13+ Electric Scooter Maintenance Tips: Checklist Guide Keep In Mind

Electric Scooters
Updated On - July 26, 2023

Electric scooters are one of the most convenient forms of transportation for commuting. But, it can be easy to overlook or underestimate the need for regular maintenance and repair.

Good maintenance can be regular inspections, cleaning, and tune-ups. If you fail to do the maintenance, it may result in costly repairs, reduced performance, and even dangerous riding conditions.

In this brief, we have gathered some important maintenance tips for better safety and durability of your electric scooter. Use this brief as a checklist for maintaining the good health of scooter.

Here are some great tips for maintaining your electric scooter.

1. Clean Regularly

Cleaning on a regular bases is important task. It avoids dirt and mud causing friction and wear on electric scooter parts.

Make sure to use a mild detergent and soft brush to clean the tires. Also, when using water be careful with the electrical components of the scooter. At the end, wipe with a dry cloth to dry the scooter.

2. Lubricate Moving Parts Of Scooter

Lubrication is important in electric scooter’s moving parts. For example, folding mechanism, suspension and wheel joints are common parts.

Make sure to lubricate almost all the moving parts of the scooter at least once a month. Or even after riding in muddy or rainy areas.

To achieve optimal outcomes, it is advisable to use lubricants that have waterproof properties.

3. Battery Care

To increase you electric scooter battery life avoid draining it completely. Also, do charge your scooter battery regularly.

Use the appropriate charger for your scooter model. Since using the wrong charger can damage the battery and reduce its life expectancy.

When you are storing your scooter, charge the battery to around half of its capacity. Too high or too low of a charge can degrade battery’s capacity. So storing it at half charge is a good balance between longevity and accessibility.

Avoid leaving the scooter charging overnight or for long amounts of time to get full charge. This can overcharge the battery and damage its chemistry.

Avoid exposing the scooter to direct sunlight or heat for too long. As this can increase the risk of battery degradation and damage.

Avoid riding or storing the scooter in a very cold temperatures. This can decrease the battery’s efficiency and performance.

Also, storing your electric scooter for a long time is not good for the health of the scooter battery. Since lithium-ion batteries lose their charge over time and can degrade quickly due to lack of use.

4. Check Tires

Check your scooter’s tires on a regular bases to ensure they’re in good condition. We have covered some tips for maintaining e-scooter tires in one of the briefs, check it out here.

Look for any signs of wear, holes, or if they’re properly inflated. If you ride around 1,500 to 2,000 miles make sure to replace them, whichever comes first.

Make it a habit to check tire pressure often. Grab a tire pressure gauge, measure the pressure, and compare it to the recommended range mentioned in your owner’s manual.

This simple step ensures your tires maintain the perfect pressure for smooth and safe driving.

Check your tires for flats and small cuts. Ensure that you do not have any flat tires and that there are no minor cuts.

The recommended tire pressure range is 40-50 PSI. Maintaining proper tire pressure is important since impacts handling and safety while riding.

You should keep an eye on your tires and making sure they are not flat and free from any small damages. This prevents potential punctures or leaks, which can be a real downer when you’re out and about.

Checking your tire tread wear is a simple yet essential task. You’ve got two easy ways to do it: wear bars or tread wear indicators. Now, these tread wear indicators are small protrusions, usually about 1.6 mm high, snuggled inside the main grooves of your tire.

Here’s the deal – when your tire tread wears down enough to graze these indicators, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to treat your scooter to some new tires!

5. Brake Maintenance

First things first, regular brake maintenance is key! Especially if you’ve got disc brakes, it’s essential to give them some attention. Let’s go through the steps to keep your brakes in a good condition:

Step 1: Give your brake pads or shoes a visual check-up. Look out for excessive wear, cracks, or any damage. If they seem worn out or damaged, it’s time to replace them – safety first!

Step 2: Before each ride, make sure the brake lever pressure feels comfortable and safe. You want to be able to stop smoothly when you need to.

Step 3: If your brakes feel a bit sluggish, try adjusting the brake cables. Tighten the brake cable adjuster on the brake lever or brake itself until they feel more responsive. Oh, and double-check that they’re not rubbing against the rotor or rim when the brake lever is released.

Step 4: Keeping things clean and well-maintained is essential. Keep those rims and discs and span. Swap out any worn brake shoes and pads promptly. Also, be on the lookout for any worn or frayed cables and housings.

Step 5: Plan for regular brake service every 4-6 months, depending on how much you use your scooter.

Step 6: Don’t forget to give some love to your brake rotor too! Inspect its surface for any strong scoring or damage. If you notice any issues, it’s time to replace it for optimal performance.

