When do Electric Scooter Parts Need to be Replaced?

As a daily personal transportation vehicle, many parts of electric scooters will continue to wear out during commuting riding and outdoor adventures for a period of time. When these parts have worn reach a certain level, it will affect our daily riding, or threaten our safety. For avoiding these situations, we need to replace parts of electric scooters in time. When should we replace it? We have summarized the following signals when parts of battery powered scooters need to be replaced. 

The range of an electric scooter depends on several factors including the battery capacity, the weight of the rider, the terrain, and the speed at which you're traveling. Remember to regularly maintain your scooter to ensure maximum performance and longevity.

Electric scooters, like any other vehicle, are made up of several key components. Here are the main parts you'll find in most electric scooters:

Battery: This is the power source for the scooter. Most electric scooters use lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy density and long lifespan. As for the Varla Eagle One V2.0 electric moped scooter, it is equipped with a powerful 52V 20.8A lithium-ion battery. On a full charge, it can travel up to 42 miles under optimal conditions. However, please note that the actual range can vary. For instance, if you're riding at the scooter's top speed, climbing steep hills, or if the rider is on the heavier side, the range may be less.

Motor: This is what propels the scooter forward. Some scooters have one motor, while others have two for extra power. It's also worth mentioning that the Varla Eagle One V2.0 has dual motors that can be toggled between single and dual motor mode. Using the scooter in single motor mode can help conserve battery life and extend the scooter's range.

Controller: This is the "brain" of the scooter. It controls the power output from the battery to the motor based on input from the throttle.

Throttle: This is what you use to control the speed of the motorized scooter. Some scooters have a twist throttle like a motorcycle, while others have a thumb or finger throttle.

Brake System: This is crucial for safety. Most electric scooters have at least one brake, and many have two. They can be disc brakes, drum brakes, or electronic brakes.

Tires: Electric scooters can have either air-filled (pneumatic) tires or solid tires. Each type has its pros and cons in terms of comfort, grip, and maintenance.

Deck: This is where the rider stands. Some decks have grip tape to help the rider stay on, and others have a display that shows speed, battery life, and other information.

Handlebars: These are used to steer the scooter. Some scooters have foldable handlebars for easy transport and storage.

Lights: Most scooters have at least one headlight and taillight for visibility. Some also have side lights or under-deck lights.

Suspension: Not all scooters have this, but higher-end models often do. Suspension can make the ride more comfortable, especially on rough surfaces.

Key Electric Scooter Parts That Need Replacement

Electric Scooter Battery

The lifespan of an motorized scooter battery can vary greatly depending on its type, usage, and care. Most batteries last between 1 to 3 years, but with proper care, some can last even longer. However, there are several signs that your battery may need to be replaced.

One common sign is a significant decrease in the scooter's range. If you notice that your scooter isn't able to travel as far on a single charge as it used to, this could be an indication that the battery's capacity is diminishing. Another sign is if the battery takes longer to charge than it used to, or if it doesn't fully charge at all. Additionally, if the battery drains significantly faster than it used to, even on short rides, this is usually a clear sign that the battery needs to be replaced.

It's also important to physically inspect the battery from time to time. If you notice any obvious signs of damage, such as swelling, leakage, or a burnt smell, these are clear indications that the battery should be replaced immediately. Even if the scooter seems to be working fine, a damaged battery can be a serious safety hazard.

Electric Scooter Motor

The lifespan of an electric scooter motor can vary significantly, depending on the type of motor, how often the motorized scooter is used, and how well it's maintained. Generally, brushless motors, which are common in many modern electric scooters, can last for several years with proper care. However, there are several signs that your motor may need to be replaced.

One clear sign is a decrease in the scooter top speed or acceleration. If your scooter isn't reaching the speeds it used to, or if it's struggling to climb hills that it used to handle easily, this could be a sign that the motor is wearing out. Similarly, if the motor makes unusual noises, like grinding or clicking sounds, or if it gets excessively hot during use, these could be indications of a problem.

Another sign is if the motor doesn't run smoothly and consistently. If it cuts out during a ride, or if it doesn't start up easily, this could indicate a problem. While these issues can sometimes be caused by other components, such as the battery or controller, if these have been checked and are functioning properly, the motor may be the issue.

Electric Scooter Controller

The controller of an electric scooter acts as the brain of the vehicle. It manages the power from the battery to the motor, controlling speed, acceleration, and other important functions. Knowing when to replace the controller is important for maintaining the scooter's performance and safety.

The lifespan of a motorized scooter controller can vary, depending on its quality, the conditions it's exposed to, and how often the scooter is used. However, unlike batteries or motors, controllers don't typically degrade gradually over time. Instead, they tend to either work correctly or fail completely. This is because most controller failures are due to electrical issues, such as short circuits or component breakdowns, which can occur suddenly.

