{"id":33207,"date":"2022-10-28T14:58:10","date_gmt":"2022-10-28T14:58:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.electricscooterinsider.com\/?p=33207"},"modified":"2023-01-18T16:40:31","modified_gmt":"2023-01-18T16:40:31","slug":"electric-scooter-motors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.electricscooterinsider.com\/electric-scooter-motors\/","title":{"rendered":"Electric Scooter Motors: A Beginner\u2019s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
Voltage, watts, nominal power, peak power\u2026there\u2019s a lot to know when it comes to electric scooter motors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> To help you understand how motor power is measured, as well as the factors that affect performance, and how to control and adjust power delivery, we\u2019ve created this guide.<\/span><\/p> We also outline the different types of motors, explain how they work, and share the key things to look out for during motor maintenance and replacement.<\/span><\/p> <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn the four key metrics that tell you everything about motor power.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tFind out which type of electric scooter best for you.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tA run down of the buttons and settings that control motor power.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tDiscover the factors that affect motor performance and power.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn about the different types of electric scooter motors.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tEverything you need to know about maintaining and replacing motors.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t Voltage, commonly referred to as electric pressure, is the measured strength of electricity flowing through a circuit.<\/span><\/p> The amount of voltage is indicated by a unit known as volts (V). This rating tells you the intensity at which electricity will be pushed through an electric scooter motor.<\/span><\/p> Typically, electric scooter motors fall into one of these six buckets: 36V, 48V, 52V, 60V, 72V, and 84V.<\/span><\/p> Motors with higher voltage result in greater torque, faster acceleration, and higher top speeds.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t Watts are a measurement of how much power a motor can deliver. Not only do they indicate the size of a motor, but they also affect the maximum power output.<\/span><\/p> Electric scooter motors range from 150W to 2000W. Some scooters rely on single motors, while others are kitted out with dual motors<\/strong><\/a> to double their power.<\/span><\/p> The larger the number of watts, the bigger the motor will be and the faster the scooter can go.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t Measured in watts, nominal power refers to the power that a motor can continuously produce without incurring damage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> The higher the nominal power figure, the higher the continuous speed.<\/span><\/p> For example, a motor with a nominal power of 1000W will be able to produce 1000W of power continuously for as long as there is enough charge in the battery. For context, this amount of power would result in a top speed of approximately 28 mph.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t Measured in watts, peak power refers to the power that a motor can instantaneously generate for short periods before overheating.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> The higher the peak power figure, the higher the instantaneous speed.<\/span><\/p> In practice, peak power is what you rely on for an extra boost of torque to propel an electric scooter when you need to accelerate fast, hit top speeds, or ride uphill.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> For example, a motor with a nominal power of 1000W may be able to produce 1600W of peak power for a short burst. For context, this amount of power would result in a top speed of approximately 33 mph.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t <\/p> Single-motor electric scooters are generally cheaper, lighter, and more portable than dual-motor models<\/strong><\/a>. They have less power, lower top speeds, and slower acceleration rates, but if they have big batteries they can outperform dual-motor models where range is concerned.<\/p> For example, a scooter that has a single 52V 1000W motor and a 30Ah battery can keep the wheels rolling for approximately 60 miles. But, if it were to have two 1000W motors, its range would immediately be cut in half since the battery needs to power both motors. There is a caveat, though. If the dual-motor version was only ridden in single-motor mode, then it would also be able to achieve the 60-mile range.<\/p> Single-motor models are a great option for beginners, those on a budget<\/strong><\/a>, and commuters<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t <\/p> In most cases, dual-motor electric scooters<\/strong><\/a> are heavier and more expensive than single-motor models. However, they have more power, higher top speeds, faster acceleration rates, and are better at scaling differing terrain including off-road tracks and hilly areas.<\/p> Also, because the scooter\u2019s power is distributed evenly across both wheels, they have better traction and stability.<\/p> Dual-motor models are a great option for riders that have some experience and want to go fast. They can also be a great choice for beginners since you can cap the top speed using different riding modes. By controlling the motor power you can ease into the ride and build your confidence.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t <\/p> All dual-motor scooters<\/strong><\/a> come with single\/dual motor buttons. They allow you to switch from using a single motor to using two simultaneously.<\/p> Using one motor will conserve your battery power and is ideal for smooth flat surfaces when you\u2019re not in a hurry. Using both motors will burn through your battery power quicker, but you\u2019ll be able to reach higher speeds, as well as take on steeper slopes and rougher terrain.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t <\/p> Scooters that come with eco\/turbo buttons allow you to choose what your priority is for your journey.<\/p> If you want to prioritize efficiency, the eco mode will limit your top speed, slow your acceleration, and conserve your battery life.<\/p> However, if speed is the name of the game, the turbo mode will unleash your scooter\u2019s full capabilities, giving you access to its top speed and fastest acceleration. In turbo mode, you will deplete the batter power quicker, meaning a shorter range.