Have you seen those daredevils zooming down the street on electric scooters at crazy speeds? Do you ever wonder what it would be like to ride an electric scooter at 40 miles per hour? Well, strap on your helmet because we’re going for a wild ride! Riding an e-scooter at high speeds can be thrilling but also dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. This guide will teach you how to choose the right scooter, gear up safely, master speed riding techniques, follow the law, and keep your scooter in top shape. If you just want a leisurely ride down to the park, this isn’t the guide for you. But if you crave a little adrenaline with the wind in your hair, let’s do this!
Choosing a Speed Demon Scooter
The first step to flying faster than a speeding bullet is getting a scooter that can actually hit 40mph without exploding into a million pieces.
You need a scooter with a powerful motor (1000W+), good suspension, strong brakes, and quality construction. Budget Chinese scooters might be tempting for the low price tag, but they often can’t handle high speeds or last long under extreme stress. When you’re rocketing along at the speed of cars, you want something you can count on.
Some top electric scooter models that can hit 40mph include:
- Kaabo Wolf Warrior: This rugged beast has an 1100W motor, long battery range, and incredible acceleration. It’s like a miniature motorcycle.
- Dualtron Thunder: With dual 1200W motors, this lightning-fast scooter has F1-car-like torque to reach speeds over 50mph.
- Inokim OXO: Exceptionally well-built with motorcycle-grade components and a beefy 800W motor. More stable at high speed than others.
- Emove Cruiser: Affordable option with 52V system, 500W motor, and removable battery. Great bang for buck.
I recommend buying from a specialty e-scooter shop rather than a mass retailer. The staff will be much more knowledgeable about each model’s speed capabilities and can help you pick the best option. Expect to spend $2000+ for a reliable 40mph electric scooter. Think of this as an investment in your safety and enjoyment!
Gearing Up for Safety
A motorcycle helmet might seem excessive…until you’re skidding across the concrete at 40mph. Safety gear is essential when riding at speed. Asphalt and skin don’t mix well!
Helmet
Don’t even think about leaving home without a helmet. Traditional bike helmets are only rated for impacts up to 14mph. To protect your melon at 40mph, you need a full-face motorcycle helmet with DOT or SNELL safety certification. Make sure it fits snugly and allows you to see clearly out the visor. This will be your lifeline in a crash.
Pads & Armor
The next line of defense is impact pads and armor. Look for sets specially designed for electric scooters and skateboards. Key areas to protect are knees, elbows, hips, tailbone, and wrists. Gloves with wrist guards and palm sliders help stop skin from scraping off if you fall. For riders wanting max protection, a moto jacket and pants will shield your whole body.
Yes, you’ll look like Robocop wearing armor, but no one will laugh when you walk away from a nasty spill uninjured!
Shoes
Sturdy above-ankle shoes with good grip will also prevent rolled ankles and feet injuries. If you want the motocross look, riding boots offer even more protection. And remember flip-flops!
Mastering Speed Riding Techniques
Zipping down the street at 40mph on a scooter barely wider than your shoulders takes skill. Here are pro tips to ride fast and safely:
Posture
Stability starts with good riding posture. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees and elbows slightly bent, spine straight but loose, eyes facing forward. Lean forward slightly and use your core and legs to absorb bumps. This athletic stance gives you maximum control.
Steering
Turn the handlebars using gentle movements from your shoulders, not quick jerks with your wrists. This prevents oversteering which can throw your balance off. Don’t make sudden turns at full speed or you risk wiping out. Before turns, proactively slow down and lean your body into the direction you want to go.
Braking
E-scooter brakes are less responsive than motorcycles or bicycles, so give yourself extra stopping distance. Brake early before stops and corners using mostly the rear brake to prevent flipping over the front wheel. Gently apply both front and rear brakes simultaneously to come to a firm stop. Practice emergency braking in empty parking lots to get the hang of it.
Balance
Find your scooter’s center of gravity point – for most models, it’s right under the steering column. Try to keep your body weight centered over this spot because leaning too far forward or back causes speed wobbles. Distribute weight evenly on both feet. If you start shaking, don’t panic! Relax your knees and hips to stabilize.
Bumps & Uneven Terrain
Hitting bumps and cracks at high velocity can get hairy. Scan ahead for uneven pavement and track and stand over it with loose knees and elbows to absorb impacts. Slow way down for serious bumps, railroad tracks, and wet metal plates. Better to scrub speed now than take a teeth-rattling slam!
Follow these techniques and soon you’ll be the hottest rider in town! Just remember to wear safety gear and stay in control. Leave the extreme stunts for the pros.
Following Electric Scooter Laws
E-scooters occupy a legal grey area in many places. Know your local laws before blazing down roads at 40mph. Some key legal limits to be aware of:
Speed Limits – Most areas restrict e-scooters to 20-25mph max on public roads and bike lanes. Exceeding these limits on public property can earn you tickets or scooter impounding.
Motor Power – Common legal limits are 500-1000W motor power. More powerful scooters may be considered unlicensed motor vehicles.
Driver’s License Requirement – In some states like California, you need a driver’s license to ride an e-scooter with a motor over 750W.
