Although electric scooters are quite simple in general, they need good maintenance to offer stable and optimal performance for many years. It is not complicated and we tell you how to do it correctly.
Unlike a car or a motorcycle, the maintenance of a electric scooter it’s quite simple and you can do it yourself at home when you have some time. But, yes, do not think that it is unimportant or let it go, because otherwise your scooter will lose performance over time and will last less than desired.
The key aspects to review in the maintenance of your electric scooter
The maintenance of an electric scooter is basically summarized in 6 main points that must be reviewed and addressed periodically. All of them are important, although they do not require too much skill or time.
1. Tires
As you know, electric scooters may have solid wheels or with inner tube. In the case of having the former, no type of maintenance is necessary beyond a periodic visual inspection to verify that there are no defects or deterioration, as well as excessive wear of the tread that advises a change.
In the case of having tires with air pressure, this must be checked regularly, just as it happens with cars. In this way, you will not only prevent warping and premature wearyou will also reduce the probability of suffering a puncture.
There are also some scooters with tires tubeless in the market. In that case, a puncture is even less likely, but it will be just as important to maintain adequate pressure.
2. Battery
The vast majority of electric scooters use lithium batteries. lithium ions, so the passage of time will affect its autonomy and load capacity. But the way to recharge it will be decisive in its useful life.
The first thing you should do is always use the original charger of the scooter. In addition, it is advisable to connect it before the battery is completely depleted, if it is above 10% better.
Similarly, it is also recommended not charging the battery to 100% or, in case of doing so, do not keep the scooter connected for too long once it reaches the fully charged state. This prevents overheating and premature deterioration of the cells.
If you are going to spend a season without using the scooter, remove the battery if it allows it. If not, store the scooter with the battery half charged, never discharged or almost discharged.
3. Cleaning
As in any object, whether mechanical or not, cleaning is vital for its good conservation over time. In the case of an electric scooter, the main thing is remove dust and dirt accumulated during use.
To do this, avoid wetting it excessively so as not to damage electrical connections or the battery, and better use a damp cloth to which to add soap with a neutral pH in case it is necessary to remove mud, grease or a deeper stain.
On lubricated areas, such as the transmission, hubs, or engine, use a brush or air spray compressed to remove dirt build-up.
4. Transmission
Some scooters use strap transmission to transfer power from the engine to the wheels, while others use string. They can also use hub motors both on the front and rear wheels.
Well, in the case of having an electric scooter with chain and/or belt transmission, this must be tensioned and lubricated periodically, especially after getting wet as a result of rain, puddles, etc. In this way, you will avoid breakage, deformation and excessive wear, as well as a greater consumption of battery energy by minimizing friction.
When tightening, do not do it to the maximum, but leave approximately 1 centimeter of margin to maintain a certain flexibility and play in the movement.
5. Brakes
With use, the brakes can become worn or out of adjustment, causing noise or decreased performance. If you notice abnormalities in braking, it may be necessary to change brake pads. If what you perceive is a metallic noise, check the disc to see if it has been unbalanced or warped.
Keep in mind that the wheel must roll freely and without rubbing. Don’t forget to clean them with pressurized air from time to time either.
6. Gaskets, screws and moving parts
In addition to all of the above, it is important to carry out a general control of the electric scooter from time to time. Check all the screws to prevent misalignments or loose parts, as well as the state of the rubber and/or plastic joints that the scooter has.
Moving parts will also need lubrication, usually with fat. We are talking about the folding areas of the handlebar, stands, height adjustment bars, wheel axles, brake lever pins, etc. This way you will avoid noise and friction that prematurely deteriorate the components.
As you can see, all these operations are simple and do not take much time. You don’t have to do them all at once either, but don’t forget about them. Especially when you use the scooter with rain or wet asphalt, pay special attention to cleaning and lubrication. And to enjoy!