Gotten yourself a new electric scooter and not sure of how to maintain it? Or you already have one and is looking for ways on how to make sure it runs for years?
All you need to know is how to take care of it, and we are here with a beginner’s guide on electric scooter maintenance.
1. Charge The Battery Often
For your electric scooter to run without the motor shutting off halfway in traffic, it is important to make sure that your electric scooter’s battery is fully charged before your journey.
You can charge it to 100% every day or after every long ride. This will help to extend the battery life and reduce the need for you to replace the battery sooner than expected.
Every battery that the electric scooter uses, whether it’s lithium-ion battery or sealed lead acid battery, it has several charging cycle sets. One complete charging cycle occurs when you drain the battery and then recharge it back to 100%.
If you do this often, the battery will start to lose to its ability to hold a full charge and shortening the electric scooter’s range. When you charge your battery after every ride, you help to extend the lifespan of the battery and charge capacity.
2. Store It Safely
Prevent your electric scooter from getting as much damage as possible by storing your electric scooter in a safe place, whether you are at home or work.
Keep your electric scooter in a place that is out of direct sunlight with a steady temperature. Storing it in a place that’s too warm or too cold can damage the battery and cause the components to break faster.
If you use your electric scooter to whiz through the city for work or errands, keep it inside whenever possible and try to keep water, dirt, or dust to cause corrosion or wear and tear for your electric scooter.
3. Clean Your Electric Scooter Moving Components Clean
Clean your electric scooter at least once a week by using a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any dust or grime on the handlebars or stems. In this pandemic, it is even more important to sanitize your electric scooter.
Wash the deck with lukewarm water and some dish soap, and for stubborn dirt or mud, use a nylon-bristled scrub brush to lift it away and rinse the area with warm water. If you need to get between tight nooks and crannies, using a toothbrush can help scrub the grime away.
Remove any plant bits that are caught between the spokes and axels, as it can jam your wheels and cause you to accidentally break halfway through your ride. Clean any water on the electrical components with a clean microfiber cloth immediately and make sure they are not in contact with water when you are cleaning your electric scooter. Only ride your electric scooter once they are completely dry.
4. Check The Tire Pressure Before Every Ride
Check your electric scooter’s tire pressure before you take it out for a ride as having a properly inflated tire helps you reach maximum speed without overloading your motor.
Using a bike tire gauge helps with this habit as many air pumps have these built into the system to help you maintain proper inflation easily.
Do check your wheels for any damage if you are using solid rubber or have solid rubber tubes. Look on the wheels for any cracks in the rubber that might indicate dry rot or damage. If one tire is wearing quickly than the other, it is best to order a new tire and install it as soon as you can.
Carry a patch kit in your backpack to help you repair any flat tires quickly without hindering your commute.
5. Inspect The Cables For Wear And Tear
The electric scooter has a brake system that helps you stop immediately when you’re riding, and it relies on a series of cables to operate. When you pull the lever, the tension is adjusted on the cable which allows for the brake to engage.
When the cables are in good condition, the brake system will work properly. However, they get old, frayed, rusted, or damaged, it won’t work as well as it should and it can fail.
Make sure that the plastic housing for the cables are solid and not peeling off by inspecting them for wear and tear. Do the same for your throttle cable and housing while you’re inspecting the brakes. Replace the cables if you notice any damages to it or its housing.
Reach out to a professional like us to help you with these issues.
6. Don’t Ride In The Rain Or In Wet Conditions
Your electric scooter might be able to handle exposure to various elements, but it’s not meant to be ridden through water or standing water frequently. The water can get trapped inside the fenders and joints of your electric scooter and cause corrosion and rust.
Avoid riding in heavy rain or deep muddles at all costs but if you have no other options, be sure to dry your scooter thoroughly before reaching your destination.
If you do ride in wet conditions often, be sure to look out for corrosion on the metal components of your electric scooter. Use an electric scooter-approved rust remover to clean it off.
7. Lubricate The Joints And Parts
The moving components of your electric scooter need lubrication to ensure smooth mechanism. If it’s not properly lubricated the components will grind against each other and end up damaging each other after a few uses.
You’ll need to lubricate the brakes, chain, and hinges if you have a folding electric scooter. Lubricate those components at least once a month to keep your electric scooter in good condition. If you ride your electric scooter in dusty, construction areas, or outdoors often, you may need to lubricate the components more frequently.
Use bicycles or scooters lubricants rather than household lubricants. If you hear any grinding sound for the components or motor parts, inform an experienced technician to help you repair it.
8. Check Your Brakes Weekly
Check your brake pads, discs, or rotors for any signs of wear and tear. If these components look worn down, replace them with new parts. Choose the right type and size when you’re shopping for brake system replacement. Don’t buy e-bikes components as electric scooter wheels are smaller.
Check the way the brake levers feel when its squeezed to brake, it should be easy to move but not too loose that it hits the handlebar when you engage the brake fully. Make adjustments with a hex wrench on the underside of the lever.
9. Tighten Any Loose Bolts Before Riding
A simple safety check helps you ride safely. Tighten any bolts and screws with a hex wrench with enough force but not too much that it will be forced beyond the threads. This damages the bolt and threading of the scooter itself.
Doing so can strip the threading and having you to drill a new hole to repair it, which then threatens the integrity of your electric scooter.
10. Schedule An Annual Inspection With Experts
If the electric scooter is your main form of transportation, these steps might not be enough. You’ll want to make sure your electric scooter lasts a lifetime, so schedule for an annual inspection with an expert.
Star Wheels Electronic is a leading expert in electric scooters and electric bikes and we provide exceptional maintenance service and inspection for your rides.
We’ll make sure any necessary repairs are done to avoid any serious issues from happening in the future.
Use This Guide To Help You Maintain Your Electric Scooter
The electric scooter is an amazing mode of transportation and whether you use it for leisure or to work, make sure you keep it in good condition with this guide.
As you care for your scooter, the longer your scooter will last and the more fun you’ll have.
Need advice on an electric scooter that fits your need? Reach out to us today!
