 seconds. Be patient.
- Restart the scooter: Turn it off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on and retry.
The Unit Reverts After a Reset
If you’ve recently reset your scooter to factory settings (e.g., after a firmware update or troubleshooting), the unit may have reverted to km/h. This is normal. Simply repeat the button-hold process to switch back to mph.
Your Model Doesn’t Support Mph
Older or region-specific Gotrax models may only support km/h. This is rare but possible. Check your user manual or contact Gotrax support to confirm compatibility.
If your scooter doesn’t support mph, consider using a conversion chart or a smartphone app to translate speeds while riding.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
To make the process even easier, keep these tips in mind:
- Do it on a flat surface: Avoid hills or uneven ground while changing settings.
- Stand securely: Keep one hand on the handlebar for balance.
- Charge your scooter first: A full battery ensures all systems are active.
- Take a photo of the display: Before and after, so you can compare.
- Teach a friend: If you share your scooter, show others how to switch units.
Safety Reminders
Changing the display unit is safe, but always prioritize safety when riding:
- Never attempt to change settings while moving.
- Always wear a helmet and follow local traffic laws.
- Be aware of speed limits—mph readings help, but judgment matters most.
- If you’re unsure about your scooter’s behavior, stop and consult the manual.
Why Gotrax Uses Km/h by Default
You might wonder why Gotrax scooters default to kilometers per hour. The answer lies in global manufacturing and distribution.
Gotrax is a U.S.-based brand, but many of its scooters are designed and assembled in countries that use the metric system, such as China. To streamline production and comply with international standards, the default unit is often set to km/h.
Additionally, electric scooters are popular worldwide, and km/h is the standard in most countries. By starting with metric, Gotrax ensures compatibility across markets. The ability to switch to mph makes the scooter user-friendly for American riders.
Can You Change It Back to Km/h?
Absolutely! The same process works in reverse. If you ever need to switch back to kilometers per hour—say, you’re traveling abroad or lending the scooter to a friend who prefers metric—just repeat the steps:
- Power on the scooter.
- Press and hold power + mode buttons.
- Watch for the unit to change from “mph” to “km/h.”
- Release and confirm.
The toggle works both ways, so you can switch as often as needed.
Advanced Tips: Using Apps and Firmware
While most Gotrax models don’t require an app to change units, some newer versions (like the Gotrax G4 with Bluetooth) may offer additional control via the Gotrax app.
If your scooter supports app connectivity:
- Download the official Gotrax app (available on iOS and Android).
- Pair your scooter via Bluetooth.
- Navigate to settings and look for “Unit Preference” or “Speed Display.”
- Select “mph” and save.
Note: Not all models support app-based unit changes. Check your scooter’s compatibility before relying on the app.
Firmware updates can also affect display settings. If you’ve recently updated your scooter’s firmware, the unit may have reset. Reapply the button method to restore mph.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple processes can go wrong. Here are mistakes to watch out for:
- Pressing buttons too quickly: The scooter needs time to register the input. Hold for at least 3 seconds.
- Using only one button: Both power and mode must be pressed together.
- Trying while the scooter is off: The display must be active for the change to work.
- Assuming it didn’t work after one try: Sometimes it takes two or three attempts. Be patient.
- Ignoring the manual: Your specific model may have unique instructions. Always check the user guide.
Final Thoughts
Changing your Gotrax scooter from km to mph is a quick, easy, and essential step for riders in mph regions. With just a few button presses, you can make your scooter’s display more intuitive, safer, and better aligned with your daily riding habits.
Whether you’re commuting to work, cruising through the park, or just enjoying a weekend ride, seeing your speed in miles per hour makes the experience more natural and enjoyable. And now, you know exactly how to do it—no guesswork, no frustration.
Remember: the key is holding both the power and mode buttons simultaneously for a few seconds. Watch the display, confirm the change, and test it out. If it doesn’t work the first time, try again. Most issues are minor and easily resolved.
Gotrax scooters are designed to be user-friendly, and this feature is a great example of that. So go ahead—make the switch, ride confidently, and enjoy every mile (not kilometer) of your journey.
Troubleshooting Summary
If you’re still having trouble, here’s a quick troubleshooting checklist:
- ✅ Is the scooter powered on?
- ✅ Are both buttons pressed at the same time?
- ✅ Are you holding for 3–5 seconds?
- ✅ Is the battery charged above 20%?
- ✅ Have you tried restarting the scooter?
- ✅ Does your model support mph? (Check the manual)
If all else fails, contact Gotrax customer support. They’re responsive and can guide you through model-specific steps.
Conclusion
Switching your Gotrax scooter from kilometers per hour to miles per hour is one of the simplest yet most impactful adjustments you can make. It enhances safety, improves usability, and makes your ride feel more personalized.
With this guide, you now have everything you need: clear instructions, model-specific tips, troubleshooting advice, and safety reminders. Whether you’re a new rider or a seasoned commuter, changing to mph is a smart move.
So power on your scooter, press those buttons, and enjoy the ride—in miles per hour.