The braking system of an electric scooter is related to the life safety of the rider. The motor of an electric scooter on the market is at least 350W and can reach a speed of 20MPH. An efficient braking system can help avoid accidents and improve the safety and control of the rider. Therefore, choosing a reliable braking system is crucial to the safety of an electric scooter.
Electric scooters will be equipped with at least one braking system, but many models on the market are equipped with more than one braking system. Scooters with multiple braking systems can effectively prevent one of the braking systems from failing.
Braking system classification
Some models only have brakes on the front or rear wheels. This is not as good as equipping both the front and rear wheels with independent brakes.
On the market, there are two major categories of braking systems for electric scooters, namely mechanical braking systems and electronic braking systems. These two types of braking systems have brakes with different principles.
Mechanical brake system
|
Brakes
|
Drum brakes
|
Disc brakes
|
Foot brake
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Image
|
 |
  |
 |
|
Working principle
|
Installed inside the wheel hub, it contains brake shoes or pads. When the brake shoes or pads are pushed outward, they come into contact with the drum and generate friction to slow down the rotation.
|
There is a metal disc mounted on the wheel, and when the rider presses the brake, the brake clamps the disc on the wheel, creating resistance through friction, slowing the wheel down and eventually stopping it.
|
The simplest braking system. The rider steps on the rear fender, which slows the wheel by contacting the tire.
|
|
Advantages
|
|
|
|
|
Disadvantages
|
|
|
|
Electronic brake system
|
Brakes
|
Electronic brake
|
Regenerative brake
|
|---|---|---|
|
Image
|
 |
 |
|
Working principle
|
With the switch turned on, the terminals are shorted to the motor to create resistance to motor rotation. When the brake lever or button is triggered, the system is activated and you will feel the scooter slow down slightly.
|
Recover the energy generated during braking and store it in the battery to extend the driving range.
There is some controversy over extending the driving range of electric scooters in actual use.
|
|
Advantages
|
|
|
|
Disadvantages
|
|
|
Overview of electric scooters with good braking effect
|
Product image
|
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Product name
|
|||
|
Brakes
|
Front & Rear Oil Brakes
|
Disc brakes
|
Waterproof Dual Hydraulic Brakes
|
|
Motor power
|
1200W*2
|
1000W*2
|
3000W*2
|
|
Top speed
|
65km/h (40mph)
|
65km/h (40mph)
|
95km/h (59mph)
|
|
Range
|
80km (50miles)
|
45km (28miles)
|
80km (50miles)
|
|
Tire
|
10″ Off-road pneumatic rubber tire
|
10” Off-road tire
|
11” Off-road tire
|
|
Loading
|
120kg (265lbs)
|
150kg (331lbs)
|
200kg (441lbs)
|
KuKirin G3 Pro——Safe braking with oil brake
Motor Power: 1200W*2
Max Speed: 65km/h (40mph)
Max Range: 80km (50miles)
Brakes: Front & Rear Oil Brakes
Tires: 10″ Off-Road Pneumatic Rubber Tires
Max Loading: 120kg (265lbs)
KuKirin G3 Pro is a high-power 2400W electric scooter with oil brake. The front and rear oil disc brakes are wear-resistant, durable and have a long service life; they can provide faster and more sensitive braking effects, allowing riders to stop more quickly and increase safety. The full suspension design and 4 shock-absorbing arms effectively reduce the impact force, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable ride. The 10-inch off-road tires can adapt to more terrains and drive more smoothly; the 199mm deck is wide enough for you to stand steadily and comfortably.
Halo Knight T104 – Getting started with off-road
Motor Power: 1000W*2
Max Speed: 65km/h (40mph)
Max Range: 45km (28miles)
Brakes: Disc Brakes
Tires: 10” Off-road Tire
Max Loading: 150kg (331lbs)
Halo Knight T104 is an off-road entry-level electric scooter with disc brakes. 10-inch off-road tires, stronger load-bearing capacity, better shock absorption, stronger grip, safe and comfortable driving. Adapt to various road surfaces. The tread has good shock absorption and anti-slip performance. Equipped with a foldable frame and handlebars for easy storage and transportation. It also comes with front and rear spring suspension to ensure a smooth ride.
Halo Knight T108 Pro——6000W Ultra-high power
Motor Power: 3000W*2
Max Speed: 95km/h (59mph)
Max Range: 80km (50miles)
Brakes: Waterproof Dual Hydraulic Brakes
Tires: 11” Off-Road Tires
Max Loading: 200kg (441lbs)
Halo Knight T108 Pro is a 6000W ultra-high power electric scooter with waterproof dual hydraulic brakes. Equipped with front and rear hydraulic brakes, it has strong waterproof performance and can work normally in wet environments; the dual hydraulic structure makes braking more flexible and sensitive, and the braking effect is better; the braking distance is shorter (≤2m), which greatly improves the emergency response ability and safety of riding. The speed can reach 95km/h and the cruising range can reach 80km, which meets the needs of most cycling enthusiasts for scooters and is suitable for brave outdoor explorers.
FAQ
Which brake is best for an electric scooter?
This ultimately depends on your personal preference and what you want from your electric scooter’s braking system.
Disc brakes dissipate heat better and have a larger contact area with the tire; however, they are more expensive and require more maintenance.
Electronic braking systems do not add weight to the vehicle and do not require maintenance, but there is a possibility of failure.
The coordination of the braking system is the safest and most secure.
What to do if brakes do not function properly.
1. Check the brake pads or brake discs for excessive wear and replace them if worn or damaged.
2. Maintain the brake system.
3. It is recommended to seek professional help.
For more information, please see: Electric Scooter Brakes Not Working Properly
How to adjust electric scooter drum brakes?
|
Loosen Brake Cable
|
Determine where the brake cable connects to the drum brake assembly.
|
|
|
Using a wrench, carefully loosen the nut that secures the brake cable, allowing some slack in the cable.
|
||
|
Adjust Brake Lever
|
Find the point where the brake lever connects to the handlebars.
|
|
|
Using an Allen key, carefully adjust the position of the brake lever to achieve the desired tension.
|
||
|
Test the movement of the control lever to ensure it effectively engages the drum brake without excessive resistance.
|
||
|
Test and Fine-Tune
|
Check Brake Response
|
Find a safe, spacious area free of obstacles and not obstructing traffic.
|
|
Gradually drive the electric scooter and gently apply the brake.
|
||
|
Observe how the scooter reacts to the brake. The brake should engage smoothly and provide consistent and controlled stopping.
|
||
|
If there is brake delay or weak braking, further adjustments are needed.
|
||
|
Make Final Adjustments
|
Find the brake adjustment screw, usually located on the rear wheel hub or brake mechanism.
|
|
|
Using the appropriate tool, turn the adjustment screw clockwise or counterclockwise gradually to achieve the desired brake response.
|
||
|
Re-test the brakes to assess the effectiveness of the adjustment.
|
||
|
Continue making small adjustments until the brakes provide a smooth and controlled stop without any issues.
|
||
For more information, please see: How to Adjust the Disc Brakes on the Electric Scooter
How to adjust the disc brakes on an e-scooter?
If you start to hear some grinding or rubbing noises from the wheel, the brake disc may be rubbing against the brake pads or wheel, and it may be time to adjust the disc brakes.
If the brakes lack bite, it may be time to tighten the calipers. Before considering replacing the brake pads, if the brake pads are not worn out, then a simple tightening is definitely needed.
Use an Allen wrench to adjust the position of the brake pads until they no longer touch the brake disc.
