Why Won’t My Electric Scooter Move

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Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:11 PM

If you have attempted to use an electric scooter and ran into some issues, you may be wondering why won’t my top-rated electric scooter move.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • If your scooter won’t move, there are several troubleshooting tips you can perform to get to the bottom of the issue.
  • Start by checking on the battery, making sure it has not been depleted. You may need to use a voltmeter or multimeter to check the status of the battery.
  • You can also check on the connections involving the charging port, tightening them or replacing the charging port itself.

Electric Scooter Issues

Electric Scooters are amazing pieces of technology, but they can run into problems once in a while. In other words, there are many possible reasons for your scooter not being able to move. Don’t worry. We are here with you.

Insider Tip

The primary offender when it comes to a scooter that won’t move is a depleted or malfunctioning battery.

Scooter Mobility Troubleshooting Guide

Each scooter is different, though they tend to feature some common design choices and some similar implementations of technology. We have come up with some universal tips and guidelines to help get your scooter moving again. You may also want to read this to learn why people think electric scooters are bad.

Battery Check

The primary offender when it comes to a scooter that won’t move is a depleted or malfunctioning battery. Your first step should simply be to plug the scooter into a power outlet and let it sit there for a few hours. Afterward, try again. If your scooter moves that means it merely had a fully depleted battery. If it still doesn’t move, you will have to perform a battery test using a voltmeter or a digital multimeter. Have a hex wrench or screwdriver handy to open up your scooter’s casing to get at the battery’s connection cables.

Insider Tip

Another common reason for a scooter failing to move is a malfunctioning battery charging port.

Charging Port Check

Another common reason for a scooter failing to move is a malfunctioning battery charging port. If you have tested your battery and everything seems fine, yet it is still not receiving a charge, this will likely be due to an issue with its charging port. Try opening up the scooter and tightening the charging port’s various connections with a screwdriver or related tool. You can buy replacement charging ports online, though the installation procedure will require a few hours and some specific tools. Count on needing a glue gun or soldering iron, a suite of screwdrivers, and some other odds-and-ends.

Check the Kill Switch

Most modern scooters are equipped with something called a kill switch to help save energy. If this switch has accidentally been turned on, via malfunction or user error, it could be causing the scooter not to move. You will typically find this kill switch on the physical exterior of your scooter’s motor. If it has been turned on, simply turn it off and try to move the scooter again. For maximum performance and efficiency, check out these electric scooter break-in tips.

Warning

You can buy replacement charging ports online, though the installation procedure will require a few hours and some specific tools.

F.A.Q.

Can I take a trip at night? Are e-scooters equipped with lights?

Yes, you sure can ride a scooter at night. Most modern scooters are equipped with high-grade LED lights, though you should make sure they are in good condition before taking your scooter out for a night ride.


Why does my scooter run less than its required charge time?

This is likely an issue with your scooter’s battery. We recommend opening up your scooter’s exterior and performing a voltage check on your battery with a voltmeter or multimeter.


Why is my scooter running slowly?

If you are having an issue reaching your scooter’s maximum speed, you could simply be overloading the scooter itself. Check on the amount of weight you are forcing the scooter to haul.



STAT: In Europe alone, the market for shared e-scooter services is expected to reach at least 12 billion U.S. dollars by 2025. (source)

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