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On average, an electric scooter can last anywhere between 3 to 5 years.
Are you looking to invest in an electric scooter?
And want to know how long does an electric scooter actually last?
Well, there isn’t a clear-cut answer. That’s because there are so many factors that determine the lifespan of one.
You may think that it all depends on how often you ride it or what kind of terrain you’re riding on, but those factors only matter to a certain degree.
In most cases, durability depends on the make and model, and usually, the more expensive the electric scooter is, the better the quality of its components.
What is the average lifespan of an electric scooter?
The service life depends on many factors. The lifespan of electric scooters at different prices is slightly different. Generally, an electric scooter can be used for three years or so.
In the first two years, the efficiency will not decrease much. In the third year, the efficiency will drop slightly, which may be less than a new one.
As the years go on, efficiency gradually decreases. It means less cruise range, slower speed, and more maintenance.
Invest in a quality scooter
There are a lot of models available in the market from various manufacturers. Not all of them are well-made, nor do they include quality components, which affect the lifespan.
Usually, a low-priced electric scooter can start showing issues after a year. However, scooters that are manufactured from the top brands can offer you a long-term performance of up to 5 years.
Among the different components of an e-scooter, the battery is the most likely to deteriorate first. E- scooters usually have lithium-ion batteries or lead-acid batteries (SLA). Some of them can also include a nickel-metal hybrid battery (NiMH).
Lithium batteries are primarily used as they are compact and lightweight compared to the other types. They also offer long-lasting performance and battery charge when compared with the other models.
If the e-scooter arrives with a quality lithium battery and other quality parts, it can last up to 5 years. They also require minimal maintenance.
The lifespan of rental scooters
Rental electric scooters have an average lifespan of 1-5 months. Privately-owned e-scooters with proper care and maintenance tend to last at least 2-3 years or longer.
Privately-owned e-scooters have a completely different lifespan that is nowhere near as short as rideshare companies. Rental scooters are left out in the rain and bad weather conditions, so they tend to deteriorate quickly.
Private owners take better care of their electric scooters. Obviously, individual parts break and need to get fixed, but in most cases, the scooters are not as heavily used as their rental counterparts, so they last much longer.
Factors that decrease the lifespan of an electric scooter
Keeping your e-scooter outside in bad weather conditions will shorten its lifespan.
Rain, damp, and snow are not suitable for your scooter. Rideshare e-scooters are kept most of the time outdoors; that’s why they have a shorter lifespan. Considering that they are not waterproof, it’s only a matter of time before water will destroy their electrical components.
Water will also negatively affect the electric motor, brakes, and wheel bearings.
Besides water, e-scooters are also exposed to dust. Tiny particles that will find their way into the smallest nooks and crannies. When too much dust gets into the components of the electric motor, the scooter may become severely damaged.
Temperature extremes also play a role. Lithium-ion batteries can be easily damaged if exposed to very high temperatures. On the other hand, electric motors will need to work harder when operated in cold temperatures.
Another factor that will undoubtedly lead to a shorter life of an e-scooter is careless riding. Excess weight, potholes, rocks, and curbs all contribute to a shorter lifespan of an e-scooter and should be considered.
What to look out for
Battery
Like most electronic products, the battery is a crucial factor affecting the lifespan of a scooter.
Almost all high-quality electric scooters are equipped with lithium-ion batteries, which power the scooter’s motors, lights, digital display, controllers, and other accessories.
Lithium-ion batteries require less maintenance than lead-acid batteries (SLA) or nickel-metal hybrid batteries (NiMH).
Tyres
The tyre is the only contact medium between the scooter and the ground. If you have a flat tyre, then you must not use your scooter; make sure you replace the tyre first. Make sure you do regular tyre maintenance.
Frame
Given that many parts of the electric scooter can be replaced, as long as the frame is strong enough, the scooter’s lifespan will be longer than the average life. Material is also an essential factor in durability. Aluminium alloy and carbon fibre are strong enough frame materials in the market. These are durable and corrosion-resistant. A reasonable frame with outstanding material can stand the test of time.
Riding habits
Riding at full throttle, preferring to ride on bumpy mountain roads, and frequent sudden braking are not recommended. These habits will aggravate the scooter components over time and will lead to quick deterioration.
Riding habits will affect the range, shorten the scooter’s life, and more seriously increase the danger of falling.
Maintenance
Although electric scooters require very little maintenance, this does not mean that maintenance is not required. Doing a bit of maintenance now and then will ensure its longevity.
Clean regularly, and follow the precautions in everyday use to keep your scooter in good condition.
Electric scooter parts that tend to break
The Battery
Electric scooter batteries are prone to break for two reasons.
First, every battery has a lifespan given in charge cycles. Each time you completely discharge a fully charged battery, you’ve lost one charge cycle from its lifespan. So, it is only a matter of time until the E-scooters lithium-ion battery will need replacement.
The second reason why the battery may need to be replaced is that it can get physically damaged. Rough riding, riding in the rain or through puddles or falls all can physically damage the battery.
Rear light and wiring
Some e-scooters are equipped with a rear light mounted on the fender. It is connected to the battery through a wire that runs on the inner side of the fender, in-between the battery and the fender.
This leads to a pretty common problem in which the wire gets damaged by the tire, and the rear light stops working. It may also cause a short circuit and damage other electrical system parts. Fortunately, custom protectors are available on the market that will protect the wire.
