7 Care Tips to Know When You Own an Electric Scooter

Scooters are preferable over motorcycles for many reasons. They are generally seen as safer, and they are more affordable. However, like all mechanical items, they will have to have certain maintenance done to them to ensure that they remain functional. Scooters are becoming a more mainstream form of transportation. Lyft is even bringing electric scooters to their lineup of automobiles. Like all automobiles, maintenance is important, but it is easy to forget to maintain a scooter because it is such a small, low-cost transportation method. You can find a short list of maintenance tips below.

1. Battery Maintenance

The battery in an electric scooter must be charged constantly. This is the most basic responsibility you will have when maintaining a scooter. You will have to charge your battery frequently, but make sure not to leave the battery on charge while it is at full capacity. Eventually, the battery will go bad, and you will have to purchase a brand-new battery. Most modern electric scooters come with NiCad or gel batteries, so this means the battery should last years before going bad.

2. It Still Requires Oil

Not only does a scooter require oiling, it requires constant oiling, especially if the scooter is your main form of transportation. Always lubricate the necessary parts, such as bearings and chains. Refer to your owner’s manual to see exactly what type of oil is required for your scooter.

3. Avoid Wet Areas

Electric scooters are susceptible to water damage. Unlike cars, they are not waterproof. Cars use combustion to make the engine run; a scooter uses electricity. You shouldn’t ride your scooter when it is raining outside. Don’t even attempt to ride on the wet street after the it rains. By following this rule you will avoid unnecessary maintenance and repairs.

4. Keep Your Tires In Check

It isn’t difficult to check and see if a tire needs extra air. Just use your hand. If the tire gives too much, then it is time to add some air to the tire. If you are the more methodical type, you can purchase a tire pressure gauge and keep your tires in perfect order.

Don’t forget that your tires will not last forever. You will have to purchase new tires for your scooter when they inevitably wear down.

5. Belt Tension

Some scooters have a belt and some have a chain. No matter which type of system your electric scooter has, you need to keep the tension correct. While riding a scooter your chain will loosen up. It is important to always tighten the chain back up.

If you tighten the belt or chain frequently, it will last longer. This is because a loose chain recreates friction, increasing the likelihood that it will break.

You should read your owner’s manual to ensure that you can replace and maintain your belt effectively.

6.Grip Tape

The platform that you stand on will often come with grip tape. The purpose of this tape is to ensure grip against your shoes. Eventually this tape will wear out. It is important to put new tape on the electric scooter if this happens.

Without efficient grip tape, which resembles sandpaper, you could fall off your scooter. To avoid injury always replace your friction tape.

If you’re scooter doesn’t already have grip tape on it, you may want to put some on it yourself.

7. Brake Line

An important part of electric scooter safety is to keep a check on the brake line. While driving, it could get cut on something or be damaged. If you have no brake line, you will not be able to stop. It is unlikely you will ever need to replace the brake line; however, you should always check the brakes before you go riding.