Chassis settings for a racing scooter: height, rake, and suspension
On a racetrack, an electric scooter is not judged solely by its top speed: it must enter curves without hesitation, remain stable at high speeds, and handle bumps without losing contact with the ground. This performance depends on the chassis geometry (height, rake, wheelbase), the suspension, and the rider's position. There is no universal setting; each machine, each rider, and each track requires its own specific configuration. This guide explains what each setting does, so you can understand which direction to adjust in.
The essentials
- A lower machine is more stable and more agile in turns, but it will touch the ground sooner at an angle.
- More rake (caster angle) provides greater stability in a straight line, while less rake makes the steering more responsive.
- A longer wheelbase provides more stability, while a shorter wheelbase makes it easier to turn.
- Suspensions that are too soft cause the vehicle to dive excessively during braking; suspensions that are too stiff can cause a loss of traction on uneven surfaces.
- Change only one setting at a time, and make sure to record everything.
The deck height
Lowering the machine lowers its center of gravity, which is the point where you can consider that all of its weight is concentrated, including the rider. The lower the center of gravity, the less the machine tilts during braking and cornering, and the easier it is to change direction.
The limiting factor is ground clearance: when leaning into a turn, the deck, a bracket, or an arm will eventually rub against the track, which can lift the wheel and cause a fall. Therefore, you need to lower the scooter until you have sufficient clearance for the maximum angle you reach. In the E'trott Racing competition, the 2026 regulations also specify a maximum deck height of 400 mm from the ground to the top of the deck.
On the SR-One, the 2023 champion, the shock absorbers were lowered and modified to withstand the stresses of the track.
The rake angle
"Camber" refers to the inward or outward tilt of the steering axis. With this angle, the contact point of the front tire on the ground is located behind the extension of the steering axis. This causes the front wheel to be "pulled," similar to the wheel of a shopping cart, and it tends to naturally return to its central alignment.
- Improved Stability: The steering is more stable at high speeds and less susceptible to bumps, but it requires more effort to lean into turns.
- Reduced wobble: The steering is more responsive and precise during turns, but can feel twitchy when riding straight, with a potential for instability.
On an electric scooter, the rake angle also changes with height: lowering the rear more than the front straightens the steering column and reduces the rake. That's why we adjust the front and rear heights together.
The wheelbase and deck
The wheelbase is the distance between the axles of the two wheels. A longer wheelbase makes the machine more stable in a straight line and during braking, and provides more space for the rider to position themselves. A shorter wheelbase makes it more agile in tight turns. For fast tracks, a longer deck is often a good compromise, such as our extended carbon fiber deck and platform kit for the Dualtron Thunder. In competition, regulation 2026 limits the total length to 1,650 mm from tire edge to tire edge.
Our guide on extended decks and carbon fiber platforms details the impact on riding position and stability.
The suspensions
A suspension system has two main functions: to keep the tire in contact with the road surface, even on uneven terrain, and to control the movement of the vehicle when the rider brakes, accelerates, or leans into a turn. Depending on the specific shock absorbers, the following settings can be adjusted:
- Pre-charge: This setting determines the height of the vehicle with the rider on board
- Compression: The resistance of the shock absorber when it compresses
- Rebound (damping): This refers to the speed at which the suspension returns to its original position. If it's too fast, the machine will bounce; if it's too slow, it will remain compressed and lose contact with the ground.
On the track, it's generally a good idea to stiffen the suspension compared to on-road use, to limit nose dive during braking, but without overdoing it: a suspension that is too stiff will cause the wheel to bounce on bumps and create vibrations. The E-scooter regulations allow for changing the shock absorbers. The basic principles are explained in our guide on how to adjust scooter suspensions.
The stiffness of the arms is just as important as the shocks: an arm that bends in a turn changes the geometry at the worst possible moment. On Dualtron models, our CNC-machined arms, made from solid stock, provide this stiffness.
The steering damper
The steering damper controls rapid handlebar movements. It doesn't alter the geometry, but it helps to prevent handlebar wobble, for example, when encountering a bump while accelerating. It is permitted in competition, provided that its end is protected by a flush cap; it should never be used to lock the steering. It should also not be used to mask a problem: handlebar wobble that persists often indicates loose steering components or a tire that needs to be checked.
The rider's position
The height of the handlebars and the length of the steering column determine the rider's position. Lower and closer handlebars allow for more weight to be loaded on the front wheel when entering turns. On the SR-One, the original carbon fiber steering column has been replaced with a much shorter titanium column, for a more aggressive riding position when entering curves. For a machine designed entirely for the track, our custom chassis allows you to choose every dimension from the beginning.
Workshop tip
Start with a solid foundation: ensure your tires are properly inflated, there's no play in the steering, and the suspension is in good condition. Then, make only one adjustment per session, and carefully record the adjustment made, the resulting feel, and the lap time. Without notes, you'll end up going in circles.
Frequently Asked Questions
My electric scooter is pulling to one side at high speed. Could this be a tuning issue?
Sometimes, but first, check the steering, bearings, tire pressure, and the condition of the tires. Our guide on scooters that pull to one side or feel unstable outlines the order of checks.
Should the suspension be stiffened for track use?
Generally, a slight adjustment is needed to limit the nose dive during braking. However, a suspension that is too stiff can reduce traction on uneven surfaces, so it's best to gradually increase the stiffness while observing the vehicle's behavior.
Is it possible to modify the rake (steering angle) of a commercially available electric scooter?
It's rarely done directly. The geometry is usually adjusted using the front and rear heights; actually changing the steering angle requires a modified or custom-built frame.
Is there an ideal setting that can be copied?
No. The optimal settings depend on the rider's weight, riding style, the specific machine, and the track. Settings from another rider can be a starting point, but never a definitive solution.