It’s possible to make your electric bike a more capable machine with the right upgrades. More stopping power, more control in the corners, more torque out of a climb.

Whatever it is you’re after, it’s within reason if you know what modifications to make. 

Electric dirt bikes are highly tunable, and the right part swaps transform a stock platform into a serious performer. Here are 9 essential upgrades that give you measurable gains in speed, control, and endurance. 

Upgrades at a Glance

Here are is a quick look at our upgrades, with some of our most popular products.

Upgrade	Why It Matters	Key Gains	Shop at ECR
Brakes	Stop harder, resist fade	Safety, corner entry speed	Brakes
Suspension	Match terrain & style	Traction, comfort, control	Suspension
Controllers	Unlock hidden power	Torque, throttle mapping	Controllers
Batteries	Extend range & power	Consistent output, endurance	Batteries
Wheels and Tires	Grip by terrain	Better launches, cornering	Wheels and Tires
Armor	Protect core components	Fewer breakdowns, longevity	Protection
Controls	Upgrade bars, pegs, levers	Precision handling, rider comfort	Controls
Drivetrain	Chain & sprocket swaps	Tailored torque or speed	Chains, Sprockets, and Belts
Street Kits	Expand ride options	Legal compliance, versatility	Accessories

1. Brake Systems That Stop Harder and Last Longer

Brakes are the single most confidence-inspiring upgrade you can make because they increase your control over the bike. Stock braking setups on many electric dirt bikes aren’t built for repeated laps, long downhills, or aggressive corner entries. Oversized rotors give you more mechanical leverage, cutting down the distance you need to scrub speed. This doesn’t just improve safety, it lets you brake later into turns, effectively making you faster.

Stock pads are another weak link because their effectiveness tends to drop as riding conditions get harsher. Organic pads glaze under heat, losing bite when you need them most. Sintered pads, made from metallic particles fused together, resist heat and maintain friction under punishment.

Pairing brake pad and rotor upgrades with steel-braided lines eliminates sponginess, giving you precise modulation lap after lap.

For riders who mix street with trail, ECR’s braking upgrades also include calipers that meet DOT specs, so you can stay compliant while gaining stopping power.

2. Suspension Tuning for the Terrain You Ride

Upgraded forks and shocks deliver dramatic improvements in performance by keeping the tires planted under harsh conditions. More contact equals more traction, which means faster corner exits, smoother landings, and fewer arm-pump-inducing jolts.

Determining which suspension upgrades you need is highly dependent on your riding style, but adjustable components are generally your best bet. Trail riders often need plusher damping to absorb rocks and roots. MX riders require firmer mid-stroke support to prevent bottoming out. The right upgrade lets you adjust compression and rebound separately, along with preload, tailoring feel to your terrain.

Investing in aftermarket springs also pays off because it adds stability to your bike. Many stock springs aren’t rated for heavier riders, which leads to wallowing in corners and unpredictable handling. ECR carries fork and shock options that match rider weight, terrain, and voltage system torque.

3. Controllers That Unlock Hidden Power

If the battery is the heart, the controller is the brain, and upgrading to the right controller can be the best way to tailor your bike to your needs. Stock controllers often cap current delivery, leaving performance on the table. Upgrading to a high-current controller increases available torque, improves throttle response, and unlocks features like custom maps and regenerative braking adjustments.

Riders upgrading from a stock controller often report that the bike “wakes up” delivering noticeable differences in performance. Torque hits harder, acceleration is smoother, and thermal throttling kicks in later. Advanced controllers also let you tailor how aggressive the throttle curve feels, so you can dial in linear delivery for technical terrain or explosive snap for freeride sessions.

For tuners, aftermarket controllers are the gateway to pushing 60V bikes into 72V territory safely, or even supporting extreme mods like 100V conversions.

4. Battery Upgrades for More Range and Consistent Output

Battery upgrades increase the performance and overall efficiency of your bike by better contending with harsh circumstances. Stock packs often deliver a decent range on paper but falter under real load. The culprit is voltage sag: as you draw current, pack voltage dips, and your motor feels weaker. Premium packs with higher C-ratings resist sag, delivering consistent power until nearly empty.

Upgraded batteries also expand your ride time. A larger amp-hour rating means more watt-hours overall, stretching loops from 20 miles to 40 or more. For racers, swapping in high-discharge packs ensures explosive launches without thermal drop-off mid-moto.

