Increasing the voltage of your electric scooter: what changes, and what could break
To make an electric scooter faster, increasing the battery voltage is one of the most effective methods. Switching from 60V to 72V, or from 72V to a battery with 22 cells in series, increases the top speed without modifying the motors. However, every component connected to the battery must be able to handle the new voltage. This guide outlines the benefits and everything you need to check beforehand.
The essentials
- The maximum speed of a motor is proportional to the voltage: higher voltage results in a higher top speed.
- It's the fully charged voltage that matters for the components, not the voltage displayed on the battery.
- Controllers, chargers, lighting, displays: everything connected to the battery must be checked.
- Increasing the voltage doesn't replace current: to achieve greater acceleration, the battery also needs to deliver more current.
Why does voltage affect speed?
A motor with magnets produces a voltage that is proportional to its speed. When this voltage reaches the battery voltage, the controller can no longer push current: the speed reaches a maximum. Increasing the battery voltage raises this maximum in the same proportion. Our guide on Kv, Kt, and motor poles details this calculation.
Here's an example from our product specifications: the XHS75 motor spins at 2,340 RPM when running without load at 60V, and at 2,808 RPM at 72V. A 20% increase in voltage results in a 20% increase in rotational speed.
Common voltages
| Cells in series | Advertised voltage | Full load voltage |
|---|---|---|
| 16S | 60 V | 67.2 V |
| 20S | 72 V | 84 V |
| 22S | 79.2 V, often rounded to 80 V | 92.4 V |
Please pay attention to the terminology: a "72V" battery and an "84V" battery are often the same 20S configuration. When selecting components, always refer to the right-hand column, which provides a safety margin for the voltage peaks during braking.
Here's what you need to check before:
The controllers
This is a critical point. The power components of a controller have a maximum voltage rating. A controller designed for a 20S battery, used with a 22S battery, might work for a while, but then could fail during the first full-battery electric braking, when the voltage spikes. It's essential to verify the actual maximum voltage rating of the controller, not just the "72V" label. Our controller guide explains why this margin is important.
The charger
A charger is set to a specific end-of-charge voltage. An 84V charger will never fully charge a 22S battery; the reverse is dangerous. You must use a charger that corresponds to the number of cells in series.
Lighting, displays, and accessories
Many accessories are powered by a small converter that reduces the battery voltage. This converter also has a maximum input voltage. If the converter is overloaded, it can simultaneously damage everything it powers: the display, the lights, the horn.
Space and weight
More cells in series, with the same capacity, means more cells in total, which translates to more volume and weight. For example, on a Dualtron Thunder, our extended deck kit was designed to accommodate a high-capacity 22S battery with the controllers inside.
The motors
More speed means more losses in the motor's iron core, and in hub motors, it puts more stress on the bearings and magnets. This is something to monitor, especially on the track, with our guide on motor overheating.
Voltage or current: do not confuse the two
Higher voltage increases the top speed. However, acceleration depends on the current that the battery can provide and that the controllers send to the motor. A higher voltage battery that delivers low current will result in a faster machine in a straight line, but not necessarily more responsive acceleration, and may be more prone to cutting out. The Performance versions of our scooter batteries are designed for both: they deliver significantly more current than the original batteries. For example, our Performance 80V battery for the Nami Burn-E boasts up to 450A peak, compared to 98A for the original battery.
Workshop tip
Before ordering any parts, make a list of everything connected to the battery and check the maximum voltage of each component. The component that is most often forgotten is the small converter for the lighting system.
And what about on the road?
In France, an electric scooter that operates on public roads must be limited by design to a maximum speed of 25 km/h. Any scooter whose speed has been increased is intended for use on closed circuits or private property: see our guide on laws and unlocking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my original controllers when upgrading to a higher voltage battery?
Only if their actual maximum voltage covers the new full charge voltage with a sufficient margin. In many scooters, this is not the case, and it's necessary to replace both the controllers and the battery at the same time.
Will the scooter be faster in acceleration?
Not necessarily. Voltage primarily affects the top speed. Acceleration depends on the current: you need a battery that can deliver more power, and controllers that can utilize it.
Will my current charger work?
No, it is not compatible if it is designed for a different number of cells in series. You need a charger whose charging voltage precisely matches the new battery.