E-scooters are a hot topic. As expected, this has also drawn some negative attention to this corner of the market, with important discussions about driving laws and long-term maintenance. Laws are already changing in some places, and new legislation is being proposed to tackle the issues that have arisen due to the wide adoption of e-scooters.

But what about e-scooter maintenance? Can a poorly maintained e-scooter be dangerous? If you’re concerned about investing in an e-scooter for this reason, read on to find out how to get the most out of your purchase.

Choosing the Right E-Scooter Model

E-scooters might all look the same, but there are many underlying differences between the various models on the market. Therefore, it’s very important to understand your requirements and spend some time searching the market for the ideal model. Here are some of the main factors that will vary across the board:

• Performance
• Battery life
• Weight and size
• Riding ease

Some models are made to be lightweight, easily portable, and small enough to squeeze through the busy traffic of a large town. Others are bulky and designed for a safer, more controlled riding experience, with a longer battery life to boot. You will also find some differences in the way the scooter actually operates on the road. Some e-scooters have assisting features to make the ride smoother and more comfortable. Others are designed for use by more experienced riders and have a “minimal” set of safety features.

Think about how you’ll be using the e-scooter. If you commute to work on a daily basis, you can probably ignore battery life as a primary consideration (depending on your commute length, of course) and focus on safety and durability features. On the other hand, if you need it for long, leisurely rides along smooth roads with little traffic, you should go for the opposite—something with a large enough battery and a lightweight design.

Research the safety record of the company you’re buying from as well. Some have a history of incidents with batteries and other components, which could cause trouble. Again, make sure that you invest in something with proven safety.

The Most Important Things to Know About E-Scooter Maintenance

Some of the parts you’ll find yourself tweaking the most are the tires and battery. Like a bicycle, tires need to be regularly inflated to maintain them at an appropriate pressure level. You’ll typically find yourself doing this less often than a bicycle, but it’s still something to keep in mind.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the recommended tire pressure levels for riding your e-scooter in different environments. For example, short trips on bumpy roads will require a lower pressure than a long ride on a smooth road with relatively few curves. Make sure to check your pressure regularly and adjust as needed.

With a good e-scooter, you won’t have to worry about its battery so much, but it’s still something that can give you trouble from time to time. Make sure you pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding proper charging and usage! Failing to stick to those patterns can severely shorten the lifespan of your e-scooter battery. With improper maintenance, it can also become a dangerous component prone to fires—though that takes a combination of an exceptionally bad model and complete negligence.

You will probably notice a huge difference between the prices of high-end and low-end models. It’s not too different from other similar markets, though for e-scooters, spending a little extra is about more than just your riding comfort. It also impacts your safety while riding, as well as that of those around you.

If you’re looking to cut corners in the price and want to still end up with a good model, make sure that you don’t cheap out on the battery. Good models by reputed companies never use cheap, dangerous batteries in the first place, so this won’t be too much of a concern. But if you’re looking for a bargain and want to stay safe, do some research on the separate components used in your e-scooter, and go for one with a reliable battery.

Don’t Overspend on Accessories!

Avoid overspending on minor accessories, too. Remember that many of those can be bought separately and will often cost much less that way too. Things like lights and reflectors, a helmet, locking chain, and more should rarely be bought in package deals because their price is typically inflated in those. There are some exceptions, of course, so don’t ignore those deals by default. But do keep that in mind and make a separate list of things you want to buy.

Compare the deal for the e-scooter with the bits it includes and see if you can’t find a better price elsewhere or buying the parts individually. Of course, factor your time into this equation, as buying it all at once might just win out in terms of convenience.

Long-term E-Scooter Maintenance: Handles, Tires, and Batteries

Some parts will wear out and need replacements. This will usually start with minor cosmetic details like the handles, but you’ll eventually need to make more substantial repairs, such as changing your tires or even the battery. Some of those can be done by yourself at home, but it’s best to consult a specialist for others. This is especially true for the battery, which poses a lot of danger if connected improperly.

It’s also not a bad idea to go through a regular checkup at a reputed mechanic at least once a year. This might seem like going overboard, considering that you probably don’t do it for your bicycle, but an e-scooter comes with different implications for road safety.

Is It Worth Buying an E-Scooter?

With all that in mind, is it worth spending the money on an e-scooter right now? If you are prepared to go through the proper maintenance steps in the long run, then absolutely. It’s a good investment that can last a long time when taken care of right, and it can improve your mobility in many environments by a noticeable margin. Just make sure to pay attention to any local regulations about the use of e-scooters, and spend enough time researching your purchase so that you know you’re putting your money towards something viable in the long term.

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