How to remove the speed limiter on an electric scooter

Have you ever had the feeling that your electric scooter is stuck in low gear? That is the speed limiter that prevents you from going faster than 16 km/h and up to 40 km/h. It frequently has the sensation of a race car stuck in first gear. 

The speed limiter is responsible for keeping the speed of your electric scooter under control. Although it may appear inconvenient, this small gadget—often referred to as the controller—is important for your safety.

We are going to look at electric scooter speed limiters in this guide. We will discuss their purpose and how they prevent you from making your scooter into a speeding machine. We can also look at ways to modify the speed limiter, but before you do anything, make sure you consider the advantages and disadvantages.

How do speed limiters operate? 

There is a reason why electric scooters have speed limiters installed. In essence, these are electronic regulators that prevent the scooter from going too fast. They function similarly to a speed dimmer switch by regulating the amount of electricity delivered to the motor. 

The purpose of this safety element is to keep riders—especially beginners—from getting into accidents. It helps you learn while keeping things under control. 

On the other hand, some people who feel at ease riding scooters may prefer to remove the speed limiter and accelerate a little. Let us see how to take the limiter off your electric scooter if you have to do it.

How to remove the speed limiter on an electric scooter?

It may sound interesting to play around with the mechanical or electrical components of your devices, particularly if you want to replace or update pieces like the controller or motor. However, this type of work requires a high level of technical expertise. 

It is recommended to leave it to the professionals if you are not skilled with wiring and electronics. Attempting to fix items on your own may also make your warranty worthless. Therefore, carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages before taking a chance.

The speed limiter on an electric scooter is reasonably simple to remove. A few basic tools and a little bit of knowledge will be enough. You will be riding around at peak speeds in no time if you use the tips we have provided you. 

There are a lot of different ways to get rid of speed limiters on the internet. Yet one has to keep in mind that there can be serious risks associated with these techniques:

1. Find the speed limiter

The speed limiter on an electric scooter looks like a little black box and is usually found close to the battery pack. The exact placement of your scooter will depend on its brand and model. Find the limiter before taking it apart. 

It is often located in between the controller and the motor. The speed limiter, in contrast to other components, is usually a fixed-value switch or resistor. As such, it will be easier to identify on the PCB. You can also consult the manual for your scooter or get assistance from a repair specialist.

2. Disconnect the speed limit wire

A certain wire connected to the scooter's speed is what some riders attempt to unplug. This could cause the scooter's speed limits to be disabled by making it believe it is moving more slowly than it actually is. 

This method carries some risk. It could damage not just the speed limiter but also other electrical parts of your electric bike.

3. Take out the screws

Remove the two screws that are securing the speed limiter. Use caution, as this step involves the use of a soldering iron. Melt the solder and separate the wires by applying the heated iron to the circuit board location where the limiter's wires are connected. 

Before using the soldering iron, make sure the batteries and any other heat-sensitive components are well-insulated to avoid unintentional short circuits after the limiter is removed.

4. Secure screws and cables

Replace the screws and wires after removing the speed limiter. Make sure everything is tight before putting the battery pack back in. Just tighten the cap (in an anticlockwise orientation) if you decide you would still like to keep the speed limiter. 

If you do decide to remove it, take additional care when riding, as your own safety and the safety of other drivers should come first.

5. Go for a test ride

Now that the speed limiter is off, it is time to ride your electric scooter. We want to emphasise once more the risk of tampering with the limiter yourself. If the scooter is going faster than the speed limit, you run a higher risk of destroying it. If you are not an experienced mechanic, you ought not to play with it.

The Rewards of Removing the Speed Limiter

Removing the speed limiter on your electric scooter can definitely offer you a few rewards.

• The most obvious is a jump in speed and power, making your rides more exciting.
• It might also improve your scooter's range, letting you travel farther on a single charge.
• Some buyers are willing to pay more for scooters without speed limiters, potentially increasing your scooter's resale value.

Possible Risks of Disabling the Speed Limiter

If the speed limiter is lifted, there could be more risks than advantages. Safety, stability, and the life span of the parts on your scooter should always be your top priorities. Here are some drawbacks of removing the speed limiter from your electric scooter:

• If you remove the speed limiter, you are inviting trouble. It is there to protect you, that is what it does. Limiting the top speed makes controlling the scooter easier.
• Brakes are built into the design of electric scooters so they may stop safely at their specified speed. However, if you drive faster, the brakes could fail to be powerful enough.
• The removal of the speed limiter causes the motor and other components to work beyond their capacity. This can result in overheating, wear and tear on parts, and accidental breakdowns.
• Your battery will not only drain faster to keep up with the higher speed, but it will also produce more heat. The battery life is reduced as a result, and you may even have abrupt shutdowns.
• You will not be able to claim a warranty if the speed limiter is removed. Any further repairs would be your responsibility.
• In addition, you can receive a fine from the authorities and have your scooter impounded.

Is it legal to remove the speed limiter?

Electric scooter speed limitations differ from state to state. In certain regions, tampering with the limiter is entirely lawful, but in others, it is strictly prohibited. If you modify the manufacturer's settings, you risk a fine or maybe having your scooter seized. Make sure you are following the New rules for riders  and doing your homework before making any modifications to your vehicle.

Better Alternatives

You can consider these alternatives to modifying your scooter for higher speeds:

• Speed lawfully: Manufacturers produce scooters with top speeds that are nonetheless compliant with regional laws.
• Locate speed zones: Certain states have set aside regions with speed restrictions just for electric scooters. Verify the laws in your area.
• Ride wisely: Improve your technique for better speed and a comfortable ride.