Ultimate Guide To E-Scooter Maintenance in New Zealand

Electric scooter maintenance is relatively easy but essential. Whether you use your e-scooter for daily commuting, off-roading, or simply cruising around for fun, it’s important to regularly carry out these ten maintenance tasks to keep your ride in top shape.

Does an electric scooter require maintenance?

How to maintain your e-scooter:

1. Keep It Clean
2. Tyre Maintenance
3. Brake Inspection
4. Tighten Loose Parts
5. Battery And E-Scooter Battery Charger Maintenance
6. Electrical Component Check
7. Professional Servicing
8. Safety First

Key Takeaways On Electric Scooter Maintenance

Does an electric scooter require maintenance?

Yes, electric scooters need simple but regular maintenance! It’s got both mechanical and electrical components which need some attention. With regular maintenance, you can:

• Ensure a smoother and safer ride.
• Increase the lifespan of your e-scooter and its battery.
• Save on potential repair costs.

How to maintain your e-scooter

1. Keep It Clean:

Regular cleaning is the first step in electric scooter maintenance, especially during New Zealand’s wet winter months, when mud and moisture can take a toll on your ride.

Dirt, dust, and grime can also accumulate on your scooter, affecting its performance and appearance. Here is an easy way to keep it clean:

You’ll need: A soft cloth, mild detergent, and a bike-cleaning brush for hard-to-reach areas.

• Remove any loose dirt or debris with the brush.
• Mix mild detergent with water and dampen the cloth.
• Wipe down the scooter's frame, handlebars, and other accessible parts.
• Pay extra attention to the wheels and brake components.
• Dry the scooter thoroughly to prevent moisture-related issues.

Note: Be careful not to overly dampen or wet your e scooter. Even if it has a water resistance/IP Rating. Just wiping with a damp cloth should be sufficient for a good clean.

Storm Rides, one of the biggest e-scooter retailers in New Zealand, has a HUGE range of scooters with different water resistance ratings. For example, the Kaabo Mantis 8+ comes with an IP rating of IPX5, while the InMotion Air comes with an industry-leading genuine IP55 weatherproof rating, with IP67 on crucial components.

 

Check tyre pressure: Regularly inspect and maintain your tyre pressure within the manufacturer's recommended range. This will ensure a smooth ride, allowing you to avoid any discomfort. 

Look for wear and tear: Examine your tyres for signs of wear, such as cracks or punctures. Replace damaged tyres promptly to prevent any safety hazards.

Storm Rides is your go-to destination for all your electric scooter needs.

We have a range of tyre puncture prevention and repair tools, from sealants to air pumps and complete repair kits, to keep your rides smooth and worry-free.

AirPlugger Tyre Repair Kit - Essentials Pack

Armor Dilloz - Military Grade Tyre Sealant

If you need a replacement, browse our collection of e-scooter tyres which can fit most brands.

 

3. Brake Inspection: Brakes are a critical safety component of your e-scooter.

Proper brake maintenance is essential for safe rides. Check brake pads: Inspect the brake pads for wear. Worn brake pads can reduce braking efficiency. Replace them if they are thin or damaged. Storm Rides sells electric scooter parts online, including hydraulic, non-hydraulic and semi-hydraulic brake pads.

Core Ride Non-Hydraulic Brake Pads 

Logan Dual Piston Hydraulic Brake Pads

Zoom Semi-Hydraulic Brake Pads

 

Adjust brake tension: Ensure the brakes engage smoothly and effectively. If the brake lever feels loose, consider adjusting the tension for a better performance.

4. Tighten Loose Parts:

Inspect your e-scooter for loose parts due to frequent use. Tighten them as needed and be careful not to over tighten parts, that can also cause damage.

Pay attention to the handlebars, stem and folding mechanisms.

5. Battery And E-Scooter Battery Charger Maintenance

The Battery is one of the most critical components for your e-scooter, not to mention the most expensive. Here’s how to keep your electric scooter battery healthy:

Maximise its life span and performance with these tips.

