Can You Wash An Electric Scooter? (Cleaning Guide)

Electric scooters are going to get dirty! The level of dirt will depend on how you use it. To prevent the degradation of your electric scooter due to weathering and grime, you need to understand how best to keep it neat and functioning. Cleaning it isn’t hard, but you need to get a few details right to make sure you don’t damage any electronics.

Washing your scooter periodically to remove dirt will keep it in good shape, preserving resale value and functionality. You can spray it down with a hose (not a pressure washer) or wipe down with a mild soap solution, but be careful not to penetrate the areas where sensitive electronics are stored.

Both cleaning and washing your scooter are detailed processes, but they’re easy in the end. It is no doubt very essential that you wash your scooter. Let’s look how to get this task done quickly and correctly, so you can get back to having fun on your cleaned scooter in no time!

Can I Wash My Electric Scooter?

You certainly can wash an electric scooter. However, it’s typically not a good idea to wash your electric scooter with a bunch of water. Some of the higher quality scooters can withstand water, but cheaper scooters cannot won’t have as much protection around sensitive electronics.

It’s best to check the IP rating and use other means to clean your electric scooter, like simply wiping down visibly dirty areas with a mild soap solution and rag or towel. Wash your scooter at least once a month to avoid a buildup of filth and grime.

Cleaning your electric scooter takes more patience and attention than cleaning a car. You may want to use things like sponges, a toothbrush, and other small cleaning supplies to get into nooks and crannies where dirt can build up and live forever, eventually causing deterioration of paint and metal components.

Some components can handle soap and water and should be cleaned (the deck or even handlebars if necessary), but your small electrical components should not have soap and water on them, and may require detailed, slow cleaning if (for instance) you get mud all over exposed wiring or something like that.

How To Clean Your Electric Scooter

Cleaning an electric scooter is a breeze. You’ll follow many of the same steps as you would when washing an automobile. Remember brands like the Kaabo scooters are not completely waterproof or resistant to water; thus, avoid applying water directly on the scooter in any manner.

To clean your e-scooter effectively, you’ll need four key ingredients:

1. A source of water
2. A simple multi-purpose cleaning sponge like this option from Scrub-It (on Amazon), if you don’t have a soft towel or rag handy
3. Dishwashing liquid, hand soap, or detergent
4. A towel or smock

Do not clean the scooter with a power washer! You can pressure wash the tires from afar to eliminate dirt and grime that has accumulated. Remove the scooter’s tires before washing.

Do not spray or dump water directly onto the scooter if you can avoid it. It can’t handle a large amount of water and its electronic components may be damaged. Clean it by hand using a cloth or sponge dampened with water.

Step 1: Dilute the cleaning solution with water.

Wipe down the scooter with a damp sponge or towel. Ensure there is no standing water and use additional caution near the deck and handlebars, which contain the controller and throttle. This initial procedure is used to remove some of the surface dirt and grime. For some, this will remove most of the dirt immediately.

 Step 2: Soak in Soap for a few minutes.

Use your trusted sponge and apply a bit of soap to the surface to create a bit of a lather. There’s no need to use excessive pressure unless there is an obstinate spot that will not come clean.

Step 3: Rinse with a sponge or cloth

Rinse the soap and any residual residue with a clean, moist cloth or sponge. You should now see the gleaming scooter’s surface. Again, be aware of where you apply the water and avoid using excessive quantities. Using a moist towel or sponge is sufficient.

Step 4: Allow to Dry

If the weather is warm enough, you can leave the scooter out to dry. It’s recommended that you wipe the scooter thoroughly with a clean towel or cloth to ensure that no watermarks remain when the scooter dries.  

Washing Tips For The Exterior of Your Electric Scooter 

Use clean water with soap to wash the exterior and harder surfaces of your electric scooter, like the deck. To avoid minor scratches, wash in a straight line rather than a circular motion, and keep a clean bucket with only water to rinse dirt off the sponge after each use.

The purchase of a scooter is a significant financial decision. As a result, the following are some pointers for keeping your scooter clean. If you ride your scooter regularly, clean it every day (especially if it’s used outdoors). Before cleaning the scooter, make sure it is completely off.

Four Tips For Scooter Washing: The Exterior of Your Electric Scooter

If this is your first time cleaning, consult your owner’s handbook for detailed cleaning recommendations. Your owner’s handbook will have precise washing recommendations for performing your first few exterior washings. However, these basic steps will cover a lot of it: 

1. When washing the exterior of your electric scooter, be cautious not to get any electrical components wet with water or any other liquid solution while you are doing so. To reduce the possibility of this happening, avoid spraying liquids directly onto your scooter. The liquid solution (or water) should be sprayed onto your clothes before applying it to the scooter.

