Jesse

Segway Ninebot ES4 Review by Hover Patrol

Updated August 26, 2020 By Jesse

Segway is one of the most popular electric scooter brands out there. They have plenty of great options for you to sort through, but how does their Ninebot ES4 hold up? This model is an electric kickscooter that makes for great commuter transportation.

This model also has some good, reliable components and specs, which we will get into down below. Keep reading to find out if the Segway Ninebot ES4 is worth your money.

Segway Ninebot ES4 Specs

Highest Speed: 18.5-20 MPH
Distance on a Single Charge: ~28 Miles
Weight: 30.9 pounds
Dual Battery
300-watt Motor

How Safe is Segway Ninebot ES4?

The Ninebot ES4 is very safe! It is UL certified, meaning the batteries will not overheat or combust. As long as you take care of it and drive safely, this scooter is not dangerous at all.

We recommend keeping an eye on the battery so that you do not accidentally overcharge it and keeping the scooter from getting soaked. Finally, the ES4 comes with lights that make you easily seen by drivers and pedestrians, a huge benefit to those who like riding in the evening.

All of these features together make for a very safe scooter , so you can feel comfortable riding it for long periods.

Speed of Segway Ninebot ES4

The Ninebot ES4 has a powerful motor backed by dual batteries . This includes an external and internal battery, that when combined can give you that long-range of 28 miles. This makes it an amazing option for commuters, as you can likely go to your destination and back to your house without needing to settle down for a long charge.

These dual batteries also allow the ES4 to have an impressive top speed. It can easily get up to about 19 MPH- another wonderful benefit for commuters. If you are worried about draining the power during your ride, the scooter also includes a “speed limit” feature that keeps you from draining the power at high speeds.

Plus, the Ninebot ES4 can also handle slopes that have a rise of 15 degrees , making it perfect for travel if you live in a hilly area. You will likely feel the scooter’s speed drop on the hill, but it will never completely lose that momentum on your average hill.

Distance

The main reason that this scooter can handle traveling 28 miles without needing to be charged , is the second battery. The external battery can be removed if you do not need it, but we recommend that commuters use it.

This is because it can be frustrating to have your scooter die halfway to your destination- the second battery’s long life ensures this will not happen to you.

Design of Segway Ninebot ES4

Segway is a popular brand name due to their designs and the way they build their transportation products. In this model, the scooter can be folded. That way, you can bring it easily onto public transportation if you need to. However, the scooter is pretty heavy at about 30 pounds. Still, easy folding is a great feature to have.

The handlebar is comfortable and makes you feel secure, plus the deck has a good amount of grip. If you have stood on a scooter before, the ability to balance on the ES4 should come naturally to you.

Finally, the batteries can take up to 7 hours to charge , at least. While this is a long time, you can always charge the internal one only and take it out for a ride.

The Wheels of Ninebot ES4

The wheels on this model are airless, making them pretty durable. They are about 8 inches, so not the best for an off-road trip, as they lack decent traction.

The rear tire has a mechanical brake while the front one has an electrical break that you press on the handlebar. With both tires having their own brake, you will not be jerked forward if you need to stop on a dime.

Additional Features

The control panel on the handlebar includes a lot of important information that is easily within your view while riding. You will be able to see your speed, battery life, and current modes.

The scooter also includes Bluetooth that offers you many different features through an app. Once downloaded onto your phone, the app will let you set an anti-theft alarm, cruise control, and check on the condition of the scooter .

The cruise control is a great way for commuters to further extend the scooter’s battery life. While it does limit you to about 12 MPH, once you get moving you will find this is a decent speed for travel.

Is the Ninebot ES4 a Good Match for Me?

This is a great match for any commuter that is looking for a new way to get around quickly . It has an amazing range thanks to its dual batteries and strong motor. This version is also best suited for those who live in the city or have access to smoother sidewalks. The wheels do not have the best traction, so off-roading is not recommended with it.

One of the negatives though, is the price tag on this model. The ES4 is quite pricey, placing it out of many people’s price ranges. There are similar scooters out there that are more cost-efficient.

But if you want an easier travel method to get around in your city, this is a great option for you. You will love zipping around, plus you get to avoid taking the bus.

Final Words on Segway Ninebot ES4

Segway’s Ninebot ES4 has an amazing range and a long-lasting battery life, making it best for commuters. The tires are not suited to country roads, so you will get the most out of this scooter if you live in an area that has a lot of smooth, flat pavement. This is a great choice for adults looking for a quality electric scooter.

