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 ($3000), 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.

New Toy!

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 improved, but was 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 Brake Badsey EMX Racer - Old Wheel Before Removal Badsey EMX Racer - Old Wheel Removed Badsey EMX Racer- Old Drum Brake Removed Badsey EMX Racer - New Rear Tire And Disc Brake Kit Badsey EMX Racer - Installing New Disc Brake 1 Badsey EMX Racer - Installing New Disc Brake 2

2003: Adding a headlight

I added a cheap automotive 12V "driving light" wired to one of the three scooter batteries.

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

2003: Rear Light

I added a red LED bicycle light.

Badsey EMX Racer - Rear Light Badsey EMX Racer - Rear Light Badsey 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 Removal Badsey EMX Racer - Battery Removal - Use Small Vise Grips - Heavy Badsey EMX Racer - Battery Removal Badsey EMX Racer - Battery Removal - Mark Your Wires Badsey EMX Racer - Battery Removal Badsey EMX Racer - Battery Removal - Bar Folded Up for Battery Removal Badsey EMX Racer - Battery Removal - Bar Back in Normal Position Badsey EMX Racer - Battery Wiring

2003-2008: Magic Carpet Ride

Magic Carpet Ride - Construction Magic Carpet Ride - Construction Magic Carpet Ride - Construction Magic Carpet Ride - Burning Man 2006

2008: Another Custom Look

Badsey EMX Racer - Painting Scooter Badsey EMX Racer - New Paint Badsey EMX Racer - New Paint Badsey EMX Racer - New Paint Badsey EMX Racer - New Paint Badsey EMX Racer - New Paint Badsey 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

I also have some more detailed information on the Badsey EMX Racer that I have collected over the years.

Another electric scooter of similar design was the "Go Big" .

The Rover

Rover Electric Scooter

As of 2013, The Rover appears to be an exciting Badsey replacement, of similar form factor. I haven't tried one of these, but it looks interesting — generally more modern and sturdier than the Badsey. Here's what I see:

Rover BR vs Badsey EMX Racer

  • Belt drive instead of chain (much quieter!)
  • Lithium ion instead of lead acid
  • Aluminum body instead of fiberglass
  • 35 MPH instead of 25
  • Rounded tires instead of flat-tread go-kart tires

Unfortunately the Rover BR still doesn't have suspension, so it most likely has the same problems with rock-hard ride as my Badsey did. And, it costs $5000!. That's what you pay for a machine hand-welded in Oregon.