Below are the faults with which electric scooters are brought to the service centre and what they most often mean. This is general information: only diagnostics determine the actual cause.
01
Scooter won’t turn on
WhyThe most common culprits are a discharged or damaged battery, a faulty charger, the charging port, moisture or the controller. Sometimes the problem is oxidised contacts after rain.
Check it yourselfCheck whether the charger light is on and whether the port is dry and clean. If the scooter is wet, let it dry out and do not try to switch it on repeatedly. Do not disassemble the housing or the battery.
What we doWe measure the voltage, check the charger, BMS and controller, and look for traces of moisture. Once the cause is clear, we tell you what needs to be replaced and how much it will cost.
02
Battery drains quickly or doesn’t hold a charge
WhyOver time, battery cells lose capacity, especially after many charge cycles, deep discharge or winter cold. The BMS board can also fail, in which case the scooter shuts off suddenly even though it shows sufficient charge.
Check it yourselfNote how many kilometres you travel on a full battery and whether it cuts out when going uphill. This will help the technician. Use only the charger for your model.
What we doWe assess the condition of the cells and the BMS, then suggest replacing the battery or repairing the control board. More about this in the article scooter battery doesn’t hold a charge.
03
Scooter battery replacement (Xiaomi and other models)
WhyA battery needs replacing when its capacity drops so much that the distance you can travel is halved, or when the cells are swollen or damaged. Xiaomi, Ninebot or Segway models use batteries of different capacities and shapes.
What we doWe select the right battery for your model, install it, and check charging and operation after the replacement.
04
Scooter jerks while riding or doesn’t move even though it turns on
WhyThe most common culprits here are the motor (wheel) Hall sensors, the controller, a damaged motor cable or the throttle grip. Jerking often indicates a problem with the sensors or wiring.
Check it yourselfMake sure that the speed limit mode is not on or the brake is not locked, and that the wheel turns freely. Do not disassemble anything else.
What we doWe test the motor, sensors, wiring and controller separately, so that we replace only the part that has actually failed.
05
Handlebar wobble or shake
WhyThe cause may be loose steering column bearings, a worn folding mechanism, an unevenly worn or underinflated tyre, or a deformed fork head tube after an impact.
Check it yourselfCheck the tyre pressure and look for any obvious cracks or bends. If the handlebar shakes while riding, stop riding and bring the scooter in for repair.
What we doWe check the play in the handlebar and folding mechanism, the bearings, wheel alignment and fasteners, and adjust or replace worn parts.
06
Folding mechanism broken or wobbly
WhyIn older models, such as the Xiaomi M365, the folding latch was made of aluminium and tended to break. Wobbling can also be caused by worn parts or a loose clamp.
Check it yourselfIf the stem moves at the folding point, do not ride, as it is dangerous. We do not recommend turning the bolts yourself, so that you do not damage the threaded connections.
What we doWe assess the condition of the mechanism and replace the latch or worn parts so that the stem is firm again.
07
Flat tyre or inner tube
WhyMost often the inner tube is punctured by small objects, and later the air escapes through the valve or a worn sidewall. For some models, a tubeless tyre can be chosen.
Check it yourselfCheck the pressure and look for any visible puncture. Riding on a flat tyre is not advisable, as the rim may become deformed.
What we doWe replace the inner tube or tyre, and if you wish, we can offer a tubeless one. Read more in our article about scooter tyres.
08
Brake is weak or squeals
WhyIn a disc brake, the pads wear down, the adjustment loosens, and the disc may become covered in grease or bend. In some models an electric brake also operates, which depends on the controller.
Check it yourselfCheck whether the disc is clean and whether the pads look completely worn down. Dirty or grease-covered pads cannot be cleaned safely enough, so it is better to bring the scooter in instead.
What we doWe adjust the brake, replace the pads or disc, and check the braking force and the control connection.
09
Light, display or charging port not working
WhyThe rear light may fail due to oxidation or a broken fender. The display and charging port are most often damaged by moisture, impact or careless plugging in of the charger.
Check it yourselfCheck that the port cover is closed and that there is no dirt or water in the port. If the scooter is wet, do not plug it into the mains.
What we doWe test and replace the port, light or display module. Sometimes replacing the light also requires removing the wheel, so it is better to leave this to a service centre.
10
Scooter shows an error or does not connect to the app
WhyError codes most often indicate a problem with the connection to the controller, sensors or battery. App issues often arise from a mismatched firmware version or communication module.
Check it yourselfTurn the scooter off and on again, and switch Bluetooth off and on again on your phone. Read more about scooter error messages.
What we doWe read the errors, update or restore the firmware, and check the communication lines and sensors.