A hobbyist successfully converted a Razor A5 Lux push scooter into an electric vehicle by repurposing a Hercules 20V cordless drill as the drivetrain. The project was motivated by a desire to have an electric scooter for navigating autocross events without purchasing a new vehicle. The conversion utilizes a front-wheel-drive configuration where the drill transmits power to the front wheel through a keyed shaft and one-way bearings. These bearings allow the front wheel to spin freely when the drill is disengaged, preventing the motor from being forced to rotate when the scooter is coasting or stopped.
The mechanical assembly involves several custom-engineered components. The builder used a 200mm 12mm keyed rotary shaft and 12mm shaft collars to connect the drill to the wheel. To house the wheel, the builder 3D-scanned the scooter and printed a custom wheel assembly in three pieces: the main wheel is made of ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate), while the tire is made of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). The tire is secured to the wheel via a 'squish fit' and internal teeth to prevent slipping. The drill's original trigger was relocated to the handlebars, requiring the builder to cut and extend multiple internal wires using 12awg and 18awg wire to maintain functionality.
While the conversion is functional, it presents specific performance trade-offs. The drill is noted for being loud and producing excessive torque, requiring the builder to use the lower speed setting to maintain control. The scooter can reach a top speed of approximately 10 mph, though it experiences some deceleration during uphill climbs. Because the drill is designed for intermittent use rather than continuous operation, there are questions regarding the long-term durability of the internal electronics and gears under sustained load. Currently, a 5amp hour battery provides roughly 2 miles of range at full power, and the builder notes that the project did not save money compared to buying a commercial electric scooter, but served as a successful exercise in fabrication and engineering.