{"id":10913,"date":"2021-02-23T12:58:06","date_gmt":"2021-02-23T12:58:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/envyride.com\/?p=10913"},"modified":"2023-01-15T21:32:44","modified_gmt":"2023-01-15T21:32:44","slug":"scooter-brakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/envyride.com\/scooter-brakes\/","title":{"rendered":"Scooter Brakes: How do they work and how to fix them?"},"content":{"rendered":"

TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/h3>
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Before writing this article, I never thought twice about all of the different types of scooter brakes and therefore the advantages and disadvantages of each type. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article explains the different types of electric scooter brakes and we answer some common questions related to the braking system of an electric scooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similar to a car, electric scooters can have disc brakes or drum brakes.  On the slower and cheaper models<\/a>, you will find foot brakes are also utilized. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hydraulic Brakes Vs. Mechanical Brakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"hydraulic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both disc and drum brakes are either hydraulic or mechanical.  With hydraulic disc brakes, braking starts with a mechanical force \u2013 you pull the brake lever.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A piston then squeezes or compresses hydraulic fluid into a cylinder which creates pressure (which is much greater than the pressure of you pulling the brake lever) into the brake lines which connect to the brake assembly by hoses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside the brake assemblies, the hydraulic pressure is converted back to mechanical force and the disc or drum\u2019s friction material is pushed against the disc or drum which then stops the scooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n

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\r\n 1<\/span>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n \"ZXTDR <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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\r\n ZXTDR Rear Disc Hydraulic Brake Assembly Caliper Master Cylinder for Moped Scooter Motorcycle<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n
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With mechanical brakes, there is a cable that runs from the lever down to the wheel.  When you squeeze the brake lever the length of the cable shortens which squeezes the caliper (in disc brakes). Or, activates a piston that pushes the brake shoes (in a drum) outward against the braking surface which slows the scooter to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n

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\r\n 1<\/span>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n \"Yosoo <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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\r\n Yosoo Health Gear Brake Sensor Cable, E-Bike Speed Brake Sensor External Speed Sensor Mechanical...<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n
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Disc Brakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"scooter<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With disc brakes, there is a rotor that looks like a disc that\u2019s attached to the wheel assembly and spins while the wheel spins.  There are calipers that have sacrificial brake pads (which can be replaced as they wear out) which squeeze against the rotor when pressure is applied to the brake.  This causes the scooter to slow to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n

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\r\n 1<\/span>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n \"BlueSunshine <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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\r\n BlueSunshine Front and Back Disk Brake Kit - 160mm for 80cc Gas Motorized Bicycle - Freewheel...<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n
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Drum Brakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"scooter<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Drum brake systems are typically enclosed in the hub of the scooter wheel.  The drum is attached to the wheel and spins with the wheel.  When the brake lever is pulled, sacrificial brake shoes are pushed outward against the drum which causes the scooter to slow down.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the major benefits of having drum brakes on a scooter is that the entire braking system is enclosed. This is better if you are riding in wet conditions as it keeps the water out of the braking system. \u00a0However, to be honest, I much prefer disc brakes to drum brakes. \u00a0For instance, the GoTrax G4<\/a> is an incredible scooter all the way around…especially since it uses disc brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n

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\r\n 1<\/span>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n \"HULKWHEELS <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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\r\n HULKWHEELS 8 inch 24V 36V 48V 350W 500W Electric Scooter Brushless Hub Motor, Toothless Wheel...<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n
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Disc Brakes vs. Drum Brakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Disc brakes are more effective than drum brakes (located in the hub). Therefore, are most commonly used in electric scooters.  You\u2019ll also find that most electric scooters utilize mechanical disc brakes instead of hydraulic disc brakes.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, hydraulic brakes are generally more effective because more force can be applied to the disc which allows you to stop in a shorter distance.  One of the advantages of drum brakes in electric scooters<\/a> are that because the entire braking system is enclosed they are slightly better for braking in wet conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, drum braking systems are more difficult to service or adjust, have moving parts and don\u2019t provide as much braking power as disc brakes in electric scooters<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foot Brake on an Electric Scooter.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"scooter<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many electric scooters feature a foot brake on the back wheel<\/a>.  This braking system consists of a fender that covers the back tire. In order to apply braking pressure to the back tire, you need to take your foot off the deck and push your heel down on the back fender causing friction on the tire which slows the scooter down.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foot brakes don\u2019t provide nearly as much braking power as either disc or drum brakes. Additionally, because of the friction that is caused from the back fender touching the tire, the tread on the tire will wear out much faster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another disadvantage of the foot brake is that it requires you to take your back foot off the deck of the scooter which can cause you to lose stability.  Typically, you won\u2019t find foot brakes on fast electric scooters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regenerative Braking System on an Electric Scooter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you look at buying some of the fastest electric electric scooters<\/a> you will find that many boast a regenerative brake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is how regenerative brakes work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you pull the brake lever of the scooter the brake pads tighten against the rotor (in disc brakes for instance) which cause friction.  Regenerative braking systems on scooters capture a small fraction of the kinetic energy generated when you brake and turns it back into usable electric energy.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By recapturing this energy it can be stored in the battery and sent back to the motor when you begin to press the accelerator again.  While many manufacturers tout the regenerative braking advantages of their electric scooter model, in practice there is very little effect on overall range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electric Scooter Braking Technique \u2013 A Pro Move<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"electric<\/p>\n\n\n\n


If you\u2019ve been riding for a while you know the key to stopping quickly and quickly on an electric scooter is to lean back \u2013 putting your weight towards the back wheel while engaging the hand brake.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason for doing this is because, in general, more than 70% of a scooter\u2019s braking power is generated by the brake on the front wheel.  If you were to engage the brake without leaning back you run the risk of your body lunging forward, losing control and going over the handlebars.  Obviously, this is not what you want to happen!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you fix squeaky electric scooter brakes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have an electric scooter, such as the GoTrax<\/a> G4, you may experience squeaky brakes from time to time. For instance, you may notice the brakes begins to squeak when you hit the engage the brake. Not only is this annoying, but it can also lead to a safety issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the scooter does not come to a smooth stop, then you may end up falling from the scooter, leading to an injury. Therefore, why do electric scooter brakes squeak in the first place? How do you fix<\/a> squeaky electric scooter brakes? Take a look at some useful information below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do Electric Scooter Brakes Start To Squeak?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are experiencing squeaky brakes on your electric scooter<\/a>, it is important to understand why this takes place. Some of the most common reasons why you are electric scooter brakes may start to squeak include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n