A Comprehensive Guide to Electric Scooter Maintenance

Electric Scooter Maintenance

The popularity of electric cars has been on the rise since quite some time. In India, the buzz of e-bikes has been ringing high, and the fact that Ola received 1 lakh subscriptions to Ola electric scooters is enough to prove the same. Owing to their minimal maintenance, eco-friendly nature, and better economic prospects, more and more people are now resorting to e-bikes.

If you have already joined the electric bike bandwagon, and are looking for some maintenance tips for your new and shining vehicle, then this blog is just for you Whether you want to be fully prepared and have preemptive knowledge about your e-bike maintenance requirements or your scooter is six months or more old, and is displaying a slightly lethargic performance, basic insights into the upkeep of your e-bikes can do wonders in increasing is longevity and bolstering its performance. So, without further ado, let us jump right in!

Why Is It Important To Maintain Your Electric Scooter?

Electric scooters consist of complex mechanisms and an amalgamation of many small parts. All its parts need to work perfectly so that you can ride your e-bike hassle free. Regular maintenance has a lot of benefits, the major being that the probability of problems decreases and the efficiency of the bike increases. Some of the reasons why it is important to maintain your e-scooter are –

• You become more familiar with your e-bike
• The possibility of fatal hazards is also eliminated
• You scooter remains more reliable
• Reduction in repair cost
• Enhanced safety

Benefits of Electric Scooter Maintenance

The benefits of regularly maintaining your electric scooter are many, which include –

• Removal of dust, dirt, and build-up
• Improvement in battery life
• Regular maintenance also keeps tire problems at bay
• The efficiency of your scooter heightens
• The life expectancy of your e-bike increases

Now that we have touched upon the basics of e-bike maintenance, let us look at some true-blue upkeep tips.

Routine Maintenance Checklist for Electric Scooter

The routine maintenance of an electric scooter does not end with simply checking one thing or the other. You have to ensure to look into all the essential aspects of your e-bike, including batteries, tyres, wheels, and more. So, without further delay, let us dive into the crux of the topic.

1. Battery Maintenance

One of the most crucial parts of an electric scooter is its battery. Every battery of an electric bike consists of cycles that represent their life. Some batteries have 300, others have 1000, and some batteries have more cycles. You have to ensure that proper upkeep is happening to use the battery to its maximum potential. If you do not adhere to the right guidelines, then you might have to throw away your e-bike’s battery even before its cycles exhaust.

Some simple tips to take better care of your e-bike’s battery include –

• Undergo Timely Servicings as required in the User Manuals
• Store the battery in places with temperatures above 0 degrees
• Use the original charger and set it up for your battery’s voltage
• When the battery is full, unplug it
• Don’t let your battery run out completely
• In case your e-bike’s battery does run out, put it for charging as soon as possible

2. Tire Maintenance

The second most important maintenance tip for your e-bike pertains to tyres. The right pressure is essential if you want to optimize your riding style and technique. To achieve the feat, some of the things you can do are –

• Check the recommended pressure of your e-bike’s tyre and never exceed the maximum pressure as stated by the manufacturer.
• The consequences of a pressure lower than recommended include lesse speed, greater danger of damaging a rim, less rolling resistance, the battery runs out faster, and inconsistent tyre spending.
• Similarly, the repercussions of a tyre pressure higher than recommended include higher possibility of the tyre bursting, uncomfortable rides, turning on curves is less safer, and inconsistent tyre spending.

3. Brake Maintenance

Brakes are the most important safety features of your scooter. They, thus, must be optimally maintained at all times/ Although, there is not much you can do to prevent brake failure, except check them every time you plan on riding. You can do so by pressing the brake while the scooter is still standing, and then pushing it forward to see if it will move or knot. If the scooter remains standstill, the breaks are working perfectly. However, if the wheels move, then you have to tighten the brake cables of your e-scooter. Some other things you can do to check your e-scooter’s brakes are –

• Inspect the brake pads for wear and tear, and make sure that the pads are not too thin or worn out.
• If the brakes look too worn out, replace them immediately and do not compromise on safety.
• Check the brake cables for signs of fraying or corrosion, and replace them as and when required.
• If your electric scooter has disc brakes, adjust the brake calipers with the help of an adjusting screw or bolt. Just make sure that the brakes are neither too tight nor too loose before riding them.

4. Suspension Maintenance

The suspension is that part of an e-scooter that connects the vehicle to the ground. Its purpose is not just to keep you safe and make you feel comfortable, but also ensure a smooth ride over rough terrain. The type of suspension system you use depends on where you are going and how fast you will be traveling during a particular trip. Some of the tips to maintenance the suspension are –

• If you have a spring or rubber suspension, all you need is to ensure that the screws are adjusted correctly and tightened enough, so that they will not come loose while riding.
• If your electric scooter has hydraulic suspension, then it will most likely have oil inside the suspension tube that needs to be changed every now and then. However, it is not a DIY job and you need professional assistance.

