Electric scooters offer a fun, eco-friendly, and convenient way to commute — especially high-performance models like the FOHOLO F19 from TopRiding. But just like any vehicle, they need regular maintenance to perform at their best.
Whether you're a daily commuter or weekend adventurer, these 7 proven tips will help extend the lifespan of your e-scooter and keep every ride safe and smooth.
1. Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Maintaining proper tire pressure isn’t just about comfort — it directly affects safety, range, and performance. Electric scooter tires, whether tubeless or pneumatic, can lose air over time due to temperature changes or long storage periods.
When your tires are underinflated:
- Your scooter requires more energy to maintain speed, draining your battery faster.
- Handling becomes sluggish, especially during cornering.
- You’re more susceptible to pinch flats or rim damage.
Advanced Tip: Mark your tires with a small dot using a permanent marker. If the dot shifts noticeably over time, it may indicate an air leak or uneven wear.
Consider investing in a portable electric inflator that you can charge via USB — a convenient tool for on-the-go riders.
Low tire pressure affects range, speed, and stability. Air-filled and tubeless tires both naturally lose pressure over time, especially in cold or variable climates.
- Recommended frequency: Check once a week
- Tool: Use a digital tire gauge
- Tip: Keep tire pressure between 35–50 PSI (depending on scooter model)
Underinflated tires increase the chance of punctures and reduce energy efficiency. TopRiding FOHOLO F15’s 12-inch explosion-proof tubeless tires are designed to reduce puncture risk, but they still perform best when properly inflated.
Common mistake: Ignoring pressure until the ride feels “off.” By then, damage may already be done to the tire wall or rim.
2. Keep Your Battery Healthy
The lithium battery is the heart of your e-scooter. To protect its longevity, treat it like a laptop or smartphone. Don’t fully drain it or leave it baking in the sun.
Extended exposure to high or low temperatures can reduce charging efficiency and lifespan. Always charge indoors and unplug once the battery reaches 100%.
Signs of battery health decline:
- You’re losing range faster than expected.
- Full charges take longer than before.
- The battery level drops rapidly under load.
If this happens, check for software updates (if supported) or consult your brand’s support for a health check. The FOHOLO F15’s UL-certified pack is well-protected but still benefits from good habits.
Your scooter’s battery is its most expensive component, also one of the easiest to damage if misused.
- Charge before dropping below 20%
- Unplug when fully charged — don’t leave it charging overnight
- Avoid heat and cold extremes
- Storage tip: For long breaks, store the battery with 40-60% charge
The ZSNAKE Z39 from TopRiding features a 60V 33Ah UL2272-certified lithium battery, built for long life and stability. Using a dual charging system, it charges fully in just 5-8 hours.
Bonus tip: Every 2 to 3 months, perform a full discharge/charge cycle to recalibrate battery indicators.
3. Inspect Brakes Before Every Ride
Brakes save lives, so we can never underestimate their importance. Check both the front and rear brake systems before each ride, especially if you ride at speeds above 25 MPH.
How to do a quick test:
- Push your scooter and engage each brake individually — does it stop quickly?
- Squeeze the levers — do they feel firm and responsive?
- Spin the wheels — do they rub even when not engaged?
If you notice grinding sounds or a soft lever, it might be time to:
- Replace worn brake pads
- Adjust cable tension (mechanical brakes)
- Bleed the system (hydraulic brakes)
- Brakes are your primary safety system. Always check them before riding, especially at high speeds.
- Look for pad wear — brake pads should have visible thickness
- Check for grinding or squeaking sounds
- Ensure levers or hydraulic systems feel firm and responsive
Signs of trouble:
- Brake lever pulls all the way without resistance
- Reduced stopping distance
- Brake rub when not engaged
4. Test Your Lights and Display
Good lighting is critical for visibility, both for your safety and so others can see you. Lights are also required by law in many US and Canada areas when riding after dusk.
Before night rides, check:
- Headlight brightness and angle (it should illuminate 15-20 feet ahead)
- Brake light activation
- Turn signal visibility from the rear
- Any dashboard error codes or dimming
Keep extra batteries or USB charging cords for your lights if they’re detachable. For fixed LEDs like on the TopRiding FOHOLO series, replace individual tubes or consult support if one section fails. Visibility is essential for riding at dawn, dusk, or night.
