An Electric Scooter Repair Guide

Even the best electric scooters will require maintenance, especially if you ride one on a regular basis. Whether it’s the battery that needs replacing or a flat tire, on average an e-scooter will need some type of repair every 885 km or 6.5 months of use.

Below we will outline what your options for repair are, what are some of the common issues with electric scooters, and what parts to check.

Where can you get an electric scooter repair?

Do It Yourself

It’s important to read the service manual for your specific scooter before you undertake a repair job on your electric scooter. While there are many online tutorials, each e-scooter is different, so it’s better to follow the manual. If you don’t follow instructions, there is a potential to damage the scooter and by no means do you want your scooter to be in worse shape than before you started.

Repairing your e-scooter yourself is only recommended if you are experienced in tinkering with vehicle parts, and you have the space to do it. If you’re unsure about repairing your electric scooter, it’s better to get professional assistance. 

Bicycle repair shops

Speak to someone at your local bike shop to see if they offer electric scooter repair. They might not be willing to fix any battery or electrical system problems, but they will likely be able to help you with basic repairs, such as steering or brake issues.

Moped/PEV repair shops

You’ll likely find moped and Personal Electrical Vehicle (PEV) repair shops in bigger cities. They’ll likely be able to help you with any issues you may have with your electric scooter. These repair shops often have parts bought directly from the manufacturer and have professional mechanics that can do high-quality repair work. They are more expensive than independent scooter mechanics, but you’ll have your e-scooter back on the road in no time.

Return to distributor

Check the warranty of your electric scooter to see if you’re able to send it back for parts to be changed. Some scooters have different warranty lengths depending on the part, such as a battery, and then a different warranty for other parts. Raine is currently working on partnering with international outlets where you’ll be able to take your Raine One if it needs repairs done.

Common issues with electric scooters

E-scooter running slowly

If you notice a considerable drop in speed of your scooter, then this is likely to be a battery issue. Before taking your electric scooter to a repair shop, make sure the battery is fully charged to test the speed. Make sure it’s not on an Eco or beginner speed mode, which might be limiting its speed.

Check the tire pressure of your electric scooter because low air pressure makes the tires soft, which can impact acceleration, range, and top speed. If you own a heavy-duty electric scooter, it may have a chain drive, so check the chain and chain sprockets. The chain shouldn’t be too loose or too tight.

Make sure to also check the brakes as they can sometimes stay in a semi-active position which can affect the speed of the scooter. Push your e-scooter along while it’s turned off, and feel whether the wheels spin freely or not.

If you check all of the above and there’s still a problem, then you probably have a battery issue. The average lifespan of a lithium-ion battery is two to three years, or 300 to 500 charge cycles. If your battery is not under warranty, then you’ll have to get it replaced at a repair shop or change it yourself.

Brakes playing up

If you notice anything unusual about your brakes, you should get this fixed as soon as you can. You don’t want your brakes to fail while you’re riding as this could cause an accident. 

If your brakes are making scraping sounds, or the scooter seems to be lagging, your brake pads need to be readjusted, or the calipers need to be realigned. Over time, brakes can become loose, and if it takes your e-scooter a long time to come to a complete stop, then the cable tension may need to be adjusted. This can be done by tightening the handbrake tension knob. 

Some electric scooters have electronic brakes that are activated by a switch and create resistance to motor rotation. If your electronic brakes aren’t working, this is likely to be a wiring or a switch issue, so you’ll need to check for loose parts or wiring.