The price is also very high on the ES4. However, Segway has always offered quality products, so it can be worth it if you want an escooter that is going to last you years. If this model is in your budget and it sounds like a great match for your needs, then you will not be disappointed in purchasing it.

Can a Hoverboard Go on Carpet and Grass?

Updated August 24, 2020 By Jesse

If you are looking into buying a hoverboard, you probably also want to think about where you are going to be riding it. Any hoverboard can handle sidewalks and other flat surfaces, but what if you want to take it somewhere else? Can you ride a hoverboard over the carpet and grass?

Well, it depends on the type of hoverboard that you choose. Standard hoverboards typically are only meant for pavement, but off road hoverboards can allow you to travel through grass, dirt, and small rocks much better than the standard.

While the standard can work on carpet (depending on how thick it is), you do need to learn to ride differently. Other types of terrain are better suited for an off-road board.

Here is everything you need to know about hoverboards and taking them off the familiar path.

What is an Off Road Hoverboard?

An off road hoverboard, also called an all-terrain board, is made to tackle rugged terrain, rough pavement, high grass, carpet, and many other areas in the outdoors. Lately, they have been gaining in popularity, as they can also carry a lot of weight (up to 400+ pounds)- making them perfect for hiking and camping trips.

Off-road boards have a few features that make them stand out from the standard. While the standard is perfect for smooth pavement and a calmer trip, off-road boards are designed to take more of a beating on intense travels .

These are the features that your new off road hoverboard should have and why it needs them to function properly:

Large Tires

If you are looking to take the hoverboard through the grass, dirt, or other rough terrains you are going to need a large set of quality made tires. Smaller tires work better at navigating smoother surfaces, making them best for pavement, concrete, or other areas in a city.

Large tires can handle rocks, grass, and dirt much better than small ones. They pass over the uneven surfaces easier, making travel through rough terrain possible. A large tire would need to be at least 8.5 inches tall , although you can buy even large ones for harsher areas. To put it in perspective, standard boards normally use 6 to 6.5-inch tires.

You are also going to need tires with a deep tread. This can greatly improve traction and help keep you from slipping on uneven surfaces. These treads can be spotted by groves that go across the wheel in a deep zig-zag like shape.

These larger tires travel easier over high grass and gravel, making them the best option for taking your hoverboard off the pavement.

Sturdy Materials

In an off road hoverboard, you will want to have durable tires that are filled with air. This allows them to have better traction, stability, and can adjust to the surfaces they are traveling over.

Standard boards have solid tires, without any air. This works best for the surfaces that they travel over.

Off road boards typically have thicker coverings on the bottom to protect the system from debris and water.

Can I Use my Hoverboard on a Carpet?

Yes, no matter which type of board you have, you should be able to take it on the carpet. The standard board can also handle light grass and even dirt paths- the off-road is just better at high grass and rougher paths.

If you want to use your hoverboard on the carpet, you will need to lean forward much more slowly to make it move. Once you feel that you have reached a decent speed you can hold on the carpet, you can keep it there or slowly raise it even more.

When using the board on carpet, you might notice that you need to work harder to keep your balance. After a while, it should feel more natural to you. You just need to be aware of it, so that you do not fall over.

Boards with larger wheels tend to feel better on the carpet. A standard hoverboard might feel a little more difficult to balance on, depending on how plush the carpet is.

Be Sure to Protect the Board from Water

Taking your board off the pavement means that it is more likely to get muddy or wet. You will want to take a few extra steps to be sure that it will last a long time. Always be sure that your board has a durable cover on the bottom to protect the battery and logic board from water or dirt.

You can tell if your board is safe for all-terrain by checking its IP rating . This will let you know if it can withstand a few raindrops or is safe to steer through deep puddles.

If the battery does get wet, dry it as best you can right away. You can even use a little bit of rubbing alcohol on it to ensure that any lingering moisture evaporates. If the battery is wet for too long, it will ruin the performance of your board or stop working entirely.

While replacing a battery is easy to do, you probably do not want to spend extra money when you do not have to.

Conclusion

In short, yes! You can take your hoverboard over the carpet or grass. However, its performance will depend on the type of board, what kind of tires it has, and how rough the terrain is.

If you plan on going off-road often, the sidewalks in your area are cracked and uneven, or the idea of driving it through mud is fun to you- then you will probably want to get an all-terrain hoverboard.

Standard boards are perfect for travel in cities or other leisurely travel. They can still be taken on the carpet and handle it pretty well, once you adjust to balancing differently and moving slowly.

This is How a Hoverboard Works

Updated August 24, 2020 By Jesse

Riding a hoverboard allows for a fun and unique experience. But, there is also some pretty cool science behind it. It features a gyroscope, tilt detection systems, and many different kinds of sensors.

