Winter’s here and it’s time for hot cocoa, wool beanies, and holiday cheer. Depending on where you live, winter could mean snowfall, freezing rain, mist, high winds, or a combination of everything. Before you hop on your e-scooter, here are some practical tips to ensure your rides are smooth, safe, and stress-free this winter.
Protect your Battery
E-scooters should not be subjected to sub-zero temperatures for extended periods of time since they can irreversibly harm the battery and motor. Before leaving, check the weather forecast. It is also worth noting that lower temperatures take more energy, and the range may be lower than in the summer. To reduce battery strain, do not charge it when it is cold. When you return after a cold winter ride, leave the scooter somewhere warm for at least half an hour before connecting the charger. This charging practice will extend the life of your battery.
Check the tires and brakes
Start by checking your tire tread - it should be deep enough to provide grip even in slippery conditions whether it is snow or freezing winter rains. If the tread depth is too shallow, you should consider changing the tires. The tire pressure should match the recommendations for your model. Try to avoid mud and snow as much as possible. This can get stuck in the tires and cause damage to the e-scooter. Also, don’t forget to service the brakes if your scooter has disc brakes such as the VMAX VX4. Wet conditions can affect the braking effect of disc brakes, so they should be tested and serviced regularly. If you notice that they no longer grip as well as usual, the brake pads need to be replaced or adjusted. Brake gently and evenly to avoid locking the wheels and skidding. Fortunately, all VMAX electric scooters are built for safety with durable tires and powerful brakes. Depending on the model, our scooters have regen, drum and disc brakes.
Optimize the lighting and visibility of the e-scooter
As the days are shorter in winter and there is mist, proper lighting is needed. Functional lighting is consequently critical to your safety. Make sure your electric scooter's headlights and rear lights are working properly. If you spend a lot of time on the road at dusk, you can add more reflectors to make yourself more apparent to other drivers. Investing in reflective clothes is also a good safety precaution.
Do e-scooters wear out faster in winter?
No, e-scooters do not necessarily wear out faster in winter. In fact, under certain circumstances, they may even wear out less during cold winter months. During the winter, there is less dust and dirt on the roads as the rain and snow keep them cleaner. Less dirt means less wear on the wheels and drive system. In terms of battery performance, cold weather can be challenging for batteries, but summer temperatures typically cause more stress. High temperatures can put more stress on the battery and other electronic components. However, the salt and dirt on the roads used to melt snow and ice can still affect the e-scooter and its components, so it is advisable to regularly clean it and check for any possible damage to ensure it is working properly.