There are several signs that your scooter's controller may need to be replaced. If your scooter is experiencing inconsistent performance, such as sudden changes in speed or acceleration, this could be a sign of a controller issue. Similarly, if the scooter doesn't respond correctly to throttle inputs, or if it doesn't run at all even though the battery is charged, these could also indicate problems with the controller.

It's also worth noting that a damaged or malfunctioning controller can sometimes cause other components, like the motor or battery, to behave unusually. So if you're experiencing issues with these components but can't find any problems with them directly, it may be worth checking the controller.

Electric Scooter Tire

The state of the tire is closely related to our riding experience. How often should the tires be changed? Under normal circumstances (without puncture and other factors), the life of off-road tires is up to about 2000km, while the life of commuter tires can reach 3000km or more, because people usually ride a commuting scooter on a flat road, but off-road electric scooter tires will meet more rough road. But if the following situations appear on the tires of your scooter at this time, the tires may need to be replaced early.

Generally speaking, there will be patterns on the surface of the tire. When you notice that the pattern is almost invisible and the tread is flat, it means that the life of the tire is approaching. It's time to replace the tire. And if you find that the side wear of the tire is severe, or you can observe directly whether the font on the side tire is very blurred), indicating that the side protection performance of the tire has been greatly weakened. Instead of getting a flat tire on the road accidentally, it is better to replace it as soon as possible.

I believe that most riders have met the situation of tire punctures. After a puncture, our ability to avoid danger will improve, but the puncture resistance of the tire will be worse than before, and the risk will increase. So when your tire is already scarred, you should change it right now. This will also reduce the possibility of frequent replacement of the inner tube due to tire punctures in the future. And when you can see the inner tube through the tire, the tire must be replaced. Because this shows that the puncture-proof layer of this outer tire has been punctured, the inner tube will be completely unprotected in this area, and the risk of a tire blowout will be very high.

Even tires with a small number of kilometers will age due to improper storage (exposure to the sun, etc.), resulting in many cracks on the surface. At this time, the stab resistance and grip of the tires have been much worse than before. Although they can still be used at low speed and on a flat road, they should be replaced as soon as possible. 

Electric Scooter Brakes

A brake cable in good condition allows us to brake smoothly and accurately. Generally speaking, if you ride your scooter 3 days or more a week, the brake cable should be replaced once a year; meanwhile, if you find that the brake cable has branched or rusted, and the outer tube is brittle, you also need to change a new corresponding cable tube.

The brake block is one of the important parts that can brake the electric scooter quickly and safely. Especially in the process of high-speed driving, it is crucial to stop immediately. When the brake block wears severely, the braking efficiency will be greatly reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the brake block in time when it's seriously worn. When Does brake block Need to Be Replaced? There are 2 simple methods to know the condition of the brake block roughly. The first is to test the braking force. When you find that your scooter's braking effect is significantly weakened, it also means that the brake blocks need to be replaced. The second method is that you can also see the thickness of the brake block to confirm the degree of brake block wear. The thickness of the new disc brake block is about 3-4mm. When it is reduced to 1mm due to daily use, disc brakes may stop working. Thus, when you find that the brake block is thin, it is better to replace it as soon as possible.

When to Seek Professional Help?

Firstly, if you lack the necessary knowledge or experience in handling electric scooters, you should definitely consider professional help. Electric scooters have complex systems like the motor, controller, or battery, which require specialized understanding for repair or replacement. Attempting to replace parts without the correct knowledge can lead to further damage or even pose safety risks. Moreover, certain repairs or replacements might require specific tools, which you may not have at your disposal.

Secondly, if you're dealing with recurring problems or complex issues, it's advisable to seek professional assistance. If you've tried to fix an issue but it keeps coming back, this could indicate a more complex underlying problem that requires expert diagnosis. In such cases, a professional can help identify and fix the root of the problem, ensuring that your scooter operates at its best.

Lastly, safety and warranty conditions are also important factors. If your scooter is experiencing issues related to critical safety components like the braking system or structural integrity, it's imperative to get professional help. Improper repairs could lead to dangerous situations. Additionally, if your scooter is under warranty, DIY repairs or replacements might void the warranty. In this case, it's always best to consult with a professional or the manufacturer. In sum, while it's great to handle minor maintenance tasks yourself, knowing when to seek professional help can save you from potential difficulties and ensure the longevity of your electric scooter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the longevity and performance of an electric scooter significantly depend on the timely replacement of its components. From batteries and tires to brakes, motors, and even smaller parts like lights, bearings, fenders, and suspension, each plays a vital role in the scooter's overall functionality. Recognizing the signs of wear and tear and knowing when to replace these parts is key to maintaining the scooter's optimal performance and ensuring rider safety.

However, it's important to remember that the frequency of replacement can vary based on factors such as the quality of the parts, riding conditions, and how often the scooter is used. Regular inspections are crucial to identify potential issues early and address them promptly. When in doubt, seeking professional help can ensure accurate diagnosis and proper part replacement. By taking these steps, riders can enjoy a smooth, safe, and worry-free experience with their electric scooters.