Frequently-Asked Questions
Purchasing
Why should I buy from you?
There are several reasons why you should consider doing business with us. There are many retailers and re-branders to choose from. Like everyone else, we buy from Chinese factories, but rather than sell many different models we scrutinized what’s available and chose specific models with the right mix of features and exceptional build quality, repairability and design. We inspect and test every scooter before it’s shipped. We maintain an intimate knowledge of the assembly of our scooters and stock parts to minimize any downtime.
Because we’ve decided to sell online only, the lack of a physical location means low overhead (no lease, property insurance, utilities, property taxes, etc.), which means we can provide greater bang-for-the-buck to our customers.
Perhaps most importantly, one of the motivating factors behind getting into this business was to offer the kind of fantastic service and support that we’ve found is absent with most e-scooter sales.
Still not convinced? Here’s more.
Who are Vig scooters intended for?
Each Vig electric scooter targets different riders, but they all appeal to those who value the overall ride quality. Vig Aesir and Blade scooters are not the lightest or most portable and they’re not the cheapest available. But if you’re ready for an upgrade from a basic scooter with low speed, minimal range, poor hill-climbing ability and no suspension, or you’ve already experienced another mid-range or high-performance scooter but want something with better reliability and features that make your ride feel more luxurious…a Vig may be right for you.
Can I try it out before purchasing?
There are a couple options. If you’re in the greater Victoria BC area, just contact us and we’ll either bring it to you or arrange a test ride at a convenient location. You can also keep it for up to a week with our demo program.
If you’re in Vancouver BC, we can arrange for a test ride at one of our partners.
For everyone else, book a virtual tour, where we’ll show you the product up close and answer all your questions in a one-on-one Zoom meeting.
What are the terms and conditions of pre-orders?
We try our best to always have most models in inventory but because of unanticipated demand and seasonality, sometimes we have to sell inventory from an incoming shipment.
Pre-orders are paid in full, and shipments are fulfilled according to when the order was placed. Sales are fully refundable (minus the 3% credit card fee) before the product has been shipped to you. If you pay via AfterPay, there’s a 6% cancellation fee.
We reserve the right to cancel a pre-order if we’re not able to fulfill your order due to unforeseeable circumstances. In the event we cancel your pre-order, you’ll will get a full refund.
Can I return the scooter for a refund?
Vig scooters can be returned for a full refund if unopened and in the original packaging, anytime within 30 days of receipt. If opened, but undamaged (subject to our inspection) and with less than 10km of of use, you can return it for a full refund minus a 20% restocking fee within 30 days of receipt. See the Returns and Refund Policy page for full details.
I’m in the US. Will my order be subject to duties and tariffs when it crosses the border?
No, we cover all customs and brokerage fees, duties, tariffs and handling charges on scooters, parts and accessories. We also don’t charge taxes or shipping on your scooter purchase, so our US friends can buy with ease, and get world-class, friendly customer service as well, eh?
Shipping
How much is shipping?
Because of air transport regulations on batteries, Vig scooters are shipped only via UPS ground shipping. We offer free shipping within Canada and the lower 48 states for all orders over $150. Applicable customs, duties and taxes are not included in the price. Note that there is a surcharge to destinations in Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Hawaii and Alaska. Contact us first before placing an order to obtain a quote.
Note that if a product is returned to our warehouse due to unsuccessful delivery attempts, the buyer is responsible for any return shipment costs, re-delivery costs, plus an administrative fee of $50. We will hold all returned items for one week before re-stocking them.
What is Route shipping protection?
Vig has partnered with Route to provide you with an elevated shipping experience. Route provides a unique service that provides a type of insurance coverage, a customer-oriented claims system, an effective package tracking system and a carbon offset for your shipment. With it your package is covered from end-to-end for damage, loss and theft. Route provides a hassle-free 1-click claims process in the event that your package is damaged, lost in-transit or stolen and will alert you with real-time updates throughout the shipment.
Route is a licensed insurance company with SEG Insurance Ltd. as its partner.
If your Route-protected order ends up lost, damaged, or stolen, Route’s expert support team helps ensure that your order gets replaced or refunded as preferred. Claims will be reviewed for approval within 1-2 business days from filing.
You can opt-out of this coverage during checkout. Without Route shipping protection we’ll will still be there to help every step of the way if an issue arises. However, while Route will be quick to replace lost, stolen or damaged shipments, we are at the whim of the UPS claims department (which is to say…slow and painful). With Route, this resolution is drastically cut down as their average resolution time is between 24-hours to 7 days, depending on the type of claim.
