Mopeds are considered the convenient way to travel around in Hawaii. It’s super easy to maneuver around. I always recommend renting mopeds once you’re in Hawaii, and if you’re someone who already owns a moped, you already know the thrill of riding on Hawaiian roads. Mopeds give you the luxury of freedom and speed, but if you had that thought in your mind where mopeds are typically slower, then, my friend, you’re wrong. Cause mopeds can go faster, and the good news is, I am here to tell you how.
If you own a moped scooter, you can follow the tips and tricks I’ve shared in this blog to help you get every bit of speed out of your two-wheeled companion. Here, in this article, I’ve gone deeper into info about increasing cylinder head valves, installing variator rolls, and upgrading the carburetor to help you achieve your maximum speed.
Understanding Electric Scooter Speed Limits and Safety
If you’re riding a moped in Hawaii, you need to be aware of the speed limits and safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. In Hawaii, moped speed limits vary depending on the type of road and local regulations. So, the first step is to familiarize yourself with local speed limits and regulations for electric scooters and mopeds.
On city streets and residential areas, mopeds are generally expected to follow posted speed limits, which typically range from 25 to 35 miles per hour. For county roads and highways, the speed limit for mopeds may be between 35 to 45 miles per hour.
I think it’s important to note that mopeds are not allowed on state highways with speed limits over 45 miles per hour for safety reasons. So make sure Class A mopeds, which have engines of 50cc or less, are only limited to a top speed of 30 miles per hour on level ground.
So, one thing you need to understand is that you should know the consequences of modifying the moped or scooter’s speed controller. Now, not only that, as a rider, you need to be well alert of your surroundings, adhere to traffic laws, and use bike lanes when required, especially on roads with speed limits over 30 mph.
How To Make A Scooter Faster
Here are some top methods that I suggest to my fellow moped riders to increase the moped to its full speed potential.
Installing Variator Rolls
Variator rolls are considered to be typically a small cylindrical or spherical steel component. Here; you have to put them into the variator, which is a part of your scooter’s CVT system. Usually, variator rolls are made of steel, but otherwise, they’re made with other durable materials like nylon, etc.
Installing the right step of variator rolls can unleash your moped’s performance, and it’s a straightforward and budget-friendly option. Yes, this is all a beginner-friendly option for your moped if you’re a beginner rider.
But how does a variator roll work? Variation rollers get into action when your scooter engine revs or chills out. They easily slide in and out inside the variator, as it’s small and spherical, playing with the effective size of the drive pulley, which is connected to your engine, and the driven pulley, which is hooked up to your wheel.
Now, this is like shifting gears in a car but way smoother. You need to know that if you’re investing in lighter rollers, that will accelerate easier since the transmission holds onto a lower gear for longer — just like how you’re in a lower gear when driving a car.
Now, if you’ve brought heavier rollers, your moped’s going to upshift a tad earlier. This can push a slightly higher top speed, but it takes a bit longer to get there.
How to Choose the Right Variator Rolls
Here, I am just going to help you decide which roller weight is apt for your working moped. Now, don’t get disappointed when I say it’s all an experience that depends on various factors like your scooter’s make and model, and of course, your weight as a rider.
But here’s what I’ve understood so far with variator rolls:
A lighter roller can easily boost acceleration, but it can also mean that the engine often hits its maximum RPM, potentially decreasing the overall top speed.
Now, a heavier roller may not accelerate as fast as you imagined, but it can keep your engine RPM in check for a tad better top speed.
Let’s imagine you’ve got yourself a 50cc moped that weighs about 100 pounds. You might find that heavier rollers still deliver excellent acceleration in this case.
But to make matters a little bit confusing, a 250-pound rider might achieve a similar acceleration level if they go for lighter rollers.
Now, the balance is where you make your scooter’s RPM climb rapidly and stay near its power peak. It can typically average around 7000 RPM when you start the throttle wide.
So like I said, it’s all about balance and finding the perfect roller weight is about striking a magic connection between acceleration and top speed.
Install a Free-Flowing Air Filter
If you categorised your 50cc moped being a slow ride, well, let’s churn out more moped per hour from this vehicle. You now need to consider upgrading to a more free-flowing air filter. A good air filter helps your engine breathe easier and allows more air to flow in while you ride. So here, the basic science behind this is that more air means better combustion, which leads to more power to ride your two-wheeled vehicle.
But it’s not just about speed. These filters are also great at keeping all the nasty dust and dirt out of your engine as they sift through the air, picking out all those dirt and particles. That means your moped will run smoother, use less fuel, and even last longer by hindering your engine’s full performance potential.