Minimum Age – Often set at 16+ years old. Children shouldn’t ride at high speeds.
Sidewalk Riding – Generally forbidden or speed restricted to under 15mph. Pedestrians have the right-of-way.
Helmet Laws – Most states don’t require scooter riders of legal age to wear helmets. But not wearing one is extremely foolish.
While limits exist for safety, police don’t always strictly enforce them unless you’re driving recklessly. Exercise good judgment based on conditions. Only ride at max speed on quiet straightaways with good visibility and no pedestrians. Slow way down in congested urban areas, bike lanes, and neighborhoods. Safety first!
And remember to be considerate and share pathways politely with cyclists and pedestrians. We all just want to enjoy the ride!
Maintaining Your High-Speed Machine
Zipping around at 40mph puts much more stress on scooter components than pootling along at a walking pace. Perform regular maintenance to keep your scooter happy and avoid breakdowns:
Tires – Check weekly for cuts, embedded debris, and uneven wear. Inflate tires to max PSI rating for stability.
Brakes – Test brakes before each ride and watch for fading responsiveness. Replace pads when worn.
Bearings – Listen for grinding noises and wobbly wheels, indicating worn bearings.
Suspension – Tighten springs if sagging. Lubricate shocks and forks.
Connections – Check for loose fasteners and damaged cables. Don’t ride if anything is loose.
Battery – Charge fully after each ride. Don’t let it drain completely or sit too long uncharged.
Belts & Chains – Ensure proper tension. Replace if worn.
Water – Dry brakes and electrical parts if wet. Never hose directly.
Cleaning – Wipe with a damp cloth. Never spray water on sensitive electronics.
Set reminders to do a full safety check every 100 miles. Top speed puts exponentially more wear on components. Catch issues early before they leave you stranded!
Troubleshooting On the Fly
Despite your best maintenance efforts, things can still go wrong mid-ride. Here are common electric scooter issues and how to temporarily fix them:
Speed Wobbles – Knees loose, shift weight forward over front wheel. Apply brakes gently.
Sluggish Acceleration – Scooter overloaded. Remove excess weight if possible.
Cutout at High Speed – Battery overheating. Slow down and allow to cool.
Brakes Unresponsive – Gently pump brakes. Use your foot to slowly scrub off speed.
Tire Puncture – Stop safely. Patch if possible, and walk the scooter home.
Stuck Throttle – Hit throttle killswitch if equipped. Disconnect the brake lever wire.
Component Falling Off – Stop immediately, and retrieve part. Secure with a makeshift fastener.
Little problems can quickly turn into disasters at 40mph. So stay alert, ride defensively, and know how to react. Always have your phone to call for pickup if you can’t limp the scooter home. Stay safe out there!
FAQs
Is riding electric scooters at 40mph safe?
Riding e-scooters at 40mph can be safe IF you wear full safety gear, choose a quality scooter designed for speed, learn proper handling techniques, and ride defensively. It’s also illegal in many areas, so check local laws. Ultimately you accept an increased risk of injury whenever exceeding 30mph.
How far can electric scooters go on a single charge at full speed?
Most electric scooters will only manage 10-25 miles of range when constantly running at full throttle. High speeds drain batteries much faster. To maximize range stick to speeds under 30mph. Also, use dual battery models and bring spare charged packs for longer rides.
What’s the world record fastest electric scooter speed?
The Guinness World Record for the fastest electric scooter was set in 2019 by the Rion Thrust scooter at 107.6 mph! But attempting those extreme speeds is incredibly dangerous and illegal. Even pro riders should keep a max speed under 50mph.
Can electric scooters be insured and registered as motor vehicles?
In most areas, you cannot legally register electric scooters as motor vehicles or get insurance coverage. However, you can obtain liability insurance designed specifically for e-scooters in case you damage property or cause injury. Personal health/disability coverage is also a good idea with risky high-speed riding.
Why would anyone want to ride scooters dangerously fast? Isn’t that asking for trouble?
For some riders, going at risky extreme speeds provides an adrenaline rush and sense of excitement that makes them feel alive. But even thrill-seekers must ride responsibly within public safety limits, get proper training, use protection gear, and have liability coverage. Safety first, fun second!
In Conclusion
Zipping down the road at 40mph on a razor scooter seems crazy – because it is! But today’s high-powered electric scooters can hit speeds rivaling cars and motorcycles. This temptation for speed is hard for some riders to resist.
As this guide covered, reaching those extreme velocities on two narrow wheels takes the right scooter, max safety gear to prevent horrific injury, defensive riding skills, scooter maintenance, and common sense.
While thrilling, 40mph scooting also risks legal trouble, irritation of the non-scootering public, and potentially your life if things go wrong. So stay safe first, have fun second, and don’t become a cautionary headline! Our streets are chaotic enough without scooter daredevils whizzing heedlessly through red lights.
Responsible high-speed scooting means being selective when and where you pin the throttle, and backing off the moment it imperils yourself or others. We all share the roads and sidewalks. To fully embrace the exhilaration of riding an off-road electric scooter, remember to spread your wings and fly free, but always throttle back to glide politely among pedestrians, prioritizing safety, legality, and a heightened awareness of others.
That way we can all enjoy the ride!
