An electric scooter can encounter many breakdowns during its use. Indeed, as you use your electric scooter, it is possible that some of its components become damaged. This can be related to the weather, time, or even possible daily shocks. Thus, if your scooter no longer moves forward, the cause is not necessarily serious. To solve this problem, you will need to identify the origin of the breakdown and understand it. In this article, Weebot shows you how to repair a scooter that no longer moves forward.
My electric scooter won’t move forward anymore: what to do?
If your scooter no longer moves forward, don’t panic: this is a common breakdown. To solve the problem, it is important to understand how your scooter works as well as the origin of the breakdown.
How does an electric scooter work?
To function properly, your electric scooter has components with specific roles. To understand how your scooter works, you just need to know how its components function.
- The battery: It is thanks to it that the various elements of your electric scooter work. Indeed, the battery powers the headlight, the lighting, and the screen of your electric scooter. It also provides a sufficiently strong electric impulse to turn the motor. It also manages the voltage, balancing, and temperature control of the latter.
- The electric motor: often lithium-ion type, electric scooter motors can handle several different types of roads. It is the motor that, thanks to the energy drawn from the battery, will be able to turn the belt. This, in turn, will rotate the rear wheel of your scooter, allowing you to ride while supporting your load.
- The controller: this is the "brain" of your electric scooter. It is this part that tells the battery how to distribute the energy it produces throughout the electric scooter.
- The throttle trigger: This part is responsible for managing the speed of your vehicle. It is thanks to it that you can select the speed mode that suits you.
If one of its components is damaged, it is highly likely that it will have a significant impact on the operation of your vehicle, which can lead to a breakdown.
Understanding the cause of the breakdown
The origin of the problem may vary slightly depending on the model of electric scooter you have. Indeed, not all electric scooters have the same type of components, and the cause of the malfunction can be the cause of several types of dysfunction. Therefore, be sure to inquire about the different types of breakdowns encountered by the major electric scooter brands.
In general, the problem may come from your battery or the motor system. However, to be sure of the cause of the breakdown, check the different components of your electric scooter such as your handlebar, your brakes, or your shock absorbers. Check that your electric scooter is still foldable, and that there is no accumulation of mud or dirt in the vehicle.
Before proceeding to disassemble your electric scooter, your vehicle must be in a cooling state and not in the middle of charging. Take the time to ask yourself the right questions: “Is the problem noticeable as soon as your electric vehicle is turned on or when braking?” “Is my electric scooter still foldable or is there resistance?”
However, the source of the breakdown can also come from mishandling or a lack of knowledge by the electric scooter user. Indeed, if you have only recently started using an electric scooter, it is not uncommon that you do not yet master your new vehicle and all its features. And in this specific case, it is not necessarily a serious breakdown but a slight malfunction. To fix it, you must take the time to analyze the problem. You should also know when the problem you just noticed started: did it occur suddenly or have you noticed a decline in performance over several days? If a problem occurs suddenly, it may be due to mishandling. If, on the contrary, it has worsened over the days, it is possible that your vehicle is breaking down.
It is not uncommon for an electric scooter to malfunction if it has not been properly charged, so take the time to recharge your vehicle after each trip.
What to do if my electric scooter turns on but does not move forward?
Sometimes new electric scooters do not work immediately during their first use. To be sure, we invite you to consult the user manual of your two-wheeler.
Some electric scooters, for example, require a slight push with the leg to start. You will therefore need to push the electric scooter with your foot so that it reaches a sufficient speed to activate the motor.
Another possibility is that your electric scooter has its security activated. This locks the front and rear wheels of your vehicle, which will prevent you from moving with it. It often happens that users trigger the security unknowingly, due to a mishandling on your part. If you find yourself in this situation, it is therefore not a major technical problem. You will be able to resolve it very quickly.
How to fix a breakdown on your electric scooter?
After identifying the cause of the breakdown, you need to fix it. To do this, you need to adopt the right reflexes and know the different components that may be affected. Weebot explains how to proceed.
How to reset the software of your electric scooter?
When your scooter no longer moves, it may be related to an automatic software lock. Indeed, the software that most electric scooters on the market have is designed to protect your battery when an anomaly is detected.
If you want to remove this lock, you will need to reset your electric scooter. This procedure is done via the app or the control panel of your scooter, depending on the model you have.
If none of these methods work, here is how to reset the software of your electric scooter:
- First, completely turn off your electric scooter: it must not be powered on.
- Next, remove the battery cover which is often located under the deck of your electric scooter.
- Then, unplug the power supply of your battery.
- Once done, plug in the scooter charger for about thirty seconds without touching your vehicle throughout the process.
- Then unplug the charger and reconnect the battery power supply.
- Finally put the battery cover back on. Once this is done, start riding your electric scooter. If it still refuses to start, then the fault is hardware-related. This means that one of your components is damaged.
If you recognize yourself in this situation, you should consult a professional as soon as possible or start the repairs yourself by identifying the affected component(s).
