High-speed or high-torque motor for your scooter: which one should you choose?
Most of our scooter motors come in two versions: High Speed (HS) and High Torque (HT). They have the same size, the same magnets, and the same price: only the winding changes. However, the choice between the two determines the character of the machine. This guide explains the difference and helps you choose.
The essentials
- A High Speed motor spins faster for the same voltage, resulting in a higher top speed.
- A High Torque motor produces more torque for the same current: this translates to more power for acceleration and climbing hills.
- High speed requires more current for the same level of effort, so the battery and controllers must be able to handle it.
- The right choice depends as much on the battery and controllers as it does on the intended use.
The same motor, but with a different winding configuration
A "High Speed" (HS) motor and a "High Torque" (HT) motor from the same product line share the same housing, stator, and magnets. The difference lies in the winding: the "High Speed" motor uses fewer, thicker strands of wire, while the "High Torque" motor uses more strands.
- Fewer windings: The motor produces less voltage as it rotates, so it can spin faster before reaching the battery voltage. However, each ampere produces less torque.
- More windings: Each ampere produces more torque, but the motor reaches its maximum speed sooner.
These two properties are two sides of the same coin. Our guide on Kv, Kt, and motor poles explains this relationship in detail.
Example from our product specifications: the XHS75 High Speed motor runs at 2,340 RPM without load at 60V, and 2,808 RPM at 72V. The speed increases with voltage, in the same proportion.
What this changes on the road
| High Speed | High Torque | |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed | Higher | Lower |
| Starting and hill climbing | Okay, if the current flows.. | Excellent, even with less current |
| Current required for the same torque | Higher | Lower |
| Same heat output for the same amount of effort | More important if the current is limited | Lower |
| Typical usage | Circuit, long straightaways, powerful battery and controllers | Mountain, city, heavy rider, all-terrain |
The trap: achieving high speed without the necessary current
A high-speed motor performs optimally only when the battery and controllers provide the necessary current. If installed on a machine with a battery that cuts out at full acceleration, or with controllers that have limitations, it will result in a less responsive scooter with slower acceleration and may not even reach its top speed. In such cases, a high-torque motor will be more enjoyable and faster in real-world conditions.
That's why, in our track-ready setups, high-speed motors are paired with batteries and controllers capable of powering them, as seen on this Dualtron Thunder 1 Evo, which is equipped with XHS-75 motors and C350 controllers. Also, see our Performance batteries.
How to choose: Four key questions
- Where do you ride? Lots of hills, acceleration, varied terrain: High Torque. Track, long straightaways: High Speed.
- What kind of battery do you have? A battery that delivers high current allows for high speed; an original battery with limited output is more suited for high torque.
- What controllers are you using? The available phase current determines the torque. With less powerful controllers, the High Torque setting helps to compensate.
- What is your weight, including all equipment? A heavier rider will benefit more from increased torque.
The range includes models, from the most compact to the most powerful
- SHS60 and SHT60: Featuring 60mm magnets, an integrated tubeless rim, and a nominal power of 1200W. They are compatible with models such as the Dualtron Thunder and Ultra, Nami Burn-E, Bronco Xtreme, Weped FF, and Kaabo Wolf.
- MHS and MHT: Intermediate-sized versions, including the MHS75 and MHT75 with half-rims for pneumatic tires.
- XHS and XHT: Magnets ranging from 75 to 100 mm for XHS models, and 75 and 80 mm for XHT models. They feature 10 mm² phase cables and a nominal power of 6,000 W. They can be mounted on Weped SST, SSGT, and FS models without any particular modifications, and on Nami models with our axle and spacer kit.
All our motors are adaptable to most machines, with custom shafts and spacers. See the full range of electric scooter motors.
Workshop tip
If you're unsure, choose the "High Torque" setting. A scooter that delivers strong acceleration with every restart is faster in real-world conditions than a scooter that only achieves a high top speed after a long, straight stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to install a high-speed motor in the front and a high-torque motor in the rear?
It is not recommended to use this on a scooter with two motors: the two wheels would not have the same maximum speed or the same torque for the same settings, which would make riding and controller tuning more difficult. It is best to use two identical motors.
Does a "High Speed" mode consume more power?
At the same speed, the power consumption is similar; it's the power demand that matters. However, a "High Speed" mode encourages faster riding, and it generates more heat if there's insufficient current, which reduces the range.
Should the controllers be changed when switching to XHS or XHT motors?
Often, yes, to take full advantage of them: these motors can handle significantly more current than the original motors. It's also important to ensure that the phase wires are properly connected and that the controllers can read the motor sensors.