Why does my electric scooter turn on but not move?

June 21, 2024

E-scooters are battery-powered, portable, and allow you to go anywhere, at any time. However, to avoid damage, use your e-scooter with caution. Similar to other automobiles, electric scooters have sensitive parts and assemblies, therefore, improper use could result in expensive maintenance.

Electric scooters are often built to be tough and long-lasting. Overuse, overcharging, and stress from intense riding can all cause damage that can lead to problems like melting, burning, or malfunctioning parts. Electric scooters frequently have small issues that can be fixed on their own, but you should always proceed with caution while doing repairs.

If your electric scooter isn't working properly, this article will give you some fundamental knowledge on how to fix it.

Why won’t my electric scooter turn on?

If your electric scooter won’t turn on and it has been fully charged, then it likely has charging problems that need to be diagnosed. These can come in a few different forms.

Scooter Motor: On electric scooters, hub motors are often located in the front or rear wheel. These motors are easy to service and have no effect on the scooter's basic structure. Better yet, by disabling the motor, you can use the scooter exactly like a regular kick scooter. In addition to geared and gearless models, hub motors are also available with brushless and brushed motor options.
Heated Engine: Poor handling or environmental factors, such as high temperatures or overloading, can result in excessive engine heat. Turn off your electric scooter and fix it right away if you feel the engine starting to heat up. If not, it might have an adverse impact on your battery and engine.
Worn-down Battery: Battery problems are often the root cause of charge problems. Lithium-ion batteries used in electric scooters usually have a 500 cycle charging life. A number of factors, such as riding styles, physical injuries, and external pressures, might limit this lifespan. The result is a battery that finds it difficult to keep charged.
Defective Charger: A charger may malfunction if it is overheated or inserted into the wrong voltage socket. Another issue that can arise when riding an e-scooter is a broken charger.
The Fuse Blows: Frequently, overloading results in a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. Your electric scooter won't start if the fuse blows. Over-using the fuses could eventually lead to harm to your speed controller or motor.
The Kill Switch: An electric scooter may come equipped with a kill switch that you may use to help you save energy when you are done riding the scooter. It is frequently advised to activate the kill switch while the e-scooter is charging or not in use.
Speed Controller: A broken speed controller is another frequent problem with electric scooters. Your speed is controlled by the speed controller, which maintains it within a set range. It is a necessary component of your e-scooter, but if you don't take proper care of it, it could get damaged. Your e-scooter isn't operating properly if it's not going or accelerating fast on flat ground.
Flat Tyre: If you ride an e-scooter with pneumatic or air-filled tyres, you should be aware of one of the most prevalent issues with them.

If you are unable to diagnose and resolve these issues on your own, you should seek assistance and guidance from the seller from whom you purchased the scooter. If your scooter is still under warranty, the parts that need to be replaced should be covered.

Sometimes, to reset your electric scooter to factory settings, it is necessary to find the reset button. However, please be advised that this may not work for you and may not address every potential issue. It is best to consult specialists if you are unclear about what to do.

How to fix an electric scooter?

We will look at the issues in detail and how to fix them.

1. Scooter Motor

You can take proactive measures to repair your electric scooter by being aware of its motor type. Here are five suggestions to extend its life:

Examine the motor for burns, melted parts, and loose or disconnected wires.
Make sure that when the charger is attached to the scooter's port, the indicator lights up. If the charger is broken, replace it.
Overcharging or overheating might result in burned fuses. Utilise a multi-meter to examine these.
You can use a multi-meter and a 4.5–5V DC power source can be used to diagnose throttle problems.
Turn the power/key switch on and off several times. A loose switch could be a sign of trouble. Use a multi-meter to confirm its operation.

2. Heated engine

Turn it off and let your electric scooter cool completely before inspecting it for problems.
Examine the electrical controller, fuse, or wiring once it has cooled.
Even though the scooter could still run after these problems, you should nevertheless call a technician for repairs right away.
Until the scooter is fixed, do not ride it.

3. Worn-down Battery

Are you having problems with your electric scooter? A dead battery is frequently to blame. A dead battery won't power your scooter at all, in contrast to a low battery that still has some juice.