In fact, only with Route are you truly covered for lost, stolen or damaged shipments—UPS does not guarantee full replacement. Vig is not liable for lost, stolen or damaged items, so we highly recommend opting in to Route coverage (which is not costly either).
You can also utilize the Route App to visually track all of your online orders in one place and easily file a claim with their team. Whether you’re tracking via the Route App or online Route’s real-time shipping updates keep you in the loop throughout every part of your delivery. Haven’t downloaded the app yet? Download here.
Finally, with Route your shipment becomes carbon-neutral, as Route purchases carbon offsets (primarily through reforestation projects in the Amazon rainforest) for your shipment.
How long will it take to receive my order?
Once your order is placed, it will be shipped within 48 hours (usually next day). We use UPS standard service for all electric scooters, so typical delivery times are within 2-8 days.
Can I track my order once it has shipped?
Yes! If you have purchased Route shipping protection then you will have detailed tracking information available with push notifications for each step of the process through the Route app. If you opted not to add Route to your shipment, you’ll be provided a UPS tracking number which will be emailed to you and available any time within your Vig account.
I really want my scooter quickly. Do you offer an express shipping service?
We use UPS standard service for shipping Vig electric scooters. We can upgrade to a faster service if you want (you’d just pay the difference in price). Contact us and we’ll be glad to help you.
What is carbon-neutral shipping and how does it work?
When you add “Route Green Package Protection” at checkout, Route is covers the cost to neutralize shipping emissions. “Green Package Protection” Shipping includes package protection, with the additional benefit that your shipment is carbon neutral. By adding Green Package Protection to your cart, you’re automatically taking instant climate action—no donation required.
Route has partnered with Patch, a carbon credit marketplace, to facilitate the purchase of carbon credits to neutralize your emissions. Carbon credits represent a certified unit of carbon removal or avoidance delivered by environmental projects that can be purchased to naturally remove carbon from the air. Patch is a high-integrity carbon removal project that is vetted and certified by organizations like Gold Standard, Verra, Climate Action Reserve, and The American Carbon Registry.
I purchased Route shipping protection, but there’s an issue with my delivery. When should I file a claim?
Marked As Delivered (Stolen)
- Claims will be reviewed no earlier than 5 calendar days and no later than 15 calendar days from when it was marked delivered
- Please note, some order issues may require a police report to be filed
Stuck In Transit (Lost)
- For Canadian orders, claims will be reviewed no earlier than 2 calendar days and no later than 30 calendar days from the last update. The maximum filing time is 60 days from the order date
- For USA orders, claims will be reviewed no earlier than 20 calendar days and no later than 30 calendar days from the last update. The maximum filing time is 60 days from the order date
Damaged
- Claims for damaged items require photos of the packaging and item(s) and must be filed no later than 15 calendar days from when it was marked delivered.
All of Route’s policies are listed here.
What if my order never arrives or is stolen?
As long as you purchased Route Green Package Protection at checkout, Route definitely helps cover these instances. If your order has not arrived, please file a claim with Route here.
If you didn’t purchase Route protection, open a support ticket and we’ll try to help as best we can.
What if my scooter arrives damaged?
If you purchased Route Green Package Protection, Route covers damage 100%. If your order has arrived to you damaged, please take photos of the item and the packaging it arrived in to include in your claim when filing. You can file a claim with Route here.
If your scooter has a manufacturing defect, please open a support ticket we’ll be happy to work with you to remedy the situation.
I’m in the US. Will my order be subject to duties and tariffs when it crosses the border?
No, we cover all customs and brokerage fees, duties, tariffs and handling charges on scooters, parts and accessories. We also don’t charge taxes or shipping on your scooter purchase, so our US friends can buy with ease, and get world-class, friendly customer service as well, eh?
Riding
Does the weather temperature affect the performance of the scooter?
Operating an e-scooter for long periods (especially up a lot of hills) in extremely warm temperatures can shorten the lifespan of a scooter. The motor, the battery, all the other electronics, and even the brakes and the tires already get hot. But when pushing the performance of a scooter when it’s above 30°C, the chances of a defect will be greater.
Low temperatures won’t weaken any components, but will reduce the capacity of the battery, and therefore reduce the range so plan accordingly.
The optimal riding temperature for a scooter is 16°C to 25°C.
