Worried about your electric scooter jerking while accelerating? A rough ride on a new scooter is enough to have anyone concerned. But there’s a chance it isn’t such a big deal after all!
The most likely cause of your electric scooter jerking when accelerating is the motor not getting enough power. Several factors, including a low battery, dirty or damaged contacts, or a problem with the motor itself can cause this. Other potential issues include worn tires, a poorly set speed controller, or a design flaw.
Read on to learn more about why your electric scooter may jerk when accelerating and whether it’s a serious concern. Find out what steps you can take to fix the problem and get your scooter running as smoothly as possible!
Why It Happens
If you’ve just gotten a new scooter, it may jerk when you try to accelerate. This is completely normal and no cause for alarm.
It happens because it’s adjusting to your weight and riding style. Simultaneously, you are also learning more about how your new scooter responds to a certain amount of acceleration.
It can take some time to adjust to power delivery and gear responses for a new vehicle, and an electric scooter is no different. As you keep riding the scooter, eventually, it’ll become smoother. However, if you’ve been using it regularly for over 1-2 weeks and it’s still jerking when you accelerate, there may be a problem.
In that case, you need to get your machine checked out by a mechanic. If your scooter continues to malfunction for many days and you don’t get it looked at, the delay can worsen the problem. This only applies to new scooters. For pre-used or second-hand scooters, any jerking is an immediate cause for concern.
There can be several reasons why your electric scooter is jerking, and your mechanic will work through these with you. However, it’s always helpful to research and be aware of the possibilities before you go to a workshop.
Battery Issue
If your scooter won’t start smoothly, stutters, or jerks during ignition, there’s a huge chance you’re dealing with a battery issue. One option is simply that your scooter’s battery is low on charge. If you’re someone who forgets to charge your scooter regularly or takes it out on long drives with minimal charging, that might be the problem.
On the other hand, if you’re conscientious about charging and taking care of your scooter, you may have a malfunctioning battery on your hands. You’ll have to take your scooter to a mechanic and get a new battery.
If you’ve purchased a second-hand or used model, you should find out how old the batteries are. Over time, a scooter’s batteries will stop working at optimum capacity. It may jerk when accelerating because you’ve reached the end of the battery life.
Motor Problem
A faulty motor is another common reason your electric scooter is jerking. Often debris and dirt collect around the motor, making it difficult for the scooter to run properly. Another issue may be the wiring connected to the motor. Loose or damaged wiring can cause delays in the power delivery to the motor, causing jerks.
To solve the issue yourself, try cleaning the motor. If that doesn’t work, reach out to a mechanic and have them check your scooter for motor or battery problems.
Get it looked at early, and you may be able to get the motor repaired. Leave the issue unresolved too long, and you’ll eventually have to replace the motor when the problem worsens.
Tire Problem
Before you assume the worst and consider replacing the motor or battery, remember to check out the tires. When you’re driving a scooter with deflated or worn-out tires, you’ll likely experience a jerky ride. This is one of the easiest and cheapest issues to resolve.
Brake Issues
Your scooter might be jerking when accelerating due to faulty brakes. If the brakes are loose or worn out, your ride won’t be smooth. When you take your scooter to a mechanic, have them test the brakes to see if that’s the problem.
Speed Controller
This model-specific concern may or may not apply to your scooter. If you purchase a model with a speed controller, make sure to adjust the setting. When the controller is set too high, the motor may not receive enough power to start. As a result, it will jerk as it tries to accelerate.
Design Flaw
Also, consider the possibility that the issue isn’t just with your scooter but with the design itself, especially if it’s a new purchase. For that, you’ll have to research and find out whether the problem is with one scooter or all of them. Reach out to the company and let them know there’s an issue with your product if you ordered it directly. You may be able to get a replacement or alternative option.
Riding Style
Have you been riding your scooter too hard lately? Have you been speeding over rough terrain? When you treat your scooter with a lack of care or constantly push it to its limit, there’s a huge chance you’ll face issues like jerking.
FAQs
Why Is My Electric Scooter Jerking?
If your electric scooter is jerking while accelerating, it is likely a problem with the battery or motor. Taking your electric scooter to a mechanic is the best way to ensure the problem is dealt with. Alternatively, the jerking may result from an issue with the tire, brake, or speed controller.
Why Is My Electric Scooter Shaky?
It is common to experience wobbling towards the front side of your scooter. The most common reason is that the wheel is misaligned, likely after hitting a pothole. Other causes can include loose bolts, screws, or handlebars.
Why Is My Electric Scooter Losing Power?
If your electric scooter loses power, the most obvious cause is an old or defective battery. Worn out batteries may need to be replaced every few months, depending on your usage. Defective batteries cause your scooter to lose power at full throttle by accidentally switching off the motor.
Final Thoughts
Your scooter jerking may not be a major issue, especially if it’s brand new. It takes a while for a new scooter to get used to your riding style. However, if the problem persists, you’re likely dealing with a battery or motor problem.
Once you get the all clear on those two parts, you should look at the tires, brakes, and speed controller to try and identify the root of the issue. Your mechanic or scooter repair expert is the best person to help you figure out the problem.
Jonathan Rice is a writer with a degree in Applied Physics (UCL, 1998) who suffers from an obsession with green technologies and sustainable mobility.
He made this website to help answer people’s questions about new technologies, green vehicles, and as the title suggests, really anything to do with zero emission vehicles.
