How often should you clean your electric scooter?
Have you ever wondered why proper cleaning is one of the most important elements of good care for your electric scooter?
Proper cleaning not only enhances effective performance but also gives your scooter a long lifespan.
To continue enjoying your trips, you must be careful when cleaning and storing them.
Importance of regular cleaning
Regular cleaning also acts as an early warning system, as it gives you an opportunity to check frequently the condition of the scooter.
Scooter cleaning intervals
The cleaning process is viewed in three major phases, which are daily, weekly or monthly depending on how often you use your scooter.
After every ride, you must wipe with a dry cloth as it prevents dust, mud and moisture from settling on the bearings and causing long-term rust or friction
On a weekly basis you can do the cleaning by checking for mud and grime buildup on the underside of the fenders and wiping it down, as it keeps the wheels moving smoothly.
Lastly a monthly deep cleaning of tires and wheels using a soft brush and cleaning the deck to aid in the effective performance of the scooter
Cleaning During Rainy Seasons
However, based on environmental factors during the rainy season or having a ride in the rain, the cleaning should be done immediately to prevent corrosion or rust from building up. Just like a monthly deep clean, it will also happen for those in coastal or salty areas to combat salt air corrosion.
Why avoid a hosepipe when cleaning scooters
A tip on how to carry out the cleaning is to never use a hosepipe or pressure washer.
Best Tools for Scooter Cleaning
Instead, only use a damp cloth, as water can damage the battery and electrical parts. Also, cover the charging port to prevent water ingress.
Avoid Pressure Washing
Scooters cannot sustain the high pressure produced by a hosepipe.
Although many people argue that scooters are water-resistant, nothing could be further from the truth. They are weather-resistant, not fully water-resistant.
Understanding IP Ratings
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating that most scooter manufacturers advertise is only meant to protect the scooter from minor splashes, such as rain or navigating wet pavements.
Scooters are made with rubber seals and gaskets that help prevent water ingress into critical components. High pressure destroys these seals, and this is the reason why low pressure is recommended while cleaning an electric scooter.
A soft microfibre cloth is enough for cleaning an electric scooter, together with a soft-bristle brush to remove dirt from parts exposed to the ground while riding.
When to wash your scooter
The scooter cleaning interval depends on several factors, as clearly explained above. One of the biggest mistakes scooter owners make is allowing dirt to accumulate or staying for long periods without cleaning the eco-friendly devices. Always make sure you observe safety and cleaning precautions while cleaning your scooter.
