MAINTENANCE TIPS

Keep your scooter running smoothly with these maintenance tips. If you run into anything not covered here, get in touch and we'll help.

Bearings

Bearings are a moving part and need to be kept free from dirt, water, and grime. Regular cleaning and a purpose-made lubricant will keep them running smoothly and extend their life.

Bolts

After riding, check that all bolts are tight and that the compression is set correctly. This video covers how to maintain your scooter properly:

▶ Watch: How to Dial Your Scooter Like a Pro

When tightening bolts, always use the correct tool — an Allen key. Do not over-tighten. Start with one bolt, then the other, alternating between the two so they tighten evenly.

Brakes

Brakes will wear with use — that's normal. Avoid excessive or unnecessarily hard braking to prolong their life. Replace when the braking surface becomes thin or performance drops noticeably.

Clamp Tightening

To hold the bars securely, the clamp needs to sit right on top of the head tube so it can tighten against the shim on the inside of the scooter. The shim is the metal tube with a slit running down it.

If the bars are spinning after you've tightened the clamp, you may need to replace the shim and/or the clamp. This video shows how to take that section apart (watch the first minute) so you can swap out the shim and clamp:

▶ Watch: How to Fix a Stiff Headset / Clamp Replacement

As with bolts — do not over-tighten the clamp bolts. Alternate between the two bolts so they tighten evenly.

Grip Tape

Grip tape will wear over time — if it didn't, it wouldn't be doing its job. To extend its life, keep it dry and away from extreme temperatures.

To remove old grip tape, apply heat (e.g. a hair dryer) to loosen the adhesive, then peel it off. Before applying new grip tape, make sure the deck surface is completely clean and free of dust or residue so the replacement sticks properly.

If you notice air bubbles in your grip tape, pop them with a pin to let the air out, then press the tape back down. Bubbles are most common when the deck and tape are exposed to high temperatures.

Handlebar Grips

Grips wear through use and will need to be replaced regularly for rider safety. To remove old grips, you can cut them off. To fit new ones, use hairspray as a lubricant to slide them on easily — it acts as a grip aid once it dries.

Always make sure the bar ends have bar end plugs (bungs) fitted. These provide important protection if a rider were to fall onto the end of the bar.

Headsets

Headsets have several moving parts and need regular care. Keep them clean and free from grit, mud, and water. If a headset starts to feel loose or less effective, take it apart and clean it — remember the order of assembly when you put it back together. Use a purpose-made lubricant, not grease.

If you hear a rattle from the front end of the scooter, the compression likely needs tightening. To do this, remove the bars and tighten the top bolt inside the fork using an Allen key.

The video below shows how to do this (from around 50 seconds in):

▶ Watch: Headset and Compression Tightening

Fixing a Loose Headset / Rattling Scooter — Step-by-Step

A rattling noise or loose bar is one of the most common scooter issues we hear about — and the good news is it's almost always a quick fix you can do at home. Follow the step-by-step guide below.

Still having trouble after following the steps? Get in touch with a short video of the issue and we'll help you diagnose it.

Wheels

Wheels are a wearing part and will need replacing over time. They can also "de-hub" or "chunk" prematurely if bashed hard against kerbs, so avoid unnecessary impacts where possible.

A flat spot on the rear wheel is caused by brake lock-up — either accidental or from deliberate skidding. Under normal riding conditions wheels last well, but no wheel is built to withstand sustained skidding on concrete or hard surfaces.

Wheel Replacement

You'll need Allen keys to replace the wheels. Use one Allen key on each side of the axle — one holds it in place while you undo the bolt with the other. Once the bolt is off, you may need to give the axle a light tap to push it through. After fitting the new wheel, check and re-tighten the axle again after a few weeks of riding.

For a full walkthrough, this video will guide you through it:

▶ Watch: Wheel Replacement Guide

Always replace wheels with the same size currently on your scooter — 100mm, 110mm, or 120mm. The size is usually printed on the side of the wheel. If you're not sure, search your scooter model to confirm which size it came with.

You can size down if you prefer, but both front and rear wheels must be changed to the same size. Note that sizing down will also mean you need to push harder on the brake to make contact with the wheel.

Replacement wheels are available in our Accessories section.