Preparing a scooter for the track: The workshop checklist

Preparing an electric scooter for the track isn't just about adding power. It's about making it capable of braking effectively lap after lap, maintaining its stability at high speeds, keeping its tires firmly planted on the ground, and stopping safely if something goes wrong. Here's the checklist that our workshop follows, in the order we address each item, along with the regulations from the 2026 E'trott Racing championship that you need to adhere to if you're aiming for competition.

1. Braking

On the track, we brake hard at the end of every straightaway, without any time for the brakes to cool down between stops. This is often the first component to fail on a standard electric scooter. The E-scooter regulations require a mechanically operated, independent braking system for each wheel, and only hydraulic brakes are permitted; cable brakes are prohibited.

• Calipers: Four pistons for a heavy and fast machine. On our competition machines, we use Hope Tech 4 V4 calipers.
• Discs: Larger and thicker, they dissipate heat more effectively.
• Hoses: An aviation-grade hose will not expand, and the lever will remain firm even with hot brakes.
• Pads: A compound designed to withstand high temperatures, and which should be bedded in before the first use.
• Brake Fluid: Bled and in good condition, as it can boil when the brakes get hot.

Everything is detailed in our guide on how to brake a powerful electric scooter. Don't rely solely on the electric braking system: it can weaken, even with a full battery, or in case of a malfunction.

2. Steering and steering column

A slight play in the steering column, barely noticeable in the city, can become a dangerous wobble at high speeds. On the track, the steering must be rigid and free of play. In fact, the E-scooter regulations require that the folding mechanism be secured with a bolted ring. A reinforced clamping ring eliminates play and loosening; a titanium steering column goes even further, as explained in our guide on the titanium steering column.

A steering damper is permitted in competition, provided that its end is protected by a flush cap and that it is not used to lock the steering.

3. Tires and Wheels

The original tires, often designed for comfort or versatility, deform and slip when taking sharp turns at high speed. On dry tracks, slicks are the standard: we equip our machines with the PMT Slick T41. For introductory rides or days with uncertain weather, a quality road tire remains a good choice. Our guide on slicks explains when to switch between the two types.

Also, check the rims (for any warping or cracks) and the tightness of the motor axles. The E-scooter regulations specify that wheels must be between 250 and 300 mm in diameter, mounted on rims that are 6 to 7 inches in size, and prohibit the use of solid tires.

4. Electrical Safety

• Kill switch (track mode): In competition, a red switch on the handlebars, accessible without releasing the grips, must cut off power to the motors without braking or locking the wheels. See our guide on track safety kill switches.
• Battery Isolation: To work on the machine in the paddock and for transportation, a power switch allows you to easily disconnect the battery.
• Wiring: Use insulated cables of the appropriate gauge, ensure connectors are securely fastened, and make sure no wires are rubbing against any moving parts.
• Throttle: The motors must stop automatically as soon as the throttle is released.
• Battery: In competition, an accessible charging port (LP16, XT90, XT60, or GX16) allows the official to measure the voltage, which must not exceed 92.40 V.

5. Compliance for Competition

If you're aiming for an E'trott Racing competition, add the following to the list:

• A protective cover is standard on each brake lever
• Rounded handlebars and capped handlebar ends
• A handlebar with a width of 560 to 800 mm;
• The removal of mirrors and detachable lights;
• a functional rear red light that illuminates when the track is declared wet;
• three license plates and the transponder holder mounted on the column;
• No liquid cooling on the motors or controllers, and motors integrated into the wheels, without chains or belts.

6. Check all screws and perform a pre-session inspection

The vibrations from a track day can loosen what isn't properly tightened. Before each day, we re-tighten the calipers, axles, steering column, handlebars, and suspension arms, using threadlocker where necessary. The regulations allow replacing the original hardware with hardware that is at least as strong, and to drill holes in it to install redundant brake lines for safety.

7. Power and heat dissipation, finally

Once the machine brakes, turns, and handles properly, we can focus on performance. On the track, the limiting factor often comes from overheating: the motors and controllers work at full load for extended periods. Motor ventilation helps; a gentler throttle setting coming out of turns also helps. Our Racing page showcases what the workshop has learned from racing competitions.