How to fix an electric scooter throttle
What is a Throttle?
‘Throttle’ refers to a device used to control the flow of fuel or power into an engine. The standard throttle on electric scooters is the half-effect throttle. There are several other types of throttles available. Sometimes, hall effect throttles, accelerators, or twist bars are called hall effects.
In addition to the above, there are also on/off throttles, high-end throttles, full twist, half twist, and thumb foot throttles. Let’s talk about how to test the throttle BEFORE we proceed to fix the throttle.
An A scooter powered by electricity is an excellent mode of transportation. The cost is low, and you simply need to charge your scooter before heading out. Both adults and kids can ride electric scooters. Battery problems are most often to blame for scooters that won’t start. If your scooter does not move but your battery has been charged and is working properly, you should test your throttle. Half effect throttles, also known as twist bars, are the most prevalent types of throttles. A high-end throttle or on/off throttle are examples of other throttle types. Let’s take a look at how you can test a generic electric scooter throttle.
Step 1 – Preparation
To test your scooter, find a location with an electric supply. Your scooter should be on a level, stable surface. The batteries need to be charged, as well. Read how to charge an e-scooter here. Red, black, green or blue wires normally connect the throttle.
Step 2 – Testing the Throttle
You may have a problem with your throttle if you cannot see any speed display or lights when you twist the throttle. An issue can also arise from a faulty connection between the controller and the throttle. The scooter should be turned off and the fuse removed. Raise the scooter’s back wheels off of the ground. Make sure you’re not standing near the back wheels. A positive DC voltage of 4.3 volts should be connected to the red wire of the throttle. 4.3 volts DC ground is connected to the black wire.
After that, you’ll need to connect a Voltmeter to the black and green or blue wires. Next, you should reset the fuse and start the motor. The motor can be started by turning the throttle. Now that the motor is running, it should keep running. The connection to the controller, battery, ignition key, must be working properly for this to happen.
Whenever the motor does not rotate, this means that there is an issue with the throttle. Ideally, the voltage reading on the voltmeter should range anywhere between 0 and 3+ volts. However, if the reading on the voltmeter is low, there is something wrong with the throttle. It is recommended that you remove the connection wires from their attachments, then switch the engine off.
Step 3 – Solution
You may need to replace the battery if it is the cause of the problem. It may be necessary to repair or replace the throttle itself if the connection between the controller and throttle is faulty. A local scooter repair shop can diagnose and repair the problem for you. The scooter manufacturer can even replace the parts for free or at a reduced price if you are within your warranty period.
Read more on how fast you can go on a kick scooter
Causes of throttle failure : How to fix an electric scooter throttle
Electric scooter has no power
It is possible that there are a number of factors causing your scooter to fail to start. In the first place, make sure you fully charge it to eliminate the problem of undercharging. After you have done that, you can proceed. It is necessary to remove the top deck in order to expose the wiring and inspect the internal components, which include the battery, throttle, controller, and brake lever. You should get your service dealer to fix the controller box if it is the problem. If the switch is the problem, check if the light and indicator come on after the scooter has been turned on. The switch or wiring inside the light is malfunctioning if the light does not come on. Nevertheless, you can avoid power failures by purchasing a reliable scooter such as the thunder 2 from MiniMotors.
Electric scooter has limited power
With time, you may notice that a full charge runs for a shorter period of time. Since lithium-ion batteries last two years on average, it’s not surprising. You might need to replace your scooter if you’ve used it for such a long time. Your charger might be broken too. Check your charger’s indicator light. If it doesn’t light, then the battery is not charging. You might have to replace it. You may have lost more than 60% of the battery’s power, which limits how long you can use it. Using a voltmeter, test the battery to see how much capacity it has left. If you need a new battery, replace it.
Electric Scooter is on but not running
It may also happen that the scooter is on but not running. A variety of reasons may be behind this. Fuse issues are the most common cause. Make sure that the fuse is correctly inserted into the fuse assembly. There is a high chance that the fuse might be in need of replacement when the scooter does not move when powered up or connected to a charger. Basically, you just need to install the fuse that came with your electric scooter.
A blown fuse could also be an issue. Using a screwdriver, remove the bad fuse and open the fuse holder to determine whether the fuse is bad. Observe the fuse wire to determine whether the fuse is bad. It is a bad fuse if there is a broken wire, and it must be replaced immediately. If the fuse holder has been damaged, it should be replaced as well. If there are any cracks or breakages, have the fuse holder replaced at your local service center.
Make sure the fuse assembly is also wired correctly. Connections and wiring become looser over time. This will cause the scooter to not move but the lights will work. Ensure that the fuse assembly, control box, and battery are connected to the wires in the fuse holder.
Electric scooter accelerates but fails to stop
A damaged throttle or control box or both may cause an electric scooter to fail to stop. It is highly likely that it is this as previous cases have indicated it to be the case. It usually occurs when the scooter starts moving without you pressing the accelerator pedal. Make sure you fix the issue right away. A damaged control box can cause the scooter to start even though it is off. Similarly, if the scooter only works while the charger is connected, then the lights could be another indication.
The Speed Controller Is Most Likely to Blame
It is 99% of the time a defective speed controller that causes the motor to run continuously in our shop. There is also the possibility that the problem is caused by a defective throttle or short circuit in the throttle cable.
Test The Throttle and Speed Controller
Disconnect the throttle from the speed controller to test whether the problem is the throttle or the speed controller. Whenever the throttle is disconnected, the motor will stop running. When the motor continues to run, the speed controller has a problem.
The Reason Why Motors Run Constantly
Speed controllers for electric scooters control the motor speed with MOSFET transistors. As a result, the motor runs continuously at full speed when these types of transistors burn out, therefore locking the power into the on position.
Speed Controller Replacement
Electric scooters and bicycles made by Chinese companies often lack direct-fit, plug-and-play speed controllers. The only way to fix a scooter without a plug-and-play speed controller is to replace it with a new speed controller that has the same voltage rating and a Wattage rating that is equal or slightly higher than that of the motor it is connected with.
Find the cause of the malfunction: How to fix an electric scooter throttle
First, determine why a throttle is malfunctioning. You may want to move the electric scooter to an elevated area or a flat table for easy inspection. In addition, ensure that the battery is properly charged or that a power source is connected to the scooter when you test it.
Check your e-scooter throttle using several of the methods below. The throttle wire may need to be located within the scooter in some of these methods. Be sure to consult your electric scooter throttle diagram. A three-colored wire system usually consists of red, black, and blue (or green).
Check the throttle itself
To operate the throttle, turn it, push it, or twist it according to the type of throttle you have. It means that the throttle and controller are the cause of the problem if the speed display and e-scooter lights are not on. You will have to assess which device is problematic. See our guide on how to fix common scooter controller issues.
When you try to start an e-scooter and it doesn’t work, it could also be the battery or the key.
Test the e-scooter fuse
Remove the fuse from the e-scooter and turn it off. Be certain the rear wheels are elevated. Connect the red wire of the throttle to a C-positive multimeter, and connect the black wire to DC ground. A voltmeter should be connected to the black and blue (or green) wires.
Turn on the electric scooter after you have inserted the fuse back in it. The motor will start after you turn the throttle. A problem with the throttle may exist if the scooter and motor start successfully. Low voltage indicates a throttle problem. It is ideal for the voltmeter to measure between 0 and 3 volts.
Inspect the throttle wires
Examine the throttle wires physically to ensure there are no cuts, burned, or melted wires. The throttle should be replaced immediately if you find one since it most likely overheated.