Step 7: Last but not least, ensure your brake light is working. Especially if your scooter uses the brake light switch for regenerative brakes, it’s crucial to have it functioning.

6. Tighten bolts and screws

One of the keys to maintaining stability and reliability is making sure those bolts and screws are tight.

Every one or two weeks, take a few moments to give your scooter some love and check for any loose bolts and screws.

You see, these little fasteners may seem small, but they play a big role in keeping your scooter running smoothly.

7. Store Scooter Safely

Taking good care of your electric scooter goes beyond enjoying the rides. Proper storage is essential too!

Find a cozy spot for your scooter to call home. Opt for a dry environment where moisture is a no-go! Rain, humidity, and moisture can spell trouble for your scooter’s delicate components, leading to unnecessary wear and tear.

By keeping it sheltered in a dry environment, you’ll be safeguarding it from potential water-related issues.

Extreme temperature swings can take a toll on your scooter’s overall health. When you’re picking the perfect spot for storage, aim for a place with a steady temperature.

Avoid leaving it out in scorching sun or freezing cold.

Covering your scooter when it’s not in use is an extra layer of protection against unwanted dirt particles.

8. Regular Inspection

Make sure to check your scooter regularly. This simple yet crucial check-up is the key to unlocking a worry-free and smooth scooting experience.

From the tires to the brakes, and everything between need to check. These inspections are the secret to catching any minor hiccups before they turn into major headaches.

So, don your inspection hat and set aside a little time every so often to give your scooter the love and attention it deserves.

9. Eco-friendly Riding

It’s like having your very own energy-saving superhero. By activating Eco-mode, you’ll be riding with reduced power consumption. This is not only great for your scooter’s battery life but also a fantastic way to lower your carbon footprint.

10. Familiarize Yourself With Your Scooter

Taking the time to read the user manual and acquaint yourself with the fundamental components and functions of your ride is a smart move.

Understanding your scooter inside out will empower you to make the most of its features and ensure a safe and enjoyable journey every time you hit the road.

11. Weather Specific Components

Prepare your scooter for any weather! Check and maintain weather-specific components like waterproof seals and lighting systems regularly.

Keep those seals in top-notch condition to protect your scooter from moisture and ensure it’s always ready for rainy days. Ensure your lighting systems shine brightly for safety during low-light conditions or nighttime rides.

Don’t forget about mudguards and fenders to keep you and your scooter clean and comfortable in messy weather.

12. Inspect Suspension

First park your e-scooter on a flat surface and ensure it is secure. Start by visually inspecting the suspension components. Look for any visible signs of wear, damage, or leaks. Pay attention to any unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in handling that may indicate a problem.

Examine the shock absorbers or struts for any cracks, rust, or dents. These components play a crucial role in providing a smooth ride and stabilizing your vehicle when going over bumps or uneven terrain.

Inspect the bushings, which are rubber or polyurethane components that connect various suspension parts. Check for any signs of corrosion, damage, or excessive wear. Worn-out bushings can result in a rough ride, increased tire wear, and reduced suspension performance.

Check the control arms, sway bars, and tie rods for any signs of damage, such as bends, cracks, or excessive corrosion. These components are crucial for maintaining stability and controlling the movement of your vehicle’s wheels.

Inspect the steering linkage and ball joints for any wear or damage. Look for any loose or worn-out components that could affect steering responsiveness and control.

13. Unexpected Vibration And Movements

To check for unexpected vibration or movement in the handlebar hinges of your electric scooter, you can follow these steps:

Firmly hold the front wheel between your legs to stabilize the scooter.
Gently move the handlebar from side to side and up and down.
Pay attention to any excessive movement or wobbling in the handlebar.
If you notice any unexpected vibration or movement, it may be a sign that something is loose or needs to be tightened.

FAQs

What is the lifespan of an electric scooter?

On average, an electric scooter can be your loyal buddy for anywhere between 3 to 5 years.

But don’t worry! If you’re a proud owner of a personal e-scooter, with some loving care and maintenance, it can last up to 3 years or even more. It’s like having a buddy who grows old with grace and style.

Sure, personal e-scooters might show a slight dip in efficiency after the first 2 years, but no worries! With proper care and maintenance, they’ll still be your trusty ride for up to 3 years or more.

Now, let’s talk about budget and quality – the price tag can indeed influence the lifespan of an electric scooter. Generally, more expensive scooters tend to boast better quality components, meaning they might hang around a little longer, treating you to more amazing memories.

Batteries – the powerhouse of electric scooters! They’re the heart and soul of your ride. High-quality lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in e-scooters, can last up to 1,000 charge cycles.

But taking good care of your scooter is the key to making it last. Good battery charging practices and smart storage are like pampering sessions for your scooter, ensuring it stays your ultimate sidekick for countless joyful miles.