E-scooters are becoming more and more popular, and it’s no wonder. They’re an eco-friendly means of transport that’s enormous fun, especially in the spring and summer season. How do you look after an e-scooter properly so you can enjoy it for as long as possible?
How does an e-scooter work?
The heart of an e-scooter is the motor, which replaces the work of your muscles. The rider’s job is to steer the vehicle, and to get it moving they have to push off with their feet at the start. The motor then maintains the optimum speed, with energy supplied to it by the battery housed in the scooter. Every e-scooter has a limited range, which is specified by the manufacturer.
How to use an e-scooter?
Operating an e-scooter isn’t complicated, but it’s worth knowing a few rules that will make a difference to your safety and that of other road users:
- Read the manual and check that all the parts needed to assemble the scooter are included.
- Assemble it – or, if you don’t want to do it yourself, use a service centre. Don’t forget to have an initial inspection carried out as well.
- Get the scooter ready to ride – check that the brakes and the throttle lever work properly.
- Head out on your first ride!
Where can you ride an e-scooter?
Remember that in Poland you’re allowed to ride an e-scooter on the pavement, exercising particular care – pedestrians have priority. If cycle paths are available, you should ride on them. You can also ride on the road, provided the speed limit there is 30 km/h. On an e-scooter, you yourself may not ride faster than 20 km/h.
Who can ride an e-scooter?
You must not carry passengers on an e-scooter, nor ride one while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Adults can ride an e-scooter, while younger riders over the age of 10 must hold a cycling proficiency card or a category AM, A1, B1 or T driving licence. Don’t forget to secure your e-scooter properly once you’ve finished riding, either. Equip it with a notiOne tracker so you can always check its current position in the app on your smartphone. It’s a very useful solution, especially if your scooter gets stolen. You can also take a look at our suggested e-scooter accessories worth getting.
What is an initial e-scooter inspection?
It’s a procedure made up of a dozen or so steps, and it should be carried out before the scooter is used for the first time. It’s hugely important for rider safety. E-scooters contain a great many technically advanced solutions and modern technologies, which means a higher risk of defects and faulty assembly. Despite rigorous checks on the assembly lines of even the biggest manufacturers, there’s still a chance that a poorly built device will go on sale.
What does an initial e-scooter inspection cover?
An initial inspection covers tasks such as:
- Tightening all the fixing bolts.
- Checking for factory play that could lead to a failure while riding.
- Checking the condition of the wheels and the charger, including connecting it to the vehicle and attempting to charge.
- Checking the braking system, i.e. cables, pads, discs and drums.
- Checking the electrical connections.
- Checking the condition of the tyres.
- Adjusting individual components.
- Checking the lights.
The tasks may vary depending on the characteristics of the particular device and the price of the package. Technicians may also offer additional sealing, which improves the scooter’s protection when riding in the rain and increases its resistance to moisture.
How to wash an e-scooter?
E-scooters aren’t waterproof, so they shouldn’t be used on days with heavy rain. Of course, moisture can’t be avoided entirely while using a scooter, but it’s worth knowing that additional sealing increases its resistance to water.
The fact that e-scooters don’t like moisture doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be cleaned! Dirt such as sand, dust or salt can be removed with a soft brush or a damp cloth (never a wet one!). Mild cleaning agents, such as washing-up liquid, are useful too. Never use corrosive chemicals, such as bathroom cleaners.
Absolutely never use a Kärcher or any other pressure washer to clean an e-scooter! You could flood and damage the scooter!
After cleaning the scooter, it’s best to wipe it dry or wait for it to dry, and then lubricate the shock absorbers with PTFE grease.
Also remember to check all the bolts and parts that may have come loose, and if they have, tighten them so you can be sure nothing will fail while you’re riding. Check your tyre pressure regularly too!
How to look after the battery in an e-scooter?
Handling the battery that powers an e-scooter incorrectly can shorten its lifespan by as much as several tens of per cent. It’s better not to let that happen, as it will also affect the scooter’s range.
Types of batteries in e-scooters
Find out what type of battery your scooter has and adapt your battery-care habits accordingly:
- Nickel-cadmium battery – it should first be fully discharged and then charged to 100%.
- Lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate battery – these batteries can be freely topped up after purchase; they don’t need to be fully discharged. Frequent but short charging is also recommended for this type of battery. Frequently running lithium-ion batteries all the way down can affect them negatively, so it’s better to top up the battery even if it still has 45% left.
An e-scooter doesn’t need to be charged overnight. It should be unplugged as soon as the charge level reaches 100%. Leaving it plugged in any longer can harm the battery.
Some warranty cards even state that leaving the battery on charge for more than 24 hours will void the warranty. That’s because overcharging the battery can cause its temperature to rise and even lead to a fire!
E-scooter servicing – when should you go?
You don’t have to go to the service centre only when your e-scooter isn’t working properly. It’s best to drop in more often, if only for a seasonal check-up. It should be done at least once a year.
Technicians will check your scooter’s bolted connections, the operation of the drive, the condition of the battery and charging port, adjust the brakes and check the tyre pressure. If they find minor faults, they’ll fix them straight away, sparing you more serious breakdowns in the future.
Regular servicing of your e-scooter guarantees safety and a longer lifespan for the vehicle. Inspection costs start from PLN 100, so the expense itself won’t put much of a strain on your wallet.