This technology is being further developed all the time, so maybe one day, you can take your new hoverboard somewhere that you would never have imagined in the past.

Understanding how a self-balancing board works can help you adjust to riding one. If you know what is happening under your feet, it can be much easier for you to learn how it “feels” to ride it correctly.

So, how exactly does a hoverboard work? Keep reading to find out!

They use Pivoting Frames

Hoverboards, or self-balancing boards, are built around a frame that can pivot in the middle. They include sensors that pick up the tilted angle of the frame and interact with a gyroscope to face upwards all of the time.

What do the Lights Mean?

You might have noticed the LED lights on the bottom of your board. They are activated by a switch under your foot and can sense when you have your feet flat, keeping the board standing upright and keeping you stabilized.

In other words, the lights are sensors that help keep you level with the ground . They are an essential part of the system and work with the gyroscopes to keep you standing straight on the hoverboard.

When you lean forward, the light turns off, making the wheels spin. There are two motors in the board, each controlling one wheel, allowing them to move independently from each other- this is why you would be able to make yourself spin in circles while riding one.

How the Board Stays Balanced

Those tilt sensors in the wheels let the gyroscope know which way and how far you are leaning. They use this information to determine how fast to move the motors attached to the wheels. When you lean forward farther, the motor makes the wheels spin even faster.

This way, you do not fall forward- the system keeps up with you and how far you are leaning to keep you balanced on the board. This way, you are also just controlling the speed of your hoverboard with your weight.

It is easy to learn and does not take a lot of energy to make the board move. It does not take a long time to learn to stand on the board either, since it knows how to compensate for how far you are leaning forward.

How the Gyroscope Works

The gyroscope receives the tilt angle from the other sensors and alters the speed levels . This helps keep the system in control as you move. When you step on the board for the first time, you will need to calibrate the gyroscope to how you naturally stand.

This tells the system where “flat” is for you and lets it know when to speed up to adjust to your leaning. This gives hoverboards their unique feel and experience- not many boards make use of a gyroscope system to keep you in place and change speed.

There is a Mini Computer in Your Hoverboard

Did you know? Your hoverboard has something in it called a logic board- this is a tiny computer that is taking all the information from the gyroscope, the wheels, and all the sensors that compute speed and how to adjust the tilt of the board to match your angle.

You can think of the logic board as the thought center of the hoverboard- without it, the board would be rendered useless. This is also where any remote controls for the board you have are connected and allow you to change between different modes.

Why the Battery is Opposite the Logic Board

There is a good reason why in a quality hoverboard the lithium battery is on the opposite side of the logic board. This reduces the build-up of heat between the two components. If you have heard stories about boards combusting, you can bet that the battery was right on top of the logic board.

Lesser quality hoverboards even have been known to not have a way to secure the battery into its intended place, giving it the room to slide around and wreak havoc on the board’s systems.

Good boards have safety measures in place, so you can be sure that you are safe while riding one.

Hoverboards are being Developed Further

Hoverboards are being developed further. In a few years, you might have access to stronger batteries, wheels, and suspension. With that, you could take the hoverboard further, ride it longer, and maybe even take it off-road.

You might have noticed that your hoverboard does not work outdoors well, but with the developing technology, you might soon be gliding over any terrain you can imagine!

Most of the issues in modern hoverboards come from the batteries being used. Many lesser quality boards lack a system to deal with overcharge and break when left on the charger for too long. Which is easy to do- as most take under two hours to reach 100% battery levels.

Once this is fixed, you can expect your device to hold a longer charge- that will not cause the board to malfunction. A powerful battery will let you go more difficult to navigate places as well.

Conclusion

In short, the board works by using a gyroscope paired with a system that can sense the level of the ground as well as the angle of your tilt. This keeps you upright as the wheels adjust to your lean and change up the speed as a reaction.

Can You Ride an Electric Scooter in the Rain?

Updated August 24, 2020 By Jesse

So, you just got your first electric scooter and are hopefully having fun using it. You might have some questions about when you can ride it or if there are certain weather conditions to avoid. In other words, can you get an e-scooter wet?

What if you are riding your scooter and suddenly get caught in a storm, what can you do?

Water Can Damage the Electrical System

While riding your electric scooter in the rain is generally considered to be safe, water can damage the electrical system in the scooter. A light sprinkle would be fine but you should steer clear from deeper water- such as puddles on the side of the roads. Simply avoid any flooded areas to keep the electrical system safe.