2. Remove any debris or dust from the outside by carefully wiping it away. You should use a microfiber towel to clean the exterior of your vehicle. It’s a good idea to dry the cloth before using it to clean.

3. You can use a cloth soaked in water to remove sticky particles from the exterior of your vehicle. Try a cleaning solution if that doesn’t work. Auto part stores are the best place to get one (do not use wax). The paint of your scooter might be damaged if you use bleach or any other abrasive cleaning solution.

4. Take care of the tires.

Try to remove any rocks, stones, or other debris from the treads of your tires. To avoid damaging your tire, don’t use any cleaning products that might cause a puncture. Using armor or any other cleaning/shining solution may cause your tires to become slick and put your safety at risk when riding, despite how nice it looks.

Besides recommending that you purchase a scooter cover, experts suggest that you keep your scooter clean and safe. Please get in touch with us if you have any queries regarding cleaning your scooter or finding the right cover!

How To Clean Electrical Components on My Electric Scooter 

Understand that cleaning the electrical components of your scooter need to be cleaned carefully. Things like your battery, screen, and braking system don’t need any unnecessary wear and tear, so while you CAN do a detailed clean of them, you don’t need to do it automatically – maybe only as-needed when these components are visibly dirty.

Take things one step at a time to avoid taking off all parts of your scooter and forgetting where they go when you’re done. Use small brushes like a toothbrush to get in small or hard-to-reach places.

Avoid spraying pressurized water while cleaning areas with electrical components. If you do not thoroughly dry the water, you risk damaging the electrical functions. Simply dampen the rag slightly and clean the battery region and display screen. No soapy water is required.

Brush the electrical components of the electric scooter with an old toothbrush to clean them. If they have stubborn stains or filth, use soap or toothpaste to remove them. The following processes apply.

Follow these five steps to clean your scooter’s electrical components.

• Step 1: Take off your wheels.

• Step 2: Take out the controller and the battery.

• Step 3: Disconnect the scooter’s other electrical components, including the lights. If this is your first time, you can snap photographs of the procedure to make reassembling things easier. Separating the parts by category simplifies the work.

• Step 4: Submerge the frame in the bathtub and thoroughly clean it.

• Step 5: Allow at least 13 hours for it to dry to ensure that no residual moisture comes into contact with the electronics.

This is NOT something you want to do if your scooter is still under warranty! The scooter’s warranty will be voided if it is disassembled.

Do You Need To Wash Your Electric Scooter? 

Since it’s a product that sees some wear and tears during its use, yes, it needs to be washed. but must be done correctly and carefully to maintain the integrity of the scooter. You also need to wash your electric scooter regularly.

However, the best practice is to wash your electric scooter either once a month or as soon as the need to get it washed arises. Naturally, if you do not ride your scooter frequently, you will not need to wash it as frequently. Even if you don’t ride it, it’s a good idea to check on it regularly. 

Maintaining your scooter regularly and keeping it clean minimizes the accumulation of dirt and dust in components that can be affected, such as the braking system, drum brakes, levers, brake calipers, scooter tires, wheel bearings, and shock absorbers.

This extends the scooter’s life and saves you money in the long run.

If you can perform basic self-maintenance on your electric scooter, such as checking tire pressure and adjusting brake levers, this will save you money in the long term and ensure your e-scooter functions efficiently.

How Long Can an Electric Scooter Be Used?

Take proper care of your scooter to get the most use out of it. An electric scooter can be used optimally for a minimum of 5 years.

Read the handbook that comes with it before taking to the street. The greatest advice will come from the makers who know everything about their scooters. Keep your electric scooter clean and in good working order.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your scooter battery and avoid letting your battery hit zero.

Don’t drive at high speeds all the time with it. If you don’t ride cautiously and softly on your scooter, you might cause damage or break it. It should be taken to a mechanic at least once a year for a diagnostics inspection.

Things You Should Never Do When Washing Your Electric Scooter

Avoid Excessive Rubbing. Resist the impulse to dig in, regardless of how stubborn the stain appears. Frequently, this will result in scratches. Rather than that, give it some additional time and gentle cleaning. To remove tough stains, use toothpaste or a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda.

Don’t use high-pressure water or spray guns. Technically, you can, and some individuals do. However, it’s ill-advised, particularly for scooters with a low or non-existent IP rating. Only devices with an IP rating of 6 or more can withstand high-pressure water jets without being harmed.

Don’t use blow dryers. Using a blow dryer to dry off your scooter after washing it may seem like a smart idea. However, keep in mind that this might easily result in various negative consequences such as the components becoming hot, and certain electronics may even be damaged.

It will also force water into the scooter. The water will steam and get into the scooter’s interior.