Check and test the different components of your electric scooter
Battery problem
The battery is an important component in your vehicle. One of its main roles is to provide energy to the motor so that it functions properly. When your battery is damaged, it will not have the necessary power to supply the different components of your electric scooter. This is why your electric scooter will move very little or not at all.
To check the battery condition, you will need to use a multimeter. It will allow you to test the battery voltage. If it is lower than the value indicated in the manual, then it must be replaced as it is worn out.
Motor problem
Have you recently noticed that your motor does not start or that it slows the vehicle abnormally? Then the problem is probably with your motor. If this issue is not treated quickly, it is possible that in the long term your motor will overheat and be damaged.
This breakdown is related to an overload exceeding what the electric scooter can support. If you smell something burning, it may come from the wires of your motor. We recommend consulting a professional immediately to resolve this problem.
It can also be a tire pressure problem. Indeed, if the tires are underinflated or overinflated, this can have serious repercussions on your motor. To avoid potential damage, remember to check your tire pressure.
If your motor overheats, your control screen will display an error code. You can find out its meaning by consulting your user manual. After overheating, make sure your motor is in good condition. Note that repeated overheating will have a long-term impact on your motor.
Fuse problem
If your electric scooter no longer moves forward, then it is possible that it is a fuse problem. The fuse is located in the battery block of your electric scooter. It connects the motor to the battery but also to the charger. It is a safety part designed to protect other components from a short circuit when the voltage is too high or the temperature is not correct.
However, when the voltage is too high, it is not uncommon for a fuse to blow. To know if you are in this scenario, you will need to:
- Check the condition of the fuse on your electric scooter. To do this, you will need to open the compartment containing your battery.
- Next, if you see the filament in the center of the fuse, it may be blown. In this case, it needs to be changed quickly.
- Finally, remove the damaged fuse and replace it with a new fuse. Be careful to choose a fuse with the same current rating otherwise it will blow as well.
Where to have your electric scooter repaired?
You can repair your electric scooter yourself by having the right tools but also the right parts. However, sometimes a breakdown is too delicate to be repaired by yourself. In this case, it is recommended to consult a professional.
Repair your scooter yourself: the right tools to have
If you have the spirit of a handyman and are ready to repair breakdowns on your own, you will need to equip yourself with a tool kit. It will allow you to perform small repairs on your electric scooter daily without any problem.
This pouch can carry several tools designed for the repair and maintenance of electric scooters to improve their lifespan. Both easy to use and carry, you can take it with you on your scooter trips without any worries.
The electronic repair tool kit generally consists of:
- A storage pouch
- A soldering iron with adjustable temperature and all its accessories
- A dissolving pump
- A digital multimeter that will allow you to measure the voltage of your battery
- A soldering sponge
- An antistatic tweezer
- A screwdriver
If you are afraid you won’t be able to repair your electric scooter, you can always turn to a professional.
Where to find spare parts for your electric scooter?
You can easily find spare parts on the market. You can go to stores selling spare parts for electric scooters. You will easily find the defective component there. The advantage of choosing a physical store is that you can benefit from the advice of a professional once on site. Wherever you are, you can find a store available that can deliver the part you are looking for.
You can also visit online sales platforms where prices are much more advantageous. There are many online shops offering new or used components. You can also compare prices between different platforms to benefit from components with a good quality-price ratio.
If you are worried about not finding the spare parts you need, Weebot has a spare parts sales platform. There you will find all the accessories for the maintenance and repair of your vehicle. Moreover, if you hesitate between two products, you can contact us by phone or email or visit one of our physical stores to get the opinion of a professional.
Our Weebot repair service
The entire Weebot team is at your disposal for the repair or servicing of your electric scooter. Just contact us by phone or email so that we can assist you in your procedures.
Whether it is a breakdown, wear and tear, a puncture, oxidation, or loss of a part, our workshops are perfectly equipped to take care of your vehicle. If you do not have spare parts, Weebot will provide you with a part of the best possible quality to get your electric scooter working again. You will thus benefit from an effective repair at the fairest price.
If you want to install a part previously purchased on our Weebot site, you have a two-year warranty, and one year if it is a battery. Note that all technical breakdowns occurring during regular use will be covered under warranty.
You can also ask to have a part you bought elsewhere installed: in any case, our Weebot professionals take care of everything!
FAQ
How to know if your electric scooter's battery is dead?
You will need to use a voltmeter to check the voltage of your battery. If it is lower than the one referenced in your user manual, then your battery is probably damaged or dead.
What is the lifespan of an electric scooter?
It all depends on how you maintain it as well as your frequency of use. Nevertheless, as a general rule, an electric scooter has a lifespan between one and five years.
What is the lifespan of a battery?
It all depends on how you maintain your battery as well as whether your battery is original or not. However, generally speaking, the battery of an electric scooter can last up to five years; beyond this limit, it will need to be replaced.
Conclusion
A breakdown can happen quickly and often at the worst moment. If your electric scooter no longer turns on, you must not panic. First, you will need to identify the problem and then find the solution. You can repair the problem yourself by equipping yourself with the right tools and following our tutorial, or you can contact a professional. Our Weebot workshops are at your disposal if you want to have your electric scooter repaired.