I want to upgrade my bike, where do I start?

The Three Key Components That Determine Power

An electric powertrain consists of three main components that determine how much power the system can produce.

1. Battery (Power Source)

The battery provides the voltage and current that power the system.

Two characteristics determine how much power the battery can deliver:

• Voltage (system voltage like 60V, 72V, etc.)

• Maximum discharge current (amps)

If a battery cannot safely output enough amps, it will limit the entire system's performance, even if the controller and motor are capable of more power.

To increase power, a battery often needs:

• Higher discharge capability

• Better cell chemistry

• Higher current BMS

• Lower internal resistance

In many cases, the battery is the first limiting factor when increasing power.

2. Controller (Power Manager)

The controller takes power from the battery and modulates it into three-phase AC signals that drive the motor.

The controller determines:

• Maximum battery current

• Maximum motor phase current

• Power delivery characteristics

• Throttle response

• Torque output

If the controller cannot handle higher current levels, it will cap the system's power output, regardless of how capable the battery is.

Upgrading the controller allows the system to pull more power from the battery and deliver it to the motor.

3. Motor (Power Converter)

The motor converts electrical power into mechanical torque and rotation.

Motors have limits based on:

• Thermal capacity

• Copper windings

• Magnet strength

• Cooling capability

Some motors can safely handle significant increases in power, while others may overheat or saturate when pushed beyond their design limits.

Because of this, the motor may or may not need to be upgraded depending on how much power the system is being increased to handle.