Throttle Testing Guide

For Standard Electric Scooter, Bike, and Go Kart Hall-Effect Throttles

On Vehicle Throttle Test

The on vehicle throttle test verifies that the controller is supplying power to the throttle and that the throttle is supplying a signal back to the controller so it is the preferred method of testing the throttle.

Step 1: Test Throttle Output Voltage of Controller

If the controller does not have a 4.3 through 5 Volt output Voltage to the throttle - then the controller or one of the parts connected to it such as the battery pack, power switch or key switch, fuse, fuse holder, wires, or connectors is faulty.

If the controller has 4.3 through 5 Volt output Voltage to the throttle then the throttle is receiving power and can be tested.

Step 2: Test Signal Voltage of Throttle

If the controller has 4.3 through 5 Volt output Voltage to the throttle and the throttle has a 0 Volt output signal - then the throttle, throttle cable, or throttle connector is faulty.

Off Vehicle Throttle Test

A throttle can be tested off of the vehicle using a 5 Volt DC power source in place of the power that the throttle normally receives from the controller. The power source could be a 5 Volt DC wall mount power supply, like the kind used for answering machines and calculators, or it could be three 1.5 Volt batteries wired in series to produce 4.5 Volts. (4.5 Volts DC is enough power to test a throttle.) However do not exceed 5 Volts DC of power to the throttle or it will damage it. Also do not apply reverse polarity to the throttle because that will also damage it.

Working throttles have a power output between 0.8-4.3 Volts DC. The output Voltage can be as low as 0.5 Volts and as high as 5 Volts on a good working throttle. The speed controller will only read throttle output Voltages between 1-4 Volts DC so if the throttle Voltage is under or over 1-4 Volts DC that is normal and the throttle is good.

During the off vehicle throttle test slowly turn the throttle from zero to full power and read the Voltage on the multimeter. The Voltage should react proportionally to the position of the throttle as it is being turned. A released throttle should have a low Voltage reading and a throttle in the full throttle position should have a high Voltage reading.

Test Signal Voltage of Throttle

If during this test the throttle has a 0.8 through 4.3 Volt output signal depending on the position of the throttle then it is working properly. The output Voltage can be as low as 0.5 Volts and as high as 5 Volts on a good working throttle. The speed controller will only react to throttle output Voltages between 1-4 Volts DC so if the throttle Voltage has a range that under or over 1-4 Volts DC that is normal and the throttle is good. If the throttle has a 0 Volt output signal, or an output signal that is above 1 Volt and causing the motor to run when the throttles is at the zero throttle position, then the throttle is faulty.