Can I ride a Vig electric scooter in the rain?
EDIT: We’ve now added the Yrsa, which has an outstanding IP rating (IP68) on the electrical components and an IP55 rating on the motors and brakes…which means the answer to the question is “if you have a Yrsa, then yes! Otherwise no.”.
Try not to. Like most electric scooters, Vig scooters have an IP54 environmental rating, meaning If you happen to get caught in the rain you’ll probably be ok. That said, we do not recommend riding in heavy rain or any snow. The road is more slippery and it will take you a lot longer to brake. And try to avoid puddles. Electrical equipment and water do not go well together. Water damage can happen over time.
How can I avoid flat tires?
Vig scooters do a better job than most at avoiding flats, thanks to the pre-application of Flat-Out™ tire sealant in Aesir electric scooters and the self-healing tubeless tires on the Blade. However, although rare, flats are still possible. Always ensure there is sufficient tire pressure before riding to avoid a flat tire. 45-55 psi for both front and rear tires is recommended.
Do I need to wear a helmet when riding my electric scooter?
Although your local laws will govern what’s legal or not, it would be ridiculously silly not to wear a helmet on any electric scooter ride. We wholeheartedly recommend wearing at least a good bicycle helmet, preferably a full-face motorcycle helmet.
Are electric scooters legal?
Each city in Canada and the US has a different policy, and some have no documented policy yet. As a mode of transportation, electric scooters are amazing but relatively new. We can’t guarantee that PEVs (personal electric vehicles) like e-scooters will be legal to ride in your city, so please check your local regulations.
Most cities, like Victoria, BC have policies where electric scooters can be ridden in bike lanes and on the shoulder of the road. Speed limits vary but generally cities expect you to ride at or below 25km/h.
Privately-owned PEVs (those that are not part of a dockless ride-share program), are a great (and very fun) way of getting around a city. Vig is passionate about the green transportation so we kindly ask that all our customers ride with respect for pedestrians, bike riders, other e-scooter riders and cars.
How old does one need to be to ride an electric scooter?
Vig electric scooters are intended for adults. We recommend that all riders be at least 16 years of age.
Where can I ride my Vig electric scooter?
Different provinces and states have different laws that govern the use of personal electric vehicles. Always check your local laws and obey posted street signs. We highly recommend not riding on sidewalks and using bike lanes wherever possible.
Are Vig electric scooters safe to ride?
The safety of any electric scooter depends on its components (especially the battery) and the rider. Lack of knowledge, improper use, and accidents caused by other vehicles and pedestrians can make riding any electric scooter potentially dangerous. That said, they are not considered any more dangerous than bikes (but can be!), and some studies have found e-scooters to be much safer than bikes.
Read the manual before use and start slowly if you’re new to e-scooters. Always wear a helmet (we recommend knee/elbow pads, gloves and wrist guards). Don’t ride foolishly and always pay attention to your surroundings and other vehicles. Although our scooters will reach a top speed in excess of 40km/h, we don’t recommend riding that fast unless you’re experienced and fully geared-up.
Vig electric scooters are rated and designed for single-person riding only. You should take proper safety precautions, including learning how to start/stop/turn and use the features of the scooter and wearing appropriate safety gear. You should also only ride when you are fully alert (not mentally exhausted or intoxicated in any way).
Can Yrsa really be ridden in the rain?
Yes! We rode our demos for months in Victoria’s winter and spring (and unseasonably wet summer of 2022) and as of fall (in which the rains have returned yet again) we are still riding it with no issues. While we usually tell e-scooter owners to not ride in the rain, and most manufacturers will NOT cover any damage due to water ingress under warranty, Yrsa is different. Thanks to it’s clever sealed battery design which gives the electrical core of the scooter an IP68 rating, coupled with an IP55 rating of the motors and drum brakes, yes you can ride a Yrsa in the rain. The Yrsa warranty covers water damage, so if your Yrsa gets damaged by water, we’ll fix it or replace it for free.
Keep in mind that roads are more slippery when wet, so though you can ride in the rain, you should exercise greater caution, reduce your speed and allow a lot of time for coming to a stop when riding in the rain.
Note that while water is not an issue, the same cannot be said for snow and ice. The concern here is not damage to the scooter but safety—wet roads when the temperature is below 5 degrees can be even more slippery, so we don’t recommend riding when there’s snow or ice on the ground, or it’s cold enough that it could snow.
