Electric Scooter Upgrades - The Best Performance Modifications: DIY guide.
I think I speak for most electric scooter users when I say that we’ve all had that thought: What if I could go just a little bit faster? Or that all-too-familiar feeling of range anxiety as your battery dips to 30%.
The good news? There are plenty of upgrades you can make to your electric scooter. On top of that, you can also boost safety and comfort with upgrades like better tyres, improved suspension, a seat, or even a full-on lighting setup for better night time visibility.
In this article, we’ll go through the most sought-after modifications, how you too can implement them, and how much it would cost you.
The Most Popular Electric Scooter Modifications
Battery and power upgrades are the most popular scooter customizations that riders want. However, these often require upgrading the motor controller as well to ensure it can handle the new performance metrics.
Larger capacity batteries of the same voltage are often available from the manufacturer and this is an easy upgrade to boost your range. Batteries from different scooter manufacturers are often a different physical size and this can be a limiting factor.
Coming in close behind are comfort-focused and handling-improving upgrades such as tyres, suspension, lighting, and seats. While these don’t enhance speed or range, they will greatly improve your riding experience.
Upgrading Your Electric Scooter for More Range and Higher Speed
As you become a more experienced rider, you might find that your current scooter, which once felt thrilling and exciting, no longer tickles you the same way it used to.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. But instead of having to toss your wallet at a brand-new high-performance or long range electric scooter, you can give your current ride a performance boost by upgrading its battery and/or motor.
Battery Upgrade
Range or Power
There are two primary reasons riders upgrade their scooter batteries:
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Higher Speed
This involves upgrading your system’s voltage output, for example, moving from a 36V battery to a 48V battery. This involves swapping all the electronic components that are not compatible with the higher voltage, at least the controller and the battery. Increased power flow through wires and connectors designed for lower power can cause overheating and can be a fire risk so we do not advise doing this without expert advice. -
Increased Range
This means increasing the battery’s storage capacity by either upgrading to a larger battery (more Ah) or adding an additional battery pack. External battery packs should be waterproof and are often mounted on the rear of the scooter to keep the centre of gravity low. Wire looms for these can be made using off the shelf parts but you need a good working knowledge of electronics.
Key Considerations
- Space Constraints: Many scooters have limited battery compartments. Many brands offer models with a variety of battery options to give you increased range. Riders often have to opt for external battery attachments mounted on the stem or footpad.
- Compatibility: Ensure your new battery voltage is compatible with your motor, wiring harness and controller to avoid overheating or other performance issues. Know that this type of modification requires electronics know how.
Costs
Expect to spend $1000–$3000 for a quality battery upgrade, depending on the brand, power, and capacity. Power upgrades, where you change the voltage of your scooter are labour intensive and therefore expensive. This is a high risk modification to do DIY and we do not recommend you do this unless you are qualified.
Pro Tip
Modular or swappable battery systems are an easy way to double your scooter’s range. Simply insert a larger capacity battery to extend your ride’s capacity effortlessly.
Motor Upgrade
Power or Torque
-
Higher Power Output
A higher-wattage motor (e.g., upgrading from 250W to 350W or 1000W to 1200W) can provide significantly more torque for hill climbing, faster acceleration, and smoother handling under heavier loads. -
Increased Speed
While a motor upgrade doesn’t directly determine top speed (this depends on the controller and battery), a more powerful motor can unleash more potential when paired with the right components.
Key Considerations
- Controller Compatibility: A higher-wattage motor requires a controller capable of delivering and managing the increased in power.
- Motor hub Size: Finding a higher capacity motor that will fit can be the most challenging aspect.
- Battery Matching: Ensure your battery and wiring harness can support the motor’s demands to avoid overheating or drastically reduced range.
- Ease of Installation: Most modern scooters use hub motors, which are integrated into the wheels. Replacing these often requires upgrading the controller and battery simultaneously.
Costs
A basic motor upgrade shouldn’t cost you more than $100, plus the cost of the motor, although high-performance motors can be expensive.
Pro Tip
Consider a dual motor setup for maximum torque and performance. This upgrade significantly improves hill-climbing ability and off-road capability. Dual motor scooters require either a dual controller system or two independent controllers wired to the same throttle and battery.
Additional Comfort-Enhancing Upgrades
Not all upgrades are about performance. Here are some comfort-focused upgrades that can dramatically improve your riding experience.
Tyre Upgrades
If your scooter uses honeycomb or solid tyres, upgrading to pneumatic (air-filled) tyres offers a smoother, more cushioned ride. It will also improve your scooter's grip and curve handling.
Many scooter riders prefer solid tyres and consider puncture free honeycomb tyres an upgrade. As scooters become increasingly popular a wider variety of sizes is available to suit a wider range of wheel sizes.
Key Considerations
- Check that your scooter’s rims can accommodate inner tubes if changing to air tyres.
- Ensure the new tyres are the correct size for your scooter. Visual confirmation is advisable. There are a variety of sizes of tyres tyres labelled 8.5*2 inch.
Cost
Pneumatic tyres with inner tubes cost $35–$85 each. Solid tyres range from $50 to $60
Installation
If you’ve ever changed a bike tyre, you’ll find this process pretty straight forward. A heavy duty set of tyre irons is required. Solid tyres can be more of a challenge and many workshops use machinery to install solid tyres.
Suspension Upgrades
Suspension conversion kits are widely available and since they are often based on the common Xiaomi 365 design, they do fit perfectly on a lot of different brand scooters too. It is easy to replace spring suspension with adjustable oil or air shock absorbers. These give you the ability to adjust suspension to suit the terrain you are riding. They provide a more comfortable and more stable ride feel. Heavy riders can get extra heavy duty suspension for most models that use a spring suspension system, greatly widening the range of models they could use.
Key Considerations
- These kits typically come as front or rear upgrades, meaning you have to buy them separately.
- Ensure compatibility with your scooter model.
- Suspension length is measured between the centre of the bolt eye.
Cost
Suspension kits range from $70–$140 per piece.
High quality air or oil suspension start from $120 each and can cost $250 for the very high end brands.
Installation
Follow the instructions to replace your old wheel hangers with the new suspension and off you go.
Conclusion
Upgrading your scooter can significantly enhance its capabilities and boost versatility, making it once more as thrilling as you remember from the first ride. From performance-focused modifications like upgrading the battery and motor to comfort enhancements like better tyres and suspension, there are plenty of ways to tailor your scooter to your needs.
However, not all scooters are worth upgrading. Budget models may not be built to handle additional power, and if your scooter isn’t sturdy enough, you’re better off getting a new electric scooter.
Always weigh the benefits and ensure your upgrades aren’t lowering the safety and handling of your ride. With the right modifications, you can enjoy the trifecta of a safer, smoother, and more exhilarating electric scooter experience!
