Electric scooters are an amazing invention, not only are they a really great option for traveling from place to place a little quicker, but they are so much fun to ride. Since they are so great, you may wonder how long do e scooters last, right?
All good things must come to an end, and that includes that speedy gadget you are so fond of.
At some point or another, there will come a time when that super fun ride will be your last.
At least, with the e scooter you’re currently using anyway.
One thing that many potential purchasers or current owners want to know is how quickly that last ride will come about.
So, how long do e scooters last? Well, in this article, we’re about to find out.
On Average, How Long Do E Scooters Last?
How long do e scooters last? Well, this answer depends on the type of electric scooter (see also: Is Scootering A Sport?) we’re talking about.
For example, a privately owned electric scooter is likely to last much longer than one of the commercial ride-share options.
The reason why is fairly self-explanatory.
A privately owned scooter is likely to receive a ton of extra TLC that ride-share scooters don’t have the luxury of.
When you own the scooter yourself, you’re much more likely to treat it with care whereas scooters that are shared simply endure far too much wear and tear.
With this in mind, let’s talk about how long you can expect the scooters to last.
A ride-share scooter usually has a relatively short lifespan of just 9-18 months. The discrepancy between this time frame usually comes down to how the scooter is handled by its riders.
However, a personal e-scooter can easily last for up to 3 years and potentially longer depending on the care and maintenance.
It’s important to remember, though, that the efficiency of a private e-scooter will still start to reduce once you hit the 2-year mark.
It is only with the necessary care that you can extend the scooter’s lifespan.
Which Parts Of The Scooter Are The First To Go?
The Battery
The battery is unarguably one of the most important components of an e-scooter since it is literally its power source to get it moving.
Usually, an e-scooter will use a Lithium-ion battery which, while less high-maintenance than a nickel-metal hydrated or lead acid battery, still requires a little TLC.
When it comes to your battery’s longevity, two main factors can impact it; the manner of usage and the charge cycle.
Each and every battery has its own specific charged number of lifecycles. With each charge, you’ll reduce that value by one.
This then continues until the battery is depleted and becomes weak.
So, for example, if your battery has a 25-charge cycle, it’ll start to become weak and won’t charge as effectively after your 25th time recharging the battery.
Then, how you use the e-scooter can have an impact on your battery too.
Usually, the more you put your scooter through, the quicker the battery depletes. For example, reckless driving, dropping the scooter, or riding in the rain will damage your battery.
The Tires
The tires of an e-scooter aren’t always known to be the strongest thing in the world.
They also take the brunt of all the pressure and hits when you’re riding on rougher ground.
As a result, the tires can take a hit pretty quickly so it’s important to monitor them frequently.
The Handlebar
There have been several complaints about the fragility of e-scooter handlebars.
The latch, in particular, has been known to damage easily and this then makes folding the scooter much more difficult.
The time frame in which this happens is pretty sporadic.
Some users have reported this issue happening as early as a few months in while others say they have ridden for over 12 months before encountering the problem.
Wiring & Rear Light
The rear light has been known to be a little temperamental on e-scooters.
The rear light is connected to the scooter’s fender and battery via a wire.
The only problem is that the tires of the scooter can rub against this wire and cause it damage. As a result, the rear light can often stop working.
The Good News
Now, this article on how long do e scooters last might make you a little wary about purchasing an e-scooter since there are so many problems that you can encounter, but the good news is that it isn’t quite as bad as it seems.
Many of these issues are easily fixable and can be replaced, thus extending the lifespan of your scooter.
After each ride, it is always good practice to quickly examine your scooter for any signs of general wear and tear to any of the aforementioned parts.
Doing so should help you identify when there is an issue and then you can solve it before it becomes detrimental.
Final Thoughts
As a general rule of thumb, you can expect an e-scooter to last around 2-3 years. However, there are ways that you can try to extend the lifespan of your scooter.
Providing that you avoid draining the scooter’s battery, stick within the speed and weight limits of your scooter, and don’t push it in extreme weather conditions, there is a great chance that you’ll get a whole lot of extra life out of your new favorite gadget.
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.
