Electric scooters are a popular commuting choice for many people because they are inexpensive, easy to maintain, and convenient. However, it is important to keep in mind that these devices do experience electrical or mechanical problems. So, when you buy an e-scooter, make sure you take care of it to avoid different problems.
One potential issue you might experience with your electric scooter is that the throttle doesn’t work properly. The throttle works only at a partial level, but it will not accelerate when used in full capacity. You should never take it lightly because it is a serious issue, and it can cause several other problems and even road accidents.
In this article, we will cover some of the common reasons for a broken throttle, and how you can troubleshoot them until it’s fully up and running at full throttle. Check out these cheap electric scooters.
- Also Read: Fast Electric Scooters
Why is My E-scooter Not Running at Full Throttle?
If you have the information to solve a problem, it is easy to take the right steps and get rid of it for good. One of the most common causes for an electric scooter that doesn’t run or accelerate at full throttle is a battery that is old, worn out, or defective.
The speed controller on your electric scooter is located between the battery and the motor. Some controllers have a low voltage cutoff, which will stop the motor once the voltage of your battery reaches zero.
This function prevents the battery from going under charged. In other words, the battery will die before it’s time if it is routinely left on a low charge. It is a good practice to go through this process before you replace the battery so that you don’t waste money on trying to revive a dead battery.
Dropping to the zero state of charge can cause the controller to shut off your electric scooter. However, the voltage will increase at lower speeds. Therefore, if you are using your electric scooter past half throttle, it will only turn the front wheel and not both wheels as it does when used in full throttle.
How to Fix the Throttle on My Electric Scooter?
Does your e-scooter throttle not work right? This electric scooter throttle repair guide can help. Here’s what to do if the voltage drops:
Some e-scooters have indicator lights on the throttle, and they can show you the condition of the battery or battery pack. If the light works on partial throttle but it doesn’t work at full throttle, it means your scooter’s battery or battery pack has low voltage under a heavy load. So, it is time to replace your electric scooter’s battery.
Try Deep Charging the Battery
If your electric scooter has a lead-acid battery, you should deep charge it before replacing it. The reason for it is that lead-acid batteries can sometimes regain their capacity after getting deeply charged.
You should never use a charger that is not designed to charge your battery. We recommend you wait up to 72 hours to see if your scooter’s battery will work. It is a good practice to deep charge your lead acid battery every 3-4 months. It prevents permanent damage and helps to maintain the battery’s voltage.
Check the Port for Battery Charger
Checking your charging port is a good way of determining whether you need to replace your battery. A damaged charging port might prevent the battery from charging fully. So, always check the battery charger to make sure it is not damaged.
To begin charging, you need to plug the charger into the battery charger port and observe the green light. If the light turns on, then everything is working correctly.
Now check the voltage of the port with a multimeter to make sure it is mechanically sound. It should match the voltage of the battery pack or battery. If the voltage is different, then you may need a new charger.
A port’s metal or plastic housing should be handled with care to avoid short circuits. If the male terminals touch each other or the housing, a short circuit can occur, and it will damage the port.
Test the Charger
If the charging port is working well, then it is time to test the charger with the help of a multimeter. The first step is to check if the e-scooter’s battery pack or battery is completely drained and needs recharging. After this, you need to plug the charger into the scooter’s charging port and the plug on the wall.
Now use a multimeter to test the battery voltage and see if it is increasing. For a more accurate reading, make sure you set the multimeter to a DC voltage range. If the voltage is gradually increasing, it means the charger is working well. Now let the battery charge completely and then test the voltage of the battery. It should be 100% state of charge.
In case the battery or battery pack did not charge, it means the battery charger is defective, and you should replace it. We recommend you purchase an original charger that has the same specs because this will avoid complications in the future. It is even better that you buy it from the same brand or retailer.
Check the Voltage of Battery
Once the battery is fully charged, leave it for some time like 10-15 minutes. Now use the multimeter to measure the battery’s voltage. If the voltage is below 100%, it means the battery is defective or worn out. It is time to replace the battery; otherwise, you will damage it further or experience more problems.
Ask a Mechanic to Check Out the Electric Scooter
The best option is to take your electric scooter to an e-scooter repair shop or company service center. This is the right thing to do when you are not good at checking the parts mentioned, or you don’t know how to check battery voltage with a multimeter.
We hope this e-scooter repair guide enabled you to identify the causes for a malfunctioning e-scooter throttle, and how you can troubleshoot them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a throttle?
The throttle of an electric scooter is the device that controls how much power from the battery goes to the motor.
What does a throttle do on an electric scooter?
A throttle on an e-scooter is essentially the same as on a motorcycle. When engaged, it signals the motor to produce power, which makes the scooter move forward. You can fine-tune the throttle just like you adjust the volume to increase or reduce speed.
How will I know my throttle is faulty?
If your e-scooter is not moving, even when you put full throttle on, there is a high chance the throttle is damaged.
Will my electric scooter be able to move with a faulty throttle?
No, your electric scooter will not move when the throttle is damaged. It is the throttle that signals the motor to produce power, which moves the e-scooter. The scooter will not move forward if the throttle is not properly functioning.