How To Clean Your Electric Scooter: Tips And Tricks For A Shiny Ride

So, you've finally taken the plunge and bought yourself an electric scooter. Now nothing will stop you from enjoying the sheer convenience they offer. You can say goodbye to the daily battle for public transport and cruise around the city whenever you feel like it.

E-scooters are sleek, convenient, and shiny - when they arrive, but urban riding can leave yours looking worse for wear.

Giving your scooter a regular clean doesn't just improve its aesthetic appeal; it also maximizes its lifespan.

In this guide, we'll reveal how you can clean your e-scooter without damaging it. With just a few simple steps, your trusty Unagi can shine like new again.

Why is it important to clean electric scooters regularly?

E-scooters are an investment, so naturally, you'll want to make the most of yours. Just as you'd regularly clean a car, you should do the same for your scooter because it keeps everything in working order.

There are numerous benefits associated with cleaning your scooter. Let's take a look at them.

Improved performance

Scooters can accumulate a lot of grime and dirt, affecting their performance when it builds up. By performing regular cleaning, you'll remove the grime build-up and enjoy a more efficient scooter.

Longer lifespan

The biggest issue with scooters - as with any mode of transportation - is rust. Rust usually occurs on the metal components of your scooter, and over time, it can lead to corrosion.

When this happens, your scooter won't perform as well, and the corrosion will compromise the scooter's lifespan.

Better appearance

A clean electric scooter looks better than a dirty one. Regular cleaning can help you maintain the appearance of your scooter and make it look shiny and new.

If you're commuting to the office, a dirty scooter won't give the right impression to your boss, but even a quick clean once a week can make a significant difference.

Safer ride

It's also important to remember that dirty electric scooters are safety hazards. Debris, mud, and other contaminants can wreak havoc on your scooter and make it harder to control. Regular cleaning can help prevent these hazards and ensure a safer ride.

Enhanced value

If you plan to sell or trade in your electric scooter, a clean and well-maintained scooter is more valuable than a dirty and poorly-maintained one. By keeping your electric scooter clean, you can maintain its value and get a better price if you decide to sell it in the future.

Preparing For Cleaning

Before you start cleaning your electric scooter, it's crucial to prepare. Gather the supplies you'll need. They include:

• A damp cloth or soft sponge
• Water
• Mild detergent
• Bucket
• A toothbrush or small cleaning brush

You'll need to ensure the scooter is turned off and unplugged before you begin cleaning. It's great to remove the battery if possible, but leaving it in is fine as long as you ensure the water doesn't go near it.

Next, do a visual inspection of the scooter to look for any dirt or debris that could cause damage and remove it, being careful not to scratch the scooter frame.

An old toothbrush can be a great tool because the bristles won't cause any lasting damage.

Cleaning The Scooter

Once you remove any apparent signs of dirt and debris, you can determine whether any grime has settled into the scooter's nooks and crannies. A common mistake is people using too much water when cleaning their scooters.

You don't need to throw buckets of water over the scooter, as a damp microfiber cloth with a mild detergent is perfectly fine - and it avoids the electric components.

The toothbrush will remove dirt and grime from difficult areas, and you can use a cloth to wipe the frame. Make sure you reach all parts of your scooter, including handlebars, wheels, and brakes.

Some people also use snow foam, which easily removes stains. However, if you do want to give it a try, make sure you choose foam that's suitable for e-scooters.

Drying And Maintenance

Once the electric scooter has been thoroughly cleaned, it's time to dry and maintain it for that shiny ride. Remember, water and metal surfaces aren't a match made in heaven, and avoiding rust and corrosion of the hardware components is key to ensuring your scooter continues to work.

Use a dry cloth to remove any moisture from the scooter, and pay attention to the hard-to-reach areas, as they're more likely to incur long-term damage.

The scooter should be completely dry before you move on to the other components, including the wheels and brakes.

The wheel-cleaning process

An electric scooter's wheels will collect a lot of dirt and debris, so it's always a good idea to clean them regularly. If the wheels are removable, you can remove them to protect the other components, but leaving them on is OK too.

The best way to clean the wheels is to dip a brush in soapy water, then gently remove all dirt and grime. Wash the soap with clean water and thoroughly dry the wheels.

You can also check for any wheel issues and evaluate tire pressure when washing and drying them because it saves time and ensures you notice any problems.

Lubricate the brakes and axles

Applying lubricant or WD 40 on all moving parts, such as the brakes, axles, and wheels, ensures the scooter runs smoothly. Also, you won't have to deal with annoying squeaking noises.

Some people also use car wax to protect their scooters, as it easily repels dirt and grime.

Top tips for getting the most out of your scooter

If you clean your electric scooter regularly and follow a maintenance routine, you'll prolong its lifespan and enjoy riding it. However, even a tiny mistake can impact how well the scooter runs, so we've put together some top tips to ensure you enjoy your chosen model.

Be careful when getting your scooter dry

Some people think it's a good idea to use a blow dryer to speed up the process, but any heat source can damage the sensitive areas of your scooter.

Instead, use air pressure from a fan or an air compressor at low settings so there is no risk of damage to the paint job or other scooter components.

Check for loose parts

Loose screws and other components can cause accidents, so ensure they're tightened correctly and regularly check for broken parts. Even a minor accident could cause severe problems, but quick checks protect you - and other road users.

Consider renting a scooter

Scooter-sharing initiatives were great at first, but the lack of care from riders often meant these scooters became more dangerous.

If you don't want to buy a model outright, the Unagi scooter subscription deal allows you access to our premium Model One and Model One Voyager at excellent prices.

For just a small monthly payment, you'll also receive regular services and insurance and your very own Unagi scooter.

The bottom line

Keeping an electric scooter clean is integral to maintaining it for a long and enjoyable ride. However, many people believe IP ratings make their scooters water-resistant, and this isn't true.

By reducing the water you use and drying the scooter properly, you can protect it from any damage and keep your chosen model looking fantastic.

If you want a premium scooter that won't let you down, please check out our latest Unagi Model One Voyager, which comes with double the range and a much shorter charging time.