We can’t deny that electric scooters, or e-scooters, are the best means to get around town. With their speed, lack of fuel, and portability, these transportation devices take us from point A to point B while having fun in the process.
But remember, once you reach point B, you’ll likely need to go up the stairs or head for a train. Or perhaps, you just need to store it until it’s time to go home. That means you’ll need an electric scooter with a good folding mechanism.
The transportation device should be compact and easy to carry when folded. Not all scooter types feature this mechanism, as there may be a few differences in electric scooter models but most are very similar.
The good thing is that you will easily understand the mechanism once you learn the basics. Plus, most electric scooters can fold down into a nice and compact form to make everything easier and more convenient.
If you’re one of those who get perplexed with how to fold electric scooters, you’ve come to the right place. Here we’ll share a step-by-step list of how to do this properly.
What is a Foldable Electric Scooter?
Electric scooters are environment-friendly and faster cousins of the classic kick scooter. Compared to the likes of bikes and regular scooters, these run on electric motors meaning you don’t need to put in any effort to get to your destination.
A foldable model is the best solution for traveling and when you’re living in an area without parking spaces. These transportation devices are easy to fold, making them highly portable and easy to take into a workplace, for example.
When folded, the electric scooter can be taken anywhere. Not all electric scooters are foldable but those that have this feature offer an extra level of convenience.
It’s important to know how to fold or unfold them so that you can save time and avoid any injuries. Let’s get started with our step-by-step instructions.
Step-by-step Instructions on How to Fold an Electric Scooter
1. Stabilizing Your Scooter
You should first stabilize your electric scooter to fold it down securely without damaging it or worse, injuring yourself. It’s good that a lot of designs have a robust kickstand. You can easily pull it out to support your scooter whenever it’s needed.
Don’t worry if your electric scooter doesn’t sport a stand since it isn’t the only option. You can easily prop it up against a wall or any structure that’s stable enough. If not, you can support the electric scooter by keeping a foot firmly on the platform.
2. Grip Release
Keep in mind that this step doesn’t apply to all scooters. Some electric scooters allow you to remove their grips to make them even smaller. If you aren’t sure if the electric scooter has this feature, check your user manual.
If yours is capable, find a release button that’s usually behind the handles. Just push the buttons down then remove the grips, and you’re done!
3. Find the Folding Mechanism
Next, you’ll need to find the folding mechanism. It is always on the section that connects the platform to the stem. If you aren’t sure what it looks like, it’s typically a button or a latch.
Sometimes it appears as a single-stage mechanism, which means you only need to interact with a single component. Doing so will trigger the electric scooter’s fold. However, it can also appear as a dual-stage mechanism where you’ll need to interact with two components to loosen the stem.
For this part, you should check your electric scooter’s user manual for the specifics. But it usually goes down this way:
- For most electric scooters, its release mechanism is brightly-colored to easily guide your eyes to it.
- If you find a button, push it, and if it’s a lever, pull it. If you find a notch instead, press it in a specific direction. When you see a combination of components, activate these simultaneously.
- Remember to support the stem while activating the button/lever/notch. The last thing you’d want is the electric scooter to fold down and injure your fingers.
Folding the e-Scooter’s Stem
After releasing the stem from its position, you can slowly bring it down the platform until it’s completely folded. Once done, secure your electric scooter and ensure it doesn’t flip back upright while you carry it.
You should find a latch on its rear fender that clips to its handlebars/stems. Firmly push it into the latch then listen for a click. When you do, that means you’ve successfully folded the electric scooter.
Unfolding the Electric Scooter
To unfold the scooter, you essentially just need to do the above steps in reverse but the are a few things you need to know. Let’s look at the steps.
Secure the Stem
Hold the electric scooter’s stem while gripping firmly to prevent it from getting damaged when unfolding. Also, be careful and avoid getting your fingers trapped as you unfold the scooter. You don’t want the stem and handlebars to flick out uncontrollably.
Unlocking the Stem
E-scooters have a locking mechanism on the stem with the deck via a clip or hook. Release this before proceeding to the next steps to avoid damaging the electric scooter.
Holding Down the Footrest
Press the deck using your foot while it’s on the floor. After that, apply force to gently move the stem upright. Use varying force depending on what the stem needs, and don’t apply too much pressure when doing so.
Remember that electric scooters can be quite easy to break if you’re not careful, and too much force can damage them. If you feel significant resistance, then check to see if you’ve unlocked it properly.
Relocking the Stem
The final step is releasing the lever. After pushing down on it for a few seconds to make sure that everything works as expected (in other words, nothing breaks), you can then lock the stem before getting onto your new ride!
What is Better: Foldable or Non-foldable Scooters?
The debate between foldable and non-foldable electric scooters is one that has been ongoing for some time. Each type of scooter has its own pros and cons, making it difficult to decide which one is the better option.
Foldable electric scooters are great for people who need to be able to transport their scooter with them on public transportation or in a small car. They are also relatively easy to store, since they can be folded up and put away when not in use. However, foldable electric scooters tend to be less durable than their non-foldable counterparts, and they are often more expensive.
Non-foldable electric scooters, on the other hand, are usually more durable and less expensive. However, they can be difficult to transport and take up more storage space than foldable scooters.
So, which type of scooter is the better option? Ultimately, this decision comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the convenience of a foldable scooter, while others prefer the durability and lower cost of a non-foldable scooter.
There is no wrong answer, it ultimately depends on what you value most in an electric scooter.
How to Choose the Best Foldable Electric Scooter
If you’ve decided to purchase an electric scooter, then good for you! But before heading out for your purchase, it’s best to consider a couple of things first. Other than design, there are many important elements to look at before purchasing your electric scooter.
Here are points that will help you choose the best electric scooter to buy for your needs and preferences.
Folding Mechanism
If you’re worried about constantly folding/unfolding your e-scooter then check what type of mechanism it has. While we’ve given general advice here, each model is different and has slightly different mechanisms.
Check out the pictures and manual so you can be confident in using it before you buy. It’s also a good idea to check if there are any positive or negative reviews about the folding mechanism from existing users.
Frame and Weight Limit
Every electric scooter needs to carry the weight of the user, however, not all of them are durable enough.
That’s why make sure the electric scooter you’re purchasing can handle your weight. There are those with a weight limit of 220lbs (100kg) which may not be enough for larger users. Ensure that your electric scooter will be strong enough for you.
Uses
Think of how long and how often you’ll use the electric scooter. If you need a reliable means of transport to school, work, or errands, make sure you get an e-scooter that is suitable. Reliability and range may be much more important than speed, for example.
However, if you’re just getting an electric scooter for fun, you may want it to have a great top speed. Of course, if you need it to be highly portable, make sure you’re getting a foldable model.
Weight
The ability to fold isn’t the only factor in portability. If you work in an office, for example, you may need to fold your scooter up and then take it up a flight of stairs. If so, you’ll want to ensure that it’s comfortable to carry.
Check out its weight and double-check it’s something that you could comfortably carry for short periods.
