Repairing Your Electric Scooter: Maintenance Tips

November 16, 2021

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

No one could have imagined the popularity of electric scooters two decades ago. The electric ride on toy market has skyrocketed to new heights and continues to make waves in the industry. There are a growing number of children, teenagers, and adults using electric scooters on private land, with trials in progress to use them as a mode of transport in the UK.

However, even the best electric scooters require maintenance, especially if you ride one regularly. Our guide covers all of your electric scooter repair and maintenance options, so you can keep riding safer for longer.

Can electric scooters be repaired?

Yes, you can repair electric scooters. Adult or kids electric scooters sometimes need a little TLC when they’re not working correctly. Electric scooters have sensitive components and parts. Overcharging, overuse, and stress from riding can cause damage, and you may need to carry out repairs.

The most common reasons why people may need to repair their e-scooter is if it is slow running or the brakes are worn.

Slow running e-scooter

Repairs may be necessary if your scooter is running slower than usual. In some cases, the cause may be a flat battery. Make sure you’ve fully charged the battery before you try to repair the electric scooter.

If you’ve tried charging the battery and your scooter is still slow, try checking the tyre pressure. Low air pressure makes the tyre soft, impacting your range, acceleration, and top speed.

Other areas to check include the chain and chain sprockets if your scooter has them. Heavy-duty adult electric scooters may have a chain drive. Inspect the chain and chain sprockets carefully and make sure the chain is not too loose or too tight.

You should also check your brakes. Electric scooter brakes may stay in a semi-active position which affects speed. Push the electric scooter when turned off and check that the wheels spin freely.

If you’ve done all the checks above and still have a problem, you might need a replacement e scooter battery. Typical electric scooter batteries should last up to three years or for 500 charge cycles.

E-scooter brakes not working correctly

If you suspect brake issues with your scooter, it’s essential to fix these as soon as possible. Scraping sounds or a slow scooter could mean the brake pads need readjusting or the calliper requires realignment. Brakes can become loose with frequent riding, and you might have to adjust the cable tension if the electric scooter takes a long time to come to a complete stop.

Some electric scooters come with electric brakes activated by a switch and create resistance to the motor’s rotation. Deteriorating electronic brakes may mean there is a switch or wiring problem that you need to repair immediately.

Why has my electric scooter stopped working?

There can be many reasons why your e-scooter has stopped working. It could be as simple as a flat battery or dust in your motor causing damage to the components. If your electric scooter isn’t running as it should, follow these steps to find the potential cause.

Look for error codes

One of the first things to do if your electric scooter isn’t working is to check for any error codes. Our adult e-scooters may show an error code to help you diagnose what the issue is. Some of the diagnostics and error codes you might see on your adult electric scooter include:

E1 – This indicates a throttle problem. It’s possible that the throttle wire isn’t connected to the control panel properly, and the throttle may need replacing.
E2 – This indicates a brake problem. The brake wire may not be connected properly.
E3 – If you see this code, there may be a motor connection problem to the controller. Either the controller or the motor will need replacing and reconnecting.
E4 – A control panel or control connection problem is likely with this code. Change the controller first, and if there is still a problem, change the panel.
E5 – This indicates the controller temperature is too high. Let the electric scooter cool down as it has overheated.
E6 – This code shows a controller problem, and you’ll likely need to change the controller.
E7 – A short circuit is likely. It’s possible that the motor has been connected incorrectly. To resolve this, either reconnect the motor properly or change the motor.
E8 – This code indicates a battery problem. The best way to resolve this is to change the battery.

Check the circuit breaker or fuse

For scooters with a fuse, inspect the inside of the fuse for burnouts. Remove the fuse, hold it up against the light, and replace it if there are signs of damage. If you can see a gap in the fuse wire or a smear on the glass, then the fuse has probably blown.

For scooters with a circuit breaker, flip the switch to see if it resets. Constant problems with the breaker mean you may have a wiring problem.

Check the motor

Inspect the motor for signs of damaged electrical components or wire connectors. Replace any parts that smell or look burned.

Check individual wires and connections by gently pulling and pushing them to ensure they are not disconnected or loose.

Check the battery

Electric scooter battery care may involve using a multimeter to measure and display the ohms, volts, and amps. Doing this ensures the unit is receiving the right amount of power to work correctly.

Inspect for connection breaks that may interrupt charge flow coming from a group of cells or a cell. A failing Battery Management System (BMS) can also prevent the scooter from starting while compensating for failing cells in a battery pack.