So, if you find yourself caught in the rain on the scooter, do not worry. Just start on your way back home. Puddles can take a few minutes to form, so just do your best to keep the scooter out of the water.

Water Can Also Damage the Battery

Water can also cause an issue with the electric scooter’s battery. However, you can usually change and replace the battery in a scooter- replacing the entire electrical system is a different story and a lot harder to happen.

Water causes the electrolytes in the battery to expand and eventually will cause an overflow. This might lead to the battery leaking chemicals, which can be dangerous to touch. If the battery seems bloated or has other issues, you will want to carefully replace it sooner than later.

What to do if Your Electric Scooter Gets Soaked

So, what can you do if your electric scooter gets drenched in a surprise thunderstorm? Once you get back inside, you are going to want to turn it off, take the battery out, and dry it off with a towel as soon as possible.

A mild rain will not hurt the system, but after a heavy rain, you will need to take a few minutes to ensure that the scooter will start up the next time that you want to use it. It might sound silly, but taking a hairdryer to the bottom of the scooter will dry it more thoroughly than a towel can . Do not do this to the battery, just the turned off scooter.

I Got Caught in a Storm!

Here are a few quick steps to take when your electric scooter gets rained on.

Turn it off right away.
- This will keep the water from interacting with the electrical system and breaking it. Be sure that you find somewhere dry to hide out for a little bit while you move on to the next steps.

Take the battery out and dry it.
- Water will destroy the battery- meaning that you will need to buy a new one to replace it. Carefully take the battery out and dry it as best as you can as soon as possible, you will also want to make sure that it does not get wet again as you start heading home.

Use rubbing alcohol on the battery.
- Once you are home, use a little bit of rubbing alcohol on the battery. The alcohol will evaporate and take any lingering moisture with it. The earlier you can do this the better, so do not put it off for another day. Rubbing alcohol will ensure that the battery is saved- meaning that you will not need to pay out for a replacement.

Is Riding an Electric Scooter in the Rain Dangerous?

Well, it is dangerous for your scooter, as it might stop working the next day. However, there is no chance of you being harmed- the scooters have safety features included that keep them safe in the rain, as long as you turn them off soon.

Most of the danger comes from being able to control the scooter in the slippery conditions. If you are going too fast (say, trying to outrun a storm and get inside before you get drenched) then you could easily slide off course and have an accident.

Remember, if you have trouble controlling the scooter under dry conditions, then steering it in the rain will only be more difficult. A helmet can protect you from that, if it were to happen. You will also want to quickly check the wheels on your scooter every so often.

Wheels that are worn down and smooth will need to be replaced. They make it easier to slide on the ground and have less grip than new tires- meaning that they are more dangerous in wet conditions. Also, you will want to spend some time briefly checking the pressure of the tires as well.

Treat the Scooter Well

If you take care of your new electric scooter it will last you many years to come. They are fine in light rain, but be sure to take the time to dry it off if you want it to last. Never ride in heavy rainfall and do your best to bring the scooter inside if you find yourself caught in it suddenly.

You will also want to be careful to not overcharge the battery too often and never leave it outside overnight, plus take good care of the tires . If you do these little steps to take care of the scooter, you will not need to buy a new one for a very long time.

Conclusion

In short, you can get a few raindrops on your electric scooter and nothing bad will happen. Although, you will want to dry it off as soon as you can.

You also will want to avoid large puddles of water or flooded areas at all costs- if you drive through one, you might find that your scooter will not start up the next day. Protecting your battery is vital to the life of your scooter, so make sure that it stays dry.

We have all found ourselves in a surprise rainstorm, just be sure to take care of the scooter afterward.

5 Best Locks For Electric Scooters 2021

Updated January 8, 2021 By Jesse

So, you just got a brand-new electric scooter. It’s an exciting time.

You’re ready to ride it all over the city.

But keeping your scooter protected from theft is important. Electric scooters are easier to steal than other e-vehicles because they generally weigh less and can be more easily picked up.

That’s why you need a great lock to keep your scooter secure wherever you park it.

We have reviewed the top 5 best locks for your electric scooter below. No matter your security needs, you’ll be sure to find a lock that will work for you.

NDakter Bike Lock Cable

This coiling cable comes with a 5-digit resettable combination in 7 vibrant color options. A 5-digit combination lock is harder to crack than a traditional 4-digit lock, so you can rest easy knowing your scooter is secured by an extra layer of protection. You can easily personalize the lock with your own combination so you won’t get locked out because you forgot a code of 5 random numbers.

