How To Store Your Electric Scooter

Updated: 3.6.24

Ever noticed how things last longer when they're taken care of properly?

The same principle applies to your electric scooter. 

If you're a city dweller using an eScooter as a primary mode of transport, or even if you're just considering getting one, understanding the art of proper storage can work wonders for your scooter's lifespan and your own safety.

And guess what?

It's not as complicated as it sounds!

Why Proper Storage Matters

Ever left a bicycle out in the rain and returned to find it rusty?

Just as bikes need care, so do electric scooters.

Proper storage not only ensures a long life for your scooter but also keeps it in top performance mode for your next ride.

Impact on the scooter's lifespan

Ever heard the phrase, "prevention is better than cure"?

By storing your scooter correctly, you're investing in its future, ensuring that it serves you well for years to come.

Performance and Safety

Nobody wants a scooter that stutters or one whose brakes give out unexpectedly.

Proper storage can prevent a multitude of issues, ensuring you get a smooth ride every time.

Related: Electric Scooter Buyer's Guide - UK Buying Guide

Pre-storage Cleaning: A Crucial Step

Before tucking your eScooter away, it's essential to give it a good clean.

Why, you ask?

Well, imagine putting away a wet umbrella – it won't be pleasant when you next open it!

Step-by-step cleaning process

1. Rinsing tyres and wheels - Like washing mud off boots, clearing dirt from your tyres ensures longevity.
2. Wiping the body - Using a damp cloth, give your scooter a gentle wipe down. Imagine it as a mini spa day for your ride!
3. Proper drying techniques - Just as you wouldn't pack away a wet swimsuit, make sure your scooter is completely dry.
4. Lubricating moving parts - Think of this as moisturising; it keeps everything moving smoothly!

Related: Can You Ride E-scooters In The Rain?

The Perfect Storage Spot

Selecting the right scooter storage is vital. Avoid storing your e-scooter in rooms prone to moisture, flooding, or extreme temperatures.

Such conditions can invite corrosion and damage. Your storage area should ideally be indoors, clean, and have a temperature range between 10-30°C.

Exposing your electric scooter to excessive moisture or storing it outside can be detrimental to its battery life and overall health.

Ideal storage conditions

• Dry environment - Moisture is an eScooter's enemy. Keep it dry, keep it safe.
• Regulated temperature - Extreme cold or heat can damage batteries and components.

Battery Care and Maintenance

The electric scooter battery is the heart of your electric vehicle.

When planning for long-term storage, remove the scooter's battery and place it in a fireproof and waterproof bag.

This bag not only acts as a protection barrier against potential fire hazards but also shields the lithium-ion components from dirt and debris.

Keep the battery charged between 50%-70% to ensure a healthy storage voltage.

Battery storage tips

• Charging - Keep the charge between 50%-70% for optimal health.
• Storage - Use fireproof and waterproof bags. It's like an insurance policy for your battery!

To Fold or Not To Fold

If your scooter can fold, it's like having a collapsible bike – super convenient!

Folding can make storage a breeze and even allow for portability.

Disassemble the Electric Scooter

For convenience, if you have a foldable e-scooter, store it under a desk, in a closet, or on a wall-mounted rack.

Disassembling also protects certain electric scooter parts from being targeted by thieves.

Folding and storing your scooter indoors offers more protection against pollutants and damaged parts.

Securing Your Electric Scooter

When storing in a common area, ensure you protect your scooter from potential thieves.

Electric scooters can be stolen or targeted by thieves if left unattended.

It's more convenient and safer to remove valuable accessories like helmets, phone mounts, or bags.

Security tips

• Accessory removal - Take off any valuable add-ons. Better safe than sorry.
• Out of sight, out of mind - Keeping valuables hidden can deter potential thieves.

Regular Maintenance and Repair

By dedicating a specific area for your scooter storage, you can ensure proper maintenance practices are upheld.

Maintenance and checks should focus on keeping frame clean, checking pneumatic tyres or solid tyres, and ensuring there's no build-up of dirt or debris.

Check on your tyres regularly and also check the brakes and all wiring to ensure optimal performance.

Related: 10 Tips For Maintaining Your Electric Scooter

Storage Accessories: Because Every Scooter Deserves Luxury!

Consider a storage rack or even a fancy scooter backpack. It's like having a custom wardrobe for your eScooter!

Environmental Benefits of Proper Storage

Correctly storing and maintaining your e-scooter not only extends its lifespan but also bolsters its status as your electric friend in sustainable transportation.

Proper storage minimises the chances of corroded parts and ensures you're doing your part for the environment.