Operation
How long does it take to fully charge?
Depending on the model, it will take between 5 – 12 hrs (from less than 10%) to charge to 100%. The larger the battery, the longer it takes.
Can I leave my scooter charging overnight?
All Vig scooters offer a smart battery management system that automatically stops the battery from charging once it reaches 100%. It’s not necessary to stop the scooter from charging overnight, but scooter batteries are large and store significant energy. Any large lithium battery like those in e-bikes, EUCs, onewheels and e-scooters pose a certain amount of risk of catching fire, so we highly recommend not charging while unattended or overnight.
What should I do if there’s a problem with my electric scooter?
The best thing to do is open a support ticket. We’ll respond within 24 hours, and determine the most appropriate plan of action to get you back riding ASAP.
What does the “IP” environmental rating mean?
IP ratings have two components: the first digit is for dust a debris ingress and the second is for water/moisture ingress. The “IP” in the rating stands for “Ingress Protection”.
IP54
With an IP54 rating, which is what 90% of all electric scooters have, the electric scooter is sealed against dust and water-resistant to infrequent light water splashes. It is nowhere close to being waterproof and not recommended to be used in wet conditions. Technically:
Protection against dust ingress sufficient to prevent the product from operating normally but not dust tight. Fully protected against solid objects and splashing of water from any angle.
Liquid damage is not covered under warranty. Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear.
To prevent liquid damage, avoid:
- Riding your electric scooter in the rain or very wet conditions.
- Exposing your electric scooter to pressurized water or high-velocity water, such as using a hose to clean your electric scooter.
- Intentionally submerging your electric scooter in water, such as riding in puddles.
- Dropping your electric scooter or subjecting it to other impacts, which could compromise its IP54 rating.
IP55
IP55 presents a higher level of water resistance. It’s not what one would consider fully “watertight”, but it allows the e-scooter to be used more reliably in wet conditions. However, unless the battery and controller—the core of the electrical powertrain with a high voltage present—have this rating, we wouldn’t recommend using the electric scooter in inclement weather on a regular basis. IP55 means:
Protection against dust ingress sufficient to prevent the product from operating normally but not dust tight. Protection assured against water jets projected by a nozzle (6.3mm) from any angle.
Most manufacturers will still not cover water damage even with this rating. Only about 7% of all electric scooters have an IP55 rating.
IP67
The “6” in the IP67 rating represents the highest level of protection against dust and other solid objects, being fully dust tight. The “7” raises the level of protection against water as well, and starts to approach true “watertight” protection. When this rating is found on a scooter it’s typically for displays, lights and accessories like WingLights. IP67 means:
Fully dust tight and complete protection against solid objects. Protection assured against water immersion at a depth between 15 cm and 1 meter for maximum 30 minutes.
Less than 1% of all electric scooters in 2022 have this rating or above on critical components (the important and expensive ones), and it’s usually found only on very high-end e-scooters.
IP68
IP68 is the point at which the electric scooter component can be considered truly waterproof. We say “component” because some components are very difficult to engineer with this rating (like motors) and we’re not aware of any e-scooter that has an IP68 rating across the board. IP68 means:
Fully dust tight and complete protection against solid objects. Protection assured against long periods of water immersion at a depth of over 1 meter.
Something that’s rated IP68 should be expected to survive immersed in water at the bottom of a pool for instance. Modern iPhones have an IP68 rating.
An IP68 rating on the fully sealed battery pack and controller as well as an IP55 rating on the wheels which house the motor and drum brakes is what gives the Vig Yrsa the ability to ride in the rain. This includes riding throughout the particularly wet winters we have here in the Pacific Northwest.
If my Vig electric scooter gets wet, can I still charge it?
No! If your electric scooter has been exposed to liquid, do not charge it until it’s completely dry.
What is the best size of electric scooter tire?
Generally, the larger the tire, the more comfortable the ride and the more safe the scooter. At Vig, we chose not to offer any scooters with less than 10″ tires.
Smaller 8″ tires are more compact and go around smaller, less powerful and lighter motors, which is why they are generally used on the more portable commuter scooters, where ride quality is not paramount.
Larger wheels carry more momentum, roll smoother, offer greater ground clearance (which prevents the scraping of the underdeck), and are suitable for a more aggressive type of riding (which includes going over street curbs safely). Larger wheels can seamlessly roll over road obstacles due to a large angle of attack, resultantly facilitating a much smoother and more comfortable ride.
