How To Change Your Segway Max Motor – Gen 1 to Gen 2

In this article, I will walk you through the simple process of switching out your Segway Ninebot Max motor for a new one. Whether it be for repair reasons, or simply because you want to upgrade from an old Gen 1 motor to a newer Gen 2 motor.

I’ve probably disassembled and assembled upwards of 30 Segway Ninebot Max scooters to date so I feel comfortable saying that I got the process worked out pretty well.

Even if you’re a novice in electric scooter repairs, the process of changing a Ninebot Max G30 motor is so simple that I am fully confident that together we can get this thing done successfully. All you have to do is follow the step-by-step process and take your time.

Why Would You Change the Motor on Your Max G30?

Serial number starting with 9 = Gen 2 motor

There are a few reasons that you might want to switch from a Gen 1 to a Gen 2 motor on your Segway Ninebot Max G30.

The first reason is the most obvious one, your Gen 1 motor is toast and your scooter isn’t functioning at all, or at least properly.

Another reason can be the fact that the Gen 1 motor has a lower top speed, and it loses a lot of that top speed as the battery percentage gets lower. Already at 70% the Gen 1 motor will have lost a large amount of its top-speed capabilities. Whilst the Gen 2 can not only reach higher top speeds, it is also able to reach that top speed far into the 40-30% battery levels.

If you want more reasons why you might want to switch to the Gen 2, we have an entire guide covering the different generations of Segway Ninebot Max Motors. It also covers how to spot which motor generation you have on your scooter.

Tools Needed to Change the Max G30 Motor

First, we want to make sure you got the right tools for the job ready at your disposal.

Here is a list of all the tools you need:

• Allen-key: M2.5 & M3
• Torx: T15 & Security Torx T25
• Adjustable Wrench
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Extra reflector and spare screws in case some of them are/or become worn down(Optional).

Step-by-step: How To Change your Segway Ninebot Max Motor

Now it’s time for us to walk through the step-by-step process of removing that old Gen 1 motor and putting in your newly acquired Gen 2 motor for superior speed and more efficient battery usage.

Disassembly Process

It all starts with removing that old motor to make space for the new one.

Start by unscrewing the bottom cover

The cover has quite a few T15 Torx screws holding it in place depending on your model. Sometimes these screws can have some wear on them and be hard to remove so be careful when loosening them.

Remove the reflectors and bolt guards

Peel off the reflectors on both sides of the motors to reveal 2 x M2.5 Allen bolts on either side. Unscrew these and remove the bolt guards.

Remove the motor bolts

Now we’re going to remove the 2 large main bolts that hold the motor in place. These bolts can be removed with an adjustable wrench. I would suggest sitting on the footpad while releasing them for extra stability and strength.

Wire guard removal 1(Not for all models)

If you’re Max is foldable you can skip this step. Otherwise, remove the two Phillips screws closest to the footpad to release the wire guard.

Wire guard removal 2(Not for all models)

If you’re Max is foldable you can skip this step. Lay your scooter down on the side and you can on some models see 4 x T25 Security-Torx screws in between the battery/esc compartment and the wheel. Remove these to release the plastic wire guard.

ESC removal

The ESC/Motor controller is easily removed by unscrewing 2 x M3 Allen screws that can be found on either side of the ESC(Silver aluminum box).

Unplug the motor

Time to unplug the 5-pin hall sensor connector from the ESC. And also the 3-phase cables from the motor. The easiest way is to just follow the motor wiring from the wire guard and into the ESC.

Remove the old motor

Now you want to thread the wires back through the hole in the rear of the battery/ESC compartment and you can then just lift out the old motor.

Plastic insert

Depending on if your new motor comes with a new plastic insert or not. You will want to remove the old insert and apply it to your new motor.

Reassembly Process

Time to back-track our steps and safely put everything back together with your new Gen 2 motor in place.

Wire guard assembly(Not for all models)

If you skipped step 4 in the disassembly process you can skip this. Otherwise, thread the old wire guard onto the new motor.

Wiring the new motor

Thread the motor wires(Hall sensor and 3-phase cable) back to the ESC/Motor controller. Remember to make sure the rubber grommet is tight and well-sealed to avoid water escaping into the battery/ESC compartment.

Connect the new motor to ESC

Now it’s time to connect the new motor hall sensor to the ESC and reconnect the 3-phase. Then screw back the ESC using the 2 x M3 Allen screws.

Reassemble wire guard 2(Not for all models)

If you skipped step 5 in the disassembly process you can skip this. Now put the mudguard/wire guard nr 2 in place and screw in the T25 Security-Torx screws tightly. I would highly suggest switching these out to normal Torx if you have it.

Motor reassembly

Now let’s put the motor in its slot and add on the lock ring. Then we want to tighten these bolts with our fingers, working a little on each side at a time to make sure the wheel is well-balanced. Continue with your fingers until you can’t anymore. Then use a wrench to tighten them fully a little at a time from each side of the motor.

Test your new motor

Now it’s time for a free-wheel test. Start up your scooters and mount the scooters so that the back wheel is above ground. Then give it a test twirl. If everything is working as intended proceed to our last step.

Bottom cover reassembly

Screw the bottom cover back in place using the T15 Torx screws.

Bolt guard and reflectors

Reassemble the bolt guard and stick on the reflectors.

Congratulations, your Gen 2 motor is now back in place and if you’ve followed my process to the dot everything should be working flawlessly by now. Give yourself a pat on the shoulder because you’ve done a heck of a job!

Conclusion

You’re ready to rock your new Gen 2 motor-equipped Max G30, so get out there and hit some new speed records!

I hope my step-by-step process was easy to follow so that you were able to make the switch of that old Gen 1 motor of yours for a fresh Gen 2 one without any issues. I did my best to make the process as straightforward and simple as possible. I even had my wife go through the process to make sure it was foolproof. Just kidding, she’s helped me fix some pretty complex hoverboard repairs before so she has some experience at this point.

If you have any suggestions or questions feel free to reach out.