How to Clean Your Electric Scooter

There are many reasons to ride electric scooters. From commuting over short distances to sheer fun, the benefits are many.

From navigating streets to trailing paths into the villages, you can go far on an electric scooter. But soon, it gets dusty, and the wheels gather mud.

So Can You Wash an Electric Scooter? How?

Yes, you can wash an electric scooter. However, you need to note its IPX rating and keep water from the delicate electronic connections. But first, there are vital precautions to consider.

Precautions When Cleaning an Electric Scooter

Don’t Use Water Under High Pressure

Water under high pressure penetrates even thin cracks. So when you use a high pressure, water may penetrate delicate electrical parts and connections.

That includes charging ports, battery compartment, and display screen. Consequently, that might cause the e-scooter to malfunction.

Dry It In the Cool Shade

Having washed the electric scooter, wipe off excess water with a rag. Then let it dry in the cool shade. Drying it in the direct sunlight or using a hairdryer to hasten the process isn’t safe for the scooter.

Exercise Patience

The battery-powered scooter has some delicate parts. So exercise patience and caution when going about the cleaning. Rushing to finish the task may do more harm than good.

Don’t Embark on Cleaning Immediately After a Long Journey

After a straining journey, some parts of the scooter may be hot. That includes the motor. So let it cool down for a while before beginning the cleaning task.

Steps to Cleaning An Electric Scooter

Switch off the engine. Before cleaning, unplug the equipment from the charging socket. Otherwise, there is a high risk of you suffering an electric shock. If it feels hot, let it cool off first.

Gather What You Need

You need to put all the items you’ll need within your reach. Therefore gather the following within your reach;

• Clean plain water and soapy water in separate buckets
• Microfiber towel or soft sponge
• An old toothbrush
• Bike degreaser
• A raised platform like stool

It’s best if you carry out the exercise in a shady spot outside.

Cover the Delicate Electronics Parts

Position the scooter on the raised platform. Identify the water-hating parts. That includes the charging port, battery compartments, and USB ports. Then seal off those areas. For example, you can use polythene to keep water from seeping through those parts.

Begin with the Handlebar and Its Environment

The area around the handlebar usually doesn’t get very dirty. So dip the microfiber cloth in soapy water and squeeze it till it’s nearly dry.

Then use the cloth to wipe the handlebar, throttle levers, forks, and lights. Keep off water from the screen and other delicate electronic parts.

Repeat the process using clean soap-free water. If water droplets remain on the scooter, dry them using a clean towel.

Rinse-Off Loose Dirt and Grime

Clear the loose dirt on the frame and tires. Do not use soap at the moment. Doing so quickens the cleaning process. It also reduces the chances of small soil particles scratching the paint.

Rinse off the soil on the tires and their threads. Grime stuck on the tire reduces the traction ability of the scooter.

Usually, the tires are the dirtiest. So consider using a dedicated sponge for tires and as a separate one for other parts.

Proceed to Scrub the Stuck Dirt

Having cleared the loose dirt, take a sponge and dip it into soapy water. Then squeeze off excess water. That way, you reduce the chances of water flowing into unwanted parts.

Some people opt for dish soap. Although it does the job, in the long run, it reduces the glossiness of the paint. So, you should use an automotive cleaner. Besides playing the role of dish soap, it effectively removes oil.

Take care to minimize dirt scratching off scooter paint. So here is what you should do. Every time after scrubbing the scooter, do not return the sponge straight to the soapy water.

Instead, rinse it in clean water before dipping it again in soapy water. At the same time, while scrubbing, let the sponge follow a straight and not circular pattern.

An old toothbrush or dedicated brush helps remove dirt embedded in the tire threads. You can use it on the tires, rims, and spokes.

Don’t forget about the brake and caliper. Apply a little amount of degreaser to the towel. Then use it to clean the brake and the caliper. Apply the degreaser even on the brake rotor.

For a more professional outcome, consider using tire cleaner. And make sure that you have rinsed off all the soap. Then finally, dry the tires with microfiber clothe.

How About Mud Guard?

While still on the scooter, the mudguard isn’t easy to reach. Therefore uninstall and give it a thorough cleaning. Clean it in soapy water, rinse and wipe dry with an absorbent cloth. Then install it back on the scooter.

Confirm There Isn’t Water Droplets on the Scooter

One more time, take a clean microfiber towel and gently wipe all the parts. Begin with the handlebar, frame, deck, and then all other parts. Don’t forget to clean water from the nuts and threads.

Check for Loose Nuts and Oil the Necessary Parts

Having confirmed that every part is dry, fix any loose nut on the equipment. Also, oil and grease the necessary parts. For instance, your brake system or shock absorbers may require greasing or oiling.

How Frequent Should You Clean the Electric Scooter

About once or twice a month is alright. However, it all depends on how frequently you use the scooter and the nature of the road you follow. Allowing dust and mud to thrive on your scooter isn’t a wise idea.

Conclusion

As you have realized, cleaning your e-scooter is a vital task. Fortunately, it requires a few minutes of your time on the weekend. So incorporate it into your schedule. Don’t be in a hurry to get over it. Instead, you can make it enjoyable. If necessary, listen to some pleasant music to kill the boredom.