The braided steel cable is coated in PVC to prevent wear and tear. It can withstand 2.4KN tension and 7KN shear force, so it cannot be broken through easily. The 4’ x 1.5” cable also coils on its own, making it easy to pack up and carry wherever you need to go. It comes with a mounting bracket so you can add it to other objects and make transporting it even easier.

Due to its long length, you can even lock up multiple scooters if you have a partner you like to ride with. Or you can lock your scooter around a thick-trunked tree, a railing, and other study objects.

Kryptonite Kryptoflex 1018 Combo Cable Bicycle Lock

The flexible, 10mm cable is made of braided steel to make it very difficult for thieves to cut through it. The 4-digit combination lock is resettable to any combination you want, and it conveniently eliminates the need to remember to carry a key. The cable also comes with a vinyl cover to protect it against general wear and tear.

When you buy this product, you get access to the Combo Safe Program by Kryptonite, which will help you keep your lock safe . The cable dimensions are 6’ x 3/8”. Its long, thin design makes it easy to snake through fences and around large objects to keep your scooter as safe as possible. It weighs 1.25 lbs, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.

This product comes with a lock and mounting bracket, so you can easily transport it by fixing it to other objects. The braided steel will not freeze in extremely cold weather overnight, and there should be no damage to the cable as long as you keep it dry.

Titanker Bike Lock

This product comes with a pair of keys designed uniquely for your lock for an extra layer of protection. This prevents other buyers of the same lock from having a key to yours.

Locking the cable around your scooter is easy: simply push the ends of the lock together until you hear a click and they are secured. Use the key to unlock it and take your electric scooter for a ride.

The flexible steel cable has a diameter of 12mm, making it easy to fit through narrow openings when locking up your scooter, such as in a fence. Its strength makes it tough to cut through, and its PVC coating prevents scratches and rusting for a longer-lasting lock. The 4’ cable allows you to lock up multiple scooters if you need to.

This product also features an updated mounting bracket to make transportation easy. The waterproof, dustproof cover protects the keyhole from damage due to rain or dust.

It is important to keep the lock hole and keyhole lubricated regularly to maximize the longevity of the lock.

Kryptonite Kryptolok 12.7mm U-Lock with FlexFrame-U Bracket

The 12.7mm hard-ended performance steel shackle can’t be broken by hand tools, bolt cutters, or leverage attacks, effectively keeping thieves out. This product comes standard, with a 10mm steel looped cable, or in a mini size with a steel looped cable. The interior locking dimensions of the standard-size lock are 4” x 9”.

The cable adds an extra layer of protection for your electric scooter and may be a good choice if you live in an area where theft is a big concern.

This product comes with Kryptonite’s Key Safe Program, which gives you protection in case you lose the keys that come with this lock; your first 2 replacement keys will be shipped to you free of charge, anywhere in the world. It also comes with an Anti-Theft Protection Offer, which could give you up to $1,750 in reimbursement if your scooter is stolen while using this lock.

The “pass-thru” design of the crossbar has been updated to include enhanced anti-rotation features, which helps prevent thieves from succeeding in single-cut and twist-style attacks against the lock.

Dinoka Bike U Lock

This 16mm heavy-duty lock comes with a 4’ flexible cable for extra security. T he lock is made from a hardened, maximum-performance steel shackle that will resist leverage attacks and cutting from would-be thieves.

This lock’s zinc alloy core and complex serpentine key slot provide more protection than some other locks against various means of theft. When combining the U-lock with the steel loop cable, your electric scooter becomes even more fortified.

The lock is coated in a waterproof silica gel layer to prevent scratches and rusting in the core. It comes with 2 pure-copper keys, so you will have a spare if you lose one. The included high-quality mounting bracket makes it easy to bring your lock with you wherever your scooter goes, no additional packing needed.

One thing to be aware of with this lock is that if you lose both keys, there is no way to order replacement keys from Dinoka. You may want to make your own additional spare keys in case you need them.

Electric Scooter Maintenance: 4 Easy Steps

Updated August 24, 2020 By Jesse

The best way to make your electric scooter last as long as possible is through a proper maintenance routine. Just like with any vehicle, electric scooters need all their parts maintained to keep the whole system running properly.

Even after six months, an electric scooter can start to perform more poorly, and after one or two years, it can lose much of the ability it had when you bought it.

That is, unless you follow this guide to keep your electric scooter in tip-top shape.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Electric Scooter

Without regular maintenance, your scooter has a high risk of developing major problems in one or multiple parts. Maintenance can help prevent components of your scooter from wearing out and breaking down, and it keeps your scooter at prime efficiency.

