As an electric scooter owner, you want the best performance and styling for your ride.
While stock models provide basic functionality, customizing your scooter allows you to transform it into a high-powered head-turner.
With some simple upgrades, you can boost speed and range, improve handling and braking, and give your scooter a custom look that matches your personal style.
Whether you want to subtly enhance certain features or do a complete overhaul, there are many options for pimping your electric scooter.
In this article, I’ll provide an overview of popular performance and styling upgrades for electric scooters.
From higher capacity batteries and more powerful motors to suspension systems, brakes, tires, and cosmetic accessories, you have the opportunity to build a scooter that perfectly suits your needs and reflects your unique personality.
With the right combination of upgrades, you can create a custom electric scooter that far surpasses the abilities and appearance of stock models.
Why settle for basic when you can pimp your ride? The possibilities for customization are endless.
Introduction to Customizing Your Electric Scooter
As an owner of an electric scooter, you want a ride that reflects your style and needs.
Customizing your scooter allows you to upgrade both the appearance and performance to suit your tastes.
Performance Upgrades
To increase speed and range, consider upgrading your motor and battery.
More powerful motors, up to 800W or more, and higher capacity lithium-ion batteries can extend your top speed and distance on a single charge.
However, check your local regulations on motor wattages and top speeds before upgrading.
Improved brakes, such as hydraulic disk brakes, provide enhanced stopping power and control, especially at higher speeds.
Wider, treaded tires also help with control and stability on rough terrain.
Stylish Accessories
Custom handlebars, colored tire rims, underbody lighting, and decals are easy ways to personalize your scooter’s look.
Phone mounts, cup holders, and storage compartments add function.
Ape hangers, chopper handlebars that extend high above the head, give a classic customized style.
For a sportier look, choose low, sweptback handlebars.
Colored rims to match your scooter or decals and graphics in your favorite styles and patterns create a custom color scheme.
Other Considerations
Before modifying your scooter, check with your manufacturer regarding warranty coverage.
Upgrades may require adjustments to controllers, throttles and other components to function properly and safely.
Improper installation of high-power motors, batteries and other modifications could damage your scooter or reduce its lifespan.
Customizing your electric scooter allows you to improve performance, show your style and ride in comfort.
With the range of affordable components and accessories available, you can easily make a standard scooter uniquely your own.
Take it slow, do your research, and create a custom ride you’ll love!
Cosmetic Upgrades for Style: Custom Paint Jobs and More
As an e-scooter owner, customizing your ride for style and performance is half the fun.
Here are some cosmetic upgrades to consider:
Custom Paint Jobs
A custom paint job is a great way to make your scooter unique and stand out.
You have many options:
Matte, glossy or metallic finishes in any color.
Vibrant blues, cherry reds and electric yellows are popular choices.
Stencils and decals for a stylish accent.
Geometric patterns, racing stripes, or your name or initials are simple to apply.
Airbrushing for a fully custom design.
Have an artist airbrush anything from abstract designs to photorealistic portraits on your scooter.
For the DIY inclined, you can paint your scooter yourself.
Just ensure you properly sand, prime, and seal the scooter to get professional-looking results.
For those less handy, many auto body shops also do custom paint jobs for e-scooters and the quality will be superb.
Custom Grips and Handlebars
Changing your handlebars and adding custom grips also alters your scooter’s look and feel.
Consider:
Wider, taller or swept-back handlebars for a bold style and more upright riding position.
Ergonomic or gel grips for maximum comfort, especially on longer rides.
Patterned or brightly colored grips to match a custom paint job or just for visual interest.
Swapping standard parts for customized options lets you put your own stamp on your scooter.
With some creativity, you’ll be riding in style in no time!
Performance Mods: Motors, Batteries, Controllers and Wheels
When upgrading my electric scooter for better performance and style, several modifications provide significant improvements.
Motor
Upgrading to a more powerful motor, typically 500 to 1000 watts, allows for greater speed and hill climbing ability.
I installed a 750-watt motor which increased my top speed from 15 mph to over 20 mph and provides enough power to ascend steeper hills.
More powerful motors require upgrading the battery and controller to handle the increased load.
Battery
The battery supplies power to the motor and controller.
