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A maker modified a Razor A5 Lux push scooter to run on a Hercules 20-volt cordless drill, using a custom front wheel and a relocated drill trigger. He reports a top speed of about 10 mph and roughly two miles of riding from a 5Ah battery; the project is a personal build, not a tested commercial product.
A maker has converted a Razor A5 Lux push scooter into a drill-powered ride, using a Hercules 20-volt cordless drill to drive its front wheel. In his report, he says the scooter can reach about 10 mph and travel around two miles on a 5Ah battery, while warning through his account that the trigger is sensitive and the build is improvised.
The builder said he mainly used the scooter to get around at autocross events while working the course. He already owned the Razor and did not want to buy an electric scooter that might sit unused, so he decided in July to attempt a conversion. He described the project as an experiment rather than a cost-saving measure: he says the parts did not cost less than buying an electric scooter.
The drill sends power to the front wheel through a keyed shaft and one-way bearings. That arrangement lets the wheel spin freely when the drill is off, according to the report. The original drill trigger was moved to the handlebars, and the builder extended its wiring to reach the new position. He says the trigger responds too sharply for smooth acceleration, so the wheel can briefly spin before the scooter gets moving. His usual approach is to kick-push once or twice before applying drill power.
The custom wheel was designed around the scooter after the builder 3D-scanned its front end. He printed the wheel in ASA and the tire in TPU, making the assembly from three printed pieces. Bolts and keys join the wheel halves, while a tight fit and internal teeth are intended to stop the tire from slipping. The report lists other components, including bearings, shaft collars, a keyed shaft and hardware sourced from Harbor Freight, Amazon and McMaster. The builder says the drill is loud, must be run on its lower speed setting because of its torque, and slows on hills.
A One-Off Build, Not a Scooter Product
The project shows one way a maker combined cordless power-tool hardware with custom fabrication, but its reported performance should not be read as a general benchmark for electric scooters. The speed and range figures come from the builder’s account; the source does not describe independent testing, controlled measurements or a safety review.
For readers considering similar modifications, the report also highlights practical trade-offs: a sensitive trigger can make acceleration difficult to control, while relocating wiring and creating a powered front wheel add mechanical and electrical complexity. The builder’s own account says the conversion did not save money, making experimentation and personal interest—not cost reduction—the stated reason for doing it.
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Why He Modified His Razor
The builder said he used his Razor A5 Lux at autocross events, where he worked the course and wanted a quicker way to get around. Watching people ride inexpensive electric scooters prompted the idea, but he already had a push scooter and preferred not to own another vehicle that might go unused. He began the project in July, though the report does not identify the year.
He had access to a welder and a 3D printer, as well as commercially sourced components. The original scooter was not designed for electric conversion, according to the builder. He also said he began without a firm plan and did not keep extensive build notes or photographs, which limits how completely the process can be independently assessed from the report.
“I didn’t save any money building this vs buying an electric scooter but I had fun.”
— The builder, in his report
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Performance and Safety Remain Untested
The reported 10 mph top speed and roughly two-mile range are estimates from the builder, not independently verified results. The report does not say how speed or distance were measured, what rider weight or route conditions applied, or how performance changes with battery age, terrain or repeated use.
It also provides no formal assessment of braking, frame strength, electrical protection or road legality. The builder notes that some wiring lacks protective loom and that the trigger is difficult to feather, but does not report a crash, injury or electrical failure. Those omissions mean the account cannot establish whether the conversion is safe for other riders or suitable for public-road use.
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No Follow-Up Testing Reported
The original report does not announce a production plan, a follow-up test or changes to the scooter. It says the builder may add wire loom to protect the extended wiring, but gives no schedule. Until further information is published, the stated speed and range remain the builder’s estimates, and the project remains a one-off conversion rather than a commercially tested design.
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Key Questions
How fast does the drill-powered scooter go?
The builder reports a top speed of about 10 mph with him riding. The source does not describe independent speed testing.
How far can it travel on one battery?
The builder estimates about two miles per 5Ah battery. The report does not specify a test route or conditions, so the figure should be treated as his estimate.
How does the drill power the front wheel?
A keyed shaft and one-way bearings transfer power from the drill while allowing the wheel to free-spin when the drill is off, according to the builder.
Did the conversion cost less than buying an electric scooter?
No. The builder says he did not save money compared with buying an electric scooter, though he enjoyed making the conversion.
Has the modified scooter been independently checked for safety?
The report does not mention independent testing or a formal safety review. It also leaves questions about braking, wiring protection and legal use unanswered.
Source: hn
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