An efficient, maintained scooter is more reliable. If you use your scooter to commute to work or run errands across town, you need a vehicle that can get you to and from wherever you’re going.

The last thing you want is for it to unexpectedly break down miles away from home.

Benefits of Regular Scooter Maintenance

Not only is maintenance important for the wellbeing of your scooter, but taking care of it reaps several rewards for you as well. If you’ve found a great electric scooter for adults, you want it to work well for as long as possible. You’ll save money by practicing preventative maintenance that can keep you from having to replace or repair a costly part.

You’ll also reduce the risk of an accident happening, especially a fatal one, which keeps you safe.

You’ll also become more knowledgeable about your scooter, so if something were to ever go wrong, you would know exactly what was happening. You can also do much of this maintenance by yourself, reducing the time and costs spent on repair services. And of course, your scooter will ride better and more efficiently, making the overall experience more fun for you.

Knowing the Parts of Your Scooter

Before you can learn how to take care of your electric scooter, you’ll first need to know what its components are that you will take care of. It may seem simple, but there are many parts that work together to create the vehicle that helps you get around.

The electric parts of the scooter include the motor, batteries, throttles, charger, controllers, fuses, and switches. The mechanical parts are the handlebars, brakes, forks, deck, wheels, chain or belt, kickstand, fenders, seat (if your scooter has one), and shock absorber. For safety on the road, your scooter also has front and rear lights, turn signals, and a horn.

Tools You’ll Need for Scooter Maintenance

In order to maintain your electric scooter on your own, you will need a good set of tools to complete all tasks:

Wrench (10, 13, 15, and 17)
Adjustable wrench
Allen Key
Bike tire levers
Lubricant
Digital multimeter
Washing equipment
Chain tool*
Chain breaker*
Chain-cleaning brush*
Magnetic steel tray
Freewheel removal tool

*Note: You will only need tools for chains if your scooter has one. Some models have a belt.

Maintaining Your Electric Scooter in 4 Easy Steps

Preventative maintenance is not as complicated as it may sound. It can be done by regularly completing the following steps, which are not difficult but important all the same:

1. Wash Your Scooter Weekly

Washing your electric scooter weekly (or more often) helps keep your vehicle looking good and prevents environmental contaminants like pollen, salt, dust, dirt, and pollutants from damaging or degrading the condition of the scooter .

First, turn off your scooter. Make sure you wash your scooter outside, which is kind of a no-brainer. Don’t use a hose when washing an electric scooter, as the water can damage the electrical components.

Use a sponge or a rag to wash the vehicle with soapy water, but not one that’s dripping wet. Wring the rag or sponge thoroughly to avoid excess water running into the scooter. Wipe it again with clean water to rinse off the soap, and use a dry rag to dry everything off. Use eco-cleaner to degrease the chain, if your scooter has one. Be sure to lubricate the chain afterward.

2. Check and Change the Tires

You should check the pressure in your tires regularly. Optimal tire pressure for your scooter depends on the weight of the rider (i.e. how much pressure is regularly exerted on them). For a lighter rider, the ideal pressure reads between 35 and 37 psi. For heavier riders, a psi of 42 to 43 is optimal.

If your tires have low pressure, use a pump to put air in them. Beware not to exceed the maximum psi listed in your scooter’s owner’s manual, or you run the risk of your tires blowing out and a more dangerous ride.

Scooter tires should be changed after a certain mileage has been reached (consult owner’s manual for guidance on your model). Beware not to let a tire wear out to the point of a puncture or blowout.

3. Take Care of the Battery

Your scooter should be charged regularly to maintain optimal battery health. You can use a digital multimeter to check on the voltage of your batteries. Typically, a healthy electric scooter battery has a capacity of 25 volts or more . If your battery is reading below that, it may be time to replace it.

To extend the life of your batteries as long as possible, don’t leave the scooter out in freezing weather, don’t leave the charger plugged in once the battery is fully charged, keep the scooter out of the rain, and allow the scooter to cool down before you charge it after a ride.

4. Check and Care for the Brakes

Regardless of the type of brakes on your scooter, pay attention to the condition of the brake pads, shoes, and calipers to make sure they’re not damaged or defective. Test your wheels to see if they can spin unobstructed. If they don’t, you’ll need to adjust them to fine-tune. You can use your Allen keys for working on the various parts of the brake.

Why is My Hoverboard Beeping? Here’s What You Do:

Updated January 2, 2021 By Jesse

We’ve all been there. You just got a new hoverboard and you can’t wait to ride it. You go to turn it on and… It won’t stop beeping. Or maybe you’ve been using your hoverboard for a while, and all of a sudden it won’t stop beeping.

