How to Fix the Brakes on an Electric Scooter

Did you know that more than 30 people in the U.S have been killed riding electric scooters? This makes the electric scooter braking system a vital part and a reason any new scooter owner needs to learn how to fix the brakes on a top electric scooter.

The popularity of e-scooters has been rising due to the ever-rising gas prices and traffic congestion in the cities. Just like any other locomotive, e-scooters come with disc brakes or drum brakes. The lower-quality models also come with foot brakes. Additionally, there are other maintenance guides we have to help with how long an electric scooter lasts. Check out our guides on how to check the oil in a kick electric scooter, change the wheels, or even change the ignition switch to make sure your electric scooter stays in tip-top shape. You may also be interested in knowing what electric scooter is being recalled and why.

Tools Needed: Pliers, Adjustable wrench, Allen key, Barrel adjuster, Pinch bolt, Locking screw, Fixed pad adjuster, and Fixed pad adjuster locking screw.

Types of E-scooter Brakes

When looking to get an e-scooter, it is essential to consider how fast they ride. In the world of electric scooters, there are two main brake categories. e-Scooter brake types fall into two categories. Mechanical brakes and electric brakes. The common types of brakes on electric scooters are:

• Disc brakes- They are the best type of brakes used on e-scooters. They are very responsive in both wet and dry conditions and also at high speeds. Electric scooter disc brakes work much like the ones you find on a car. They have a brake caliper and pads that grasp on the rotor when the brakes are activated.
• Drum brakes- are housed inside a wheel hub and function by pushing the brake pads toward the braking surface.
• Foot brakes are activated through a fender pushed down by the rider’s heel, creating friction and forcing the tire to stop. Foot brakes are popular in kid or low-end e-scooters. (For kids, you should also check how old you have to be to ride an e-scooter.)
• Regenerative brakes – They work by electrically charging the scooter motor to create resistance to spinning. A big drawback is they need electric power to function.

Troubleshooting Electric Scooter Brakes

Most e-scooter users feel running out of juice is by far the worst thing that could happen to them using their electric scooters. Some even worry about how do you carry an electric scooter along in case it gets stolen. But what if you lost your ability to stop as you’re riding? If it happens to you, what will you do? Fortunately, we have outlined a few things you can do to fix the problem.

A rule of thumb is to check your electric scooter braking every time you plan on riding out.

If your e-scooter suddenly loses its braking function, do the following:

Check the Brake Pads

The first thing you need to do when you realize you have lost your ability to brake is to check for faulty braking pads. Like they do on cars, your e-scooter braking pads wear off after extensive use and will need replacing. Check for the condition of your electric scooter braking pads and replace them if required.

Adjust the Brake Cable Tension

Your brakes can lose or fail to bring your e-scooter to stop, and sometimes, all you need to do is tighten the brake cable adjuster. Adjust and check the braking until your braking system is responsive.

While adjusting the brake cable adjuster on your electric scooter, ensure that your scooter brakes are not interfering with the rims or rotors when the brake lever is released. To effectively fasten this cable, do the following:

• First, untighten the brake cable stopper and then tug the brake cable out until it no longer feels loose.
• Next, fasten the cable stopper and unthread the cable adjuster until you feel there is proper tension.

Maintenance and Care of an Electric Scooter Braking System

Depending on how and where you have been using your electric scooter, it is essential to check and clean your rims and discs occasionally. While doing that, take some time to inspect the brake pads for any form of wear and tear. Replace them if needed.

• Lubricate the braking points to help reduce friction.
• If the brake pads or shoes are in good condition, try tightening the cable adjuster on the brake lever until the brakes are responsive.

Fixing E-scooter Braking system

You have tried troubleshooting and discovered your brakes are the reason your e-scooter doesn’t come to a halt. To fix it, get the following tools:

• Pliers
• Adjustable wrench
• Allen key
• Barrel adjuster
• Pinch bolt
• Locking screw
• Fixed pad adjuster
• Fixed pad adjuster locking screw

1. First, move the barrel adjuster to a neutral position by loosening the lock nut, then move the barrel adjuster to a neutral position with a wrench.
2. Watch out during this step, and prevent the adjuster from poking out to the other end.
3. Next, loosen the pinch bolt that holds the brake cable in place. Tug the cable tightly with the pliers exerting pressure on the pinch bolt to ensure it’s tightened.
4. With the 2mm Allen key, untighten the small lock nut for the fixed brake pad.
5. Go back behind the wheel and ensure the fixed braking pad is tightened using the 5mm Allen key until you are confident the fixed braking pad is rubbing against the disc and stops the wheel from turning.
6. Next, turn back to about a quarter turn to free the disc.
7. At this point, you are going to be adjusting the outer movable brake part. With the 8mm wrench, fasten the barrel adjuster to the point the disc pad is rubbing against the disc. Turn it once more, about a quarter turn to free the disc.
8. Finally, tighten the lock nut for the barrel adjuster.

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