Electric Scooter Maintenance Tips

Nothing beats a sunny morning ride, zipping through the city on your electric scooter, effortlessly navigating traffic while enjoying the fresh breeze. Electric scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, but, like any other vehicle, they require proper care to ensure a smooth and safe ride. Let’s go through the journey of electric scooter maintenance, from cleaning and inspection to battery care. Whether you're a seasoned scooter enthusiast with an ultra performance electric scooter or a newbie looking to make the most of your ride, these essential electric scooter maintenance tips will help you keep your electric scooter in top-notch condition.

Cleaning & Inspection

Regular cleaning ensures your electric scooter functions optimally, as dirt build-up and debris can hinder moving parts, while regular inspections allow you to identify problems before they escalate. A simple inspection can prevent costly repairs and ensure safety while riding. So, how exactly do you clean an electric scooter?

It's simple! For the frame, use a damp cloth to wipe down, removing dirt and grime. You can use a gentle cleaner for more stubborn stains. Dry the frame immediately afterwards with a microfiber cloth to prevent rust. As for the wheels, you can clean your wheels using a large, hard cloth and soapy water. 

Lubrication

Should you oil your electric scooter? Ideally, moving parts will need regular lubrication at least once a month to prevent damage from salt air, friction, and corrosion. Use e-scooter maintenance sprays or silicone spray to spray on your e-scooter's steering bearing, wheel bearings joints, and axles, taking care to avoid the brake pads and brake rotor disc. Avoid oily sprays near the brake pads, as these can reduce your braking power.

Tyre Care

Maintaining tyre pressure is crucial in an electric scooter because it significantly impacts performance and ensures safety. Proper tyre pressure enables a stable and predictable ride, reducing the risk of accidents. Underinflated tyres can lead to instability and difficulty steering, while overinflated tyres can result in reduced traction and a harsh ride. In short, well-inflated tyres maximise speed, battery range, and handling, providing a better riding experience.

To check and adjust the tyre pressure, you need to:

• Gather the necessary tools. You'll need a tyre pressure gauge compatible with your scooter's valve type. A tyre pump with a pressure gauge and a valve extender are both excellent tools to have.
• Check the Current Pressure. Remove the valve cap and attach the pressure gauge or pump valve head if using a pump with a built-in pressure gauge. Read the pressure on the gauge to determine if it matches the manufacturer's recommended pressure (usually found on the tyre wall).
• Adjust the pressure. If the pressure is too high or too low, use a compatible air pump to add or release air until you reach the correct PSI (pounds per square inch).
• Go in for regular maintenance. Check your tyre pressure at least once a week to ensure it remains within the recommended range.

Battery Maintenance

When you want to maximise your electric scooter’s battery life, you need to adhere to proper charging practices and battery storage tips. Here’s how:

• Use the Right Charger. Always use the charger that comes with your electric scooter. If you have more than one scooter, clearly mark the chargers to prevent mix-ups; this is extremely important. Using a different charger can lead to overcharging and damage to the battery. This is why we do not recommend buying an e-scooter second-hand unless the seller can supply Proof of Purchase. Stolen scooters are often sold without the correct charger, and this is a known fire risk.
• Avoid Partial Charges. Charge your scooter when the battery is low and let it reach a full or near full charge. Avoid frequent partial charges. Full charging allows the battery to go through complete charge and discharge cycles, preventing capacity loss over time.
• Don't Overcharge. Be mindful not to overcharge your scooter. Unplug it once fully charged to prevent decreased performance and prolong the battery's lifespan.
• Don't Store Fully Charged. Avoid storing your electric scooter with a fully charged battery for extended periods. It's best to maintain a charge level of around 50% for long-term storage, which helps preserve battery health. If you are storing the scooter unused, it is best to disconnect the battery. Freed can assist with simple jobs like this at a very low cost.
• Avoid Full Discharge. Likewise, don't store the scooter with a fully discharged battery. Before storing it, ensure that the battery has some charge left, ideally around 50%, to prevent deep discharges that can harm the battery.

Brake Maintenance

You want to ensure your brake pads are not too thin or worn out. If they are, we recommend replacing them as soon as possible. Be wary of brake squealing or squeaking, as this can indicate brake pad wear. Check the brake cables for signs of fraying and replace them as needed.

When you observe any of these signs or when your scooter's manual recommends it, replace the brake pads promptly. Timely replacement ensures your safety and optimal braking performance.

Professional Electric Scooter Servicing

While electric scooters are low-maintenance modes of transportation, they do require care if you want a safe and efficient ride for years to come. While some maintenance can be DIY-ed or done at home, it’s essential to be cautious and seek professional help for more complex issues or repairs. Regular electric scooter servicing gives you the peace of mind that your scooter continues to run efficiently and prevent costly breakdowns.

Schedule an Electric Scooter Service Appointment with Freed

At Freed, we offer full servicing and repair of electric scooters by our team of professionals to ensure all electric scooter components and systems are in good working condition, promoting overall reliability and safety. We offer Gold or Silver servicing packages, depending on your electric scooter needs. Ensure the safety, performance, and longevity of your electric scooters and book an appointment today.