This problem can range from slightly annoying to pretty frustrating if you feel like you’ve tried everything and you can’t get it to stop. Well, don’t worry, because below you will find common fixes to turn off the beeping and restore peace.

Reasons Why Your Hoverboard Could be Beeping

There is no one reason why you might be having this problem with your hoverboard, so it can sometimes be challenging to figure out what’s causing the beeping.

The best way to do it is by looking at the context of the problem. Here are some common situations where a hoverboard could keep beeping.

Hoverboard Beeps on Uneven Surfaces

If the surface you’re riding on is uneven, your hoverboard may start beeping to warn you. A dangerously uneven surface tilts the board by more than 15 degrees forward or backward, which can severely impact your balance. Without proper balance, you are at a higher risk of an accident and potentially harming yourself and/or your hoverboard. You can stop this beeping by riding on a flat, even surface.

Hoverboard Beeps at Higher Speeds

If you exceed the maximum speed of your hoverboard, the board becomes dangerous to ride. That’s why they come with a safety function that’s triggered by speeds faster than the maximum. The board will start to slow down and it will beep to warn you that you’re going too fast.

Hoverboard Beeps and Flashes While Riding

When your hoverboard’s battery drops below 20%, the green light will start to blink. If the red light is blinking, it means your battery life is critically low and it needs to be charged immediately . Stop riding your hoverboard if you see either of these lights and charge it as you normally would.

Hoverboard is Beeping and Won’t Turn Off

If this is the case, then your hoverboard likely has a defect in its motherboard. You can solve this problem with a hoverboard repair kit, which you can buy online, or by paying for a repair service on the board.

If you replace the motherboard yourself, keep in mind what type of motherboard is currently in the board and check with the retailer before you buy a new one to make sure it will be compatible.

Need a new board?

Hoverboards are evolving fast, and the price is often dropping too. Here is Hover Patrols list of the best hoverboards for 2021.

How to Stop Your Hoverboard from Beeping

If you’re not sure what the cause of the beeping is, or if there is no obvious fix, here are some common ways you can stop your hoverboard’s beeping.

Recalibrate the Hoverboard

This is the most common way to stop the beeping and it does not require an expert to do it for you. Follow these easy steps to recalibrate your hoverboard:

Adjust the foot pedals so that they are level with each other (the board should also be on level ground)
Press and hold the power button for at least 10 seconds until the device powers off. This should stop the beeping and activate LED lights, which should flash
Leave the device off for a few seconds
Press the power button again to turn the hoverboard back on
Give the board a test ride

If the board continues to beep, you may need to repeat this process to fully reset the device. It is not recommended to calibrate the board more than 5 times.

Reconnect the Wires

You may have a loose line inside your hoverboard that’s causing the non stop beeping. To check this and fix it, turn off your hoverboard and remove the screws holding it together. Open the board up to reveal its power cables.

Check the line to see if it’s loose, and also make sure the wires are all clipped in securely. If the wires aren’t clipped, you can fix this simply by pulling them out of the board and pushing them back in. If you have a loose line, you can disconnect it by using a pen or a pencil to push the clip outwards a bit. Then, reconnect the line securely.

Be sure when reconnecting these wires that you match the colors correctly. With both of these issues, a sound should go off if you have done it right. Once you hear it, replace the board pieces and screws and power the device up. It should no longer be beeping.

Solutions Based on the Number of Red Flashes

If neither calibration nor reconnecting the wires works for you, then you’ll need to note how many times the red light on your hoverboard flashes when it’s beeping. The light could be flashing anywhere from 1-9 times, and each number of flashes means something different:

1 Flash: There is a motherboard issue. Disconnect and reconnect all connections on the motherboard. If this doesn’t solve the problem, consider replacing the motherboard
2 or 3 Flashes: There is an internal circuitry issue. Purchase a circuit board replacement kit and follow instructions accordingly
4 or 5 Flashes: There is an internal motor issue. 4 flashes indicate a problem with the motor on the motherboard side of your device, while 5 flashes indicate a problem with the motor on the battery side. You will likely need to replace the faulty motor
6 Flashes: There is a battery issue. You will likely need to replace the battery in this case
7 or 8 Flashes: There is a gyroscope issue. This could vary from pin deviation to an unstable socket to poor interface alignment. You can either replace the gyroscopes or the entire circuit board to fix the problem
9 Flashes: There is an orientation issue. Simply put, your hoverboard has been turned on while upside down, and all you need to do in this case is flip the device right-side-up to stop the beeping

If Your Hoverboard is Still Beeping

If none of the above solutions work, it may be time to replace your board. If the product is under warranty, you can contact the manufacturer for a refund or replacement.

