Imagine riding along the Pacific Ocean on a scooter, feeling the breeze and the fresh air on your face! How cool and relaxing that would be right?
Scooters are one of the easiest ways to travel around in Hawaii. It is budget-friendly and gives you just the right kind of adventure to explore popular tourist places and hidden gems.
But, some scooters just can’t do it with their low speed. So what to do? While you can’t modify the rented scooters, you can surely make some mods to your own scooter and make it even faster.
Improving the speed of your scooter can be achieved through various methods, ranging from simple adjustments to more complex component modifications.
If you want to know how to make a scooter faster, this article explores techniques for both traditional and electric scooters, providing detailed steps and considerations for each approach.
How Fast Can Scooters Go?
In Hawaii, scooters can go at different speeds depending on the type. Traditional gas-powered scooters, like my Taotao VINO50, are usually capped at 30-35 mph if they’re classified as a moped. But if you have a bigger engine (like 150cc or more), you could hit 50-60 mph, which is fast enough for highway riding.
Electric scooters, on the other hand, vary a lot. The little rental ones you see around town usually top out at about 15 mph, but if you own a high-performance electric scooter, you could be cruising at 40+ mph.
That said, Hawaii has laws about where and how fast you can ride, so it’s always good to check local regulations before going full speed down Kalakaua Avenue!
Traditional Scooters
Traditional scooters or motorized scooters are easy to ride and travel around on the Hawaiian islands. However, some riders, do need to vehicle to be fast enough not just to save time but also to enjoy the thrill of exploring the beautiful place. Here are some important considerations to make your scooter faster:
Fuel System Optimization
Optimizing the fuel system of a scooter or moped can significantly improve engine performance and overall speed. Key modifications involve adjustments to the fuel filter and carburetor tuning to ensure optimal fuel flow and combustion efficiency.
Air Intake and Exhaust Modifications
Modifying your scooter’s air intake and exhaust system can improve performance, but it comes with risks. Removing the fuel filter may increase fuel flow, allowing more fuel to reach the engine for better combustion and speed.
However, this also removes a key layer of protection, increasing the risk of dirt and debris clogging the fuel injectors or carburetor jets, which could lead to engine damage.
If you choose this modification, ensure your fuel source is clean and consider using high-quality fuel to minimize contamination.
Forced Air Induction
Forced air induction, like installing a turbocharger, can significantly boost your scooter’s speed by pushing more air and fuel into the engine. This increases combustion efficiency, resulting in greater power output.
However, turbo installations can be complex and may require modifications to the engine, fuel system, and exhaust to handle the extra pressure.
Make sure you properly tune it to prevent overheating or engine strain, so consulting a professional before making this upgrade is highly recommended.
Electric Scooters
Electric scooters are one of the most convenient ways to scoot around on the streets of Hawaii. Whether you want to explore the famous Waikiki Beach or just roam around to explore the island, e-scooters are your way to go. But, electric scooters have a limited speed. To make your electric scooter faster and increase the top speed, make sure to follow these tips:
Upgrade Your Motor for More Speed
Want to go faster? Upgrading your motor is the most effective way to increase the speed of your e-scooter. The stronger the scooter’s motor the more power it can provide, but let’s not forget that your battery has to have the capacity to meet up.
An upgrade is a very important way to enhance your ride drastically, but ensure that your battery can support an increased amount of power!
Upgrade Your Battery for More Power
Want more speed? A battery upgrade is a must! A boosted voltage battery can provide your motor with the power it needs to run your e-scooter at higher speeds.
Just make sure the new battery is compatible with your motor and controller—mixing the wrong components can cause serious issues. For example, a 72V scooter will perform better than a 48V or 36V scooter.
Please check with the manufacturer or an expert to make sure what is going on is working well before leaping. A right match upgrade means better performance without damaging your scooter!
Keep Your Tire Pressure in Check
The top speed of your electric scooter isn’t only based on the motor, but also tire pressure. If traction on the tires is low due to air pressure, deceleration increases, resulting in reduced time to reach top speed.