Installing a larger capacity battery, such as 48 or 60 volts compared to the standard 24 or 36 volts, provides longer range between charges and allows the more powerful motor to reach its full potential.
I upgraded from a 36-volt 10-amp hour battery to a 48-volt 15-amp hour battery which doubled my range to over 20 miles per charge.
Higher voltage batteries require a compatible charger.
Controller
The controller acts as the brain, regulating power between the battery and motor.
A more advanced controller that can handle higher voltages and amperages is required for upgraded motors and batteries.
Programmable controllers allow adjusting acceleration and top speed.
I installed a 48-volt 20-amp programmable controller to properly power my new motor and battery.
The controller provides smooth power delivery and a top speed of 22 mph.
Wheels
For improved handling and style, many owners switch the standard small wheels to larger pneumatic tires.
Larger wheels, typically 8 to 10 inches in diameter, provide a smoother ride, absorb bumps better, and look more like a standard scooter.
I installed a set of 8-inch inflatable tires which improved stability, comfort, and esthetics.
Upgrading these components improved my electric scooter’s performance, range, and handling.
By selecting compatible higher quality parts, I transformed an ordinary machine into a powerful and stylish ride.
Suspension Upgrades for a Smoother Ride
Upgrading your electric scooter’s suspension is one of the best ways to improve both its performance and your riding experience.
The stock suspension on most budget electric scooters is basic and will not provide the smoothest or most stable ride, especially over rough terrain.
By installing higher quality suspension components, you can transform your scooter’s handling and make longer rides much more enjoyable.
Front Fork Upgrades
The front suspension fork is one of the most important upgrades you can make.
A sturdier front fork, like a hydraulic shock absorber or air-spring fork, will provide far better vibration dampening and impact absorption over bumpy roads and trails.
This reduces jarring to your hands, arms, and body, allowing you to ride faster while remaining in control.
Upgrading to a fork with greater travel, or range of motion, also allows your front wheel to better track uneven surfaces for more stability at high speeds.
Rear Shock Absorbers
For scooters with a swingarm rear suspension, replacing the basic spring shocks with higher performance hydraulic or air shock absorbers can vastly improve your ride quality.
More advanced shocks offer adjustable preload, rebound, and compression levels so you can tune the suspension to your weight and riding style.
This helps keep the rear of the scooter planted during hard acceleration and braking, and reduces discomfort from impacts over rough roads.
Wheels and Tires
Larger diameter wheels and wider, knobby tires can also help smooth out your ride.
Bigger wheels roll over obstacles more easily, while wider tires provide a broader base of support.
Knobby tires grip dirt, gravel, and other uneven terrain better than typical street tires.
Combined with a upgraded front fork and rear shocks, oversized wheels and knobby tires transform an electric scooter into a highly capable off-road machine.
By installing a high-performance front fork, rear shock absorbers, and rugged wheels and tires on your electric scooter, you can customize it for thrill-seeking off-road adventures or comfortable long-distance touring.
Upgrading the suspension and tires is the best way to enhance your scooter’s handling, increase your speed and range, and most importantly, provide the smoothest, most enjoyable ride possible.
Adding Lights and Other Accessories
Customizing my electric scooter has allowed me to make it uniquely my own.
One of the easiest ways to customize a scooter is by adding lights and other accessories.
Adding Decorative Lights
I installed decorative LED strip lights along the deck and undercarriage of my scooter which makes it look stylish and futuristic.
The waterproof lights come in a variety of colors to match anyone’s tastes.
They are low voltage, so they do not reduce the scooter’s range.
For the best effect, I matched the color of the lights to my scooter’s paint color.
Front and Rear Lights
To improve visibility and safety, I upgraded to brighter front and rear LED lights.
Look for lights with at least 1000 lumens in front and 200 lumens in the rear.
More powerful lights allow drivers and pedestrians to spot you from farther away.
I went with rechargeable LED lights to avoid having to replace batteries.
Turn Signals
For signaling turns, I installed a set of wireless turn signals that activate with a remote control.
The turn signals provide an extra measure of safety when changing lanes or turning.
Look for a set with LED arrows bright enough to be seen during the daytime.
Phone Mount
To easily view maps while riding, I attached a phone mount to my scooter’s handlebars.