5. Electrical System Maintenance

One of the most integral parts of an e-bike that needs regular upkeep and attention is its electrical system or the motor. Some easy steps that you can follow to ensure robust maintenance of your bike’s motor include –

• Keep the moisture away from heat or moisture, so that the motor does not begin to rust. Most e-bike motors do accept light water exposure as long as they dry fast and do not begin to corrode immediately. However, if it is raining or humid, you must go the extra mile for the motor’s safety and also not ride through puddles or wet conditions.
• Avoid overheating the motor, as it may lead to the malfunction of the electric scooter. If you have to ride your e-bike during scorching heat, make sure to cool it down. When you smell a distinctive odor or hear a weird noise emanating from the motor, it may be signs of overheating. To dodge overheating, keep the bike in a safe parking spot and do not keep it under direct sunlight.

Store your electric bike in well-ventilated conditions under optimal temperature. Too much heat or cold can cause irreversible damage to the bike’s motor. You should store it in a well-ventilated place with relative humidity that is lower than 65 percent.

6. Cleaning and Lubrication

Regular cleaning and lubrication are crucial to ensure that your e-bike is in its best condition. A well-lubricated bike makes it easier to pedal and wastes less energy. Some of the cleaning and lubrication tips you can follow are –

• Prior to lubing your chain, make sure to use a degreaser to wipe off any dirt or excess oil before applying any fresh oil.
• After the chain is lubed, use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess.
• Also, make sure to wipe off the chain as too much lube can attract dirt and transform your lovely chain into a gooey mess.

7. Safety Checks

Last but not least, safety checks are also very important for an e-bike. Check the brakes, tires, handles, and motor of your electric scooter regularly to keep hazards at bay. Some rules you can adhere to include –

• Wear the right safety gear
• Conduct a pre-ride inspection
• Familiarize yourself with e-scooter controls
• Know the local rules and regulars

Electric Scooter Maintenance Schedule

There is a time for conducting every kind of routine check-up for e-bikes. For your convenience, we have devised a table mentioning the type of upkeep task and the ideal frequency you should follow!

E-Scooter Batteries Do’s & Don’ts

An electric scooter is a marvelous invention, and a much-needed in the world of two-wheeler locomotives. However, if you are new to the e-scooter squad, it is best to know about some do’s and don’ts of its batteries.

Do’s

• Read proper instructions before installing batteries
• Use the charger provided by the manufacturers only.
• Make sure the charging process happens in a well-ventilated and shady area.
• The battery must be stored in a cool and dry place.
• Clean the battery and the battery compartment with dry cloth only and evaluate for loose fitting.
• Turn off the MCB before connecting or disconnecting the battery

Don’ts

• Do not keep the batteries in low Soc for more than 2 days or charge it overnight
• Do not drop, throw, puncture or clean the batteries with solvents and abrasive cleaners
• If the Li-ion overeats, hisses, or bulges, move the battery away from flammable materials at the earliest

Tip for Long-Term Maintenance for Electric Scooters

Some tips for the long-term maintenance of electric scooters include –

• Regular charging – The battery of your e-bike should not remain uncharged for prolonged time periods.
• Cleaning – It is essential to keep the bike clean to prevent accumulation of dust
• No Riding in the Rains – Although electric scooters are somewhat waterproof, too much exposure to rains can harm the vehicle.
• Tyre Maintenance – Find the most recommended pressure for your e-scooter tyres and ensure that they never exceed the limit.

Safety Considerations For Electric Scooters

Some of the safety considerations to keep in mind while riding an e-scooter are –

• Know the local rules and regulations
• Ride the bike in a defensive mode
• Be aware and observe the surroundings
• Park responsibly
• Avoid biking on the sidewalks

FAQs about Electric Scooter Maintenance

Q1. How often should I charge my electric scooter’s battery?
Ans: You do not have to charge your e-bike’s battery after every ride. But make sure that its battery charge is between 30 percent to 70 percent at all times.

Q2. Can I overcharge my electric scooter’s battery?
Ans: Yes, overcharging is possible but not recommended.

Q3. When should I replace the brake pads on my electric scooter?
Ans: The brake pads of your electric scooter should be replaced once they are worn out or look too thin.

Q4. How do I clean my electric scooter effectively?
Ans: First, remove any dirt that might scratch your paints with a low-pressure water spray. Use a sponge to wash the body and one sponge to clean the wheels and tyres.

Q5. Is it necessary to lubricate the moving parts of my electric scooter?
Ans: Yes, it is important to lubricate the moving parts of your electric scooter.

Final Words on Electric Scooter Maintenance

So, there we have it, a comprehensive overview on the A to Z of electric scooter maintenance. Regular and timely upkeep is imperative to ensure that your e-bike is at its optimal efficiency. Besides, regular upkeep also extends the life expectancy of your bike, keeps hazards at bay, and provides a smooth ride.

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