Avoid deep discharges: Try to avoid fully discharging your battery, i.e. riding it until it cuts out, doing that regularly will hasten degradation.

Properly store your e-scooter: If you don't use your e-scooter for an extended period, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Additionally it is best to store your scooter with about 65-80% charge. However best of all is to give it at least a short ride and charge at least once per month.

Leaving a battery unused and uncharged for 2-3+ months i.e. over winter, can kill the battery and won't be covered by warranty.

Verify the charger before charging the e-scooter: Avoid using chargers from different makes or models. Using other non-compatible chargers will affect the battery performance. This is an important warning, using the wrong charger can kill a battery (not covered by warranty) and could even cause a fire hazard.

6. Electrical Component Check:

The full-colour display of the Kaabo Wolf X GT e-scooter. If your e-scooter display starts malfunctioning, look at the manual to troubleshoot or contact the retailer for support.

E-scooter lights: Check front and rear lights to ensure they work correctly. Proper lighting is essential, especially for night rides, as it enhances visibility to other road users.

Display and controls: Inspect the display panel and controls for any issues. Consult your manufacturer's manual or customer support if you notice anything not working as expected.  

7. Professional Servicing:

Have periodic professional servicing on top of regular maintenance at home. A trained technician can perform more in-depth inspections and address any issues requiring specialised tools or expertise.

Keep records of your e-scooter servicing to track the issues' history and understand the overall condition.

How often should I service my electric scooter?

This generally depends on your usage but in most cases just stay aware if anything is starting to feel worn or loose, especially things like brakes or the stem. Get a proper service done every 12 months for low use and every 6-9 months for moderate to high use. This will keep you safe and usually save money in the long run.

8. Safety First:

Always prioritise safety when performing maintenance checks. If you are unsure how to perform a particular check or suspect a more complex issue, consult your e-scooter's manual or contact the retailer for support. Safety should never be compromised when maintaining your e-scooter.

Key Takeaways On Electric Scooter Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your e-scooter in top condition, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. Cleaning, tyre maintenance, brake inspection, and other basic checks can significantly extend your e-scooter's lifespan.

Here are the key points from this guide:

• Keep it Clean: Regular cleaning maintains looks and performance, especially in muddy weather.
• Tyres: Check the pressure and look for signs of wear and tear.
• Brakes: Maintain brakes for safety and efficiency.
• Tighten Parts: Keep parts firmly tight.
• Battery: Proper battery care saves on repairs.
• Electrical Check: Ensure lights and display work well for safe rides.
• Get Pro Help: Schedule a professional servicing for peace of mind.
• Safety First: Prioritise safety during maintenance checks for worry-free rides.

Follow these tips to enjoy the convenience and eco-friendliness of your e-scooter for years to come. Explore our electric scooter collection if you’re on the hunt for a new ride.

Electric Scooter Buyers Guide/Last Words of Advice:

1. Custom Consult: visit Storm Rides HQ in Morningside AKL or jump on our web chat to speak to someone who lives and breathes e-scooters to make sure you get great advice. We can also point you in the direction of the closest dealer or workshop partner to you.
2. Value Matters: too cheap, and you will regret it; buying a cheap sub $1k scooter that you have to replace in six months absolutely sucks when for another few hundred bucks, you could have had an awesome scooter from a legit brand. Sometimes we even have great scooters on special for under $1K. Check out our specials page.
3. Check the Specs: we have an at-a-glance table of the main specs for each product, such as range, top speed, best use case, etc., relevant to a typical ride.
4. Finance Options – Check out our wide range of Finance options, including multiple different Buy Now Pay Later and other options like GEM, Finance Now and Q Card
5. Warranty: make sure there is an NZ-backed Warranty and that parts for the specific electric scooter you’re interested in are stocked in New Zealand. We get endless calls for parts for unsupported scooters sold by unscrupulous sellers who have often since disappeared.
6. Have a Test Ride or Watch Videos– There are great reviews on YouTube, especially the amazing work by the team at Rider Guide.