Furthermore, low tire pressure can decrease the range of your scooter, requiring a car recharging before the scooter runs out of power.
On the other hand, overinflated tires reduce friction, which can give you a little speed boost. If your tires are on the larger side, they’ll have more surface area in contact with the road, improving traction and overall efficiency.
So, how do you know the right tire pressure? Check your owner’s manual or look on the side of the tire—it’ll show the recommended PSI.
Proper tire pressure means better performance. Inflating your tires to the correct pressure reduces road resistance and lets you fully benefit from having your ride!
Remove the Speed Limiter (If Your Scooter Has One)
Some e-scooters come with a built-in speed limiter to keep things under control. If yours has one, removing it can give you a noticeable speed boost. The limiter is usually managed by the controller, so disabling it lets your scooter reach its full potential.
Just a heads-up—removing the speed limiter might void your warranty or make your scooter illegal in certain areas. Make sure to check local laws and ride safely!
Upgrade Speed Controller
Installing a proper speed controller besides the speed limiters is also a great way to achieve the highest speed in the electric scooter.
Also called ESC (electronic speed controller) this device regulates and distributes power from battery to motor in response to throttle input. This means you can drastically increase the speed and improve the acceleration of your electric scooter.
There are even “burst” designs available on high-end controllers that enhance the output of extra power for greater acceleration. In case a scooter has a low-amp or low-current controller, this might be limiting the motor’s full capability.
To get maximum speed on your scooter, think about replacing the OEM with an aftermarket or custom controller, which can provide high power output.
If the controller draws more current than your battery is designed for, it could cause overheating, damage, or even shorten your battery’s lifespan.
Always check that your upgraded controller is compatible with your scooter’s battery and motor before making any changes.
Lighten the Load for More Speed
The heavier your e-scooter, the harder it has to work to accelerate and reach top speed. Shedding unnecessary weight can make a noticeable difference!
Try removing non-essential accessories and, if possible, swap out heavier parts for lighter materials. A lighter scooter means better acceleration, improved efficiency, and a smoother ride overall.
Every little bit helps—so trim the extra weight and enjoy a faster ride!
Things To Keep In Mind Before Modding Your Scooter
Before boosting the speed of your e-scooter, below are a few things to consider:
Compatibility of Components: Ensure that any replacement parts (motors, batteries, controllers) can be integrated into the existing system of the scooter as best as possible. If there is a mismatch, performance problems or even damage might occur.
Safety Legality: Stay within legal speed limits and always ride safely. Some mods may turn your scooter illegal in some places, so always verify local regulations before modifying.
Operational Limits: Running components at max capacity all the time can lead to overheating, wear, and a shorter lifespan. Balance performance with longevity.
Professional Help: Complex modifications, such as hub motor rewinding, can be challenging. If you’re unsure, consult a professional to avoid costly mistakes.
Improving your scooter can be fun, but make smart, well-thought-out modifications to your scooter for it to be fast, safe, and reliable!
Ride Fast! Ride Safe!
At the end of the day, making your scooter faster is all about finding the right balance between performance, safety, and legality. Whether you’re upgrading your motor, tweaking your fuel system, or just keeping your tire pressure in check, a few simple changes can make a big difference and free your scooter from the same speed.
So, whether you’re riding your own scooter or have rented one, just remember—speed is fun, but safety always comes first. So go ahead, make those upgrades, hit the road, and enjoy the ride!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a speed limiter, and should I remove it?
Many scooters have a factory-installed speed limiter to comply with local regulations. Removing it can increase speed, but it may also void your warranty and make your scooter illegal in some areas.
Will using premium fuel make my traditional scooter faster?
Premium fuel can help if your scooter’s engine is designed for it, but it won’t drastically increase speed unless combined with other performance upgrades.
Are there legal issues with modifying my scooter?
Yes, modifying your scooter could make it illegal for road use in some areas. Always check local laws before making performance upgrades.