With a good braking system, you have less risk of having an accident on your electric scooter. But faced with the variety of available choices, "wheelers" often have difficulty finding THE right braking system. To help you in your choices, the Weebot team has made a list of the different types of braking on an electric scooter. But first, we explain the importance of this choice.
Why is the choice of braking so important?
A good braking system is above all a guarantee of your safety and comfort on the road. It reduces the risk of accidents and improves the maneuverability and stability of the electric scooter. We give you more explanations.
To guarantee your safety
When riding in an urban environment, you must be able to stop your vehicle quickly and safely. This is important because obstacles and unexpected events are frequent in the city. With a good braking system, you have peace of mind. You will feel safer on board your electric scooter.
Similarly, on wet roads, effective braking allows you to maintain your grip and avoid skidding.
For better performance
On board a fast electric scooter or a 25km/h electric scooter, know that the type of braking plays a key role in maneuverability and riding comfort. Hydraulic disc brakes, for example, offer powerful and progressive braking. Ideal for stopping when you are traveling at high speed or on a descent.
As for drum brakes, they are softer and require little maintenance, which is suitable for moderate urban use. In bad weather, your braking system must be able to maintain full grip. In this regard, disc brakes are the most effective.
The different types of braking on an electric scooter
Each braking system has its own specificities. Understanding their differences will allow you to improve your comfort on the road and guarantee your safety, whatever obstacles come your way. Even if it rains or snows.
The disc brake: powerful and efficient
The disc brake is the most popular braking system among electric scooter manufacturers. Especially among brands that offer high-end electric scooters. Engineers love it for its efficiency and responsiveness, which guarantee effective stops even at full speed.
Its operation is simple: pressure is applied on a metal disc fixed to the wheel, which slows down the movement of the electric scooter.
There are two main types of disc brakes:
- Mechanical ones that use a cable to operate the brake pads. Simpler and more economical, but require regular maintenance to ensure their durability.
- Hydraulic ones that operate thanks to a brake fluid. More precise and effective, they nevertheless require a good amount of maintenance.
Bonus: their efficiency does not decrease, even in the rain, making them an ideal choice for year-round use.
The drum brake: reliable and durable
The drum brake is also popular on some electric scooter models. The reason: excellent robustness and light maintenance. Its solid internal mechanism allows it to function effectively even when weather conditions are unfavorable.
Its closed design even protects it from dust and moisture.
It works thanks to a metal drum located in the wheel hub. When you operate the brake lever, an internal mechanism pushes "jaws" against the drum wall, creating friction that slows down the vehicle.
The electromagnetic brake: a modern technology
The electromagnetic brake is the modern solution for your electric scooter. Operating thanks to a magnetic field, it is often combined with other mechanical brakes to optimize braking efficiency. Moreover, it allows, on some models, to recover part of the energy generated during braking to boost the battery's autonomy.
The electromagnetic brake has a sensor that activates an electromagnetic field as soon as the brake lever is operated. The motor then resists, which reduces the speed of the scooter without any physical contact between parts. This technology was designed to reduce wear on mechanical components and ensure smooth and progressive braking.
However, it shows its limits during emergency stops or on steep descents, as it does not provide the necessary braking power on its own. That is why it is often paired with a mechanical brake.
The foot and friction brakes: supplementary solutions
These two braking systems are mainly available on entry-level models. Simple and inexpensive, they remain effective despite quite logical limitations.
First of all, the foot brake is the most basic braking device. It is often used in addition to another braking system. Installed on the rear fender, it works by applying pressure with the foot to slow the wheel. Its simplicity is remarkably effective but proves ineffective when the scooter is running at full speed.
As for the friction brake, it relies on a pad that rubs directly against the wheel to slow down the vehicle. It is easy to maintain and is generally found on entry-level models. But that does not mean it is not effective. It offers responsive braking, although it is not recommended for high speeds.
The advantages of regenerative braking
Regenerative braking is one of the major assets of modern electric scooters like the Kaabo Wolf Warrior GT Pro Plus and the Anoki S. Every time you brake, the motor turns into a generator and recovers energy, much like engine braking in a car. This energy is then sent back to the battery, thus extending your range!
