E-scooters have modernized urban commute and managed to redefine the way we navigate our most crowded cities for all the good reasons! They’re convenient, eco-friendly means of transportation suitable for people of all ages.
However, speed isn’t always their greatest strength, which leaves many users scrubbing their heads, searching for ways to push their electric scooters beyond their marketed speed limit.
The most straightforward method involves disabling or removing the speed limiter that acts as a safeguard balancing max speed in relation to battery power drainage. However, you need to check your state’s laws concerning electric vehicles before attempting such a DIY project, as you don’t want the cops on your trail.
Some states require you to register your electric scooter as a road vehicle, and you won’t be allowed to use bike lanes once you exceed a pre-determined speed limit. When you’ve thoroughly researched all the legality concerns, get ready to take your mobility scooter to the next level by following our step-by-step speed limiter removal guide!
Short Answer
Depending on the type of speed limiter implemented in your electric scooter, all you need to do can be as easy as downloading a custom firmware that lets your e-scooter go at higher speeds. Alternatively, you might need to disconnect the sensor that counts the wheels’ rotations per minute and throttles the engine upon exceeding the maximum speed allowed.
What Is a Speed Limiter on an Electric Scooter?
Before venturing deeper into the technical details, we want to make sure we’re all on the same page! So, what’s exactly a speed limiter, and why you haven’t noticed it before on your electric scooter?
As its name suggests, a speed limiter is tasked with keeping your scooter’s speed within the manufacturers’ limit.
For the most part, e-scooter controller units can be software-based. In other words, the electric vehicle is programmed to work within a certain speed range and can’t defy its source code and do otherwise no matter how hard you’re pushing the engine.
On the other hand, the system might depend on speed connectors that relay data from a set of sensors and run it by the software to dictate how the electric motor operates.
Such a mechanical system is easier to work around, provided that you’re using the right tools and disconnecting the right cables.
Either way, you need to check your user manual to plan ahead how to remove the speed limiter without messing with the mechanics of your electric bike and imposing safety concerns!
Types of Speed Limiters
We’ve established that speed limiters can be electronic or mechanical, so let’s explore the two mechanisms by which they control the speed of your electric bike!
Anti-Lock Brakes
With anti-lock brakes, the speed limiter and the braking system go hand in hand and work as a seamless unit. Once your electric scooter goes faster than a preset limit, the metal bracket installed on the rear wheel makes contact and brings your speed down. The entire process is automated and requires no input on your behalf.
Electronic Throttle Locks
Not all scooters go with the anti-lock brakes system, as it has a greater toll on your battery level. Instead, the speed limiter can influence the motor directly without having anything to do with the brakes.
Once your electric scooter goes faster than its designated limit, the electronic throttle locks stop the engine and gradually drive the speed down to ensure road safety while driving.
How to Remove Speed Limiter on Electric Scooter
Now that you’re well aware of how the speed limiter on your e-scooter works, let’s get our hands dirty and make your electric scooter go faster. You’ll notice considerable gains in torque and speed after following our step-by-step guide.
Depending on your mobility scooter of choice, there can be some variations in the speed limiter removal process, so it’s always handy to have your user manual ready at hand! Without any further ado, let’s unlock the higher voltage capabilities of your e-scooter!
Method One: Scooters With DC-Type Motor
The main idea in this method is to disconnect the wires that rely on speed data from various sensors and control the electric motor’s performance. This way, the speed controller is in the dark and doesn’t have any means to know how fast the scooter is going.
To remove the speed limiter, follow the next steps. Just make sure you have a Phillips head screwdriver and a pincer to get the job done.
- Remove the screws from the bottom and front decks to access the wires running underneath. Keep track of where each screw goes to save you tons of frustration when it’s time to put everything back in place.
- Many scooters use white wires for their speed limiter connections. In this case, you’ll find a set of white wires running towards the front wheel once you remove the casing. All you need to do is cut such wires clean near their base using your trusty pincer.
- Now, it’s time to tape the four free ends using an electric insulator to avoid any safety issues down the line. This way, your scooter’s internals are well protected from dirt and water, preventing any potential short-circuiting.
- Finally, fasten all the cross head screws tightly back in place and enjoy your newly unlocked top speeds and better performance.
Method Two: Disable the Speed Limiter Directly From Your Scooter’s Display
If you’re lucky enough, your e-scooter might have a built-in option to remove the speed limit right from the built-in display. All you need to do is push a couple of buttons and dig into some settings menus, and voila, you’re all set!
Bear in mind that you’re searching for a “sport mode” option, as most electric bikes use such terminology to reflect the unhinged performance that gives you the most acceleration to climb hills and the high speed needed to get you to your destination on a single charge.
If you have a UScooter or an E-Twow model, just follow the following steps to remove the speed limiter:
- Turn off the display
- Hold the brake handle and keep it pressed during their setup process
- Turn the display back on and navigate through the different speed options labeled L1 to L5
- You can scroll between the different presets by pressing the “light” button
- Once you land on your desired speed limit, press the S (Set) button
- Now, you can get your hands off the electronic brakes and turn on the e-scooter
Method Three: Rewrite the Speed Controller Configuration
Before committing to this method, you should remember that modifying your electric scooter’s firmware can cause unexpected performance hiccups and will probably void your factory warranty.
The willingness to take such a risk isn’t enough to unlock your scooter’s top speed, as you’ll need to find custom software for your specific e-scooter model. For the most part, you won’t find the firmware supported for older models dating back to 2017.
Once you find the custom configuration of choice, download it to your smartphone and push the update to your e-scooter through the vehicle’s companion mobile app.
It’s worth noting that some manufacturers offer official software customization through their scooter app, so you don’t always have to do some guesswork and install unsupported software at your own risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Remove the Speed Limiter on Electric Scooters?
Upon removing the limitation set by your scooter speed controller, you‘ll get more speed, better performance, and increased efficiency. You’ll also save on your electricity bills as you’ll be able to cover longer distances on a single charge. Needless to say, you’ll finally save time on all your commutes and reach your destination with minimal delays.
Can Installing a New Battery Boost Your Scooter’s Speed Limit?
YES! However, you need to note that using higher voltage scooter battery power not specifically tested with your electric scooter model can cause overheating issues, damage the electronic components, and void your manufacturer’s warranty.
Are There Other Ways to Make My Electric Scooter Faster?
Yes, you can get the sprockets on your e-scooter oiled, or even better, you can replace them entirely. Furthermore, replacing your solid tires with a set of airless ones can reduce the friction on the road and allow you to break your speed limits.
Final Verdict
Now that you have all you need to unlock the full potential of your electric scooter, we hope you enjoy the thrill of the ride! For removing the speed limiter to be worth the hustle, you need to double-check the local laws in your country or state and ensure you follow the recommended safety measures while on the road.
