Maintaining Your Scooter

We understand that keeping your scooter in tip-top condition can be a real challenge sometimes. Excessive use, long journeys and rough road surfaces can lead to a lot of wear and tear.

Scooters are not just fun to ride, they’re also convenient and cheap to run. For that reason, investing your time and money into maintaining a scooter and prolonging its lifespan can be a smart economical strategy.

It is vital, however, that we understand exactly how to maintain them. This article serves as a guide on how to keep your scooter in tip-top condition!

Before purchasing any scooter you should learn the basics of how to oil the parts. Without carrying out this procedure on a regular basis your scooter is unlikely to last for very long. There are two main things you should check – firstly, that there is enough engine oil, and secondly, that the gearbox oil is replenished as it begins running low. Although you should check the brakes, cooling and battery fluid every few trips, the oil tends to require more attention. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s service manual which you should have received with the scooter. If you can’t find the service manual you may be able to pick one up from eBay.

We recommend checking the oil every 3 to 6 months, depending on the amount of usage.

Recommended oils:

• AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke Synthetic (where required in SAE 10W-40 motor oil)
• Oils by other reputable companies (Repsul and Motul)

Checking tyre pressure is important when it comes to maintaining any vehicle with wheels. Tyre pressure which is too low or too high can result in easy punctures and bursting. Low tyre pressure can also lead to a reduction in the mpg (miles per gallon) you get out of a full tank of fuel.

Typically your tyres will need checking every couple of thousand kilometers (or roughly every 1500 miles).

Cleaning the carburetor regularly will prevent the scooter from clogging up, especially if it’s been left idle for a long period of time.

A list of good carburetor cleaners can be found here.

In order to maintain perfect air flow you will need to keep the air filter clean. Having a clean air filter will not only allow your scooter to start easier but also supports the mileage you get out of a full fuel tank.

Spark plugs should be cleaned routinely using a row wire brush, you can also replace them every 2000 kilometers (1400 miles) as they begin to age. Spark plugs play a critical role in the function of small two-stroke engines as they ignite more often. In order to change your spark plug, you’ll need to purchase a spark wrench first. For guidance on how to change the spark plug you may find this guide helpful.

Screws and bolts should be checked on a regular basis for signs of rust. You should also make sure none are left loose.

The drive belt acts as the chain of the scooter, linking the two rotating shafts which cause the scooter to move. These belts will usually last a long time, but as with almost any piece of kit it will eventually show signs of wear and need to be replaced.

If you need a replacement you can find decently priced drive belts over at Parts For Scooters.