A Beginner's Guide to Electric Scooter Maintenance: Keep Your Ride Rolling

For all those electric scooter lovers, do you remember how your scooter locked and zoomed through the city when you first bought it? Do you remember that thrill? Fast forward a few months, see how your negligence towards electric scooter maintenance has caused drastic changes in it.

With an increased use of electric scooters, the need for maintenance is rising. Many people owning an electric scooter are unaware of the maintenance schedule, which is alarming and compromises the health of the bike. Electric scooter maintenance cannot not be neglected, therefore, we have brought this comprehensive guide for you to keep your scooter in its best condition for years to come. Let’s gear up to see how you can maintain electric scooters in Australia.

 

Why Is It Important To Maintain Your Electric Scooter?

Electric scooter maintenance may seem like a daunting task, but it needs to be done frequently in order to preserve the life of the scooter and its components. Here’s why E-scooter maintenance is crucial:

 

Last for Years

Proper maintenance helps prolong the lifespan of your electric scooter, allowing you to enjoy it for many years without premature wear or breakdowns.

 

Better Range

Regular maintenance, including tire inflation, brake adjustment, and lubrication, ensures optimal performance and efficiency, resulting in a better range per charge.

 

Better Battery

Electric scooter battery maintenance is the most crucial step to consider. Battery maintenance, such as avoiding overcharging and extreme temperatures, can extend its lifespan and maintain its capacity, providing consistent performance over time.

 

Saves Costs of Frequent Repairs

By addressing minor issues promptly through regular maintenance, you can prevent them from escalating into more significant problems that require costly repairs or replacements.

 

Increased Performance

A well-maintained electric scooter operates more smoothly and efficiently, providing better acceleration, handling, and overall performance, enhancing your riding experience.

 

Benefits of Electric Scooter Maintenance

Benefits	Details
Optimal Performance	Timely maintenance guarantees smooth acceleration, reliable braking, and overall better performance.
Safety	Regular inspections identify potential safety issues, reducing the risk of accidents while riding.
Cost Savings	Prevents costly repairs or replacements by addressing minor issues early on.
Reliability	Well-maintained scooters are more reliable, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.
Efficiency	Maintaining the scooter ensures efficient operation, maximising battery life and range.
Improved Resale Value	Proper maintenance retains the scooter's value, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Environmental Impact	Reduces the need for replacement parts, promoting sustainability and minimising environmental impact.

Routine Maintenance Checklist for Electric Scooter

For electric scooter maintenance, you must consult an E-scooter maintenance guide to make sure you are doing things accurately. To make it easier for you, we have created a basic checklist to maintain an E-Scooter:

 

Battery

Check Battery Charge

The most important part is battery maintenance. Before each ride, turn on your scooter and check the battery charge level displayed on the dashboard or battery indicator. Charge the battery if the level is low.

Inspect Connections

Visually inspect the battery connections for any signs of corrosion, rust, or looseness. Clean the terminals with a wire brush if necessary and ensure they are securely tightened.

Follow Charging Guidelines

It is crucial to keep checking the manufacturer's manual to ensure all the steps are followed correctly. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper charging procedures. Avoid overcharging the battery, and store it in a cool, dry place when not in use to maximise its lifespan.

 

Tire

Check Tire Pressure

Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the air pressure in each tire. Refer to the recommended pressure range indicated on the sidewall of the tire or in the scooter's manual. Inflate or deflate the tires as needed to achieve the correct pressure.

Inspect Tire Condition

Look for signs of wear, cuts, bulges, or punctures on the tire tread and sidewalls. Replace the tire if you notice any significant damage that could affect its performance or safety.

 

Brake

Test Brake Functionality

Before riding, engage the brakes to ensure they respond effectively and bring the scooter to a smooth stop. Test both the front and rear brakes separately.

Inspect Brake Pads

Check the brake pads for thickness and signs of wear. If the pads are worn down or unevenly worn, replace them to maintain optimal braking performance.

Adjust Brake Tension

If the brakes feel loose or too tight, adjust the brake cable tension using the adjustment screws or knobs located near the brake levers or callipers.

 

Suspension

Visual Inspection

Examine the suspension components, including forks, shocks, and linkages, for any signs of damage, leaks, or excessive wear.

Check Adjustments

Verify that the suspension settings are adjusted to your preferences and riding conditions. Refer to the scooter's manual for guidance on adjusting preload, compression, and rebound settings.

Lubricate Pivot Points

Apply lubricant to suspension pivot points and bushings to reduce friction and ensure smooth movement. Wipe away any excess lubricant to prevent accumulation of dirt and debris.

