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Even though you bought your electric scooter six months ago, you feel that performance is slightly lower?
And you can’t stop thinking about how it will ride a year or two from now?
By the end of this article, you will find out how you can maintain your electric scooter correctly.
Your electric scooter will experience a transformation if you apply everything you learn and it will be grateful for that. You will feel the difference as well.
Why Regular Electric Scooter Maintenance Is Important
Basic tool you need to have - Allen wrenches
Regular electric scooter maintenance reduces the probability of major problems and increases the efficiency of your electric scooter.
What does that mean? It means that you can rely on your scooter whenever you want and be pretty sure that it’s going to take you wherever you want to go on time. I know I can count on mine.
The concept is simple - everything comes down to these two options:
- Preventative e-scooter maintenance
- Corrective e-scooter maintenance
Preventative e-scooter maintenance |
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You became more familiar with your electric scooter |
Eliminate most fatal hazards |
Keeps your electric scooter more reliable |
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You can do it by yourself |
Riding experience is more enjoyable |
The first option is about leaving as little space as possible for breakdowns.
Through regular electric scooter maintenance, we have a chance to notice some smaller problems, predict failures and prevent a potential hazard.
Regular electric scooter repair can be easy, fun and really useful at the same time.
These steps should be everyone’s golden rules.
The second option is easier - but it leaves us with a bigger problem in the long run.
This type of philosophy leads to more malfunctions that need to be fixed.
That creates higher expenses because of new parts or/and the need for professional help. In that scenario, electric scooter maintenance costs are significantly higher.
Corrective e-scooter maintenance |
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Waiting for the disaster to happen |
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Other traffic participants are in danger, as well |
It requires professional help more often |
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Being unable to ride for at least one to three days (also costs for a car, cab…) |
But, that’s not all.
If we don’t have our vehicle available for a day or two, our everyday activities could easily become a nightmare, right?
So, focus on e-scooter care and become good at looking after your little electric friend.
Basic Parts of an Electric Scooter
photo_credit_instagram @patrycja_michalis
An electric scooter is a tiny vehicle. However, it can make a big difference in everyday life. As kids, use scooters for playing and buzzing around through neighborhood — on the other hand, business people use them for commuting.
Even though electric scooters look like a simple vehicle, you may be surprised how many parts make the ride happen.
- Electric motor
- Batteries
- Throttle
- Charger
- Controllers
- Fuses
- Switches
- Handlebars
- Brakes
- Forks
- Decks
- Wheels
- Chain/Belt
- Kickstand
- Fenders
- Seat
- Shock absorber
- Front light
- Rear light
- Turn signals
- Horn
There are so many parts and knowing electric scooter repair tricks is important for every rider.
Electric Scooter Maintenance Tips - How to Start
A professional mechanic is not a boogeyman (at least on the most occasions), and I don’t want to tell you that you should run from him. However, there is a lot of stuff you can do by yourself and postpone a visit to your mechanic until more significant problems appear.
E-scooter care is not optional. You need to do it. It’s like with a car. Regular maintenance is not recommended. It’s necessary.
Before you pick up the hammer, there is something you should know about maintenance — that it’s not just about maintaining your scooter, it's about learning and connecting with your ride.
You should consider it more like a relaxing hobby and less as a hassle.
If you have regular e-scooters, you can do it by yourself easily. Xiaomi m365 and Razor electric scooter maintenance is not that difficult. Simple tools like Allen keys and wrenches will help you do the basic things.
But if you have a super expensive electric scooter worth thousands of dollars (like Dualtron, Hollyburn P5..) , do not be cheap, go to your authorized service provider.
Anyways, there are some things that you can learn to do by yourself and become someone who is familiar with their own e-scooter, things like regular washing and servicing less complicated things.
General Tools for Electric Scooter Maintenance
The basic tools that are needed for a maintenance
- Allen key (1.5-6)
- Regular wrench (10, 13, 15,17)
- Adjustable wrench
- Washing equipment
- Electric scooter lubricant
- Bicycle tire levers
- Digital multi-meter
- Magnetic steel tray
- Chain cleaning brush
- Freewheel removal tool
- Chain tool
- Chain breaker
Check out Park Tool on Amazon - one of the best out there! Here is Park Tool official website!
- Charge it regularly
- Keep it clean
- Avoid rain
- Check chain/belt
- Check bolts
How to Clean Your Electric Scooter - Electric Scooter Maintenance Basics
- 1 x Small brush
- 1 x Small plate
- 1 x Larger plate
- 1 x Sponge
- 1 x platform
- Lubricant
- Eco-cleaner
- 2 x Cotton Rags
You need to remember these 3 things:
- Switch off your scooter
- Do it outdoor
- Never use a hose for washing an electric scooter that is not fully waterproof
How to Wash Your Scooter at Home - Time for Action
FIRST STEP (E-scooter Mechanical Parts)
In a large plate, pour warm water, soap, and dip a cotton rag in it. You have to squeeze that rag as much as you can so that rag is almost dry. Get started from the parts that are not very dirty, like the scooter’s handlebars.