A sturdy mount placed within easy view of the road ahead allows navigation guidance at a glance.
Look for a mount that securely grips your phone even over bumps.
Cup Holder
For casual rides, a cup holder provides a convenient place to carry a beverage.
Mount the cup holder within easy reach but not where it could interfere with operation of the scooter.
Look for a holder that attaches securely to the scooter to avoid spills.
Adding stylish and functional accessories allows you to upgrade your electric scooter’s looks and functionality.
With the variety of attachments available, you can customize your scooter to suit your needs and tastes.
Ride safe and in style!
Customizing the Deck: Grip Tape, Enclosures and More
Upgrading your electric scooter’s deck provides opportunities for customization and improved performance.
The deck, or footboard, is the base that connects the front and rear wheels, supporting the rider.
Consider the following options for modifying your ride’s deck:
Grip Tape
Applying grip tape, also known as skateboard tape, to your deck enhances traction for safer riding and braking.
Standard black grip tape works well for most, but patterned and colored grip tapes are also available to match your scooter’s esthetic.
Simply measure, cut, and firmly adhere the grip tape to your deck for instant upgrades in style and safety.
Enclosures
For all-weather riding, enclosures provide protection from the elements.
A full deck enclosure completely seals the underside of the deck while still allowing access to the folding mechanism and battery compartment.
Partial enclosures shield only certain areas of the deck.
Made of water-resistant nylon or polyurethane-coated fabrics, enclosures keep you dry in wet weather and prevent road debris from flying up under the deck.
Custom Graphics
Personalize your ride with custom graphics on the deck surface.
Options include grip tape with printed designs, vinyl decals, stencils you paint or spray yourself, and full custom paint jobs.
Add your name, favorite sports team logo, or an abstract pattern.
Customization is only limited by your imagination.
For a professional-quality paint job, consider taking your scooter to an automotive repair shop that offers custom paint services.
They can properly sand, prime, and paint your deck to your specifications.
Additional Hardware
For high-performance riding, you may want to install additional hardware on your deck.
This could include a kickstand for easier parking, shock absorbers or suspension components for a smoother ride on rough terrain, or an extra battery pack for extended range.
Always follow the recommendations in your owner’s manual for properly installing any aftermarket parts to avoid damage or reduced safety.
Upgrading and customizing your electric scooter’s deck provides opportunities to enhance your ride’s function, style, and performance.
With the variety of options available, you can transform your scooter into a highly personalized vehicle.
Follow your creativity and ride in comfort and safety.
Audio Upgrades: Speakers, Amps and Bluetooth
When upgrading my electric scooter, the audio system was an area I wanted to improve.
The stock speakers lacked power and quality, and I wanted a way to play music from my phone while riding.
Here are the audio upgrades I made to enhance my scooter’s sound and connectivity.
Upgraded Speakers
I replaced the wimpy stock speakers with a pair of robust 6.5-inch marine speakers, which are designed to withstand outdoor conditions.
Look for speakers with a minimum of 50 watts RMS per channel for decent volume.
I mounted the new speakers in the same location as the stock ones for an easy install.
The difference in sound quality was night and day.
Bluetooth Receiver
To enable Bluetooth streaming audio from my smartphone, I installed a rugged Bluetooth receiver with an auxiliary output.
I connected the auxiliary cable to the input on my new speaker amplifier (see below) to transmit the Bluetooth signal to the speakers.
Now I can play music, podcasts, or audiobooks from my phone through the scooter’s sound system.
Scooter Speaker Amplifier
The new higher-powered speakers required an amplifier to reach their full potential.
I mounted a compact amplifier designed for powersports applications under the seat of my scooter.
It provides 75 watts RMS per channel, which gives my new speakers more than enough juice.
The amplifier also has inputs for the Bluetooth receiver as well as a hardwired auxiliary input, so I have options for connecting audio sources.
With these upgrades to my scooter’s sound system, riding is even more enjoyable.
The combination of full-range speakers, a Bluetooth receiver, and a speaker amplifier transform my scooter into a rolling boombox, allowing me to listen to my favorite music at high volume while cruising.
If loud pipes save lives, loud tunes must save scooters! Overall, these audio upgrades were well worth the investment for enhanced performance and style.