If you’re going to install one right away, just know that the installation process is quite simple. You can often do it yourself with just a few basic tools. Just make sure you get the right filter for your moped model. Once it’s in, you’ll notice the difference right away and your moped will feel more responsive and might even sound a bit sportier.
Upgrade Your Cylinder Head
Now, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you might want to consider upgrading your cylinder head. This is where things get really exciting. Cylinder head, if performed right with more or larger valves, can push your moped’s speed boost.
The cylinder head can be considered as the important part of your moped’s engine. It controls how air and fuel mix together and how the exhaust gets out. A good cylinder head upgrade can give you more speed, but that’s not all. It can also improve your torque, which is great for climbing hills or carrying a passenger. Plus, it easily helps you keep your engine cooler, which is always a good thing.
But here’s the thing, as upgrading your cylinder head is a bit more complex than the other methods we’ve talked about. It might be a job for a professional mechanic unless you’re really handy with engine work. Also, make sure any upgrades you do are legal in your area. Check with local authorities, or ask around people, if there are any rules and regulations that stop you from doing this upgrade.
Adjust Your Tires
For a rider who only cares about the destination, not the ride, tires are just rubber for them. But if you care about the overall riding experience and destination, you know that tires are the rider’s connection to the road. You need to know that tires can make a big difference in how fast your moped goes. It’s all about finding the right balance between grip and rolling resistance.
First things first, make sure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires create more resistance, which slows you down. On the other hand, if you’re using over-inflated tires, it can reduce your grip and that means it’s not that safe on the road.
You might also want to consider switching to slightly narrower tires. It’s a known fact that narrower tires have less contact with the road, which means less resistance. But you don’t want to go too narrow and lose too much grip.
The tread pattern on your tires matters too. A smoother tread can help you go faster on dry roads, but the tricky part is the weather conditions in Hawaii. You can expect the unexpected, so you’ll want tires with a tread pattern that offers more grip for wet conditions. It’s all about finding the right balance for your riding style and conditions.
Regular Oil Changes
You should never ignore maintaining your moped. How you maintain and keep your moped clean and tip-top plays a huge part in the overall performance of the vehicle. Regular oil maintenance helps to keep your engine smooth and prevents it from getting too hot under the collar. An engine that’s running smoothly is an engine that can push those speed limits.
Keep an eye on your air filter too. A clogged air filter can really slow you down. Clean it regularly, and replace it when needed. And finally, keep everything clean and lubricated. A clean, well-oiled chain can make a surprising difference in your moped’s performance.
Upgrade the Carburetor and Jets
You can consider upgrading your 50cc engine with a larger carburetor and beefier jets. These tweaks fine-tune the air-fuel mixture, giving your moped more power and speed. This will help push out more performance from your moped scooter and reach higher miles per hour.
Spark Plug Check
We trust our spark plug, as a fresh spark plug can make your engine run more efficiently, giving you a bit more pep. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your ride zipping along smoothly.
A bad spark plug can spell trouble, causing your engine to heat up and sputter to a halt. So, regular maintenance of the spark plug helps your moped ride smoother and faster.
Start by removing the cover and gently unscrewing the cap. Flip the plug around and keep your eye peeled for sparks. If you see none, it’s time to change that old spark plug and replace it.
Final Thoughts
Speed thrills, but making sure you ride your moped in safe conditions is the first advice I have to give to my fellow readers. Your safety should be your no. 1 priority, and it should never be the speed. But if you want to have a bit more control on riding your moped, having a little bit of speed on roads can help you have an efficient and good riding experience.
Whether you’re tweaking your variator rolls, letting your engine breathe easier, upgrading your cylinder head, adjusting your tires, or just keeping up with regular maintenance, there’s always a way to squeeze a bit more speed out of your moped. But you always need to keep in mind to adhere to laws and regulations set by Hawaii local authorities. And be safe, have your helmet, wear protective clothing, and enjoy your ride, my friends.
FAQs
How can I increase my scooter speed?
Increasing speed and enhancing motor efficiency can greatly improve performance. Replacing lower-powered motors with higher horsepower versions is an effective upgrade. For example, swapping out a 250W motor for a 1000W motor will significantly boost power and overall speed.
What makes a 50cc scooter go faster?
When unlocking the full potential of your 50cc engine, consider upgrading to a larger carburetor as it’s like giving your bike a bigger heart. This tweak boosts power and speed, especially with fuel injection. More airflow means better combustion, giving your engine the strength to hit higher speeds and go the extra mile.