Parts you clean with the rag are mechanical parts like handlebars, brakes and throttle levers, forks, fenders, kickstand and lights. Then you get clean water WITHOUT THE SOAP and wipe it again.
Now, after you clean all that, make sure that you use the SECOND DRY rag and wipe away everything again to make sure that there are no water marks.
Top tip: Don’t treat wheels and chain this way.
SECOND STEP (Degreasing the E-scooter Chain)
Now you are going to need a platform. You can use anything that can take the weight of your electric scooter because you need those wheels spinning in the air for this step.
Take a small brush and small plate into which you pour a bit of eco-cleaner. Than dip the brush into the plate and start brushing the chain. Use one hand to spin the wheel and another to brush.
After y the chain looks like a new, pour clean water and start brushing it again to wash away the eco-cleaner.
Good to know: Don’t use large amounts of eco-cleaner — just a small amount will get the job done.
THIRD STEP (Washing the Electric Scooter Wheels)
Your electric scooter is still on that platform. Now, WITHOUT THE SOAP from the FIRST PART, use the sponge to wash the wheels. You don’t need soap or type of chemical, water alone with the sponge will get the job done.
Quick Note: While you wash your tires and rims, take your time and inspect it in detail to see if there are any cuts or knurls that can cause it to burst in the future.
FOURTH STEP
Your electric scooter is still on the platform. In this step, your job is to lubricate the chain.
You have two options, to wait for the chain to dry or to use small piece of rag to dry it.
Remember that in this step, you don’t want to overdo it with electric scooter lubricant, just keep it moderate.
How to Maintain Electric Scooter Tires
Don't forget to take care of your tires
Tires are only contact point between the road and us.
Until we fall, of course.
E-scooter Tire Pressure
First, the right pressure essential when you want to optimize your riding style and technique.
I like to go as fast as I can, and as far as I can, so I need to inflate the tires as much as the manufacturer allows, right?
Not really.
- What's the optimal pressure?
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- Lighter rider (36-37 psi)
- Heavier rider (42-43)
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Check your tire’s recommended pressure, never exceed max pressure allowed by the manufacturer.
Lower pressure than recommended, consequences:
- Your speed is lower
- Greater danger of damaging a rim
- Higher rolling resistance
- You use more battery
- Inconsistent tire wear
While higher pressure increases the probability:
- Of bursting while you ride
- The ride will be extremely uncomfortable
- Cornering is less safe
- Inconsistent tire wear
One negative aspect in both scenario if pressure is under the limit or over the limit.
That is inconsistent tire wear. Because of that, you need the right tire pressure.
Or simply get solid e-scooter tire and don't worry about pressure..
Electric Scooter Tire Lifespan
The second biggest problem is tire lifespan. If I should change tires on my car after 25,000 miles, I surely can ride my scooter tires at least that mileage. Right?
I may disappoint you again, although I wish that wasn’t the case. You have to change tires after 1,000 miles depending on riding style. The tire becomes thinner and balder, so your cornering and braking are riskier.
Also, a puncture is more likely. Use these electric scooter maintenance tips to prolong the life of your tires.
Tire Changing Steps
When a tire wears out, or there is a puncture, here is what you need to do to change it effortlessly and safely:
- Allen keys (2,3,5,6)
- Regular wrench (10, 12, 13, 17)
- Bicycle levers (I prefer plastic ones)
- Bucket with water
- A pump
- Small plate
Changing FRONT Electric Scooter Wheel
STEP 1
Removing the front wheel is not a huge deal. You just have to take the brakes off. For that, use the Allen key, usually number 5. Then use a regular wrench to remove the front wheel. You don’t need to unscrew all the way, just enough from both sides to take the wheel down.
STEP 2
Now, use bicycles levers, I prefer plastic ones, because you don’t want to destroy rims with the scratches while you are taking out the inner tube.
STEP 3
When you’re done with taking out the inner tube, now, try to check the outside tire for sharp objects in that area of the inner tube puncture. If you have difficulty with that, pump the tube and put it in the bucket full of water, and bubbles will tell you where the source of the puncture is.
STEP 4
Put a new tube in, and inflate the tire. Simple enough. Then put the wheel back on again. Don’t forget to attach the brake.
