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Symptoms of Electric Bike and Scooter Problems
In addition to the general symptoms we offer here, you may find other, more specific information in online Manuals, User Guides, Assembly Instructions, and Notes for Electric Scooters and Bicycles
Weak or dead batteries are a common problem. Click here to find low prices on your battery type.
Common Symptoms
Symptom
Cause
Solution
Vehicle does not go at all.
1. Dead battery.
2. ON/OFF switch is OFF.
3. Fuse is blown.
4. Throttle is bad.
5. Controller is bad.
6. Brushed motor problem.
7. Charger not charging.1. Replace batteries.
2. Switch to ON.
3. Replace fuse after fixing short circuit.
4. Replace throttle.
5. Replace controller.
6. Open and inspect.
7. Replace charger.LEV doesn't go as far as it did before.
Symptom
Cause
Solution
Vehicle does not go as far as it did when new.
1. Weak battery.
2. Low tire pressure.
3. Brakes rubbing.
4. Motor bearings failing.
5. Brushed motor problem.
6. Charger not charging.1. Replace batteries.
2. Inflate tires to maximum pressure printed on sidewall.
3. Adjust (loosen) brakes or true the wheel.
4. Replace bearings.
5. Open and inspect.
6. Replace charger.Vehicle runs for a while, then stops. It will continue slowly, but stops when accelerating quickly.
Vehicle runs for a while, then stops. After 20-30 minutes, vehicle runs again.
1. Overheating.
2. Overheating from low tire pressure.
3. Overheating from brakes rubbing.
4. Defective controller or thermal sensor.1. Add additional cooling (e.g. cooling fins) or reduce stress on motor.
2. Inflate tires to maximum pressure printed on sidewall.
3. Adjust (loosen) brakes or true the wheel.
4. Replace controller.LEV doesn't go as fast as it did before.
Symptom
Cause
Solution
Vehicle does not go as fast as it did when new.
1. Weak battery.
2. Low tire pressure.
3. Brakes rubbing.
4. Motor bearings failing.
5. Brushed motor problem.
6. Charger not charging.1. Replace batteries
2. Inflate tires to maximum pressure printed on sidewall
3. Adjust (loosen) brakes or true the wheel
4. Replace bearings
5. Open and inspect
6. Replace charger.
Symptom
Cause
Solution
Chain makes a "chugging" sound
1. Rear wheel sprocket is not centered on the axle.
2. Rear wheel sprocket is not aligned in the same plane as the motor's pinion gear.
1. Make sure rear axle is at dead center of sprocket
2. Align both sprockets (e.g. bend motor mount plate or adjust motor brace)Batteries make a low/quiet "sizzling" or "crackling" sound
1. Unplug a dumb charger when the green LED light goes on
2. Replace a smart charger that no longer drops voltage to maintenance modeVehicle makes a "squeaking" sound while moving
1. Loose spokes.
2. Brake is partially engaged.
3. Wheel bearings squeak (test rear wheels after removing chain/belt).1. Adjust spokes to equal tension
2. Ensure brakes are properly adjusted
3. Adjust axle tension or replace bearingsChain makes a "squeaking" sound
Dry chain.
Lube the chain
Symptom
Cause
Solution
Vehicle "pulses" like a car with a bad spark plug
Replace controller (or motor/controller).
Vehicle does not go when throttle is pressed until LEV is moved backwards.
Replace controller (or motor/controller).
Pressing the throttle causes the motor to start, but it stops immediately.
1. Connectors are loose at terminals
2. Battery voltage is low.
3. Battery has a hidden break.1. Retighten all connectors.
2. Replace batteries.
3. If more than one battery, determine which battery has break by using a voltmeter while pressing down on areas near the terminal. Replace faulty battery.Vehicle has a bad smell of burned electronics.
Replace controller (or motor/controller).
Vehicle starts moving immediately when switch is turned ON even though throttle is off.
Replace throttle.
Vehicle does not move.
Blown fuse.
1. Replace fuse.
2. If problem persists, check for shorts.
3. If no shorts, replace controller (or motor/controller).
Symptom
Cause
Solution
The battery feels warm after a 5-mile ride
Weak battery (testing a battery)
The battery feels warm when it's being charged
Weak battery (testing a battery)
The battery takes much less time to charge or it won't accept a full charge
Weak battery (testing a battery)
Manuals, User Guides, Assembly Instructions, and Notes for Electric Scooters and Bicycles (click here)