Like any other vehicle, modern electric scooters are prone to fail from time to time. As a result, a growing concern with many e-scooter owners is the possible lifespan of their electric scooter drive belts. While they are not known to snap often, it is essential to understand how to take off a belt cog on your electric scooter when it happens to you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- It is estimated that about a third of electric motors use belt drivers.
- The interlocking layout helps the cog belt to run without the risk of slippage during high speeds that will otherwise cause the e-scooter to stop functioning.
- Reliability, durability, and lightweight make the cog belt system best for electric scooter applications.
It is estimated that about a third of electric motors use belt drivers. Cogged belts have slots that run perpendicular to the belt’s length, which helps reduce the belt’s bending resistance.
Their main advantage is that they run cooler, last longer, and have an efficiency rating 2% higher than a standard V-belt.
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, wrench, pliers
Why is the Cogged Belt Popular?
For starters, the cogged belt is a high-performance belt used on electric motor applications where slippage needs to be avoided. In electric scooters, the cog belt is designed so that it interlocks with notches or grooves on the motor pulley.
The interlocking layout helps the cog belt to run without the risk of slippage during high speeds that will otherwise cause the e-scooter to stop functioning. Like a sprocket and chain, the cog belt can turn the engine without the risk of slippage experienced with conventional V-belt setups.
Reliability, durability, and lightweight make the cog belt system best for electric scooter applications. Remember to also learn the best practices on how to store your e-scooter for safety and protection.
Replacing a Belt Cog on an Electric Scooter
Replacing a belt cog on an electric scooter is relatively easy and takes no more than 15 minutes. You’ll need the following tools:
- Screwdriver
- Belt cog replacement
- Wrench
- First, remove the centerpiece unit on the e-scooter.
- Next, remove the footplate from the e-scooter. The screws are usually located on the front and back.
- Using your screwdriver, remove the side guard located on the rear wheel of the scooter. The screws are located on each side of the rear wheel guard plate. While unscrewing the electric scooter, ensure you keep the screws in one location to prevent mixing them up when it is time to reassemble the e-scooter.
- Next, undo the wheel nuts. This will make it possible to move the rear wheel aside and remove the belt from the rear wheel side.
- On the motor unit, unscrew and remove the motor backing guard plate. Next, remove the belt cog and swap with the replacement if need be.
If the belt is fine, return it and check that it runs over your electric scooter’s front motor unit replacement cog. Ensure that the three screws are aligned and fixed to the front motor unit. Make sure they are tightened.
Roll the e-scooter wheels backward and ensure the adjusters are tightened. Check that the belt is tight. Screw back the wheel guard and centerpiece back in place. Congratulations! You have successfully located and replaced your belt cog on an electric scooter. For another DIY that’s helpful in case of a startup failure, check out these steps on how to test a scooter’s electric choke.
F.A.Q.
Why are belt cogs preferred on electric scooters?
The cogged belt is a high-performance belt used on an electric motor application where slippage must be avoided.
Is it possible to replace a belt cog on an electric scooter?
Yes, all you need is a screwdriver, belt cog replacement, and 20 minutes of your time.
What is the importance of a belt cog on electric scooter motors?
Reliability, durability, and lightweight make the cog belt system best for electric scooter applications.
Why are V-belts less effective on electric scooters?
The main advantage of cog belts is that they run cooler, last longer, and have an efficiency rating 2% higher than a standard V-belt.
Is it possible for the cog belt to fail?
Yes, like any other mechanical component, your belt cog is prone to wear and tear after extensive use.
STAT: V-belts have a drive efficiency of about 95% at the time of installation. However, its efficiency deteriorates up to 5% over time, and slippage might occur if the belt isn’t periodically tensioned. On the other hand, cogged belts have a higher bending resistance, with a 2% efficiency rating over V-belts (source)
