How Long Do Electric Scooters Last? Tips to Maximize Their Lifespan

With many advancements in technology and manufacturing, adult electric scooters available today are capable of lasting for years to come—with proper care. The electric scooter lifespan is dependent on how well made the scooter is and how well the owner takes care of it. In order to maximize its value, it is important to understand what you need to do to take care of it properly. 

In this article, we'll talk about the typical lifespan of electric scooters, factors that affect their durability, and tips for extending their life. Whether you're an experienced electric scooter rider or considering purchasing your first one, understanding the nuances of how to maintain an electric scooter will help you make the best decision and enjoy your ride for years to come!

Generally, an electric scooter can last for up to three years (even longer if you replace some parts). This depends on a variety of factors which we will discuss below.

Factors That Affect How Long an Electric Scooter Lasts

Quality of the Electric Scooter Components

Components of high quality are specifically designed to withstand the stresses of regular use, resulting in better performance and durability. Our brands, Kaabo, Dualtron and EMOVE , are known for manufacturing high-quality electric scooters and maintaining great quality control. We ensure that all of the products that we sell are composed of durable, well-made materials and that we can provide replacement parts—so scooter owners can continue riding for years to come. This is precisely why VoroMotors is a leading brand that is renowned for developing high-quality, reliable electric scooters equipped with long-lasting components.

Below are the key components that make up an electric scooter. Oftentimes, you can replace or repair these parts, and can extend how long you can continue using your electric vehicle.

Scooter Battery

The battery is one of the most critical components of an electric scooter, as without it nothing would work. Most electric scooters have lithium-ion batteries, which is one of the most expensive and heaviest parts of the vehicle. Li-ion batteries are what you’ll find in most electronics, like smartphones, laptops, and tablets. These battery cells are small in size but store a lot of energy (referred to as energy density) and recharge quickly, making them excellent for most applications.

In general, Li-ion can withstand 300 to 500 charging cycles before there’s a drop in battery capacity. That means an electric scooter battery lasts for between 3,000 to 5,000 miles (4,800 to 8,000 km). Of course, that depends on how well the battery is maintained. When a battery starts to degrade, you might notice that you cannot charge it to its full capacity (100%). Although the battery still works, it isn’t functioning as optimally as it did when it was brand new. 

Many adult electric scooters are constructed with replaceable parts.  Some have plug-and-play electrical components, so you just disconnect the old battery and install a new one. For this reason, scooter batteries can be replaced, which extends the scooter’s lifespan. Some models, like the EMOVE RoadRunner Pro, feature a removable battery that allows riders to easily swap out a depleted battery for a fully charged one, providing an additional layer of convenience and flexibility. You can keep a spare to swap, or easily install a new battery when the old one is depleted. For most scooters, you would need to open the deck and disconnect internal cables to change the battery. With swappable batteries, it’s much easier to ride without interruption and replace the battery whenever needed. 

Battery Charging Guidelines

Let’s cover some basic charging guidelines to ensure the longevity of your electric scooter's battery:

• Always use the standard charger that comes with the scooter to prevent issues and retain the warranty
• Use fast chargers infrequently or avoid using them at all to prevent battery degradation
• Clean battery contacts and keep ports covered to prevent corrosion
• Charge battery every few weeks for best longevity and to prevent full discharge 
• Disconnect the scooter from the charger as soon as it reaches 100% to avoid overcharging
• Store the electric scooter in a cool, dry place when not in use to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures

Practicing these habits can help elongate the longevity of your battery and, in turn, your electric scooter. 

Scooter Motor

When it comes to electric scooter motors, a high-quality and reliable motor is essential for consistent performance. Most scooters have hub motors, which are enclosed in the front and/or rear wheel. Like the battery, you can often replace electric scooter motors if they show signs of failure. For example, you might feel stuttering or lack of power when the scooter’s motors are not working properly. Also, your dashboard will usually display an error code and/or symbol indicating problems with the motor, controller, and other key components. 

Additionally, some scooters have dual motors (one motor per wheel) while others are single motor. For example, the EMOVE Cruiser S has a single 1000W rear motor that delivers quiet and smooth acceleration. As the only entry-level scooter with a sine wave controller, the Cruiser is very efficient. Offering a long range of up to 62 miles and speeds of up to 33 mph, this motor will last for thousands of miles, and requires little maintenance. If it’s not giving you the power you expect, you can usually replace the motor with a new one—and feel like you’re riding a brand new scooter!

Scooter Frame

The frame is an essential component that plays a critical role in the lifespan and overall durability of an electric scooter. The material used and how all components come together affect how heavily you can ride it, and how much it can withstand. For instance, let's take a look at the EMOVE Touring, an affordable electric scooter. The Touring's aluminum frame is not only lightweight but also sturdy enough to support riders up to 308 lbs. Many scooter frames are built from aluminum and/or forged steel parts, as these materials can handle impact and be shaped accordingly. 

A strong scooter frame ensures that the other components, such as the motor and battery, are protected from damage from force and vibrations during rides. Many parts of the scooter’s frame are replaceable, and generally only need to be replaced when damaged. Parts that accidentally take impact, like the fender, can suffer wear and tear over time and need replacing. When it comes to the frame, the best way to prevent damage is by not misusing your electric scooter. Of course, accidentally knocking it over or hitting a curb is bound to happen. However, you can prevent damage by not taking risky actions, like riding your scooter off a high elevation onto uneven terrain or regularly carrying too heavy a load.  