A defective battery, poor charging, cold conditions, or regular battery deterioration can all cause this. Check the battery level and consult your instructions for the charging schedule before you ride. A happy scooter starts with a well-charged battery.

Charge a dead battery to make it functional again. Charge your scooter on a regular basis to avoid this.
Try using a voltmeter and various outlets if the device is not charging. If everything else fails, take out the battery and replace it.

4. Defective Charger

First, try plugging the charger into different sockets to check whether it works.
Usually, a light indicator indicates whether power is being received.
It could be necessary to get a new charger if it is switched off.
Make sure the new e-scooter charger you buy is compatible with the power voltage in your home to prevent damage to it.
You can also use a voltmeter to verify the output of your charger, just to be sure.

5. The Fuse Blows

Look for any indications of loose wires or overheating when checking your fuse or circuit breaker. Make sure the cables are attached firmly. The circuit breaker may trip as a result of overloading or steep inclines.

In the event that this occurs, give the electric scooter a few seconds to stop before starting it again. Have it inspected by an expert to prevent such incidents in the future.

Make sure the main ignition fuses are turned on when your electric scooter doesn't respond.
Turn it on and restart the engine if it is not. It needs to have a new fuse installed if it doesn't start.
It is advisable for your safety to have a trained professional take out and replace your faulty fuse.

6. Kill switch

Make sure the kill switch is on before looking for a low or dead battery.
If it is on, just turn it off and start your engine again. Check the battery first, then the engine, if it is not.
Bring your vehicle to an expert right away if you are unable to diagnose the reason why your engine is not starting.

7. Speed Controller

You must first disassemble the speed controller if you have a malfunctioning one.
Next, replace any damaged wires or tighten any loose ones. Reassemble it one more time after that.
Use caution when reassembling to keep yourself safe and prevent mishaps.
Verify that the throttle on your electric scooter is operating smoothly.

8. Flat E-Scooter Tyre

Using tyre sealant is one way to fix a punctured tyre.
In the case of a major puncture, tyre replacement may be required.
The procedure to remove the wheel and tyre, however, may vary based on the model of your e-scooter.
Consult the electric scooter repair manuals to find out how to change the wheel.
Worn tyres may also be the reason your electric scooter is not moving.
Make sure there is no noticeable wear or damage on the tyres and that they are properly inflated.
If necessary, replace the tyre completely.

How to maintain the functionality of your electric scooter?

We have put together a few pointers to help you get the most mileage out of your electric scooters.

Consult the Manual: Read the user manual that came with your particular scooter first. It includes information on maintenance schedules, safe braking tests, and the right tyre pressure for improved handling and battery life.
Ensure Safety and Performance: Regularly inspect and tighten loose screws and bolts, check and maintain tyres (including pressure and wear), lights, and brakes on a regular basis.
Lubricate and Clean: Use the prescribed lubricants to lubricate moving parts and adhere to the battery care guidelines provided by the manufacturer, which include cleaning and charging.
Drive System and Electrical Checks: Check for wear on the belt or chain drive if your scooter has one. Check for damage to wiring and connectors to prevent electrical issues.
Protect and Test: Apply a protective coating and clean the frame on a regular basis. Check the handlebars, brakes, and throttle, and listen for any strange noises that could point to a problem before every ride.
Storage and Professional Care: When not in use, keep your scooter indoors in a cool, dry location. If you require extensive maintenance, think about arranging for professional inspections.

Look after your e-scooter to stay out of trouble

When turned on, an electric scooter may not move because of old tyres, a malfunctioning engine, a malfunctioning throttle, or low battery life. Look for these problems, then fix or amend them as needed.

The most effective strategy to deal with frequent issues is to stop them before they start. It is a good idea to give your electric scooter frequent maintenance, especially over time, even though most of them are low-maintenance and don't require thorough cleaning.

You can reduce unnecessary costs and damage to your electric scooter by maintaining it before, during, and after trips.

Your scooter will be prepared to go back on the road with troubleshooting. Our goal is for you to learn from this post on fixing an electric scooter and be able to solve common issues on your own for increased safety.

You can join the conversion here.

Related:

How to ride an Electric Scooters

Best Electric Scooters in Australia

Back to blog