How to Fix an Electric Scooter Motor

One of the advantages of using adult electric scooters is that it has fewer parts that could break down, making them easier to maintain. However, keep in mind that you may still encounter major issues with your e-scooter if you don’t maintain it properly. So, before you buy an electric scooter online, know the responsibility of caring for an e-scooter, especially the motor.

The motor is a vital component in your e-scooter and damaging it will make your e-scooter useless. So, what do you do if the motor stops running or if the motor runs but the other components don’t? Here is a quick guide on how to repair an electric scooter motor.

What is an Electric Scooter Motor?

Before getting into the issues, know the basics about your electric scooter motor. Most e-scooters use an electric or hub motor to run the e-scooter. It is where the power of the e-scooter comes from, so a higher motor power means a more capable e-scooter.

The motor is connected to the front or rear wheel of an e-scooter, and it comes in different designs and shapes. The two types of hub motors include a geared hub motor and a brushed motor.

Knowing the role, function, and location of the motor allows you to inspect it in case of any problems. You may refer to this guide if you encounter the following e-scooter motor issues.

If the Electric Scooter Motor Doesn’t Run

If the motor or electric scooter is not turning on, here are the steps that you can take if your e-scooter motor fails to run.

Look for melted or burned wires and components

If the motor is overloaded, the wires and other e-scooter components may burn. Inspect the wires and the components connected to the motor, such as the speed controller. 

If you smell a plastic burning smell, it may mean that the coils overheated. When this happens, the controller will also be affected. As a result, the motor stops running.

Replace the motor, wire, speed controller, or the part that burned to fix the issue immediately and prevent other components from burning or melting.

Inspect for loose wires and connectors

If you don’t see and smell any burns, the wires connected to the motor may be loose. This is more common than you think. 

One way to find a loose wire is to gently tug at the wires. The loose wire will easily come off. You may also feel that a wire is not secure as you tug. Once you find the loose wire, secure it tightly and test your motor if it works.

Check the battery

Since the battery gives power to the motor, a damaged battery may stop the motor from running. So, inspect for any damages to the battery. 

Start by plugging in the battery or e-scooter to a power outlet and checking if it charges. If the light indicator in the charger lights up but the battery doesn’t gain any power, the battery is damaged and needs to be replaced. 

However, if the light indicator in the charger flashes or does not illuminate, it means that the charger is the problem. Get a new charger immediately from your retailer. Make sure to buy an original battery charger designed specifically for your e-scooter to avoid complications.

If you don’t know if you are charging your e-scooter properly, here is a quick guide on how to charge your electric scooter properly.

Test the brake lever

The brake lever lets the speed controller know when to stop when applying the brakes. However, when the brake lever wears out, it locks the e-scooter into place preventing the motor and wheels from running.

To know if the brake lever is the problem, you would need to open your e-scooter to access the controller. Then, disconnect the brake lever from the controller and test if the e-scooter will run.

If the e-scooter runs, you need to replace the brake lever. If the e-scooter still doesn’t run, it means the lever is working properly. You should also bring the e-scooter to a mechanic for further inspection or motor replacement.

Inspect the motor

It is actually uncommon for the motor to break down or malfunction, but it is still possible. One common cause for a faulty motor is humidity. Moisture may reach the motor and cause it to stop running. So, replace the motor if you see any signs of humidity or damage.

Take your e-scooter to a mechanic

If your electric scooter motor still doesn’t work or if you are not sure which wires and components to tweak, go to your local repair shop immediately or bring it to your e-scooter retailer to have it checked. Ultimately, it’s best to bring these kinds of issues to a professional for your safety and to avoid further damage to the e-scooter.

If the Electric Scooter Motor Runs but the E-scooter Doesn’t Move

You may follow these electric scooter troubleshooting guides to check the condition of your e-scooter motor.

Check the power transmission system

Electric scooters use a single-speed transmission, which means it is efficient enough to help the e-scooter accelerate compared to fuel engines. If the e-scooter runs but the e-scooter doesn’t move, you may need to check the e-scooter’s power transmission system. 

Check if it has missing parts or if it doesn’t function properly. Issues in power transmission may be caused by a rear wheel freewheel clutch that has worn out, a missing or damaged chain or belt, or a missing or damaged chain sprocket or belt cog. Inspect these parts to narrow down the cause.

Install the e-scooter chain or belt properly

The motor uses one of the two types of drive systems: the chain or belt drive. The chain drive contains two gears (pinion and sprocket) and the chain. Some e-scooter motors link the drive pinion to the engine directly. Meanwhile, a belt drive system uses a belt instead of a chain.

Check the chain or belt and make sure it is installed properly on the two gears. Once you do, test your e-scooter again if the wheels are already turning.

If the motor and chain/belt run but the rear wheel doesn’t move

If this happens, it means that the rear wheel freewheel clutch is defective. Bring it to a mechanic for further inspection and have it replaced or fixed.

If the motor runs but the chain/belt and the rear wheel doesn’t spin

If this happens, the common reasons would be that the chain or belt fell off, the belt doesn’t have enough tension, or a cog or sprocket is damaged, missing, or loose. Check these parts for these issues.

Bring your e-scooter to a mechanic

If the steps above don't help solve the issue, bring the e-scooter to your local mechanic immediately. Always seek the help of a professional when dealing with major components to prevent further damage to your e-scooter and keep yourself safe.

Where to have your e-scooter repaired

Go to your retailer’s service repair centre to have your e-scooter repaired. Otherwise, look for the nearest electric scooter repair shop in your neighbourhood if you need immediate help. E-bike and EV shops may also accept e-scooters for repairs.

For Mearth customers, you may bring or ship your e-scooter for repairs in our Sydney office located at Unit 1 Workit Spaces, Unit B1/13 21 Mandible St., Alexandria, New South Wales. Make sure to request a repair online first before bringing or shipping your e-scooter. Fill out the request form and wait for our support team to reach out.

Read more electric scooter repair guides on Mearth’s blog page.