What to do When Your Hoverboard Won’t Turn On

Updated January 2, 2021 By Jesse

So, your hoverboard isn’t turning on. Whether it’s brand-new or you’ve been using it for years, this problem can be frustrating. After all, if you just bought the device, it should be working just fine.

And if you’ve been using it for a while and there hasn’t been obvious damage to it, you may not know why it’s suddenly not powering on.

We’re here to help you solve this problem without paying a lot of money for some other person to repair your hoverboard. Here are some tips you can try to fix it on your own.

What’s Wrong with my Hoverboard?

There are several issues within the device that could cause it to stop turning on. These include a defect in the battery, where it can’t hold a charge, or the charger itself could be defective .

The charger may also be plugged in incorrectly. There could be a disconnected wire inside the board, or there could be a system error, or the motherboard could be defective.

Below, we’ll outline some ways for you to figure out what’s wrong with the board and offer common fixes for whatever issue you’re having.

Charger or Battery Defects

If you’re keeping your hoverboard charged, but it keeps running out of power before you even get a chance to use it, you could have a faulty battery or charger. It’s easier to test the charger than it is to open up the hoverboard and check out the battery, so we recommend starting there.

Testing the Charger

Plug your charger in and notice if the light stays green or turns red. If it turns red, then the charger is working to load the battery with power as intended. If it stays green, however, it thinks the battery is fully charged even when it’s not.

A good charger should go red for at least a minute or two, even if the battery is full or close to full. So, a green light when you’ve just plugged in the charger indicates you may need to replace it.

If you can borrow a friend’s hoverboard charger, see if theirs does the same thing. If it stays green, too, then the problem is likely with your hoverboard battery or motherboard, not with the charger.

If it turns red, leave it plugged in until the light goes green. If your hoverboard turns on as it should, then the problem was with your charger.

However, some charge ports are designed with a small locator tab that makes it difficult to properly orient the charger. The tab is supposed to prevent the charger from being plugged in wrong, but if the tab is too small, it won’t work as intended.

This can happen when the manufacturer of the charger is different from the hoverboard manufacturer, resulting in a slight incompatibility between the charger and the locator tab.

If this is the case with your hoverboard, the problem could be as simple as you have the charger turned the wrong way. If your charger is plugged in incorrectly, it won’t charge the hoverboard as it should. This could be indicated by no light at all when you plug in your charger.

To test if this is your problem, look inside the charging port on your board. You should see 3 pins, and on the plug, there should be a locator tab. When you plug the charger in, be sure to line it up with the tab. If the charger works properly (as described above), then that was probably the only issue. Charge your hoverboard until the light turns green, then check if it turns on and stays on. If so, you should be good to go.

Testing the Battery

If your charger is “behaving” properly and your hoverboard is still losing power too quickly, you can disassemble the board to get access to the battery. Remove the screws in the hoverboard case so you can take it apart. The battery is the largest component of the board and often has a blue cover over it, so it should be easy to locate.

To test the battery, unplug the 2-pin connector and use a voltmeter to check the voltage. If your battery has a full charge, it should register about 36 to 42 volts. If the voltage is lower than that, you probably need to replace the battery.

Wiring and Motherboard Defects

If the problem isn’t with the charger or the battery, then there are a few other things that could be wrong with your hoverboard. Here’s how to identify and fix these common issues:

Checking the Wires

Before replacing all the screws and putting your hoverboard back together, take a look at the wiring that connects the charging port to the motherboard. If these wires are disconnected somehow or plugged in incorrectly, it could be the cause of your problem. You might try unplugging the wires and then reconnecting them, then try charging the device again. If it charges and turns on, then the problem was likely with the wiring.

Checking the Motherboard

If the wiring was okay, then the motherboard itself is likely at fault here. The motherboard could be defective, or it could have a system error that’s causing it to malfunction. If you know how, check for trouble codes in the motherboard.

If you don’t know how to check for trouble codes, you can call customer support with your hoverboard retailer or manufacturer to get guidance. If the motherboard has a trouble code, you’ll likely need to replace the motherboard or send it in for repairs.

If you feel it is time for a new hoverboard, check out our best hoverboard reviews 2021.

Hoverboard Repairs Under Warranty

Once you’ve identified the problem with your hoverboard, check to see if the device is under warranty from the supplier.

If it is, you can most likely have the defective part repaired or replaced at no cost to you. Check the terms and limitations of your warranty and call your supplier to confirm whether the problem with your hoverboard is covered.