The most straightforward method for increasing your scooter’s speed is to remove any speed-limiting mechanisms it has. This can be achieved by changing the current speed mode (it might be set to a lower mode) or removing the speed limiter (physical or firmware) that most electric scooters come with. With high-end electric scooters, you will probably have to do both–removing the physical limiter and modifying the firmware, too. Another simple trick is to increase tire pressure to reduce rolling friction, thereby increasing speed.
Stripping weight from the scooter to make it faster is out of the question since an electric scooter doesn’t even have much weight or parts that you can shed without compromising its integrity or functionality.
Beyond these approaches, the only way to add speed to a low-power scooter with a basic controller is by replacing or modifying the internal components. Generally, choosing to replace these parts is simpler. This would involve getting a controller with a higher amp rating, a battery of higher voltage equipped with a superior BMS, and a motor rated for higher power. At this point, it might be cheaper to just buy a faster scooter. However, you can make it more affordable by looking for second-hand parts harvested from other electric scooters on eBay.
Before replacing the parts, look at the maximum working parameters for the various components. Some controllers can typically handle a higher voltage, while all motors can handle a higher power than they are rated for. If they can handle the additional voltage and power, then you can start by changing the battery to a larger one that can supply their max operational limits. However, operating them at their limits can reduce their lifespan and increase the risk of overheating and damage. Upgrading the battery also means adjusting your charging setup, possibly necessitating a new charger.
It’s also important to note that such modifications will invariably void any existing warranty. Therefore, if your scooter is brand new, you might want to consider keeping it in its original state, possibly as a backup option, and instead opt for a faster model.
If acquiring new parts isn’t viable, you could modify what you have. This may involve carrying out a shunt mod on your controller to make it draw more current from the battery and supply more current to the motor. The motor can most probably handle the additional power but can be made to handle even more by removing the old winding and replacing it with new and more windings. Note that rewinding a motor can cost 30 to 50% of the price of a new motor, so it might be more sensible to purchase a new one if the cost is prohibitive.
Overall, achieving a significant speed jump, for instance, going from 20 km/h to 60 km/h, with a scooter powered by a 36V battery and a 350W motor, is ambitious using standard tweaks and component modifications; you might only realistically see a modest increase of 5-10 km/h. However, through the replacement of parts, reaching the speed you desire is possible but also requires careful consideration. Entry-level scooters are not engineered for high-velocity travel. From the tires (some with solid and tiny tires <10 inches) to the frame itself, the components may not withstand significant speed increases without posing safety risks. Hence, unless you’re upgrading an already fast scooter, moderation is key.
A final nugget of wisdom? Next time, aim high with the specs. Get a scooter that’s more machine than you think you need. They’re equipped with speed modes for a reason, giving you the option to dial it back when you need to. Also, buy an electric scooter that is within your weight limit to get the most out of the components without stressing them out.
