What makes a racing scooter: the example of the RM-X
A racing scooter is not simply a road scooter with more power. It's a machine designed for a single purpose: to go fast on a track, lap after lap, with hard braking and maintaining stability. Every component is chosen to withstand the heat, stress, and vibrations of the track. The RM-X, Rage Mechanics' performance scooter, is a prime example: its motor, controllers, and chassis are designed and manufactured in our workshop in Lyon, and it has reached a speed of 173 km/h, measured on a track, setting a world record for speed.
The essentials
- A racing scooter is designed as a complete system: the motor, controllers, battery, and chassis are all conceived together from the very beginning.
- Power is useless without a rigid frame, precise steering, durable brakes, and racing tires.
- Heat is the enemy: everything must be able to withstand full load throughout an entire session.
- The RM-X: Peak power of 50,000W, a measured top speed of 173 km/h on a track in September 2024, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
A carefully designed and integrated system
On a commercially available scooter, the manufacturer assembles components designed for a compromise: comfort, price, and range. When you modify it for track use, you replace parts one by one, and each change reveals another issue: a more powerful motor causes the controller to overheat, a more powerful controller causes the battery to cut out, a more capable battery adds weight to the machine, and so on.
The RM-X was designed with a different approach. The motor, controllers, and chassis are all custom-made and designed together. It's a showcase of the workshop: it demonstrates what we know how to design and manufacture independently. The challenge was clear: to deliver 50,000W in such a compact vehicle, and then achieve a speed of 173 km/h on the track, without compromising stability. To delve deeper into this holistic approach, see our guide on the racing powertrain.
The motors
The RM-X features a dual-motor system: a motor in each wheel, with each motor delivering 25,000W of power. These motors are custom-designed and hand-assembled specifically for the RM-X. The two motors distribute the power, heat, and traction across both wheels. In 2024, the workshop also developed an exceptional racing motor for the 2025 season, the RM-X Comp, which was manufactured in only two units and has only been used on the RM-X.
In a racing motor, it's not just the peak power that matters, but also the ability to sustain that power without overheating: this requires high-performance magnets, optimized winding, and a stator designed to dissipate heat.
Controllers and battery
The RM-X controllers are designed and manufactured by Rage. They convert the battery's current to power the motors, and they are the components that generate the most heat during repeated acceleration.
The battery utilizes Molicel P45B cells, chosen for their high discharge capacity, and is equipped with a 550A BMS designed to handle repeated acceleration surges. It is protected by cell insulation, a fire-resistant fiber, and a sheath. A racing battery must deliver very high currents without its voltage collapsing; our comparison of 21700 cells explains why the choice of cells is crucial.
The chassis and steering
The RM-X frame is machined from 7075 aluminum, an aerospace-grade alloy, to achieve a balance of rigidity and low weight. The steering column is made of grade 9 titanium, featuring a double-diameter clamping ring. The suspension components are made of polyurethane. The machine weighs 55 kg.
Rigidity is key: a chassis or column that flexes at high speed alters the geometry at the wrong moment and triggers wobbles. The battery box of the RM-X measures 670 mm, a length that we also use on our extended deck for the Dualtron Thunder. For a machine designed entirely to your specifications, our offering of custom chassis is based on this expertise.
Brakes, tires, and fairings
- Braking: Brake Stuff disc brakes, Beringer brakes, and regenerative electric braking. At 173 km/h, the amount of energy that needs to be dissipated during each braking event is enormous.
- Tires: PMT, available in slick or Junior versions depending on the intended use. See our guide on slick tires.
- Fairing: Made of carbon fiber, with a customizable color, to reduce turbulence around the vehicle.
- Instrumentation: The SmartDisplay is a connected dashboard with telemetry, power modes, and instant speed limiting to 25 km/h.
Tested in competition
The RM-X has been competing in the French E'trott Racing championship since 2024. The speed record of 173 km/h was set in September 2024 on the Ceerta circuit in Issoire, and the videographer RAFTOR dedicated a video to it. The racing serves as a testing ground: anything that breaks or overheats in the championship is corrected before it affects the parts we sell. The full story is on the RM-X project page: RM-X.
| Element | RM-X |
|---|---|
| Power | 50,000 W peak power |
| Maximum speed | 173 km/h, world record on a closed circuit (September 2024) |
| 0 to 100 km/h | 4.5 seconds |
| Motors | Dual motors, each with 25,000W, manufactured by Rage |
| Controllers | Designed and manufactured by Rage |
| Battery | Molicel P45B cells, connected BMS |
| Chassis | Machined 7075 aluminum, Grade 9 titanium column |
| Weight | 55 kg |
Workshop tip
If you want to transform your scooter into a track machine, don't start with the motors. Start with what holds it together: steering, brakes, tires, and rigidity. The RM-X is fast because everything else keeps up; that's the lesson it teaches about all modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RM-X for sale?
Yes, it is available in our store: see the product page RM-X. Purchasing it includes an invitation to a private track session with the Rage Mechanics team.
Can you ride an RM-X on the road?
On public roads, electric scooters are limited to a speed of 25 km/h. The RM-X's performance is best realized on a track or on private property; its display allows for instant speed limiting to 25 km/h.
What is the difference between the RM-X and a modified electric scooter?
A customized electric scooter starts with a commercially available frame and is reinforced piece by piece. The RM-X is designed from the ground up for speed: the frame, motors, and controllers are all engineered together with this goal in mind.
Why two motors instead of a single, larger motor?
Two wheel motors distribute power, heat, and traction across both wheels. Each motor works less hard, generates less heat, and the machine accelerates without causing either wheel to spin out. Our guide on dual-motor vs. single-motor scooters details this choice.