5 Ideas to Maintain and Extend the Lifespan of Your Electric Scooter

Durability is a critical factor when shopping for electric scooters. Like any vehicle, you’d want an e-scooter that can last long enough before replacing it.

Longevity is particularly a big deal when considering that premium electric scooters can fetch upwards of $5,000. And that’s exclusive of repair and maintenance costs.

Now, an average well-maintained electric scooter has three to five years of lifespan. But as you might expect, your e-scooter's actual duration is contingent on numerous factors.

This article will unveil five ingenious ideas to extend your e-scooter’s lifespan.

1. Riding and Tire Maintenance Ideas

An electric scooter’s safety and maneuverability primarily depend on the condition of its tires. That underscores the importance of checking your scooter’s tires before hitting the road.

Ensure both tires have enough pressure (about 50 pounds per square inch (PSI) or per the manufacturer’s recommendations). Also, examine the tires for damage, puncture, or wear and replace them as needed. It’s better to be late for work or a road trip than endanger your safety by ignoring glaring problems with your e-scooter tires.

Do not ride your e-scooter during harsh weather conditions or on unprescribed terrains. Keep to paved roads unless the motorcycle is an off roader. And even so, avoid riding it directly over rocky or thorny roads, as these may cause a tire burst.

Last but not least, experts discourage speeding. Most e-scooters can achieve 15-25 mph (24-40 kph). However, your riding speed should be contingent on the prevailing weather conditions, the state of the roads you’re riding on, and your riding experience.

2. Battery Maintenance Ideas

An e-scooter battery is what distinguishes it from gas-powered scooters. These motorcycles run on rechargeable batteries, so you should never let their batteries get depleted.

Recharge your e-scooter battery when it’s around 10 - 30% empty and only charge until about 90% full. You can track the motorcycle’s battery charge from the bike or via an app.

The rules on safe charging apply to all e-scooter batteries, regardless of their frequency of use. Note that scooter batteries run out of charge and degrade even when unused.

However, proper charging alone will not prolong your electric scooter’s battery life if it’s a low-quality battery. The best battery for e-scooters is the powerful lithium-ion battery with 21700 cells.

Be sure to also check the battery brand. Samsung, LG, and Dynavolt are renowned for manufacturing high-performing e-scooter batteries.

3. Motor Maintenance Tips

The motor of electric scooters requires low maintenance compared to that of other motor vehicles. But since this is the part that drives your e-scooter, it’s still imperative to keep your eyes out for any signs of reduced performance.

Lubrication is the first maintenance procedure for electric scooter motors. Oil the engine as frequently as possible to ensure it’s running smoothly.

Remember to read the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended lubricants.

Besides lubrication, it’s also important to have your electric scooter inspected regularly for signs of damage or wear. Unusual noises indicate that your e-scooter motor is ripe for repair or replacement.

4. Brake Maintenance Tips

The worst nightmare when riding an electric scooter is probably having your brakes fail on a high-speed cruise on a busy freeway. It’s even worse if you’re on a steep descent.

Getting your e-scooter brakes inspected regularly can significantly minimize the risks of grievous accidents caused by brake failure.

Routine brake inspections shouldn’t just focus on uncovering visible performance issues. They should also check for the slightest hints of wear and tear and recommend replacements accordingly.

It’s also essential to adjust your electric scooter braking system occasionally for optimal performance. Again, the scooter’s manufacturer’s manual will provide invaluable insights into how to adjust the brakes properly.

5. Cleaning and Storage Tips

Different parts of an e-scooter require specific cleaning procedures as follows;

Motor

Use a soft fabric or brush to gently clean dust, dirt, and debris from the motor’s exterior.

Do not sprinkle water directly on the motor or use cleaning reagents containing engine-unfriendly chemicals like bleach and acetone.

These procedures also apply when cleaning your e-scooter battery.

Brakes

Brakes also need to be cleaned occasionally to improve their performance.

Just like the motor, use a damp towel or brush to wipe off dirt, debris, and contaminants from the braking system.

Be sure to scrub off any crusting on the brake pads using the brush.

Wheels

An electric scooter’s wheels are much easier to clean than the bike’s other components.

Brush the wheels thoroughly using soapy water but keep water off the electrical components.

For storage, start by keeping your electric scooter battery in a cool and dry place. Note that direct heat exposure can diminish the battery’s efficiency. Do not store the battery in direct sunlight either.

The entire scooter would also need a cool, dry storage room sheltered from the elements. Use a protective cover on the seats to protect them from dust. If planning long-term storage, lock the scooter and elevate it from the ground to prevent flat spots from developing on the tires.

Wrap Up

Adopting proactive rather than reactive measures is the most effective way to prolong your electric scooter’s durability. That entails scheduling routine maintenance to improve the motorcycle’s operational efficiency.

Regular maintenance can help nip mechanical problems in the bud, preventing significant breakdowns and costly repairs.