Scooter Tires

Tires, unlike the other components mentioned, are consumable parts. This means that they are intended to be used and replaced—not work indefinitely. There are different styles of tires, including solid and pneumatic. Pneumatic or air-filled tires are the most common, and offer the best ride comfort. Additionally, tires have different treads that make them more suitable for specific terrain. 

Commuter scooters have street tires offering great traction and range on city roads. Off-road scooters have knobby tires to contend with rocky, uneven roads. Coincidentally, off-road tires can reduce the overall range of your electric scooter, as they make less contact with the ground so work less efficiently. Apart from performance benefits, tires are also critical to rider safety. Good quality tires offer better traction and handling, reducing the risk of accidents and extending the scooter's lifespan. 

The Kaabo Mantis Pro SE electric scooter is a great example, featuring 10" pneumatic tires that offer excellent grip and shock absorption, allowing riders to confidently navigate various terrains, including rough roads, bumps, and potholes. The tires feature thick and durable rubber that helps prevent punctures and ensures a longer lifespan than cheaper alternatives.

Find out more about the best tires for your electric scooter in this article. 

Scooter Brakes

In addition to the tires, the brakes have consumable parts: the brake pads and brake rotors. With proper care, the rotor can last the lifetime of the scooter, but discs can get warped or scratched in an accident or during transport, affecting their performance. Brake pads will need replacing as they wear over time, and cleaning them will ensure they’re making full contact with the rotors. If your scooter tips over or you run into something, you can also damage the brake levers or brake lines. Fortunately, all of these parts of the scooter brakes can be replaced, so you can continue using your electric scooter.  

For example, the Kaabo Mantis King GT electric scooter is equipped with a powerful braking system that includes both front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, providing maximum stopping power and excellent control. However, repeated or sudden braking can put stress on the brake system, causing wear and tear that can affect its performance. Over time, this can lead to the need for costly repairs or replacements. To avoid this, it's recommended to use the brakes moderately and gradually, instead of relying on sudden and hard stops. Regular maintenance is also crucial to ensure your e-scooter's braking system is in top condition.

Frequency of Use

It’s pretty simple. The more often you ride your scooter, the faster its components will wear down, including the battery, motor, and tires. For example, if you ride an electric scooter every day, frequently hitting its 40 mph top speed, you’re taxing your vehicle far more than someone that only rides at 15 mph on the weekends. Regular use also increases the chances of accidents or collisions, which can increase the chances of damage to the scooter and shorten its lifespan.

Environmental Factors

The durability and strength of the electric scooter can be compromised by rust and corrosion if exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, and moisture. Furthermore, regular use on harsh terrain and uneven road conditions can apply stress to the frame and more quickly wear down the tires, decreasing the scooter’s life.

Riding Habits

User behavior absolutely impacts the lifespan of an electric scooter. Reckless behavior, such as riding the scooter in risky territory or overloading it with too much weight, can cause damage to the motor, battery, and frame, leading to a shorter lifespan. Oftentimes, this behavior can also render your warranty invalid, as electric scooter’s have varying max loads based on what that model’s components can withstand and exceeding that, along with improper care, voids the warranty. 

Scooter Maintenance Tips

• Keep it clean: Regularly clean your electric scooter to remove any dirt, debris, or grime that may have accumulated on it. Wipe down the deck to make sure your feet retain traction on the scooter. Be sure to clean the brake pads and rotors after off-roading, to ensure you retain optimal braking power. This helps prevent corrosion and keeps the scooter looking new.

• Check the tire pressure: Keeping your tires properly inflated ensures optimal performance and reduces the risk of flats. Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure for the best performance in response and range. Inspect the tire tread periodically, as you’ll need to replace them when they wear too low. 

• Lubricate moving parts: Keep moving parts of your electric scooter well lubricated, like the brakes and handlebars to prevent them from malfunctioning or seizing. If you have hydraulic components, you may need to replace fluids and perform repairs. You should not need to perform this task very frequently, but, if you do, it will help elongate the scooter’s life. 

• Charge the battery properly: Follow the battery best practices that we provided. Most important of all, always use the charger that came with your electric scooter and follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging. Overcharging or undercharging the battery can damage it and reduce its lifespan.

• Store it properly: Keep your electric scooter in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and avoid storing it in areas with extreme temperatures or high humidity levels. Batteries are very sensitive to temperature, so the best location is in a garage or indoors, where the elements are less extreme. If you are storing it long-term, consider lifting the scooter so the wheels are not resting on the ground. This prevents the tires from misshaping and losing air over time. If there are electronic security components, like a remote key fob or keyed ignition, you may want to disconnect them during long-term storage to prevent slowly draining the battery. Proper storage will make sure your electric scooter will work well when you’re ready to ride again. 

• Perform regular maintenance checks: Inspect your electric scooter regularly for any signs of wear or damage, such as loose screws, worn brake pads, or damaged tires. Vibrations from riding can cause screws and bolts to become loose. Make sure to check and tighten before riding, and keep a multitool handy. By addressing any issues promptly, you’ll prevent further damage and maintain optimal performance.

Not sure how to inspect the e-scooter yourself? Reach out to our customer support team. Not only can we perform scooter servicing for you, we can direct you to video tutorials so you can complete maintenance yourself. 

Conclusion

It is essential to take good care of your electric scooter to ensure its reliability and longevity. A well-maintained electric scooter not only lasts longer but also provides a smoother and safer ride for the owner. By following the maintenance tips and best practices outlined in this article, you can enjoy your electric scooter for years to come. So, whether you are a daily commuter or a weekend adventurer, take care of your electric scooter today, and enjoy a smooth and worry-free ride tomorrow! 

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