Cleaning and Lubrication

Clean Exterior

Use a mild detergent and water solution to clean the exterior surfaces of the scooter, including the frame, handlebars, and deck. Avoid spraying water directly into electrical components or connectors.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Apply lubricant to moving parts such as hinges, pivots, and cables to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Focus on areas prone to friction or where metal components contact each other.

Use Proper Products

Choose cleaning agents and lubricants recommended by the manufacturer to avoid damaging sensitive components. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents that could degrade rubber or plastic parts.

 

Safety Checks

Inspect Lights and Signals

Turn on the scooter's lights, signals, and horn to verify they are functioning correctly. Replace any bulbs or components that are dim, flickering, or not working.

Check Handlebar Grips

Make sure that the handlebar grips are securely attached and free from tears or damage. Replace worn or damaged grips to maintain a secure grip and control of the scooter.

Tighten Fasteners

Using the appropriate tools, check all nuts, bolts, and fasteners on the scooter for tightness. Pay particular attention to critical components such as handlebars, stem, and folding mechanisms.

 

Electric Scooter Maintenance Schedule

If you are having a hard time scheduling electric scooter maintenance, let us make it easier for you. Here’s a schedule for your next maintenance:

 

Before Every Ride

Check Tyre Pressure

Use a tyre pressure gauge to ensure the tyre pressure is within the recommended range.

Check Wheels and Handlebars

Verify that the wheels turn smoothly and that the handlebars are securely attached and turn freely.

Inspect Hinges

Look for any unexpected vibrations or movement in hinges, such as folding mechanisms or handlebar stems.

Inspect Nuts, Bolts, and Fasteners

Check for any loosened or missing nuts, bolts, or fasteners, especially in critical areas like the stem and folding mechanisms.

Check Lights and Indicators

Test the functionality of lights, indicators, and other electrical components to ensure they are working properly.

 

Every 1 Month or Every 300km

Check Tyres for Damage

Tyres work the most and therefore, they are often susceptible to wear and tear.  Inspect the tyres for any signs of wear, cuts, punctures, or bulges that may affect performance or safety.

Test Bell Function

Most of the scooters have bells installed to alert the pedestrians and other vehicles about your presence. Verify that the bell or horn is functioning correctly to alert pedestrians and other road users.

Clean and Inspect

Wipe down the scooter with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime, and inspect the scooter for any visible damage or wear.

Check Cables

Examine the cables for any signs of damage, such as fraying or kinks, and ensure they are properly routed and secured.

Inspect Charger

Your electric scooter charger can wear off too. Check the charger and cable for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or exposed connectors.

 

Every 6 Months or Every 1,500km (Full Safety Check)

Tighten Bolts

Use a torque wrench to tighten all bolts and fasteners to the specified torque settings to prevent loosening during use.

Adjust Brakes

Brake maintenance must be kept on the top of the list because ignoring it can result in disasters. Adjust the brakes to ensure they provide optimal stopping power and responsiveness.

Clean and Inspect Chassis

Wipe down the scooter with a damp cloth and inspect the chassis and fork for any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear.

 

Every Year or Every 3,000km (Full Service)

Check Headset and Wheel Bearings

Inspect the headset and wheel bearings for any signs of wear, damage, or play, and grease them as necessary to ensure smooth operation.

Service Folding Points

Folding points are often neglected while maintaining the rest of the scooter. Service all folding points, including hinges and mechanisms, and regrease them as needed to maintain functionality and prevent wear.

 

E-Scooter Maintenance Tips

Below are some basic electric scooter maintenance tips:

Maintenance Tips

Keep Joints and Parts Lubricated

Tighten Loose Bolts Before Every Ride

Schedule an Annual Inspection

Avoid Riding in Wet Conditions

Inspect Cables for Wear and Tear

Check Tire Pressure Before Every Ride

Charge the Electric Scooter Properly

Refer to the Owner's Manual

Store the Electric Scooter Safely

Don’t Let It Run on Empty Battery

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Final Words

You will see numerous electric scooters in Australia. While many people stay unaware of the maintenance, you should be the one to take care of your scooter. In the above guide, we have provided you with the electric scooter maintenance tips, so that you can enjoy the perks of electric scooter safely for years to come. 

Make sure to take out some time from your busy routing and give some hours to your scooter, because just like humans, the scooter also needs care. Make sure you are focusing on electric scooter maintenance as per guidelines, however, if you are a newbie and unaware of these technical tasks, consult a professional for the maintenance.

 

FAQs

How often should I service my electric scooter? Can I wash my electric scooter with water? What are the key parts of my electric scooter I should check regularly?