Important Safety Considerations When Modifying Your Scooter
When modifying my electric scooter for performance and style, several safety considerations must be taken into account.
As the owner and operator of the vehicle, it is my responsibility to ensure any upgrades or changes meet appropriate safety standards to avoid potential harm to myself or others.
Electrical system
The scooter’s electrical system provides power to the motor, lights, battery, and other components.
Any modifications to the electrical system should be done carefully by a certified professional to mitigate risks like short circuits, overloads or faulty wiring that could start a fire or cause electrocution.
Fuses, circuit breakers and proper grounding are critical for safe operation.
Braking system
The braking system is essential for controlling speed and stopping safely.
Upgrading brakes requires extensive knowledge of brake types, compatibility, installation and testing to guarantee maximum stopping power without reducing stability or control.
I would not attempt any DIY brake modifications, as improper installation could be disastrous.
Performance upgrades
While increasing motor power or top speed may seem exciting, it also amplifies the risks associated with loss of control or inability to stop in an emergency.
Any performance upgrades should be done under guidance from industry experts to match parts that work safely together and reprogram the scooter’s computer system accordingly.
Speed and torque must remain balanced with braking ability and handling for safe riding at higher performance levels.
Additional lighting
Extra lighting for style or visibility is acceptable if wired properly to the scooter’s electrical system through a fuse or breaker.
However, extremely bright headlights, colored interior lighting or excessive flashing accessories can be distracting to others and reduce my own visibility and perception of the road.
Any added lighting should comply with local regulations regarding automotive accessories.
Riding an electric scooter comes with inherent risks to the operator, so safety should be the top priority when considering any customizations or performance upgrades to modify my vehicle.
By following guidelines from experts, using high quality parts and professional installation, I can pimp my ride without compromising safety.
But if ever in doubt, it is best to avoid modifications that could put myself or others in danger.
Safety first.
Frequently Asked Questions About Customizing Electric Scooters
As an electric scooter owner, you likely have several questions about customizing your ride.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I receive about upgrading an electric scooter for style and performance.
What upgrades will improve my scooter’s power and speed?
To increase power and top speed, consider upgrading to a higher voltage battery, a more powerful motor, and a motor controller with a higher amperage rating.
A 60V or 72V lithium-ion battery in place of a standard 48V battery can significantly boost power and speed.
Pair it with a 4,000 to 10,000 watt motor and a motor controller rated for at least 60 amps continuous output.
These upgrades may allow your scooter to reach speeds of 30 mph or more, depending on your scooter model.
Always follow the law and ride safely.
What cosmetic upgrades can I make to my scooter?
Popular cosmetic upgrades for electric scooters include:
Custom handlebar grips, seats, brake levers, and kickstands for comfort and style.
Front and rear fenders to protect from road spray.
Decorative wheel rims, wheel bands, and valve stem caps.
Colored cables and wire covers to match your scooter color scheme.
Flashing LED underbody lights for visibility and style.
Do performance and cosmetic upgrades void my warranty?
Most manufacturers will void the warranty if you make major electrical or mechanical upgrades like replacing the motor, battery, or motor controller.
However, minor upgrades like those mentioned above typically will not void the factory warranty on other components.
Always check with your specific scooter’s warranty terms and conditions before modifying.
It is best to avoid making major performance upgrades within the initial warranty period unless you are willing to void the warranty.
Upgrading and customizing your electric scooter can improve its power, speed, comfort, style, and safety.
However, it is important to proceed carefully to ensure any modifications do not void your scooter’s factory warranty.
By understanding what upgrades are possible and how they may affect your warranty, you can confidently enhance your riding experience.
Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, there are many affordable ways to customize your electric scooter to suit your needs and express your unique style.
With some basic tools and parts easily found online or at your local hardware store, you can transform your scooter into a high-performance machine or a stylish ride to match your personality.
The possibilities are endless.
Why settle for an ordinary off-the-shelf model when you can have a one-of-a-kind creation tailored to you? Unleash your creativity and get to work making your scooter truly your own.
The results will thrill you every time you take it for a spin around the neighborhood or commute to work in head-turning style.
What are you waiting for? Start pimping your ride today!
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