Electric scooters have continued to grow in popularity by the day. Due to the major role played by electric scooters, it is normal for them to become dirty and dusty.
It is vital to keep your electric scooter clean to enhance its performance and longevity. The problem is that most owners do not know how to clean their scooters safely and quickly. Keep reading to discover how to clean an electric scooter.
Why You Should Clean Your Electric Scooter?
Several owners are unaware of the huge benefits they stand to gain when they clean their electric scooters. The following are some of the top reasons why you should clean your electric scooter.
- One of the reasons why you should clean your electric scooter regularly is to enhance its performance. A clean electric scooter will function properly since it is free from dust and dirt.
- Cleaning your scooter regularly will also enhance its durability. The good thing is that your scooter will perform at a high level for years to come.
Failure to clean your scooter will lower its performance and durability. A dirty electric scooter is susceptible to wear and tear due to friction. Besides, a muddy electric scooter is not pleasing to the eyes. It is advisable to wash your electric scooter after every two weeks. However, clean it after a few days during a rainy or dusty season.
What Cleaning Gear Do You Need?
Before you get started, you need to make sure that you have all the required cleaning gear. The cleaning process will be seamless and quick when you have all the necessary cleaning gear with you before you start. The following is what you will need for the task:
- You need to make sure that you have a soft sponge with you before you begin.
- Prepare clean water and soapy water in separate buckets. It is advisable to use lukewarm water for better results.
- Disposable rags will also be handy during the process.
- You will also need a lubricant before you get started. WD-40, Vaseline, or Vaseline spray will do it for you.
- Another important thing you need is a cleaning brush. You can use your old toothbrush if you do not have a cleaning brush.
- A drying cloth to dry the scooter after washing. It is advisable to use chamois leather for this task.
Everything You Need to Know Before Cleaning Your Electric Scooter
Most owners are confused when it comes to washing their scooters. They are not sure if electric scooters are electric and whether they can take a hose and wash their scooters directly. The following is everything you should know before cleaning your scooter.
- The first thing you need to know before you clean your electric scooter is its IPX rating. Also known as the Internal Protection Rate, this grading system will allow you to determine your electric scooter’s level of resistance to dust and water. The IP rating has two digits and a letter that shows specific materials, testing scenarios, and hazards. You can get in touch with your supplier to find out more about your scooter’s IP rating.
- Even if your electric scooter is water-resistant, you should resist the urge to immerse yours in water. Water might get to the delicate components like batteries and the electric components if you immerse your scooter in water.
- You should pay close attention to the handle grips, controllers, and grips if you choose to clean them. It is best to use a damp microfiber cloth to clean these areas. Make sure to wipe them over once done.
- Since you are going to get dirty, it is advisable to put on some old clothes before you start.
Your Step By Step Guide to Cleaning Your Electric Scooter
Cleaning an electric scooter can be a daunting task even though it seems easy at first. The good news is that you can clean your electric scooter properly when you follow these tips:
1. Begin By Removing Dust on Your Electric Scooter
The first thing you should do before you wash the electric scooter is to remove dust. You will need a dusting cloth or rag to dust off the scooter. Removing dust from your scooter will allow you to examine it for signs of damage and scratches. If your scooter is very dirty, remove bigger dirt with your hand.
2. Make Sure Electronics Won’t Get Wet
The next thing you should do is to prevent water from getting into the motor or battery during cleaning. Your electric scooter will malfunction if you skip this step.
3. Use Clean Water and Soapy Water to Clean the Body
You should use lukewarm water for this step to avoid damaging your electric scooter. Do not use powerful soap to clean your scooter since it will damage the paint. Firstly, you can start cleaning the handlebars, fork, lights, and deck. Leave the tires and wheels out for now.
4. Go Ahead and Use a Brush to Clean Your Scooter
After applying soapy water to your scooter, you should go ahead and use a soft brush to scrub it. Avoid tough brushes as they may scratch their paint.
5. Now Clean the Wheels
Use a soft sponge and apply the soapy water to the tires and wheels. You can also use the brush to get into places where you can’t get with a sponge.
6. Rinse it Quickly
Use the clean water to rinse the scooter after scrubbing it with a soft brush. Leaving soap on the scooter for long will damage the paint and leave ugly marks.
7. Dry the Scooter After Washing
Use a drying cloth for this task. Make sure to dry your scooter completely. Be especially careful drying the braking system. If brakes are wet, the braking distance will be much longer than you might be used to. Don’t use a blow dryer for drying the scooter.
8. Grease the Mobile Joints
You can use some oil like WD-40 or some vaseline spray to grease suspensions, braking pads, and other moving joints. Be reasonable with oil. You don’t want to use too much of it. If the braking pads are too oily, they might be non-responsive.
What to Avoid When Washing an Electric Scooter?
Some of these are common sense and already mentioned above. But still, the following is a list of the things you should avoid when cleaning your electric scooter:
- You should not spray water on your electric scooter to protect the electronic components and the battery.
- Avoid tough brushes when scrubbing the scooter’s body to protect the paint.
- Never use blow dryers while cleaning since they can spray water on the electronic components and battery.
- Never leave soapy water on your electric scooter for long since it might leave ugly marks.
- Do not wax the textured plastic panel to maintain the shiny appearance.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, cleaning your electric scooter is not very difficult. Just follow the steps mentioned above to keep your electric scooter clean and shiny. Be safe and happy riding!
If you don’t have an electric scooter yet, feel free to check out our latest electric scooter reviews.
The founder and the editor-in-chief of the Electric Wheelers blog. With a previous background in IT, sales, and video editing, he has now established himself as a micromobility expert.
He bought his first e-scooter over 5 years ago and since then has owned dozens of e-scooters and e-bikes. His deep understanding of the technical aspects, coupled with a keen eye for market trends, enables him to provide insightful and reliable content.
His commitment to promoting sustainable and efficient urban mobility solutions has made him a respected voice in the community of eco-friendly transportation enthusiasts.