Smoother and more pleasant braking
One of the great advantages of regenerative braking is that it allows for smooth braking. Unlike traditional braking systems, it does not cause sudden jolts, making the ride more comfortable, especially during gradual stops or downhill rides. The braking is more natural and less aggressive for the user, allowing better speed control, especially over long distances.
Extended range
The practical aspect of regenerative braking is that it allows you to recover some of the energy you have spent. This recovered energy is used to recharge the battery, which can allow you to travel additional kilometers without having to plug your scooter into a socket. This becomes particularly useful for long trips or frequent urban journeys, where stops and braking are more frequent.
Local legislations and recommendations concerning braking
In 2025, specific requirements come to regulate scooter safety, and they even vary by city! Discover what French and European regulations impose regarding braking to ride with peace of mind.
Regulation in France
In 2025, electric scooters in France must be equipped with two independent braking systems. This requirement aims to ensure that if one brake fails, the other is sufficient to stop the scooter safely. Models with disc or regenerative brakes often comply with this standard, but it is essential to check before purchase.
European standards
The EN 17128 standard, in effect since 2022, regulates the safety of scooters in Europe, including braking systems. It imposes strict criteria to guarantee effective and safe braking, regardless of the environment or weather conditions.
Specific local regulations
Some cities, like Paris, impose strict rules for electric scooters. In Paris, for example, the speed is limited to 20 km/h and scooters must have an effective braking system and two braking wheels for user safety.
Legislation in 2025 and beyond
Safety rules continue to evolve in 2025 to incorporate new braking technologies and encourage safer practices. It is important to stay informed of the latest updates to be compliant and ensure safe riding.
Maintenance of different braking systems
Good maintenance of your braking system guarantees optimal safety and a long lifespan for your scooter. But each type of brake requires specific maintenance. Let's take a closer look at all this.
Mechanical disc brakes: simple but regular maintenance
Mechanical disc brakes are relatively easy to maintain. Their main maintenance consists of checking the wear of the pads and adjusting the brake cable. On average, it is recommended to check the condition of the pads every 500 to 1000 km, depending on your usage.
Cables must be lubricated from time to time to prevent rust and ensure smooth braking. If needed, you can replace the cables or pads quite easily. The advantage here is that you don't have to worry about complex systems, and maintenance remains economical.
Hydraulic disc brakes: more precise, but more demanding
Hydraulic disc brakes, on the other hand, are more efficient and require more meticulous maintenance. Their system, based on hydraulic fluid, may require purging (brake fluid bleed) every 1000 to 1500 km, depending on your usage. This operation is essential to maintain constant braking pressure and avoid leaks.
Brake pads must also be checked regularly because they wear out faster with braking power. If you often ride in the rain or muddy conditions, maintenance will need to be more frequent. It is also advisable to regularly check the fluid level and verify the system’s tightness.
Drum brakes: low maintenance, but watch for wear
Drum brakes require very little maintenance. Their closed mechanism protects them well from moisture and dust, making them more durable. However, you still need to check the wear of the brake shoes every 1000 to 2000 km. Their durability is excellent, but occasional checks are important to avoid less effective braking. Once worn, brake shoes are easy to replace and inexpensive.
Electromagnetic brakes: little maintenance, but some checks
The electromagnetic brake is almost maintenance-free because there are no mechanical parts that wear out quickly. However, you need to check that the sensor is working properly and that there are no faults in the electrical circuit. A light cleaning to remove dust from time to time will suffice. In case of a problem, it is advisable to consult a professional, as it requires a more technical diagnosis.
As you can see, each braking system has its maintenance needs, and the more regularly you maintain it, the longer its lifespan. Checking the brake pads, cables, and brake fluid, depending on the type of brake, will allow you to enjoy your rides safely!
Conclusion
Braking is a key element for riding safely and having a pleasant driving experience. Depending on your needs, each electric scooter braking system offers different advantages. In addition to the specific features of each type of brake, it is also important to consider the current legislation. Finally, don’t forget that maintaining your braking system is another point not to be overlooked. Each type of brake, whether mechanical, hydraulic, drum, or electromagnetic, requires special care to extend its lifespan and ensure optimal performance.
Weebot offers you a selection of electric scooters with efficient braking systems for an uncompromising experience. Explore our models and set off on your adventure safely!