A quick note: It's not a good idea to put a brand new inner tube in without checking if there is a sharp object. If you inflate the tire and that sharp object is still there, Huston we have a problem — it will be punctured again. So you need to use your fingers and try to find sharp objects like wires or glass.
Changing REAR Electric Scooter Wheel
STEP 1
Removing the rear wheel require unscrewing fenders and plastic covers (if your electric scooter has them). Now, you need a small plate to keep these small bolts in while you are changing the tire.
STEP 2
Now, the concept is simple - you have to detach the cables from the motor. Remember which cable goes where —a helpful trick is to simply take a photo with your smartphone. That way you can easily put everything back together.
STEP 3
When you unscrew the main wheel bolts, you have to move the small hook. That is something you will notice while unscrewing bolts. If there is no hook, don’t panic, it should be there in your case. Some have it, others don’t.
STEP 4
The process of changing an inner tube or outside tire is the same. Just take a look at the quick note below if you have any difficulties.
- If you have difficulties installing a new tire on your rim, use a little Vaseline around the tire, OR you can put your tire in a microwave for a minute or two. DON’T OVERDO IT, of course, you don’t want your rim to be covered with Vaseline after the first corner when you brake.
- If your wheel hasn't been removed for an extended period, you might have to apply higher pressure to remove it.
A great piece of content that will HELP YOU A LOT if you are interested in handling your own issues when a puncture occurs is How to handle an electric scooter puncture.
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How to Maintain Electric Scooter Batteries
photo_credit_instagram@patrycja_michalis
Besides your engine and wheels, the most essential part of your electric scooter is the batteries. When you replace them, don’t get talked into buying a more powerful one than you had previously. Classic batteries are usually 12V and 24Ah or more depending on the type of electric scooter.
So, how do you make an electric scooter battery last longer?
When checking the health of batteries with a digital multi-meter, two scenarios may occur:
FIRST: If you check them and numbers tell you something above 25 V - everything is fine.
SECOND: If this test tells you something around 23V, 24V – only one of them may have gone bad, but when it’s time for a change, change both.
Rider behavior affects battery life:
Every battery, not just these for electric scooters, has an amount of cycles that represents their life. Some have 300, some 1,000 - some have more, some have less.
The main thing is to make sure that we know how to deal with battery to use its full potential properly. If we don’t take the following steps, we are throwing away a certain percentage of those charging cycles.
You can prolong the life of your electric scooter battery if you use these golden rules of e-scooter maintenance tips...
There are some golden rules when it comes to electric scooter battery maintenance
Keep it above negative temperatures
You have to be sure that the charger is original and set up for your batteries’ voltage
When a battery is full (green light on the charger), unplug it
Charge it after it cools down (don’t put it on charge immediately after riding)
Don’t let your battery run out entirely
If that happens, put it on the charger as fast as you can (second rule: after cooling down)
If you don’t use your scooter for an extended period, put in on battery tender charger. (It charges the battery to full and then controls the charging process by not letting the battery overcharge).
If you allow your battery to be empty more than a few hours, then the battery can get internal oxidation, which causes shorter battery life.
You know how costly batteries can be, so take these steps to make sure every cycle you use is delivered on the road. Follow this electric scooter maintenance guide and save yourself bigger problems in the future.
How to Service Electric Scooter Brakes
Be strong on the road to became your own mechanic
Stopping is essential for e-scooter safety.
Naturally, everybody loves to cruise around, feel the speed, and get through traffic with these agile machines.
However, from time to time, we must to brake furiously, and we want the best brakes we can afford.
Here are some electric scooter maintenance tips when it comes to brakes...
For electric scooters, there are several types of brakes: |
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It doesn’t matter which one your scooter has, the fundamental thing is that those brakes are functional and well serviced.
Pay attention to:
- Drum brake shoes, caliper brakes shoes, brake pads, brake calipers must be fit
- You have to make sure that your wheels are spinning unobstructed.
- If not, adjust them
Steps for fine brake tuning:
- Get your scooter on the platform (you need those wheels spinning in the air)
- Get Allen keys (for brake pads, shoes use a smaller one, for brake wire, use Allen key 5)
- Be patient, fine-tuning is not a quick job
Results after adjusting brakes:
- Free spin
- You ride faster
- Save brake pads, shoes, calipers
- Save battery
- Save RIMS braking surface
Electric Scooter Repair Tricks - Chain/Belt
Some electric scooters, for example, Razor 100, have a belt. Some other scooters have a chain.
There are similar conditions for each of the chain types.
Chain/belt can be:
- Too loose - If it is too loose, there is the possibility of falling. You lose power because the motor spins but the wheel doesn’t receive that power.
