Electric Scooter Maintenance: Tips to Extend the Life of Your E-Scooter

More and more people are realizing the benefits of owning an electric scooter. In the UK, electric scooters are popular personal transport alternatives because they are easy and safe to use, help riders avoid traffic congestion, and keep operating costs low. 

Electric scooters are also known for their low maintenance requirements. In most cases, you only need to clean the scooter, store it properly, and check its tires to ensure it performs well. However, following some maintenance tips can significantly extend its lifespan.

How to Maintain Your Electric Scooter

Here are some maintenance tips for your electric scooter:

Store Your Scooter Safely

One of the most common tips for maintaining your e-scooter is to store it in a safe, dry place away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes. Excessive heat or cold can damage the lithium-ion battery and other components.

Check Your Tires Before Every Ride

To ensure proper maintenance of your electric scooter, check the tire pressure before every ride. The recommended pressure will depend on the manufacturer’s specifications. Incorrect tire pressure can result in reduced speed, increased risk of skidding, faster battery drainage, an uncomfortable ride, and even the risk of tire bursts. 

Regularly inspect your tires for damage to determine if a replacement is needed. For less frequent tire maintenance, consider electric scooters with durable tires like the Ninebot Kickscooter E45. This model features 9” tires that combine the shock absorption of pneumatic tires with the flat-free reliability of solid tires.

Keep the Parts Clean and Lubricated

Clean your electric scooter weekly to prevent damage from dirt build-up. Use a soft sponge and warm soapy water for external components, avoiding internal parts. Refer to the user manual before lubricating the suspension and joints, and use scooter-specific lubricant if necessary.

How to Fix Common Electric Scooter Issues

Fixing common issues with an electric scooter can be simple if you know the basics.

Issue 1: Fixing a Dead Battery

To fix a dead battery, start by charging it. Keep in mind that a completely dead battery may take longer to charge fully. To avoid this issue, make sure your battery never runs out of charge by charging your electric scooter at the end of each day.

If the battery isn’t charging, try plugging it into different sockets to see if that resolves the issue. Investing in a voltmeter can help you check if your battery is charging. If it’s still not charging, replace the battery and properly dispose of the old one.

Issue 2: Fixing an Overheated Engine

First, turn off your electric scooter and let it cool down before inspecting it. Once it’s safe to touch, check the wiring, fuse, or electrical controller for issues. Wiring or fuse problems indicate that your e-scooter can still function, but you should contact a technician immediately to fix the problem. Avoid riding your electric scooter until the issue is resolved.

Issue 3: Fixing a Defective Speed Controller

To fix a defective speed controller, start by dismantling it. Tighten any loose wires or replace damaged ones, then reassemble the controller carefully. Test your electric scooter to ensure the acceleration runs smoothly.

Issue 4: Fixing Speed or Acceleration Issues

Check the speed controller or fuse, as a faulty controller or blown fuse can cause speed issues. Inspect the wiring for any electrical problems. If the controller, fuse, and wiring are all fine, have a professional inspect your scooter.

Issue 5: Fixing Shutdowns While Riding

Inspect the fuse or circuit breaker for heat or loose wires. Secure any loose wires tightly. Steep inclines or overloading can trip the circuit breaker. If your electric scooter shuts down, wait a few seconds before restarting it. To prevent future issues, have it checked by a professional.

Issue 6: Fixing a Flat E-Scooter Tire

If your tire has a puncture, you can apply tire sealant. For larger punctures, it may be best to replace the tire. Removing and replacing the wheel and tire can be tricky, depending on your e-scooter model. Refer to specific repair guides, like those for the Mearth S Series and Mearth GTS Series, for detailed instructions on changing the wheel.

How to Take Care of Your Electric Scooter Battery

An electric scooter’s battery is the most important part of the scooter. Most electric scooter batteries are made with lithium-ion, which is lighter and longer-lasting compared to lead-acid batteries. At Simply Moving, Segway-Ninebot electric scooters are designed with a premium 10200 mAh lithium-ion battery that supports an external battery and a smart battery management system, resulting in an extended range and battery life.

Advances in electric scooter battery technology have significantly improved performance. However, all batteries have a life cycle, and proper maintenance is crucial to ensure longevity. Here are some tips to maintain your electric scooter’s battery:

• Do not let the battery drain completely: Charging a completely drained battery affects the lithium-ion cells' ability to hold a full charge, impacting its lifespan. Keep your electric scooter’s battery at a minimum charge of 10%.
• Do not overcharge: Overcharging can also affect a lithium-ion battery’s ability to maintain full charge cycles. Aim to keep the battery at a maximum charge of around 90%.
• Always use the appropriate charger: Chargers have specific output voltages, and using the wrong charger can shorten the battery’s lifespan. Always use the charger that comes with your electric scooter.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your electric scooter in top condition and extending its lifespan. Following some useful tips and guides can maximize its value and performance.