How Should I Upgrade My ETM RTR Lite?

The best ETM RTR Lite upgrade path depends on what you want from your bike: more power, increased range, better street handling, improved comfort, or stronger suspension and brakes.

If your main goal is performance, start with the same three components covered in our guide, “I want to upgrade my bike, where do I start?”:

1. Battery
2. Controller
3. Motor

These components work together. Upgrading only one part can leave another part limiting the system, so plan your power upgrades as a complete package.

1. Start With the Battery

The battery is the power source for the entire system. Its voltage and discharge capability determine how much power is available to the controller and motor.

For the ETM RTR Lite, we recommend starting with the RTR Upgrade Battery. Select the battery configuration that matches your desired range, power level, controller, and motor.

Your battery determines how much power the TruMoto Nova controller can deliver:

• The stock 60V 20Ah Lite battery supports up to 5kW.
• The 72V 35Ah Mod Pack supports up to 18kW.
• The 81V 30Ah Alpha Pack supports up to 20kW when paired with a compatible powertrain.

Installing a higher-output controller does not increase your battery’s safe maximum output. With the stock Lite battery, the Nova remains limited to 5kW.

When moving to a 72V battery, pair it with a compatible EMX® 72V 12A Charger or 72V 5A Charger with XT90 Connector.

An 81V Alpha Pack requires an appropriate charger for that battery. Always confirm the battery voltage, charge connector, and supported charging rate before ordering.

2. Choose Your Controller and Motor Upgrade

You have two main powertrain paths for the RTR Lite: the 6+7 kit or the higher-output Nova kit.

The 6+7 powertrain upgrade

The ETM RTR 13kW TruMoto 6+7 Mod Powertrain Kit is the recommended starting point for most performance builds.

Compatible motor choices include:

• A high-speed motor configuration for riders prioritizing higher top speed.
• The ETM RTR High Torque Mod Motor for stronger acceleration, hills, trails, and low-speed pull.
• The RTR Revolver Alpha Motor for a higher temperature ceiling and stronger sustained performance.

When using the High Torque Mod Motor with the stock controller, add the Mod Motor Tune Service so the controller settings are matched to the motor. This tuning service is not required when purchasing a complete 6+7 kit with the appropriate tune.

If you are converting the bike from 60V to 72V while retaining applicable original components, review the ETM RTR Lite 60V-to-72V Tune Service.

The Nova powertrain upgrade

The ETM RTR 20kW TruMoto Nova Mod Powertrain Kit is the next step above the 6+7 kit.

The Nova is a direct-fit upgrade designed specifically for the ETM RTR platform. It includes RTR-specific wiring and mounting for a clean, factory-style installation.

The Nova is only compatible with Revolver-series motors. The stock RTR Lite motor, High Torque Mod Motor, and High Speed Mod Motor are not compatible with the Nova.

For an RTR Lite that does not already have a Revolver motor, select the Revolver Alpha and 420 chain kit option when ordering the Nova kit. If your Lite already has a compatible Revolver motor and 420 drivetrain, select the option indicating that you already have a Revolver motor.

With the TruMoto mobile app, you can adjust:

• Power output
• Torque
• Throttle response
• Regenerative braking
• Wheelie mode
• Launch control
• Advanced powertrain settings

The TruMoto dashboard also provides real-time speed, RPM, power, regenerative braking, battery voltage, battery level, and built-in 0–30 mph and 0–60 mph timers.

When paired with the stock 60V 20Ah Lite battery, the Nova remains limited to 5kW. You can still benefit from increased torque, sharper throttle response, improved power delivery, and advanced tuning.

To access higher power levels, you must upgrade the battery and confirm that the motor, gearing, chain, and the rest of the powertrain can safely support the selected output.

3. Confirm Your Nova Gearing and Wheel Size

The Nova kit requires specific gearing based on your rear-wheel size:

• 12-inch rear wheel: 8-tooth front sprocket and 55-tooth rear sprocket
• 14-inch rear wheel: 8-tooth front sprocket and 63-tooth rear sprocket

If you select the 14-inch rear-wheel Nova configuration for an RTR Lite, the kit includes a 96-link chain. You will need to remove four links to create the required 92-link chain for the stock swingarm.

