Last Updated: June 9, 2021
Mobility scooters are gradually becoming mainstream day by day.
Actually...
They serve as movement support for people with balance and mobility issues.
Speed isn’t an essential factor in the case of mobility scooters. They have a low-speed limit because higher speed can cause serious problems for disabled individuals.
Some people find mobility scooters too slow for their liking. And if you’re one of those people, you don't have to worry about purchasing a new scooter.
It is both possible and quite easy to raise the speed of your existing scooter without spending much money.
This article will show you how to make a mobility scooter go faster.
How Fast Do Mobility Scooters Go?
Mobility scooter manufacturers don’t prioritize speed as these models are used by disabled and injured individuals.
Typically, mobility scooters have a low-speed perimeter. Higher speeds can be dangerous and cause issues for users.
For increasing the speed of a scooter, you’ll first have to know its maximum speed limit. The normal speed of a general mobility scooter can be up to four miles per hour, and the speed limit of scooters varies with models.
Most scooters provide top speed in between three to six miles per hour. Increasing the speed of a scooter may seem impossible but you can easily do it by yourself.
Just remember, you can’t transform a 4/mph scooter to a 10/mph one, you can only overcome the typical speed of the scooter.
How To Speed Up A Mobility Scooter?
There are different methods to enhance the speed of your mobility scooter. A scooter is a complex device, so if you’re wondering how to make your mobility scooter faster, follow all the important steps to get better results:
Upgrade The Battery
The best and easiest way to boost up your mobility scooter is to improve its battery. The energy concentration of a standard battery is a restraining aspect of the speed of a scooter.
As with other electronic devices, intensifying the battery power can boost the speed of a scooter.
You don’t have to use a bigger battery, because that can be distressing for the rider. Simply swapping your old battery with a new effective one will do the job. A battery can simply lose effectiveness as its running time increases.
This is one of the most trouble-free methods of elevating scooter speed, and if someone asks “how to make your mobility scooter faster,” this is the first answer. A new battery will cost less than buying a new, faster scooter.
Rewind The Motor
The motor of a mobility scooter contains complex machinery which is refined and provides long-term functioning. Since these scooters are designed for physically disabled and injured individuals, they can only be operated at moderate speed.
But you can increase the speed by rewinding the motor coil and lessening the torque. It is highly recommended that you be extra cautious while reversing your motor coil. Coiling is a highly complex and advanced drill.
After rewinding the coil, the speed of the scooter will increase to some extent.
However, if the coiling is not done carefully, it may cause damage to the motor.
Reduce Weight
This is another approach towards improving your scooter’s speed. Removing all the excess weight from your scooter can be favorable.
There are some additional items attached to the scooter, even in free motorized scooters. It includes baskets, extra tires, and other such accessories.
These items increase the total weight and tend to slow you down by reducing the scooter speed.
Eliminating these excess materials can assist you to boost up, of course, only if you don’t need them.
Boost Aerodynamics
If you reshuffle all the accessories to become more aerodynamic, it will surely get you some extra miles. Inspect the whole unit and finalize some superfluous attributes. Relocating or removing these parts can boost your scooter’s speed.
For example: relocating the shopping basket to the back of the scooter might assist you to lessen the drag, boost speed, and enhance the battery life.
Electric Mobility Scooter Speed Limiter Removal
The best mobility scooters are comprised of hardwearing material and powerful engines.
Since the scooters are made to support the elderly or disabled to lead an active lifestyle, the manufacturers usually add a speed limiter to the main design. This limiter functions to keep the speed of any scooter to a safe minimum.
This process can be a bit difficult and confusing and you might need help from a technician.
Moreover, you will also lose the warranty that comes with the scooter, so be very careful.
Change Sprockets
By changing the sprockets you can add a few more miles to every ride.
Install larger sprockets to the front and smaller ones to the back.
An average person has not much knowledge of sprockets. It would be better to turn to an expert before changing them.
It is a cheap way of increasing the scooter’s speed and is worth your investment and time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers in regard:
Can you limit the speed of an electric mobility scooter?
Yes, since it is made for people enduring any disability or injury. The speed of a mobility scooter such as the best knee scooter is constrained to keep the rider safe from the effects of high speeds. These scooters are usually designed with speed limiters.
The speed limiter is capable of restricting the overall velocity of a mobility scooter; it doesn't allow it to exceed from a certain point.
Is it safe to set up your mobility scooter faster?
Mobility scooters are constructed with a moderate speed limit. To guarantee the well-being of the rider these devices comprise a speed limiter. This will prevent any accidents while using.
But you can manually increase its speed by following the above-mentioned steps. While the process may be an easy method, it can sometimes be potentially dangerous. It is best to ask for a technician’s advice and help.
Do I have to disconnect the batteries of my scooter when I'm not using it?
If your scooter is being used almost three times a week, it is fine to leave the batteries on continuously. If you are using it once a week or even less then you should unplug the charger once it is charged.
If you are not using it for a prolonged time, charge the batteries at least once a month. A regular user should charge the scooter daily after each use.
Watch this video for more information on mobility scooter batteries:
Conclusion
Mobility scooters are highly used movement supports for disabled and injured people. These devices are created to deliver comfort and smooth mobility. But the moderate speed limit of a scooter can be a bit frustrating for some people.
You can enhance the speed of your scooter by following the above-mentioned steps. However, if you’re not cautious enough, the process can be complex and dangerous. Acquiring a technician's hand can ensure the safety of your scooter.
Hopefully, this must’ve answered your question, “how to speed up a mobility scooter?”
If you have any additional questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below!