How to Do Electric Scooter Repair? 3 Most Common Problems

The whole world is turning towards electric vehicles. Every industry is shifting, whether it be cars, bikes, or scooters. While people accept the new norm of electric vehicles, few are aware of how to maintain these, maybe because there is very little need for that.

Like other vehicles running on the electric drivetrain, electric scooters have a pretty low problem frequency. So, you don’t need much electric scooter repair. This mainly has to do with the fact that electric scooters don’t have as many moving components.

Still, certain problems may occur, and you might need an electric scooter repair. So, where do you get your electric scooter repaired? Or how to deal with the most common problems with electric scooters. Let’s find out in this article!

How Often Does an Electric Scooter Need Repair?

At first, there is routine maintenance, like checking the air pressure in tires. You must do it once every two weeks or at least once a month. Secondly, you have the scheduled maintenance. You will need minor electric scooter repair every six months or 500 miles. Whereas major repairs can be expected once every year or after 2,000 miles.

The minor repairs include tightening of loose components, oiling and greasing of chains, brake adjustments, and wheel alignment services. These repairs will cost you less than $50. You can further reduce the cost of minor repairs by doing those yourself.

I mean, how hard is it to oil the chains or adjust the brakes? You can follow some great YouTube channels for minor repairs to your electric scooter. So, I never recommend going to a repair shop for such minor things. However, major repairs are a different story.

Major repair may call for replacing worn brake pads, general servicing, or changing the batteries. You need an expert to get these things done. Some of these repairs can go heavy on your pocket. For example, consider the case of changing batteries. It will cost you somewhere between $300-$1,500 to replace the battery pack, depending on its capacity and driving range.

Where Can You Get an Electric Scooter Repair?

There are many places where you can get an electric scooter repaired. Some of these include local bike repair shops, distributor and retailer shops, and specialized electric scooter repair shops. Though there are only a few of those, the number is rising every day.

Before you decide where to get the repair, knowing what you’re dealing with is important. Because if you are experiencing something such as a vibrating handlebar, a loose knuckle bolt may be causing it. So, all you need to do is tighten that bolt, and the problem disappears.

There are a variety of electric scooter problems that you can resolve yourself. That is why I highly recommend getting familiar with your scooter. Read the user’s manual thoroughly and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

However, if the problem persists, you can look for other repair options. The first place you go when a problem arises is the retailer or distributor who sold you the electric scooter. These guys know the best way to cope with a certain problem.

You can also find the repair shops of renowned brands such as Voro Motors and Fluid Freeride. Their shops specialize in electric scooter repair. If something is bothering you too much, such as a noise from the motor that won’t go away, then these shops are your best bet.

Looking for the best electric scooters with seats for adults? This post has you covered! Explore our curated list of 10 electric scooters for a smooth and comfortable ride.

3 Most Common Problems With E-Scooters + Solutions

Let’s discuss the 3 most common problems with e-scooters and what to do about them.

1. Motor Problems

The motor is the most important component of any electric drivetrain. This is the substitute for an engine. Due to continuous operation, motors are subject to wear and tear. This wear and tear may cause certain problems with the motors.

The most common symptoms of a faulty motor in your electric scooter are power lag, sluggish acceleration, and clicking sounds coming out of the motor. It is also possible that the wiring of the motor gets burnt. This particular case is indicated by a burning smell.

There are a few things you can try if you are dealing with motor-related issues. The first thing you got to do is check if the motor is receiving proper current. At times something is wrong with the battery, and it is unable to move the motor.

Take a multimeter and check the battery terminals and make sure it isn’t dead. Secondly, attach the multimeter to the power input terminals of the battery and see if the adequate current is reaching the battery. Because something can go wrong with the wiring as well, look for any sign of a burnt wire or a short circuit. Try replacing these faulty wires.

If neither of these solutions work, then the last resort is to replace the motor. But you must be sure that the motor can’t be revived before replacing it because it will cost between $150-200 to replace the motor of your electric scooter.

2. Faulty Motor Controller or Broken Throttle

A faulty motor controller or a broken throttle are some other common problems with electric scooters. The top speed of most electric scooters is limited to 15 mph, so the majority of people hold the throttle at full speed all the time. This is the leading cause behind a broken throttle.

In case the throttle is broken, there isn’t much you can do about it. The only possible solution to a broken throttle grip is to replace it. Replacing a throttle is a DIY task that can be performed very easily at home. All you have to do is cut the wires and remove the old throttle. Replace it with a new one and reattach the wiring as you removed it.

The case of a motor controller is different. It is the brain between the motor and the batteries. It determines the amount of current flowing to the battery. If a motor controller goes bad, you will face issues such as sluggish acceleration and poor performance.

If you suspect that the controller has gone bad, I advise you not to take the matter into your own hands. Visit a professional and let them handle it. Sometimes micro solder joints of the controller come off. You can avoid the cost of replacement if the controller can be repaired.

3. Battery Isn’t Charging

Many people face issues related to the charging of electric scooter batteries. Charging problems can happen due to a variety of reasons. The charging equipment, infrastructure, internal hardware, or batteries, if either of these has an issue, you won’t be able to charge up your e-scooter.

Before you seek professional help, try to resolve the issue yourself. The first order of business is to try charging at a different point. Ensure that there are no power fluctuations at the charging station, as it may hinder the charging process.

If this doesn’t do the trick, try a different charging cable and adapter. Only use manufacturer-approved charging cables and adapters. Also, the quality of the charging cable needs to be good. Inferior quality charging cables can go bad after a short period.

The inbuilt charging hardware of your scooter can also become faulty. Look out for any loose wires or short circuits that may be interfering with the charging process. The charging port of your scooter can catch rust if it is exposed to a humid environment. Clean it with a dry cloth and try charging again. If this doesn’t help, then the last solution is to replace the batteries.

When batteries don’t charge at any cost, you must replace them. The cost of replacing the batteries of electric scooters can cost between $300 and $1,500, depending upon their capacity.

Looking for the most powerful and fastest electric scooter? Check out this list of the top 6 e-scooters of 2023.

Final Word, How to Do Electric Scooter Repair? 3 Most Common Problems + Solutions

Compared to conventional bikes, the problem frequency of electric scooters is very low. But it is impossible to drive a vehicle that doesn’t break down. So, what do you do in such situations? That’s what we have tried to outline in this article.

First, you have to try yourself. Get all the help you need from the user’s manual and YouTube DIY videos. If the problem won’t go away, seek some professional help. You can find electric scooter repair shops of many renowned brands all over the US. We’ve also pointed out the three most common problems with an electric scooter and how to deal with those.

At last, I would like to remind you that prevention is better than cure. So, if you would just try to ride the E-scooter gently and keep up with the regular maintenance, it would last longer, and you won’t need much repair. But let me tell you, if there’s a problem with the electric scooter, don’t leave it unattended. You must address it, or soon it will spread, and any solution won’t be left.

I hope you like the maintenance advice shared in this article. If you did, please let us know about your experience of maintaining an electric scooter in the comments. We love hearing from you.