Badsey EMX Racer

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The Badsey EMX Racer is a fast electric scooter — and speed (about 25 MPH) is pretty much all it has going for it. Riding it is some serious fun!

Otherwise, it is overpriced, has poor brakes, rides hard (no suspension), and looks a bit like a vacuum cleaner on wheels — with super-fat go-cart tires.

The Badsey is no longer production.

1999: This is when it was new. Mine was custom-ordered in black.

Badsey EMX Racer - New

Modifications

2002: Upgrading the brake from drum to disc. Badsey sent me a new brake kit, including a Magura "Julie" bicycle disc brake and instructions. Stopping is now better, but is still pretty poor because only the rear wheel has a brake (no front brake). To effectively stop, you have to really lean back, putting your weight on the rear wheel.

Badsey EMX Racer - Changing Old Drum Brake System to New Disc BrakeBadsey EMX Racer - Old Wheel Before RemovalBadsey EMX Racer - Old Wheel RemovedBadsey EMX Racer- Old Drum Brake RemovedBadsey EMX Racer - New Rear Tire And Disc Brake KitBadsey EMX Racer - Installing New Disc Brake 1Badsey EMX Racer - Installing New Disc Brake 2

2003: Adding a headlight — a cheap automotive 12V "driving light" wired to one of the three scooter batteries.

Badsey EMX Racer - HeadlightBadsey EMX Racer - HeadlightBadsey EMX Racer - Headlight

2003: A rear light — red LED bicycle light

Badsey EMX Racer - Rear LightBadsey EMX Racer - Rear LightBadsey EMX Racer - Rear Light

2003: Battery Replacement

The batteries only last about 5 years, at which point you will start to notice your range decreasing significantly. I ordered a new set of three Odyssey PC 925 batteries. Below are photos of the battery removal process.

Badsey EMX Racer - Battery RemovalBadsey EMX Racer - Battery Removal - Use Small Vise Grips - HeavyBadsey EMX Racer - Battery RemovalBadsey EMX Racer - Battery Removal - Mark Your WiresBadsey EMX Racer - Battery RemovalBadsey EMX Racer - Battery Removal - Bar Folded Up for Battery RemovalBadsey EMX Racer - Battery Removal - Bar Back in Normal PositionBadsey EMX Racer - Battery Wiring

2003-2008: Magic Carpet Ride

Magic Carpet Ride - ConstructionMagic Carpet Ride - ConstructionMagic Carpet Ride - ConstructionMagic Carpet Ride - Burning Man 2006

2008: Another Custom Look

Badsey EMX Racer - Painting ScooterBadsey EMX Racer - New PaintBadsey EMX Racer - New PaintBadsey EMX Racer - New PaintBadsey EMX Racer - New PaintBadsey EMX Racer - New PaintBadsey EMX Racer - New Paint

2011: Sold!

Other Modifications

  • I removed the chain idler cam (because it made so much noise). To keep the chain tight, I now just adjust the motor position. (It's held in place by three screws, which can be repositioned a bit.)
  • Charger replacement — The original one burned out. I ordered this replacement from Badsey.
  • Battery replacement — These batteries usually last about 5 years before needing replacement.
  • Motor replacement — It can burn out if you apply full power from a standstill in a high load situation (deep soil, flat tire, etc.) — be careful!

Parts

  • Manual: 1999 Badsey EMX Racer
  • Batteries: Three Odyssey PC 925 12V batteries — total: 36V
  • Charger: Battery Tender 022-0115 36V 15A (replacement charger, not original) (manual)
  • Motor: Bosch 0130302001 — 18V 750W (yes, only 18 volts!)
  • Chain: #219 go-kart chain, about 104 links — Count the links in your chain to be sure!
  • Brake: Magura Julie hydraulic disc brake (manual)

 

Badsey's Official Specifications for the EMX Racer

DIMENSIONS

  • length: 42.25 inches
  • wheel base: 31.25 inches
  • extended height: 52.50 inches
  • folded height: 20.00 inches
  • platform width: 14.50 inches
  • platform height: 12.50 inches

PERFORMANCE

  • turning radius: 6 ft.
  • top speed: 25-30 mph
  • running duration: approx. 1-6 Hrs. subject to speed, weight and terrain

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS

  • front tire: 11.0x4.50-5
  • rear tire: 11.5x7.50-5
  • brake: rear drum (later changed to disc)
  • gearing: 8.33/1
  • charging system: 110v AC - 36v DC, 7 AMP
  • throttle: pulse modulated linear controller with stainless steel potentiometer
  • handlebars: chrome
  • wheels: aluminum
  • body: fiberglass
  • fork and rear arms: aluminum
  • motor: 36v 1500 watts
  • batteries: three 12v A.G.M. maintenance free

SAFETY FEATURES

  • steering column microswitch cut-off
  • non-skid platform
  • wide tires for easy balance
  • warning labels

Here is some more information I have collected on the Badsey EMX Racer over the years... (more information)

An electric scooter of similar design is the "Go Big".