When Do Electric Scooter Parts Need Replacing? Expert Maintenance Guide

As a daily personal commuting mode of transportation, electric scooters have become an indispensable companion for many people due to their portability and flexibility. Electric scooters are also sophisticated systems composed of numerous mechanical and electronic components. Many parts wear down during commuting and outdoor adventures. When wear reaches a certain level, it not only leads to performance degradation but can also become a safety hazard. To ensure your riding safety and extend the lifespan of your scooter, it's necessary to replace electric scooter parts in a timely manner to avoid this. So, when should you replace them? We've summarized the following signals that electric scooter parts need replacing.

The range of an electric scooter depends on several factors, including battery capacity, rider weight, road conditions, and speed. Remember to maintain your scooter regularly to ensure its optimal performance and lifespan.

Like other vehicles, electric scooters consist of several key components. Here are the main components of most electric scooters:

Battery: This is the power source of the electric scooter. Most electric scooters use lithium-ion batteries because of their high energy density and long lifespan. The TODIMART SEEMAR E6 electric scooter is equipped with a single 48V 13Ah lithium-ion battery. The TODIMART SEEMAR E8 features a more powerful 48V 18.2Ah lithium-ion battery. Under ideal conditions, a full charge provides a range of up to 40 miles (approximately 65 kilometers). However, please note that actual range may vary. For example, range may be reduced if you ride at maximum speed, climb steep hills, or are a heavier rider.

Motor: This is the power source that propels the scooter forward. Some scooters have only one motor, while others are equipped with two motors for greater power. The TODIMART SEEMAR E6 has only one motor; using a single motor helps conserve battery power and extend the scooter's range.

Controller: This is the scooter's "brain." It controls the power output from the battery to the motor based on throttle input.

Throttle: This is used to control the speed of the electric scooter. Some scooters use a spin throttle like motorcycles, while others use a thumb or finger throttle.

Braking System: This is crucial for safety. Most electric scooters have at least one brake, and many have two. Brake types include disc brakes, drum brakes, and electronic brakes.

Tires: Electric scooters can be equipped with off-road tires or solid tires. Each type of tire has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of comfort, grip, and maintenance.

Footplates: This is where the rider stands. Some footplates have anti-slip tape to help the rider maintain balance; some footplates are equipped with displays showing speed, battery level, and other information.

Handles: Used to control the direction of the scooter. Some scooters have foldable handlebars for easy transport and storage.

Lights: Most scooters are equipped with at least one headlight and one taillight to improve visibility. Some scooters also have side lights or bottom lights.

Suspension System: Not all scooters have a suspension system, but higher-end models usually do. A suspension system improves riding comfort, especially on rough terrain.

Key Components for Electric Scooters That Need Replacement
Electric Scooter Batteries
Batteries are the most expensive and most easily worn-out component of an electric scooter. The lifespan of an electric scooter battery varies greatly depending on the battery type, usage, and maintenance. Most batteries last 1 to 3 years, but with proper care, they can last even longer. However, certain signs of battery failure indicate that it may need replacement.

A common sign is a significant decrease in the electric scooter's range. If you find that the scooter's range on a single charge is less than before, this may indicate that the battery capacity is declining. Another sign is that the battery charging time becomes extremely long, or the charger shows a full charge but there is very little actual charge, or even on short rides, the battery drains much faster than before; this usually indicates that the battery needs replacement.

Regularly checking the battery is also important. If you find any obvious signs of damage, such as swelling, leakage, or a burning smell, these indicate that the battery must be replaced immediately. Even if the scooter appears to be functioning normally, a damaged battery can pose a serious safety hazard.

When to Replace Electric Scooter Components

Electric Scooter Motors
The lifespan of electric scooter motors varies greatly, depending on the motor type, frequency of use, and maintenance. Generally, many brushless motors commonly used in modern electric scooters can last for several years with proper care. However, if the motor shows signs of failure, it may need to be replaced.

One obvious sign is a decrease in the scooter's top speed or acceleration. If your scooter cannot reach its previous speed or struggles to climb hills, this may indicate that the motor is wearing out. Similarly, if the motor makes unusual noises, such as a grinding or clicking sound, or if the motor casing becomes hot to the touch within a short period, these could be signs of a problem.

Another sign is a sudden loss of power, stalling, or difficulty starting the motor during a ride, which may indicate a problem with the motor. While these problems can sometimes be caused by other components (such as the controller), if these components have been checked and are functioning correctly, the problem is likely with the motor itself.