Tips for maintaining your electric scooter

Electric scooter maintenance reduces the probability of significant problems and increases the efficiency of your scooter. The best way to maintain your e-scooter is to follow these simple tips.

Clean your scooter regularly

Washing the frame after each use helps to remove any dirt build-up. Regular cleaning also means the scooter is less likely to rust, and critical parts continue to function. While cleaning, make sure you don’t get water on any electric components.

To clean the exterior of your scooter, you’ll need a sponge or old cloth, some water (soapy and clean) and a cleaning brush.

Dip your sponge into the soapy water and rinse the sponge until almost no water comes out. This is to ensure you don’t damage the electrics.
Gently wipe down the exterior of your electric scooter using the sponge. For the wheels, it might be helpful to use a cleaning brush to remove any excess dirt.
Put your sponge into the clean water and rinse it again. Once the sponge is almost dry, wipe this back over the scooter to remove any remaining soap.

It’s best to clean your e-scooter outside to keep ventilation to the electrical parts. Don’t clean your scooter in the rain, as the moisture can damage it. For best results, wash your scooter every 2-3 weeks.

Avoid use in poor weather conditions

One of the best ways to maintain your scooter is to ride it in dry conditions. While electric scooters can handle exposure to water, it doesn’t mean you should frequently ride them in poor weather.

Wet road conditions can cause the metal to rust over time or cause the battery to short-circuit. Driving in the rain also exposes electric components to water, which can cause damage.

Drive your scooter carefully

While you’re driving, make sure you operate your e-scooter carefully. If you do not drive your scooter safely, you could experience damage that might need repairs. Check the private land you’re using for any cracks or bumps, and avoid driving over these.

Check rider weight and height limits

Another way to maintain your e-scooter is to stick to the rider weight and weight limits. These are there to protect the mechanism and structure of the scooter, keeping you and others around you safe. The weight limit often ranges between 80kg to 160kg, depending on the model. Kids electric scooters and adult electric scooters will have age range requirements as well.

Finding replacement parts for your electric scooter

It’s common for parts to need replacing over time, and natural wear and tear does happen. If you need to repair your scooter, you’ll need to find the right replacement parts.

Battery

You might need to replace your scooter battery if:

The battery does not hold a charge after recharging
The scooter motor starts up slower than usual after charging
There are signs of corrosion on the battery terminals

Electric Ride On Cars has a range of electric scooter replacement batteries for you to choose from. Before buying, make sure the battery is compatible with your unit.

Drive Belt

You’ll need a replacement drive belt if you spot signs of wear, including:

Dry cracks on the sides of the teeth
Wear on the outside edges
Belt fraying

Our e scooter replacement belt fits most electric scooters, including our kids’ versions. Check that the number of your current belt matches the one on our replacement drive belt.

Battery charger

If your battery charger displays a green light without a red light, it might be time to replace it. It could mean the charger is defective or that there is a burned-out fuse.

Make sure the replacement battery charger matches the battery you have. Chargers can support a range of battery voltages such as 12v, 24v, 36v, and 42v.

Brakes

Electric scooters will either have rear and front brakes or just one brake. Inspect the brakes regularly for excessive wear and replace them once they are worn out or damaged.

Tyres and mudguards

Replace the scooter tyres and mudguards when:

You experience frequent punctures
Dry cracking
Bald patches or spots
Low tyre pressure
Slits

We stock some replacement wheels for scooters, including rear wheels for adult electric scooters and front wheel hubs.

Throttle

If the speed display and lights don’t come on when you twist the throttle, you may need to replace the parts. Choose a replacement throttle and controller with a limiting feature to prevent future motor damage. This option will also help extend battery life.

How much does it cost to repair an electric scooter?

Your electric scooter is an investment, so make sure you do everything to prolong its life. The user manual will detail many minor issues that anyone can fix. However, ignoring regular maintenance can lead to costly repairs by a professional – if not replacing the scooter.

Electric scooter repair and maintenance costs depend on the extent of damage, cost of parts, and labour. The electric scooter maintenance guide above will help identify minor issues early, predict failures, and prevent potential hazards. To discover more about our range of e-scooters, get in contact with us. We stock everything from electric scooters with seats and adult electric scooters with seats to girls electric scooters and boys electric scooters. You can also read our age range guide for kids electric scooters or best electric scooters for kids to discover more about which scooter is right for your child.