Swappable designs add flexibility by eliminating the need to stop and recharge. Carry a second pack in your van and swap trailside for uninterrupted riding. For commuters, quick-change packs double your usable range without waiting hours on a charger.

5. Wheels and Tires Matched to Your Terrain

Wheels and tires define how your bike translates power into forward motion by tailoring traction to the terrain. Hardpack requires a tread with closer lugs for bite without digging too deep, sand demands paddle-style patterns to float rather than bury, and mud calls for wide gaps to shed debris and keep traction alive.Riders who switch from stock to terrain-specific rubber often shave seconds off lap times without touching the motor because tires are that critical to performance. 

Stronger rims and spokes also matter because they resist the abuse of hard riding. Electric dirt bikes produce massive torque spikes, and stock wheels sometimes bend under repeated hits.

Choosing the right diameter matters too. A 21-inch front cuts through obstacles on trails, while a 19-inch front quickens steering on MX tracks. Match your wheels and tires to terrain, and suddenly your bike feels like a weapon tuned for the job

6. Armor and Protection to Keep You Riding

Armor and protection upgrades help ensure your bike will withstand the abuse you’re throwing at it by reducing vulnerabilities. Rocks, logs, and crashes are inevitable and the added protection means parts are less likely to break. Many riders also don’t realize how much performance protection adds: less damage means consistent handling, no leaks, and no mid-ride failures.

Skid plates protect motors and battery housings, while frame guards prevent expensive gouges. Bash guards shield sprockets and rotors.Lever and handguards save you from trail-ending breaks by protecting your controls. Even swingarm and linkage guards extend life by blocking grit and mud. 

7. Upgraded Handlebars, Pegs, and Controls

Upgrading your controls will drastically improve your riding experience and your proficiency with your machine by customizing everything to your unique demands.  Wider or taller handlebars improve leverage and rider ergonomics, reducing fatigue over long sessions. Aftermarket pegs with sharp teeth grip better in mud, keeping your weight balanced through ruts.

Moving to adjustable levers and upgraded throttle tubes are more great ways to sharpen rider input and make a bike more predictable. A lever set at the wrong reach delays braking by fractions of a second. High-quality throttle tubes also reduce slop, giving smoother modulation. 

8. Chain and Sprocket Swaps for Custom Power Delivery

Gearing is your direct way to tailor power by altering acceleration and top speed. Adding teeth to the rear sprocket boosts torque for technical climbs and quick launches but reduces top speed. Removing teeth favors long straights and higher top-end velocity.

Stock gearing is always a compromise because of its impact on speed and throttle response. Riders who dial sprocket ratios for their terrain unlock better lap times and less energy waste. Heavier chains with stronger links also withstand electric torque spikes better than stock versions.

9. Lighting and Street-Legal Kits for Crossover Riders

For riders who want more versatility, adding lights, mirrors, and horns opens the door to dual use by meeting road-going regulations. DOT-rated tires and turn signals make your electric dirt bike road-compliant in many regions.

Street kits don’t just add convenience; they expand your range of riding opportunities. You can connect trail networks legally, commute during the week, and still rip on the weekend. Riders who upgrade for street compliance often ride more, getting greater value from their machines.

Build the Bike That Matches Your Ambition

Performance upgrades aren’t optional for riders who push their limits. Brakes, suspension, and controllers transform how a bike feels and performs. 

Batteries, wheels, and drivetrain upgrades extend that edge. Protection and street kits keep you versatile and reliable.

Every upgrade is available directly from Electric Cycle Rider, with curated parts designed to fit the most popular electric dirt bike platforms. Build smarter, ride harder, and make your bike your own.

Shop the full lineup here: Electric Cycle Rider Store

FAQ

Can I upgrade or modify an electric dirtbike? 

Yes. There is a wide range of upgrades available to electric dirtbikes, and doing so is a great way to customize one to your needs. 

Will upgrading my electric dirt bike void my warranty?

It can. Depending on the part and manufacturer’s guidelines, making upgrades can void your warranty. This is why it’s important to read the literature and follow installation guidelines to their specifications. 

Can I swap my electric dirtbike’s motor?

Yes. But it’s generally a very difficult and expensive project. Making upgrades to other components like the suspension, tires, and controller will likely yield more meaningful results in most cases.