The electric scooters are the ones that runs with an electric motor. Its basic design consists of a deck which is supported by two wheels, for the rider to stand on. Power to the electric motor is supplied by a battery that can be recharged. In the urban setup, it is proving to a convenient mode of getting around. The battery is easy to recharge, you don’t need a license to use it, and it does not have to be insured. Maintenance costs are cheap as the following tips disclose.

Tire pressure

Maintain optimum tire pressure:

Use the recommended tire pressure on your manual. It should not be too low because this will make the outer surface of your tires to extend and press hard over the ground. Because of this, your tires will be worn out in a short time. Worn out tires have less traction on wet ground and are liable to punctures. If the pressure is too high, the tire surface area in contact with the ground is reduced, and you are likely to skid on slippery ground. Use a pressure gauge to constantly monitor your tire pressure.

Check if your tire has a leak by spraying soapy water over their surface. Effervescence indicates a leak which should be promptly fixed.

Battery Maintenance

While charging you battery, observe the gauge to check if it’s fully charged. Overcharging will destroy the electric cells of your battery. To extend the lifespan of your battery, charge it only when it has cooled. If the battery has a leak and chemicals (acid) drip out, replace it promptly.

To ensure you use your battery lasts for a long time, charge it frequently. If you are planning not to use your scooter for an extended period, charge the battery quarterly per annum to ensure its electric cells remain efficient.

Lubrication

Your scooter has movable parts that are in contact with each other: chain, brake linkages, and throttle. You should lubricate these parts once a week by applying the recommended oils specified in your manual. Lubrication reduces friction between the moving parts. Increased friction leads to wear and tear of movable parts necessitating their replacement frequently.

After lubricating, clean oil that has spilled on other parts of the scooter, because it will attract dust that may make the parts develops rust.

Chain and belt tension

While using your scooter, ensure its chain is not loose. This will increase the wearing out of the chain and its socket.

Also, ensure the belt from the motor that moves the chain is not loose. If it is loose there will be increased friction on it thus overheating will occur making it be worn out quickly. Use the instructions on your manual to guide you on how to achieve the correct tension.

Brakes maintenance

Regularly tune the brakes of your scooter using your manual. This will reduce wearing out of brake pads because of increased efficiency arising from proper tuning. Make sure the brake pivot is well lubricated to reduce friction.

Scooter cleaning

Avoid splashing or spraying water all over it. This will make water to enter the motor parts leading to malfunctioning. Water can also create a short-circuiting of the electrical system that may be harmful. When cleaning the bearing use a polar (organic) solvent to remove dirt before applying fresh grease onto the bearing.

Sunshine protection

Do not park your scooter in strong sunshine for long. The high temperature will:

Damage the battery of the scooter.

Bleach the external parts of the scooter

Conclusion

Electric scooters are gradually becoming a good mode of moving short distances in urban areas. They are cheap, easy to maintain and don’t give off greenhouse gases. By following the required ergonomics (safety precautions), you can enjoy the service of this machine and save some money that you would otherwise use for a taxi.