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t <\/p> Most scooters come with a range of riding modes to let you choose the speed that best matches your capabilities.<\/p> Budget, commuter, and performance scooters tend to come equipped with 3 riding modes, while high and ultra-performance models come with 6.<\/p> A low mode will give you slow speed and acceleration, while a high mode lets you unleash the full power of your scooter. This is ideal for inexperienced riders who don\u2019t yet feel ready to use the full power capacity of their new scooter.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t <\/p> Almost all scooters come with a display that shows key information such as speed, battery power, and distance traveled, but some have displays that allow you to access the scooter\u2019s P-settings and customize its performance. This can include:<\/p> Capping Top Speeds<\/strong><\/p> Capping a scooter\u2019s top speed is great for nervous riders but is also an excellent way to guarantee you won\u2019t exceed a local scooter speed restriction.<\/p> Adjust Acceleration Strength<\/strong><\/p> Reducing the intensity of your scooter\u2019s acceleration can make it easier to control for new riders, as well as better suited for busy pedestrian-filled areas. On the other hand, increasing acceleration strength means you can burn rubber and make the most of the motor power of offer.<\/p> Control the Flow of Power to Motors Independently<\/strong><\/p> Most of the time, electric scooters with dual motors<\/strong><\/a> will use the same wattage to perform equally. However, some scooters like the NAMI Burn-e 2<\/strong><\/a> allow you to control the flow of power to each of its motors independently.<\/p> This is useful since you can customize the power profile for your environment. For example, if you live in a hilly area, you may want to funnel more power to the front motor to pull you up the hill as opposed to pushing you up it from the rear.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t <\/p> Just like with cars, a rear-wheel-drive electric scooter of the same weight, power, and tire size will accelerate quicker than its front-wheel-drive counterpart. This is because as the scooter pushes forwards, there\u2019s a slight shift in weight toward the back. This pushes down on the rear tire giving it better traction.<\/span><\/p> However, the most effective implementation of motors for maximum torque, acceleration, and speed, is to equip an electric scooter with a motor in each wheel hub.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t <\/p> Batteries always have the same voltage as the motors they are supplying power to, however, they can vary in size.<\/p> The size of a battery is determined by Amp-hours. As the name suggests it refers to how many amps a battery can deliver in an hour.<\/p> By multiplying Voltage and Amp-Hours together, we get Watt-Hours (Wh). Watt-Hours is used to measure a battery\u2019s power capacity.<\/p> The higher the Watt-hours, the more energy a battery can store and the further an electric scooter can go.<\/p> In practice, Watt-hours are what you rely on for an electric scooter's maximum mileage.<\/p> For example, a battery rated at 36V and 10Ah, stores 360Wh. This equates to a maximum range of approximately 25-30 miles. However, if you were to ride fast and draw lots of power to the motor, a realistic range of 14-16 miles would be achieved.<\/p> Ultimately, the size of your battery and the power it holds will determine the length of time for which a motor can run.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t <\/p> Controllers are electronic circuits that control the speed of a scooter by regulating the flow of electricity from the battery to the motor. When the throttle is pressed, the controller determines how quickly the motor responds and how fast the scooter can accelerate. More powerful controllers (rated between 30A and 50A) respond faster, resulting in lightning-quick acceleration.<\/p> The two main types of controllers are Square Wave and Sine Wave.<\/p> Square Wave<\/strong><\/p> A Square Wave controller switches on the flow of electricity immediately, similar to a tap going from off to fully on in an instant. This quick response from the motor can feel abrupt, making you jerk back and forth as the scooter surges forward.<\/p> Sine Wave<\/strong><\/p> A Sine Wave controller smoothes out the power delivery process by using a consistent flow of current. Instead of the sudden surge of power, it\u2019s similar to a tap being turned on and steadily increasing the flow of water. This results in a smooth acceleration, preventing jerky movements.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t <\/p> The more contact a tire has with the ground, the more traction it can generate. This can either slow your scooter or aid its accelerative capabilities. Getting the right amount of contact is dependent on tire pressure.<\/p> If your tires are pumped up to their recommended pressure, they will be perfectly primed to grip the road and take full advantage of the motor power. However, if the pressure is too low, it will bring more surface area of the tire into contact with the road, thereby increasing traction and causing drag which will slow the scooter.<\/p> The best tire profile to accommodate motor power are those that are pumped up their recommended pressure, have wide surface areas that come into contact with the road, and sport a tread pattern designed to grip and propel the scooter forward.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t <\/p> When you ride up a hill your center of gravity shifts to the rear of the scooter. This makes it harder for the motor\/s to pull the scooter forward, and as a result, slows the rate at which they can operate.<\/p>How Motor Power is Measured: 4 Metrics You Need to Know<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
Voltage<\/h3>
Watts<\/h3>
Nominal (Continuous) Power<\/h3>
Peak Power<\/h3>
Single vs Dual-Motor Electric Scooters<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
Single Motor Models<\/h3>
Dual-Motor Models<\/h3>
How to Control & Adjust Motor Power<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
Single\/Dual Motor Buttons<\/h3>
Eco\/Turbo Buttons<\/h3>
Riding Modes<\/h3>
Customizable Settings<\/h3>
Factors That Affect Motor Power<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
Motor Placement: Front or Rear<\/h3>
Battery Power<\/h3>
Controllers (Square Wave vs Sine Wave)<\/h3>
Tires<\/h3>
Inclines<\/h3>