Hey there, GoTrax scooter fans!
Are you looking to give your ride a little extra oomph?
Maybe you’re tired of being left in the dust by your friends on their faster scooters.
Well, you’re in luck! We’re about to dive into seven tested ways to make your GoTrax scooter zip along faster than ever before.
But before we get started, let’s get one thing straight: safety comes first.
Always follow local laws and wear your helmet, okay?
Understanding Your GoTrax Scooter’s Speed Limiter
First things first: let’s talk about that pesky speed limiter.
GoTrax puts these on their scooters to keep riders safe (and probably to avoid some legal headaches).
It’s like a built-in safety net that stops your scooter from going too fast.
Now, unlike some other scooters where you can just press a button or cut a wire to remove the limiter, GoTrax makes it a bit trickier.
Their speed limiter is tied into several parts of the scooter, including the controller, motor, battery, and something called the Battery Management System (BMS).
So, removing it isn’t as simple as we might like, but don’t worry – we’ve got some workarounds!
7 Ways to Boost Your GoTrax Scooter’s Speed
1. Tweaking the Control Module (Handle with Care!)
This method is for the brave and tech-savvy. It involves opening up your scooter’s control module and making some changes.
You’ll need to find the speed control module, take off the cover, and clip a specific resistor lead. But be careful!
One wrong move and you could damage other parts. If your model doesn’t have a speed limit wire, you might need to do some soldering.
This method is risky, so only try it if you really know what you’re doing.
2. Upgrading to a Fancy New Controller (Recommended)
This is a safer bet.
The stock controller in your GoTrax is what tells everything else how fast to go.
By swapping it out for a more advanced one, like a VESC (fancy name for a really smart controller), you can bump up your speed.
These new controllers let you tweak settings like amperage, which can give you more speed and power.
If you’re thinking about adding a second battery, you’ll definitely want to upgrade to at least a 30-amp controller.
3. Supersize Your Battery (or Add a Second One)
More battery power can mean more speed.
Adding an extra battery that’s the same as your current one could push your speed up to around 18 mph. If you’re feeling really ambitious, switching to a higher voltage battery (like a 13S or even higher) could get you zooming past 23 mph! But heads up – this is a big job.
You’ll need to rewire things, maybe upgrade your motor, and it’s probably best to get a pro to help.
4. Swap Out the Battery Management System (BMS)
The BMS is like the brain of your battery setup.
It makes sure your battery doesn’t overcharge or undercharge, and it also plays a part in limiting your speed.
By upgrading to a bigger, “unlocked” BMS, you can remove some of these speed restrictions.
This upgrade, along with some of the others we’ve mentioned, could take your GoTrax from puttering along at 15 mph to cruising at a cool 20 mph or more!
5. Change Your Tires
Here’s a simpler trick: try swapping your stock air-filled tires for solid ones.
This can give you a little speed boost. Or, if you want to go bigger, try upgrading to 10-inch tires.
They can increase your speed a bit and make your ride smoother. J
ust keep in mind that solid tires might make your ride a little bumpier since they don’t absorb shocks as well as air-filled ones.
6. Replace the Motor (Good Idea if You’re Upgrading Other Stuff)
If you’re going all out with a new battery and controller, you might want to think about a new motor too.
When you’re pumping more power into your scooter, you need a motor that can handle it. A more powerful motor that’s made to work with your upgrades can really help you hit those higher speeds.
7. Master the Art of Downhill Riding
Here’s a trick that doesn’t cost a dime: when you’re going downhill, try turning off the regenerative braking (that’s the system that charges your battery a little when you brake).
Then, don’t touch the throttle – just let gravity do its thing.
Your scooter will roll faster without any resistance holding it back. But be careful and make sure you can stop safely!
Fine-Tuning Your Speed Settings
Most GoTrax scooters come with different speed modes.
Playing with these can help you go faster without any major changes.
Here’s how to do it on most models:
Some models, like the G3 and G4, have separate buttons for changing gears. Just look for the + and – buttons.
Extra Tips for Maximum Speed
- Keep Your Battery Happy: Always start your ride with a full charge. A happy battery means better acceleration and higher top speeds.
- Take Care of Your Tires: Make sure they’re properly inflated. Soft tires are slow tires!
- Travel Light: The less weight your scooter has to carry, the faster it can go. So maybe leave that heavy backpack at home if you can.
- Choose Smooth Roads: Your scooter will always go faster on smooth, flat surfaces. Bumpy roads and hills will slow you down.
- Regular Tune-Ups: Keep your scooter clean and well-maintained. A well-oiled machine is a fast machine!
Stay Safe Out There!
Remember, while it’s fun to go fast, it’s more important to stay safe.
Always wear a helmet and follow your local speed limits.
Some of these modifications might affect your warranty, so keep that in mind.
And remember, the faster you go, the longer it takes to stop, so always be aware of what’s around you.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it – seven tried-and-true ways to make your GoTrax scooter faster, plus some extra tips to squeeze out every bit of speed.
Whether you’re brave enough to tinker with the internals or just want to try some simple tricks, there’s something here for every GoTrax rider.
Just remember to balance your need for speed with safety, and you’ll be zipping around town in no time!
Got questions?
Feel free to check out GoTrax’s official website or join some online scooter communities. There are plenty of fellow speed enthusiasts out there ready to share their experiences.
Now get out there and enjoy your faster ride!
