How long do electric scooters last? This question is among the many you will have when buying an electric scooter. You have all the reasons to do so: some electric scooters are prone to breaking down despite their high cost. Even so, you need one because they are among the best personal transport choices. Electric scooters are cost-effective, accessible, and give you plenty of health benefits.
This article answers how long do electric scooters last and covers much more. So, keep reading below.
How Long Do Electric Scooters Last?
So, how long do electric scooters last?
Most, electric scooters’ lifespan ranges from three to five years. The manufacturer calculates the lifespan based on a range of factors. The following are the essential factors manufacturers take into consideration during the calculation:
Battery Lifespan: The electric scooter’s battery determines that of the unit. The manufacturers estimate the number of charge cycles it can take before it degrades. Through this, they can estimate the unit’s lifespan.
Testing: The manufacturers also test and collect customer feedback to estimate the lifespan. This process helps them assess the scooters’ performance and longevity. They run the tests for an extended period to ensure that the findings are accurate.
Technological advancements, such as the use of solar power, are changing the industry. You can soon expect electric scooters with longer lifespans. This is because critical components like power sources won’t be a problem.
Factors that Affect Electric Scooter’s Lifespan
Above from knowing how long do electric scooters last, it is important to know the factors that affect an electric scooter’s lifespan. Those factors include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
Material of the Frame
The material the manufacturers use in the frame affects how long do electric scooters last. Its thickness and construction affect its longevity, too. The following are some of the common ones used to make the frames and how they affect longevity:
Aluminum: This material is among the most durable. Its features give it a good balance of weight and strength. The lightweight material makes the electric scooters with frames made of it agile and maneuverable.
Aluminum’s durability enables the scooters to withstand frequent use. It also enables it to sustain impacts that can contribute to wear and tear. Its corrosion resistance also contributes to its longevity.
Carbon fiber: This material is lightweight, sturdy, and rigid. These features make electric scooters made of it durable. But you will only find carbon fiber in high-end scooters, which can be expensive.
Steel: This material’s sturdiness and durability give the scooters with frames made of it a longer lifespan. But they are heavy compared to the aforementioned ones.
It would help if you avoided electric scooters with frames and components made from poor-quality materials. Such materials include low-grade steel, unreinforced fiberglass, or inferior carbon fiber. It’d also be best to avoid electric scooters with frames made of cheap plastic composite. While choosing, check welds and joints, as they contribute to a short lifespan.
Component Quality
The quality of the motor, battery, brakes, wheels, and electronics affects longevity. High-quality motor components and sturdy construction have a long lifespan, and vice versa. The same goes for the other components.
Charging Practices
How you charge the scooter’s battery determines its longevity and that of the unit. It’d be best to follow the manufacturer’s charging guidelines to ensure your battery doesn’t degrade sooner than it should.
Usage Patterns
How you use the scooter also determines its lifespan. Here are some of the ways usage patterns affect longevity:
Frequency and Distance: How often you ride the scooter affects its longevity. The same goes for the distance you cover. This is because prolonged long-distance usage strains the components and drains the battery. As a result, it will need frequent recharging and part replacements, shortening its lifespan.
Weight Capacity: Electric scooters have manufacturer-set weight limits. Exceeding the weight strains the components and other vital components like the motor, shortening the scooter’s lifespan.
Riding Conditions: Where you ride the electric scooter also determines the unit’s lifespan. This goes to the condition you ride it in. Doing so in rough terrain strains the components, leading to faster deterioration. Riding the scooter in the rain exposes it to water and moisture, which can damage the battery and other parts.
Riding Style: How you ride the scooter also determines how long it will last. Accelerating at high speed strains the scooter’s vital components, reducing lifespan. Hard braking and hitting obstacles like potholes also shorten the scooter’s lifespan.
How you store the scooter after use also determines its longevity. Storing the scooter in moist places will reduce its lifespan. This happens because the parts are susceptible to rust and corrosion. Extremely cold or hot temperatures also shorten the battery life, affecting the scooter’s longevity.
Maintenance also determines your electric scooter’s lifespan. Below are some of the maintenance tips:
Essential Tips for Extending Your Electric Scooter’s Longevity
While there is a general answer on how long do electric scooters last, you can extend your electric scooter’s longevity. Here are some tips that can help:
Follow the Battery’s Maintenance Tips
Following the battery maintenance tips is essential. Doing so will extend its lifespan and enhance its safety. For instance, it’d be best to store the batteries in a cool, dry place. Ensure you check for leaks before use and keep the charge between 20% and 80% to prevent damage.
Besides, it’d be best to avoid short-circuiting the battery. This entails keeping metal objects away from the battery terminals. And when charging, ensure that you use the right charger.
After some time, you must replace the battery. Doing so is necessary because capacity and performance decrease with time. And don’t use degenerated batteries; take them to the recycling center instead.
Inspect the Scooters Often
Regular visual inspection is also necessary for a long lifespan. You will check for cracks, missing screws, and any other signs that can cause mechanical problems. While at it, you should also test the brakes to ensure they function well. Checking the tires’ sidewall condition and tread depth for signs of wear would also be best.
It’d be best to check the suspension by applying pressure to the scooter. You will then observe its rebound, which is smooth, a sign of being in good condition. Other parts you should check include the battery, lights, and electrical connections.
Benefits of Electric Scooters: Why You Should Maintain Them
Motors, tires, and brakes are the parts prone to damage because of wear and tear. Besides, the batteries are also prone to damage, especially if you don’t take good care of them. Thus, it is best to use the maintenance tips you have read in the previous section to prevent the scooter from breaking down often.
Yes, you can repair an electric scooter. But that depends on the repairability and your experience level. The repairable aspects include mechanical repairs, electrical repairs, and component replacements. Other repairable aspects include battery replacement once it degrades and loses capacity. It is worth noting that some of these repairs need the services of a professional due to their sensitivity and safety purposes.
You can identify a high-quality electric scooter by checking its construction. A high-quality scooter has aluminum, steel, or carbon fiber for the frame. Such scooters will have features like a headlight and taillight for convenient riding. Besides, they have a warranty. This enables you to return them if you notice a problem with the components or construction.
It’d be best to read the reviews on the sellers’ websites or relevant platforms before you buy the unit. This will help you to determine its quality and lifespan. But you should be cautious of fake reviews. Some sellers buy positive reviews to lure buyers to their scooters. Falling for such tricks will leave you with a flimsy scooter that has a shorter lifespan.
Conclusion
The popularity of electric scooters has soared recently. This trend can be attributed to convenience, environmental friendliness, and the fun of riding them. Besides, they are easy to learn and contribute to healthy living. But they are prone to breaking down, leaving you counting your losses. The breakdowns can leave you with questions like how long do electric scooters last. This article has answered this in detail, hence the need to use the information when shopping for an electric scooter.
Hi! My name is Johnathan, and I am the creator of ScooterAdvice360.com. Having been riding motor scooters and bikes for over 20 years, I have picked up a few things! I ran my own scooter store in Florida, selling all manner of motor scooters, mobility scooters, hoverboards, e-scooters and accessories, from Forzas to Vipers, Hellcats to Vespas.
Here, at ScooterAdvice360.com, I want to ensure everyone has access to the information that they need to enjoy their bikes and scooters for longer.
