Moden e-scooters are a pleasant, convenient, environmentally friendly, and generally safe method of transportation for both pleasure and commuting, but some riders have a problem with their low peak speeds. We’ll teach you how to remove the speed limit on your electric scooter securely in the video below.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Some states and towns may have rules governing e-scooter modification and speed limitations
- Many models may have their batteries upgraded in addition to the speed limiter is removed (if mechanical)
- Any alteration may invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty and cause lasting damage to your scooter
Before we get started, it’s crucial to understand that the speed limiter on electric scooter has a purpose: it not only governs peak speeds but also controls the scooter’s general operation. Furthermore, removing the speed limit may be illegal in your city or state, and depending on the new peak speed, it may make the scooter less safe for general usage. Before making any changes to your scooter, it’s a good idea to check your state’s laws.
Insider Tip
When the scooter reaches the manufacturer’s top speed, the sensor sends a signal to the CPU to stop it from going any faster.
Removing the Speed Limiter
Though there are too many variables to detail here for step-by-step directions for removing your e-speed scooter’s limitation, there are three main approaches to do the change, which are dependent on the design and, to a lesser extent, the age of your scooter. You can reference more specialized sources for step-by-step directions after you’ve identified the right procedure depending on your model, which should involve reviewing your owner’s handbook. When attempting to change the scooter headlight bulb, make sure you have your handbook handy.
Method 1- DC-type Driving Motor
Some e-scooters employ a DC-type drive motor; in these versions, the speed controller counts rotations on the wheel using a sensor on the transmission system to calculate the scooter’s current speed. When the scooter reaches the manufacturer’s top speed, the sensor sends a signal to the CPU to stop it from going any faster.
In such versions, removing any speed limiting controls is as easy as detaching the sensor’s cables, which can typically be done fast and neatly. In some circumstances, Phillip’s head screwdriver will be required. In general, the sensor may be reattached just as simple as it was removed, as long as precautions are taken not to damage it. Disabling this sort of speed controller is usually the simplest.
Insider Tip
Most modern e-scooters come with smartphone applications that enable you to adjust numerous manufacturer-approved settings.
Method 2- Modifying Firmware
Before you begin, keep in mind that changing the firmware on your electric scooter might permanently harm it and lose its manufacturing warranty, so make sure you’ve done your homework on your model. Furthermore, not every e-scooter, particularly older ones, can have firmware modified.
Once you’ve decided to give it a go, you’ll need to see whether there are any firmware tweaks or custom upgrades available to your model. If there is, you should be users can download the custom patch to your mobile device and use the scooter’s built-in app to communicate with it. Most modern e-scooters come with companion smartphone applications that enable you to modify different manufacturer-approved settings; this is how you’d get firmware updates from the manufacturer. For example,
Finally, keep in mind that firmware upgrades are seldom reversible, so be sure you’re making an informed decision before risking a void warranty or a scooter that won’t work.
Method 3- Upgrading the Battery
When it comes to speed adjustments, a battery upgrade is another popular alternative. Again, installing and using your scooter on the battery besides the one authorized by the manufacturer for your model might invalidate your warranty and cause irreversible harm to your scooter. Running your scooter with such a higher-voltage battery than it was meant for can cause your scooter to overheat and damage electrical components, as well as the electric motor itself.
Aside from the motor’s design, an e-battery scooter dictates its peak speeds, with the variation that exists from 24-48 volts depending on the model, although most models utilize a 24-volt lithium-ion battery.
To begin, check to see whether your scooter can accept a different, typically larger battery pack. To attain higher peak speeds, you don’t need to place a 48-volt battery into a 24-volt battery pack, and too much power might harm your scooter, as indicated above. Here are some guidelines for replacing an e-scooter battery safely.
Finally, bear in mind that even if your research suggests that a battery upgrade is a frequent and safe alteration for your specific model, you’re still risking voiding your warranty and may be irreversible harm. Keep in mind that to access the additional horsepower your battery replacement may supply, you’ll almost always need to remove its actual speed controller.
Warning
Removing the speed limit may be illegal in your city or state, and it may make your scooter less safe to ride in general.