Electric Scooter Controllers
The electric scooter's controller is like the brain of the vehicle; it manages the power distribution from the battery to the motor, controls speed, acceleration, and other important functions. Knowing when to replace your controller is crucial for maintaining your scooter's performance and safety.

The lifespan of an electric scooter controller depends on its quality, the environment in which it's used, and how often the scooter is used. However, unlike batteries or motors, controllers don't typically age gradually over time. Instead, they either function properly or fail completely. This is because most controller failures are caused by electrical problems, such as short circuits or component damage, which can occur suddenly.

You may need to replace your controller if your scooter exhibits any of the following: unstable scooter performance, such as sudden changes in speed or acceleration, which could be a sign of a controller problem. Similarly, if the scooter is unresponsive to throttle input or fails to start even when the battery is fully charged, these could also indicate a controller issue.

It's worth noting that a damaged or malfunctioning controller can sometimes cause other components, such as the motor or battery, to malfunction. Therefore, if these components are not the problem, it's advisable to check the controller.

Electric Scooter Tires
Tire condition is closely related to our riding experience. Under normal circumstances (without tire blowouts or other factors), off-road tires can last around 2000 kilometers, while commuter tires can last 3000 kilometers or even longer. This is because commuter scooters are typically ridden on flat roads, while off-road electric scooter tires encounter more rugged terrain. However, if your scooter tires exhibit the following conditions, you may need to replace them sooner rather than later.

Generally, tires have tread patterns. When you notice the tread patterns are almost gone and the tread is severely worn, it means the tire is nearing the end of its life and needs replacement. Additionally, if you notice severe wear on the tire sidewall (or you can directly observe that the lettering on the tire sidewall is very blurry), it indicates that the tire's sidewall protection performance has significantly decreased. It's better to replace the tire as soon as possible than to have an unexpected blowout on the road.

I believe most riders have experienced a tire blowout. After a blowout, although our ability to avoid danger increases, the tire's puncture resistance decreases, and the risk increases. Therefore, once a tire is damaged, it should be replaced immediately. If the inner tube is frequently punctured, or the outer tire has aged and cracked, causing the inner tube to be directly exposed, it is recommended to replace the entire tire set.

Electric Scooter Brakes
A well-maintained brake cable ensures smooth and precise braking. If you ride more than 3 times a week, it is recommended to replace the brake cable annually. If you find the brake cable rusted, forked, or the brake lever doesn't return smoothly, the cable housing also needs to be replaced.

Brake discs are one of the key components for fast and safe braking on an electric scooter. Especially during high-speed riding, timely braking is crucial. When brake pads are severely worn, braking efficiency will decrease significantly. Therefore, once the brake pads are severely worn, they must be replaced promptly. So, when do brake pads need to be replaced? There are two simple ways to roughly judge the condition of the brake pads. The first method is to test the braking force. When you find that the scooter's braking effect is significantly weakened, it means the brake pads need to be replaced. The second method is to observe the thickness of the brake disc to confirm its wear. New pads are usually 3-4mm thick; if worn to less than 1mm, they must be replaced immediately, otherwise, the brake disc will be damaged.

When should you seek professional help?

If you lack the necessary knowledge or experience in operating an electric scooter, be sure to consider seeking professional help. Electric scooters contain complex systems such as motors, controllers, and batteries, and repairing or replacing these components requires expertise. Attempting to replace parts without proper knowledge can lead to further damage or even safety hazards.

If you've tried to fix the problem yourself but it persists, it may indicate a more complex underlying issue requiring expert diagnosis. In this case, a professional can help you find and resolve the root cause, ensuring your scooter is always in optimal condition.

Safety and warranty terms are also important considerations; improper repairs can lead to dangerous situations. Furthermore, if your electric scooter is still under warranty, attempting to repair or replace parts yourself could void the warranty. In this case, it's best to consult a professional or the manufacturer.

Conclusion

 In short, the lifespan and performance of an electric scooter largely depend on the timely replacement of its parts. From batteries and tires to brakes, motors, and even smaller components like lights, bearings, fenders, and suspension, each part plays a crucial role in the scooter's overall function. Identifying signs of wear and knowing when to replace these parts is key to maintaining optimal scooter performance and ensuring riding safety.

However, it's important to note that replacement frequency varies depending on factors such as parts quality, riding conditions, and how often the e-scooter is used. Regular inspections are crucial for early detection and timely resolution of potential problems. If in doubt, seeking professional help can ensure accurate diagnosis and proper parts replacement. By taking these steps, riders can enjoy a smooth, safe, and worry-free e-scooter riding experience.

TODIMART blog post