Display adjustments are required for accurate speed readings after changing the gearing or wheel configuration. Follow the RTR Display Programming Instructions after installation.

4. Choose Wheels for Your Riding Style

Wheels and tires have a major effect on handling, ride height, acceleration, and how your bike feels on different surfaces.

For agile street riding

The ETM RTR 12in Mag Wheel Set provides a clean street-focused setup with quick, responsive handling.

For maximum street grip

The ETM RTR 12in Supermoto Wheel Set is a strong choice for pavement, cornering, and supermoto-style riding.

For a taller street setup

The ETM RTR 14in Street Wheel Set provides a larger wheel diameter and a taller overall riding position.

Wheel size can affect gearing, acceleration, ride height, and clearance. Confirm compatibility with your selected motor, chain, sprocket, brakes, controller, and suspension before ordering.

For more information, see “Can I install bigger wheels on my Electro & Company ETM RTR?”.

5. Add Lighting and Accessories

Lighting upgrades are an easy way to improve visibility and personalize your bike.

Recommended options include:

• The ETM RTR Headlight Kit for improved forward lighting.
• The Bluetooth RGB UnderGlow Kit for customizable accent lighting.

The underglow kit is a 12V accessory. Make sure your build includes a compatible 12V accessory power source.

6. Improve Rider Comfort

Comfort upgrades can make a noticeable difference, especially if you are taller or spend more time on the bike.

The E&C Pit Bike High Bars create a taller cockpit and a more upright riding position.

Pair them with the RTR Tall Seat for additional seat height and more room between the seat and foot pegs.

7. Upgrade the Brakes

More power and speed should be matched with stronger braking performance.

The recommended brake upgrade is the RTR 4 Piston Brake Upgrade Kit. Its four-piston design provides increased braking capability for modified and higher-performance builds.

Complete the brake upgrade before fully using the additional performance of a 6+7 or Nova powertrain.

8. Upgrade the Suspension

Suspension upgrades improve control, stability, and comfort—especially after increasing power or riding more aggressively.

For the front suspension, available options include:

• ETM RTR “Oil Slick” Forks
• ETM RTR Mod Fork Springs

Rear-suspension options include:

• ETM RTR Upgrade Shock — OEM Ride Height
• ETM RTR Reservoir Upgrade Shock — OEM Ride Height
• ETM RTR Race Reservoir Upgrade Shock

Some RTR suspension components are model- and ride-height-specific. Verify that your selected option is compatible with the ETM RTR Lite before ordering.

Recommended Upgrade Order

For a balanced ETM RTR Lite build, we recommend upgrading in this order:

1. Add the RTR 4 Piston Brake Upgrade Kit before significantly increasing power.
2. Choose the 6+7 Mod Powertrain Kit for a flexible and cost-effective performance build.
3. Choose the Nova Mod Powertrain Kit with a Revolver Alpha motor and 420 drivetrain if you want advanced app tuning or a path toward 18–20kW.
4. Add the RTR Upgrade Battery that supports your intended power and range.
5. Select the charger that matches your new battery’s voltage, connector, and supported charge rate.
6. Choose a 12in Mag, 12in Supermoto, or 14in Street wheel set.
7. Confirm the correct motor sprocket, rear sprocket, and chain length for your selected wheel size.
8. Upgrade the front and rear suspension as needed.
9. Add the High Bars and Tall Seat for additional cockpit room.
10. Add the Headlight and RGB Underglow.

The 6+7 kit remains the best starting point for most RTR Lite performance builds. The Nova provides the next level of controller performance, tuning, and future power potential, but it requires a compatible Revolver-series motor.

Remember that the Nova’s advertised 20kW output requires the 81V 30Ah Alpha Pack and a compatible powertrain. With your stock 60V 20Ah Lite battery, output remains limited to 5kW.

Before ordering, confirm your bike’s model year, battery voltage and capacity, rear-wheel size, required gearing, motor configuration, chain type, charger requirements, and intended riding style. These details determine which combinations are compatible with your ETM RTR Lite.