How to maintain an electric scooter
Whether it’s a car, bike, or an Abrams battle tank, all vehicles, including electric scooters, need maintaining.
In July 2025, it became legal for privately owned e-scooters to be ridden on public roads and footpaths.
But along with the giddy joy of scooting down the street on electrically powered wheels, there’s also the fun-stalling, yet necessary need to keep your ride well maintained.
So, how do you make sure your e-scooter is in tip-top condition?
Stopping
Going is fun but stopping is vital. Before every ride, check the e-scooter’s brakes are working effectively before you hit the street.
Many e-scooters come with disc brakes, similar to those found on cars and bikes. When you pull the brake lever, two brake pads pinch the disc (rotor) spinning between them.
Disc brakes come in hydraulic and cable varieties. The cable type will need adjusting as the pads wear down, so check the owner’s manual for instructions, while hydraulic brakes are usually self-adjusting.
On both types, the brake pads will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
Other brake types include:
- Drum, similar to disc brakes but the pads push out to the inside wall of a drum rather than grip a rotor.
- Regenerative, which use the switched-off motor to create drag on the wheels, while also generating a small charge for the battery.
- Foot operated, a backup brake that relies on foot pressure on the mudguard to rub the top of the wheel.
Many e-scooters use a combination of brake types.
Keep it clean
The bulk of a scooter is at ground level so it doesn’t take long for it to get grubby. But just like you wouldn’t pop your dirty toaster in the kitchen sink, don’t wash your scooter with the garden hose. Water and electricity aren’t friends.
It’s best to use a damp cloth for an overall wipe down, while an all-purpose cleaner sprayed onto a clean cloth can remove stubborn grime.
While we’re on the theme of mixing electricity and water, avoid riding through puddles or in heavy rain as this can damage the e-scooter’s motor.
If you plan to clean the brake rotors, specialised spray cleaners are available from automotive parts stores.
Feel the pressure
Check the e-scooter’s tyre pressure regularly. Tyres that are too firm increase the risk of punctures, while too soft can result in tyre damage, and even wheel-rim damage in extreme cases. Running tyres too soft can also drain the battery quicker because the motor has to work harder.
Nuts and bolts
Over time, vibration can loosen nuts and bolts that hold everything together, so check them regularly and tighten any that are loose. But don’t overtighten them because it can strip threads or damage components.
High on the nuts-and-bolts checklist are:
- Wheel nuts, so the wheels stay on
- Suspension bolts
- Brake lever clamps on the handle bars
- The folding mechanism and stem bolts
- Mudguard screws.
Lubed
Parts like the folding mechanism and suspension need occasional lubrication. There’s plenty of lubricant advice online, but the dominant theory suggests a lithium-based spray lube will do the job.
Prior to spraying, make sure your brake components are covered – slippery brakes don’t brake.
For safety’s sake
Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries used to power e-scooters and e-bikes contain highly flammable electrolytes.
To reduce the fire risk:
- Don’t charge batteries when you’re not home, or overnight while you’re asleep
- Use only manufacturer specified battery chargers
- Disconnect the charger when the battery’s fully charged
- Charge in a well-ventilated area
- Charge on a hard surface like concrete or tiles, and away from flammable material.
For comprehensive information on Li-ion battery safety, visit the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) website.
Consult the owner’s manual for specific advice on maintaining and charging your e-scooter.