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    Step 1: Electrical Setup

    I chose DeWalt batteries because they were readily available, but other brand batteries will work as long as you ensure the correct voltage and compatible holders.

    1. My base model of the electric scooter is the GOTRAX GXL V2, which uses a 40V internal battery.
    2. I only had 20V DeWalt batteries, and stepping up the voltage with a converter wasn’t cost-efficient.
    3. Instead, I connected two DeWalt batteries in series to provide 40V. Each battery is rated for 20A, so current capacity is not a concern.

    ⚠️ Important: Check your scooter’s voltage and current requirements before starting.

    To connect two batteries in series:

    1. Connect the positive terminal of one battery to the negative terminal of the other.
    2. Use the remaining terminals (one positive and one negative) as the output to your scooter.
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    Step 2: Planning the Build

    Planning the Build

    Determine where to mount the batteries. Your chosen location should:

    1. Be accessible and convenient.
    2. Have pre-existing screw holes or a flat surface for secure mounting.

    I mounted the batteries near the folding mechanism, as it was narrow and had two screw holes on each side. This area also keeps the batteries out of the way during rides.

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    Step 3: Handling the Internal Battery

    Electric scooters often have their battery located in one of two places:

    1. Bottom Plate: Scooters with bottom-mounted batteries are easier to modify as they use standard power connectors.
    2. Vertical Tube: Scooters with tube-mounted batteries require additional work because removing the battery will also disconnect the motor from the mainboard.

    Our Solution:

    I chose to:

    1. Remove the battery cells and BMS (Battery Management System) from the internal battery pack but left the holder and motor wires intact.

    🛠️ Tip: This allows the motor to stay connected to the mainboard while reusing the battery cells for other projects.

    After removing the cells, reassemble the battery pack and place it back in the scooter to maintain the motor’s connection.

    Here’s a helpful YouTube video that explains how to disassemble the GoTrax GXL V2 battery pack.