If you own a 4-wheel electric scooter, kudos on being the coolest person on the block. But before you hit the road again, have you considered the maintenance of your electric scooter? Yes, like most automobiles, your scooter needs proper maintenance to keep it in top condition.

From charging the battery to avoiding cleaning its electrical components, here are 9 do’s and don’ts of 4-wheel electric scooter maintenance. These tips will ensure your scooter serves you for a very long time.

Dos of 4-Wheel Electric Scooter Maintenance

One of the best things about 4-wheel electric scooters is that they require very little maintenance. Here are a few things to help you get started.

Keep the Charger in a Dry Place 

Like all electronic devices, your 4-wheel electric scooter’s charger is sensitive and can easily be damaged by water and moisture. It’s therefore essential to always store it in a dry environment. Leaving your charger in a wet or damp place can lead to short circuits, electric shock, and corrosion.

Aside from that, ensure that you use the correct charger for your battery. Use the charger specifically designed for your battery as per the manufacturer. Doing all these ensures that your scooter’s battery remains safe and in good condition for years to come.

Check Tire Pressure 

Checking the tire pressure should be a regular part of your scooter maintenance. Proper tire pressure makes a scooter safer to ride, easy to handle and reduces wear and tear on the tires.

Just because you want to go as fast as you can (not recommended) doesn’t necessarily mean that you should inflate the tires to the maximum. The optimal pressure for scooters is between 35 – 37 psi for light riders and 42 – 43 psi for heavier riders.

When you use a lower pressure than the recommended one, here’s what you risk:

• You reduce your scooter’s handling and stability. It won’t have enough air to support both its and your weight.
• You increase the risk of getting a flat tire. It is more prone to damage and punctures.
• There is increased wear and tear on the tires and, subsequently, a higher risk of damaging the rim.
• Your speed is lower, and you use more battery.

At the same time, you’re also at risk when you use a higher tire pressure than the recommended one. Here’s what will happen:

• You increase the risk of a tire blowout.
• Your ride becomes extremely uncomfortable. It no longer absorbs shocks and bumps as it should.
• There is increased wear and tear.

Wash and Dry the Scooter 

Just like you don’t want to be covered in sweat after a long day, you also don’t want your scooter full of dirt and grime. Clean your electric scooter at least once a week to make it look neat.

Use a sponge and soapy water, and be extra careful not to get the internal components. Here’s how you clean your electric scooter.

1. Turn off the scooter before you begin washing it. Also, make sure that the battery is disconnected.
2. Use a sponge and soapy water to wash the scooter. The soap should be gentle without any harsh chemicals that could damage the plastic or paint.
3. Gently scrub your electric scooter, paying extra attention to excessively dirty places.
4. Rinse it using clean water. You can use a damp rag.
5. Once done, dry it with a towel or chamois cloth. 
6. After completely drying, reconnect the battery and switch the scooter back on.

Charge the Battery

Besides the tires and engine, the battery is the next important component in your scooter. That’s why it is important to take good care of it. Your battery has cycles that represent its life cycle. Lithium-ion batteries have around 500 to 1000 cycles before they degrade.

Here are a few golden rules to remember when charging your scooter’s battery for an even longer cycle:

• Always use the original charger, the one that it came with. A different charger may damage it.
• When charging your scooter, place it in a well-ventilated area. Avoid enclosed places like cabinets and closets.
• Do not overcharge your battery. Unplug it when it is full. Check for a green light on the charger. 
• Do not leave your battery charging overnight. This encourages overcharging.
• Avoid letting your battery run out completely. When this happens, connect it ASAP!
• The correct temperature to store your battery is between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

Batteries are very expensive, and you’re saving yourself a lot of money by following these tips.

Don’ts of 4-Wheel Electric Scooter Maintenance 

If you want to maintain your trusty ride in good shape, there are a few things you should avoid. These are the kryptonite of your electric scooter.

Don’t Use Water to Clean Electrical Components

Water and electricity don’t mix. And because of this, you can’t clean your electric scooter the same way you clean your car. Ignore all sources telling you to use a bucket or hose pipe to clean your scooter.

When you do this, you risk damaging sensitive electrical components of your scooter. Water will cause short circuits, rust, and corrosion to these parts, making them expensive and difficult to repair.

Instead, use a brush or cloth to remove any dirt and debris from your scooter’s electrical components. And when you accidentally expose them to water, dry them thoroughly before turning your scooter back on.

Don’t Disassemble the Motor or Battery 

Disassembling your scooter’s motor or battery is a big No! When you do so, you risk injuring yourself, causing further damage to your scooter, and losing your warranty. 

So, unless you are an experienced mechanic in electric scooters, you are better off leaving the internal components as they are. If you suspect something isn’t working as it should, call in a professional.

They will use the necessary tools to address any issues safely and effectively.

Don’t Overcharge the Battery 

It’s tempting, but avoid leaving your mobility scooter plugged in for an extended period of time or overnight. Well, technically, you should be safe leaving it to charge overnight, BUT only if it has a charge time of 8+ hours. But not many scooters do. 

Most scooters will take 51/2 hours to charge, and some even charge in only 3 hours. When you overcharge your battery, you risk damaging your scooter’s electrical system and, in turn, reducing the battery’s life.

Another important point; don’t let your battery drain out fully. Charge it whenever it reaches half capacity. This maximizes its life. Also, remember to only use the scooter’s original battery. Avoid third-party chargers.

Don’t Ignore Strange Sounds

Your stomach rumbling is a way of it telling you that it is hungry. Similarly, strange noise from your scooter is a sign that something is wrong and requires immediate attention. Listen for any peculiar whirring, clicking, or grinding noises.

Possible causes of strange sounds include loose components, damaged brakes, and worn-out bearings. You can also confirm with the manual to see whether the sound is normal. 

To be on the safe side, address these strange sounds as soon as possible. They may save you from more serious problems later on.

Don’t Neglect the Brakes

Your scooter’s brakes are an essential safety feature that helps you stop safely and quickly when riding. You are putting your life and those of others in danger if you ride a scooter with a dysfunctioning brake.

You could lose control and injure yourself seriously. Before beginning any ride, always confirm that the brakes are functioning properly. And if they are not, have a professional inspect and service them.

Aside from that, it’s also important to use your brakes properly. Avoid hard and sudden stops that could damage the brake system. Always opt for gentle and gradual braking that doesn’t strain the brakes unnecessarily. 

Conclusion

It’s important that you take care of your 4-wheel electric scooter if you want it to last you long. The dos and don’ts of maintenance are a guide to help your scooter run smoothly and safely. And whenever in doubt, always cross-check with this guide to see whether you are on the right.

You are now ready to get yourself a high-quality mobility scooter. Browse through our collection of 4 Wheel Mobility Scooters and get one or two for yourself and your partner. And feel free to contact our team with any questions or problems. We are always happy to help!