Stem, handlebar, and handlebar height: adjusting the riding position on an electric scooter

The handlebar assembly of an electric scooter consists of the stem, handlebar, and grips: it determines the height of your hands, their spacing, and their position relative to the steering axis. Originally, it's designed for an average rider at an average speed. On a powerful scooter, adjusting it to your height and riding style improves comfort, stability, and precision. The most flexible solution is to switch to a standard mountain bike (MTB) setup: this involves an adapter, a stem, and handlebars that you can choose freely.

The three components of the control panel

The column

This is the tube that connects the steering pivot to the handlebars. Its length largely determines the rider's hand height. Our titanium steering columns are available in various lengths depending on the scooter model: for example, for the Nami Burn-E, we offer lengths from 38 cm for a low, track-oriented riding position to 50 cm for a height closer to the original, and also custom-made, taller versions. For Dualtron Thunder models, our column provides a height of 85 cm from the deck to the handlebar mount. Our guide on titanium steering columns details the available models.

The stem

It connects the steering column to the handlebars. Its length adjusts the rider's hand position relative to the steering axis, and its angle slightly raises or lowers the hands.

The handlebar

This is the handlebar. Its width, its rise, and its backsweep determine the position of the wrists and elbows.

Switching to the mountain bike standard

On many scooters, the handlebar is integrated with the top of the steering column, making it impossible to raise or widen it. A stem adapter converts the top of the steering column into a standard 28.6mm bicycle stem. This allows you to then choose from the wide range of mountain bike stems and handlebars that are compatible.

• Our Dualtron stem adapter, made from CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum, is available in three heights: 40 mm to maintain the original height, 90 mm to raise the handlebars, and 140 mm for maximum height increase.
• For other brands, our generic handlebar adapter is available in versions compatible with most Dualtron, Teverun, Nami, and Weped models, as indicated when placing your order.
• Our titanium columns are supplied with their own 7075 aluminum adapter: simply add a mountain bike handlebar stem to complete the assembly.

Choosing the stem

For a fast scooter, a short stem is preferred. It keeps the handlebars close to the steering axis, resulting in more direct steering and a smaller lever arm applied to the steering column. Our short stem accommodates a 31.8 mm handlebar and mounts on a standard 28.6 mm steerer tube; this is the one we install on our titanium steering columns.

A longer handlebar stem might be suitable for a very tall rider who feels too "forward" on the handlebars, but it will make steering slower and more sensitive to body movements.

Choosing the handlebar

The width is the first key factor. A wider handlebar provides more leverage for steering: the scooter feels less twitchy and remains more stable at high speeds. However, a wider scooter takes up more space and is less maneuverable.

Our 740 mm carbon handlebar is the one we use on our titanium stems. According to its specifications, it measures 31.8 mm in the center for standard mountain bike stems and 22.2 mm at the grips for mountain bike controls, with a slight rise and a few degrees of setback, and features a matte carbon finish. Carbon fiber is lightweight and helps to filter out some of the road vibrations.

Finding the right height

There is no universal standard, but a few guidelines can help. Standing on the deck, with your knees slightly bent, your hands should naturally fall onto the handlebars with your elbows slightly bent. If you have to bend over to reach the handlebars, they are too low; if your elbows are straight and your shoulders are raised, they are too high or too close.

On the track, riders often lower the handlebars to load the front wheel in corners: this is the purpose of our shorter steering columns for racing. On the road, a higher riding position allows for a straighter torso and facilitates more powerful braking.

Tightening: This is where everything hinges

• Please adhere to the torque specifications provided by the manufacturer of the stem and handlebars. For our carbon handlebars, the specifications indicate 5 Nm, and the use of carbon assembly paste is recommended: carbon fiber does not tolerate excessive tightening.
• Tighten the stem bolts in a criss-cross pattern, gradually, to ensure even pressure.
• Before tightening everything completely, check that the handlebars are properly aligned with the front wheel.
• Retighten all fasteners after the first few kilometers.

For all the tightening checks on an electric scooter, please refer to our guide on screws and threadlocker.