- Too tight - If it is too tight, there is enormous pressure on the belt and it could snap.
- Just right!
Same is with the chain. Chain/belt has to be just right. You can switch off your scooter and then use a stick (watch your fingers) and try it. You will see in the second if it is too loose.
And if your chain is too tight, like a guitar string that you can play a song on, you can be sure that it is time to relax the chain.
So, how to tighten chain on Razor scooters?
The chain/belt can be adjusted just with a wrench, so you unscrew the wheel bolts a bit and move the wheel here and there for a good result.
You can lubricate a chain!
DO NOT lubricate THE BELT!
How to Put New Grips on a Scooter
The correct way to remove the grip
After a while, you start feeling like you don’t have grips. Grips get worn out, and you feel like you have throttles on both sides. And when that happens, its time for new grips.
Here’re some tips on electric scooter repair tips on the right and wrong ways of putting new grips on.
How NOT to do it
STEP 1
I just bought some brand new grips, and here we are, in the garage, Allen key in my hand to move the throttle a bit because I purchased a slightly longer one. Ok, so far so good.
WRONG STEP 2
I use my knife and a lighter to stick that knife into that old grip more easily. That was a plan.
WRONG STEP 3
That rubber turned into hot glue. I burned myself, scratched the surface of my handlebar, destroyed the knife, and almost killed myself.
Don't you worry. There are right ways to change grips.
How to Change Grips Correctly
RIGHT WAY NUMBER 1:
To remove the old grip, you can use some spray like WD-40 with a small tube to spray inside the grip, between the e-scooter handlebar and grip. Then, you have to move it here and there to remove the old one.
RIGHT WAY NUMBER 2:
You can also use compressed air, which is a better solution.
RIGHT WAY NUMBER 3:
Use hairspray, or deodorant. And repeat the process of moving your grip here and there to take it off. Alcohol will evaporate, and it won't make the surface more slippery.
When is job done, and you removed the old grip, it's time for a new one.
To put the new one on, it is crucial to prepare the surface by cleaning it with:
- Hairspray
- Eco-cleaner
- Deodorant
It will help you your new grip on more easily.
You can also mimic an air compressor - while you're sliding your grip on the handlebar with one hand, use another palm to kick on top of the grip to create air pockets which allow you to put it on more easily.
These are the tips if you’re wondering how to fix Razor scooter handlebars.
- Use electric scooter lubricant ONLY when you TAKE OFF the grip
- When you install new grip, DON’T use lubricant, BUT alcohol-based products
- Don’t use water
- Don’t use grass
Electric Scooter Controller Repair
photo_credit_instagram@patrycja_michalis
This is the part that controls everything.
When it comes to decreasing voltage in batteries, the speed controller automatically turns off the engine. It prevents the battery from discharging too much, and during that process, it protects battery life.
The second role is to turn off the engine when the brakes are activated automatically. A motor turns on again when the brakes are released.
The speed controller is the main part that connects everything: motor, throttle, brakes, key switch, battery charger, light connectors.
Speed controller types:
You have to get the right one for your electric scooter. There are also controllers for brushed motors or brushless ones.
Be sure to check and choose the right one for your e-scooter.
FAQs
Here are the most common questions every rider usually has about electric scooter maintenance.
Do electric scooters need servicing?
Yes, you need to plan your electric scooter service. These machines are like any other. There are lots of moving parts, battery, plastic parts and things can and will go wrong. Having an e-scooter is very similar to electric bikes and you need to pay attention to everything, especially the electric parts.
Are electric scooters reliable?
Electric scooters are reliable if you pay attention to regular maintenance. Of course, there are scooters that are less reliable than others, and you need to know what the best electric scooters out there are. But, in general, scooters are nice reliable little machines that can save you lots of money and provide a lot of fun along the way. Follow scooter maintenance tips from this post and try to do as many things as you can.
How do I fix my electric scooter for cheap?
Regular electric scooter servicing is the key. When you have a car, regular service is crucial. With e-scooters, it is the same. Pay attention to tires, batteries and other components regularly. That way you will avoid expensive breakdowns that can ruin your day easily.
Do electric scooters have chains?
Yes, some do. Razor scooters do have chains.
Final Thoughts on Electric Scooter Maintenance
As much as we love to complicate things, it’s always the best option to keep it simple. We can pretend that everything is going to be ok and pray for the best, or we can pick up a wrench.
We also need to understand that we are responsible for keeping the electric scooter in good condition. Razor models are the most grateful when it comes to electric scooter maintenance.
I am sure that doing maintenance will take you an hour or so, but it also gives you the satisfaction of manual work.
So, what do you think? Is it possible for you to maintain your own electric scooter?
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