- Test front and rear lights, turn signals, and side LEDs
- Check for loose wires or flickering bulbs
- Ensure the dashboard displays accurate speed and battery levels
The FOHOLO F15’s 360° LED light system and smart dashboard enhance both safety and style. If any light flickers or fails, it should be replaced immediately, especially the tail light.
Extra tip: Carry a mini USB headlamp or clip-on backup just in case your built-in lights fail mid-ride.
5. Clean Your Scooter Properly
Keeping your e-scooter clean not only prevents wear but also lets you spot issues early, such as cracks, leaks, or rust.
How to clean it properly:
- Use a damp microfiber cloth for the body and LCD
- For wheel wells and suspension, use a soft brush
- Avoid direct water spray, especially around ports and connectors
Pro tip: Apply a thin layer of silicon-based protectant (not WD-40) to suspension arms and hinges to repel dirt and water. A clean scooter not only looks great but also performs better.
- Use a soft cloth and gentle soap — never a pressure washer
- Avoid spraying near electrical ports, battery cases, and control units
- Clean under the deck and around suspension where grime builds up
F15's rugged frame resists dirt but still needs regular wiping, especially after off-road use.
Don’t forget: Dry the scooter thoroughly to avoid rust or corrosion on exposed metal parts.
6. Tighten Bolts and Folding Mechanism
Loose bolts may not seem like a big deal, until your stem wobbles while braking. Scooters with folding parts, like all the TopRiding products, demand regular mechanical checks.
Focus on:
- The handlebar latch
- Stem-to-deck clamp
- Wheel axle nuts
- Suspension mounting points
Use threadlocker on bolts that repeatedly loosen, especially if you ride off-road. Avoid overtightening, which can strip threads. Vibrations from daily rides—especially on rough roads—can loosen bolts and joints over time.
- Inspect stem bolts, folding latch, wheel nuts, and brake mounts every 2-4 weeks
- Use a torque wrench if necessary
- Apply thread locker to bolts that frequently loosen
The F15 features a heavy-duty single-fold mechanism, but checking it monthly helps maintain structural integrity. A loose stem at high speed can be dangerous.
Tip: Keep a hex key set in your backpack for quick trail-side adjustments.
7. Schedule Regular Deep Maintenance
DIY maintenance covers 80% of needs, but it’s wise to schedule a full check-up twice a year, especially before heavy use seasons like summer or fall.
Tasks best left to a pro or advanced DIYer:
- Inspecting battery cell health and rebalancing
- Calibrating motor controllers
- Replacing internal suspension bushings
- Diagnosing strange noises, shaking, or stuttering
TopRiding owners can follow brand-supported tutorials or schedule official maintenance by contacting our support team. Even if you’re good with basic maintenance, some issues require a professional.
- Replace brake pads every 1000-1500 miles
- Have your battery tested annually
- Inspect suspension and replace bushings or springs as needed
- Clean internal wiring or motors if riding frequently off-road
A local e-scooter service center can perform these tasks, or TopRiding may provide video guides for FOHOLO owners.
Rule of thumb: If something feels off or sounds weird, inspect it early. Prevention is cheaper than repair.
Recommended Tools for E-Scooter Maintenance
| Tool | Purpose |
| Allen/hex key set | Tighten folding joints, stem, etc |
| Digital tire pressure gauge | Check tire inflation |
| Portable air pump | Maintain PSI |
| Isopropyl alcohol + cloth | Clean electrical contacts |
| Silicone-based lubricant | Protect folding and brake parts |
| Brake pad gauge or caliper | Measure pad wear |
All tools above are compact and affordable. Keeping a mini kit at home (or in your backpack) ensures you're never caught unprepared.
3 Common Scooter Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
- Using WD-40 on brake rotors – This can dangerously reduce braking power. Use only brake-specific cleaners.
- Skipping tire checks – Leads to flats, reduced control, and long-term tire damage.
- Leaving the scooter wet after rain – Moisture can corrode parts or cause electrical failure over time.
Avoiding these simple errors helps extend the life of your scooter and keep you safe on the road.
Final Thoughts
Consistent maintenance not only extends your e-scooter’s lifespan but also keeps you safe and confident on every ride. With just a few minutes each week, you can prevent major issues, improve comfort, and protect your investment. Riding smarter starts with maintaining your machine. Bookmark this guide and use it as your monthly checklist!