When you opt for an eScooter as your mode of transportation, you're making a commendable decision for the environment.

Fewer carbon emissions, reduced fuel consumption, and less congestion on the roads are all benefits that come with your choice.

However, your commitment to sustainability doesn't just end at using the scooter; how you store and maintain it plays a part too.

By storing your eScooter correctly, you're extending its lifespan, which means fewer replacements in the long run.

The longer you can keep your scooter running smoothly, the fewer resources are required to produce a new one.

It also means less electronic waste cluttering up our planet.

Proper storage supports sustainable transportation by ensuring your eScooter remains efficient and reduces the risk of battery and electronic deterioration.

Related: Are Electric Scooters Bad For The Environment?

Weather Protection

Whether you decide to store your scooter indoors or risk keeping it outside, a protective cover can shield it from dirt, debris, and pollutants.

If you're keeping it outside, this cover is essential to protect against rainfall and potential damage.

Your chosen storage spot, as ideal as it might be, can benefit from an added layer of protection against unforeseen circumstances.

Consider investing in a protective cover for your eScooter.

This isn't just to protect it from potential rainfall if you're storing it in a slightly exposed area, but also from dust accumulation, falling objects, or even potential spills if it's being kept in a shared space.

When choosing a cover, ensure it's made from breathable material.

This prevents condensation from building up underneath, which could lead to rust or other damages.

The cover should be sturdy and waterproof, but with ventilation capabilities to allow your eScooter to breathe.

Routine Inspection

Always check for any wear on the frame, especially in the folding mechanisms if present.

Check on your tyres for any punctures and ensure they're correctly inflated.

Don't forget to check all wiring and components to prevent any surprises when you decide to use it next.

Insurance and Warranty Implications

Taking proper care of your belongings isn't just about the item itself but also about potential financial implications.

Many eScooters come with warranties that can become void if they’re not properly taken care of.

Improper storage, exposure to extreme temperatures, or neglect can sometimes be grounds for manufacturers to deny warranty claims.

Moreover, if you've insured your eScooter, your provider might have stipulations regarding storage and maintenance.

Neglecting these can lead to complications if you ever need to make a claim.

Always refer to your warranty and insurance documentation to ensure you're compliant with their storage requirements.

Routine Inspection

Just as you'd give a car a routine check or service, your eScooter benefits from regular inspections.

Before storing it, and after taking it out of storage, run a quick checklist:

• Tyres: Are they inflated correctly and free from punctures or excessive wear?
• Brakes: Do they respond quickly and efficiently?
• Lights and Indicators: Are they all functioning?
• Battery: Any signs of damage or corrosion? Is it holding charge as expected?
• Frame: Check for any signs of damage or wear, especially in folding mechanisms if your scooter has them.

Doing this not only ensures safety but can also highlight minor issues before they become major problems.

Software Updates

For those modern eScooters equipped with software, it's crucial to occasionally check for updates.

Manufacturers often release software updates that improve the scooter's performance, safety, or battery efficiency.

Before you store your scooter for an extended period, ensure it's running the latest software version.

This ensures when you're ready to ride again, your scooter is at its optimal performance level.

Conclusion

Taking care of your electric scooter is like looking after a prized possession.

With the right storage techniques, not only will you prolong its lifespan, but you'll also ensure every ride is as smooth as the first.

So, the next time you hop off your scooter, remember these tips. After all, a little care goes a long way!

FAQs

Can I store my electric scooter in my car boot for extended periods?

While it's convenient to keep an e-scooter in the car boot, especially for urban dwellers on the go, it's not recommended for long durations. Car boots can become very hot or cold, potentially affecting the battery life and overall scooter health. It's best to store the scooter in a controlled environment.

How frequently should I inspect my e-scooter if I'm not using it regularly?

Even if not in regular use, it's advisable to inspect your e-scooter at least once a month. This helps in catching any potential issues early on, ensuring the scooter remains in optimal condition and is safe to ride when you decide to use it next.

I live in a flat without much storage space. Are there any compact e-scooter models that are easier to store?

Yes, there are foldable e-scooter models designed specifically for urban dwellers with limited storage space. When purchasing an e-scooter, look for models that highlight their compact and foldable features, ensuring they'll fit into tighter storage areas.

Are there any special considerations for storing e-scooters in coastal areas?

In coastal areas, the salty air can accelerate corrosion on the scooter's metal parts. If you live in such a region, make sure to store your e-scooter indoors, away from direct exposure to the salty air. It's also advisable to clean and wipe down your scooter more frequently to prevent salt buildup and potential damage.