Rear fender
The rear-mounted fender is a movable part of most electric scooters. It is rarely protected by additional support. Either way, it does tend to break if you are not careful. It breaks when a force is applied from the side.
Theoretically, you could still ride your electric scooter without the fender, but you will have to be careful not to stick your foot in-between the tire and the base of the scooter. You will also get dirty, especially if you try to ride in wet conditions.
Tyres
It should be no surprise when I say that electric scooters come with either air-filled or solid rubber tyres. The benefit of solid tyres is that they will not get flat. However, the ride is not as smooth as with air-filled tyres.
On the other hand, air-filled tyres do get punctured but offer a more comfortable ride. The problem of flat tyres is actually fairly common. You can follow some tips to minimize the risk of your tyre going flat, but I will discuss that in another post.
No matter what type of tyres your electric scooter uses, it is generally recommended that tyres be replaced annually. This has mainly to do with the thread being worn. Worn tyres do not hold to the road as well and increase the risk of an accident and injury.
Parts that can be changed
One impressive thing about the scooter is almost all the parts of the vehicle be replaced except the frame. So, if the scooter parts start to wear out, you can change them to keep using the scooter. Below, we describe some parts of the scooter that can be replaced.
Battery
Generally, the scooter batteries are removable and replaceable. They can be easily found in any scooter shop. As the scooter brands manufacture the cells, they can offer you the same performance as the previous one.
Tyres
Amongst all the different parts of a scooter, the tyres are more prone to damage. Especially if you ride off-road frequently, then they can wear out quickly. It is easy to replace the tyres. Make sure to choose the correct version of the tyre.
Rear fender
The rear fender of the scooter can also wear out over time. You can ride the scooter without the rear bumper; however, this is not recommended, as it is needed to prevent dust and mud from spraying into you while riding. More so, it prevents your leg from touching the rear wheel while riding.
Tips to prolong your E-scooters lifespan
Check your tyres before riding
To ensure that you have a smooth and hassle-free ride, always check your tyre condition before riding. Check for any damages, punctures, tears, or flats that could damage your e-scooter and make your ride unsafe. In addition, check the tyre pressure by pressing on the tyres or using a pressure gauge for an accurate reading.
Don’t exceed the limit of your e-scooter
Even if an electric scooter has high specs, it still has a limit. Avoid going over its speed limit and weight limit to avoid overworking your e-scooter. Moreover, if your electric scooter isn’t meant for rough paths or steep inclines, don’t push your e-scooter.
Don’t ride during harsh conditions
Avoid riding when it’s raining and snowing. The water and moisture from these conditions can not only decrease the efficiency of the electric components of your e-scooter but also completely damage it.
Even if your e-scooter is water-resistant, it’s still best not to put your e-scooter in these kinds of conditions.
Battery tips
Avoid draining your electric scooter
Don’t let your battery level reach zero as with any other device. Completely depleting your electric scooter battery life will quickly decrease the battery capacity.
As much as possible, charge the battery when it still has a charge of 10% to 40%. If you suddenly run out of battery while riding, make sure to bring an extra battery. It’s best to get an electric scooter with a swappable battery system.
Don’t overcharge your battery
Aside from avoiding draining your e-scooter battery, it’s equally important not to overcharge it. If you are charging your electric scooter overnight, make sure to unplug the charger at the right time to avoid overcharging it.
Similar to draining the battery, overcharging can also affect the overall capacity of your battery.
Charge it even when it’s not in use
If you aren’t using your electric scooter for a long while, make sure to charge the battery.
Leaving it alone with a nearly drained battery will also affect its capacity once you use it again. It’s best to have it at least 40-50% charged.
Cleaning tips
Use the right things when cleaning
One tip to prolong your electric scooter lifespan is to use the right cleaning supplies. Although you can clean your e-scooter with a damp towel, it’s best to have extra supplies for a thorough clean.
This includes a soft sponge, a small brush or toothbrush, soap for vehicles, lubricant, and clean towels. All of these will help you clean your e-scooter.
Clean it thoroughly
When cleaning your electric scooter, make sure to scrub your electric scooter thoroughly using a small brush or sponge.
Specifically, brush the wheels and other components that are prone to dirt dust. Remember to avoid getting water or soap on the electrical components as they can be damaged.
Dry it properly and store it in a dry place
As mentioned, no water and moisture must enter the electrical parts of your e-scooter. So, make sure to dry it thoroughly with a clean towel.
You may also use a blow dryer to dry it quickly if possible. Just make sure that the blow dryer is not too hot. Keeping your e-scooter clean and in top condition will help make it last longer.
No matter where you put your e-scooter, make sure it’s stored in a clean, cool, and dry place. Putting the e-scooter inside a humid and dirty area can corrode the parts of your e-scooter.
To prolong its lifespan, ensure that it’s not stored in an extremely cold or hot place.
Make your electric scooter last
By properly taking care of your electric scooter, you can get the most from it and get the most value for your money. Also, to keep your e-scooter in top shape, make sure to schedule a quarterly or monthly inspection with a mechanic.
Even if your e-scooter seems spotless, mechanics may see issues that you may not know. Keep the tips above in mind, and you should be able to enjoy your scooter for at least 3 to 5 years and experience longevity.
Nely is an adrenaline junkie and one of her life goals is to sky dive, but until that day she gets her kicks from testing fast electric scooters. Part time scooter fanatic & part time SEO analyst. Nely’s favourite scooter is the Dualtron X.