Larger tires also mean the scooter can tackle most types of terrain (especially important in Canada!). Most smaller entry-level commuter scooters are suitable only for asphalt or concrete.
Electric scooters with small wheels are less comfortable to ride since smaller wheels tend to dip into potholes and have more intense jumps over bumps, ruining the ride comfort.
Scooters with wider tires like the Blade will have more grip under acceleration and braking, which means less chance of sliding out from underneath you when you’re pushing your scooter to its limits. On top of that, it will give you better stability through corners, which means that you can carry more speed and have an easier time correcting your scooter if you do make a mistake. Generally, wider tires provide a better slip angle which allows for greater cornering forces. Wider tires also offer better traction in wet conditions.
Wider tires affect range since they have a larger contact patch, which means that each revolution carries a bigger load. This also means that as tire width increases, there is increased rolling resistance. Therefore, wider tires require more energy to rotate, thus they sap extra energy from your battery to facilitate motion. This decreases the range as compared to a scooter with slimmer tyres.
Is it OK to operate my e-scooter in single motor mode?
Using just a single motor puts more strain on the controller and the motor, and believe it or not consumes more of your battery that in dual motor mode. You’re using 100% of one motor in single motor mode, but in dual motor mode each motor would using only is only 30-40% of its capability to produce that same power.
On some scooters (including the Blade), there isn’t even an option to use single motor mode.
Can I lock up an electric scooter?
Yes, and you should if you are leaving it somewhere outside. It will likely get stolen unless you take steps to prevent it. We recommend a good chain lock like the the Kryponite Evolution 4 which would require an angle grinder and 15 minutes of loud cutting to get through. We also sell disc brake locks which sound a 110dB alarm if the wheels are rotated as a second level of security if you’re going to leave it downtown in a semi-visible location for over an hour.
Like e-bikes, you can’t PREVENT your electric scooter from getting stolen—if someone really wants it and is given the opportunity to steal it, they will. All you can do is try to slow them down and reduce the opportunities. Our recommended strategy:
1) always leave it in a highly-visible location with lots of witnesses passing by.
2) Use a good lock that cannot be cut by bolt cutters (i.e. never use a cable lock).
3) Use multiple locks that each contribute to slowing down a thief. Ideally you want to force a decision in their head to bypass your scooter and instead opt for someone else’s.
Here’s a great video on the subject by our friend Tim West of YouTube channel Tim’s Electric.
Apple AirTag Can Help Locate and Retrieve a Stolen E-Scooter
Another effective security measure is to consider what happens if your electric scooter is stolen despite your best attempts to prevent it. Apple AirTags can be an effective method of locating lost and stolen items, no matter where they are in the world. We’ll hide an AirTag in your Vig electric scooter if you purchase one with your scooter.
Service, Repairs and Maintenance
Will I be able to get my Vig repaired if needed?
Yes. We have partnered with several independent service technicians across North America where you can take your Vig for repairs, upgrades and warranty work.
If you want to do the repairs or upgrades yourself, we stock most parts (if your Vig is still under warranty the parts and shipping covered by us). Alternatively, if you still have the original packaging you can ship the unit back to us and we’ll do the repairs (if under warranty, we cover the shipping cost).
I live where it gets really cold in the winter and snows. How should I store my scooter over the winter?
E-scooters are generally not great for riding in a Canadian winter (unless you live on the West Coast…we can ride almost the entire year! Sorry to gloat). Snow is dangerous to ride in because like a bike, the tires are not meant for it. Salt can corrode electrical parts.
So to store your scooter for a few months, here’s what you need to do:
- Charge the battery to 80% before storing. You don’t want the battery to run flat and it’s best for battery health to not store at 100%.
- Store the scooter in a cool, dry place indoors, away from extreme temperatures (hot or cold), such as an insulated garage or in your home.
- Check the battery capacity halfway through the winer, and recharge to 80% if it has dropped below 40%.
Where can I get my Vig electric scooter repaired?
If you have a flat tire, bent brake rotor or any other problem, you’ll probably want to take it in to a repair shop (unless you prefer to do the repairs yourself). If the issue is something that’s covered under warranty, contact us and we’ll help you get it fixed ASAP. Whether it’s a warranty issue or not, you can take it to any local repair shop that services electric scooters, or find in our network of freelance service technicians.
How can I optimize my electric scooter’s battery life?
The battery is the heart of the electric scooter and the single most expensive part. All lithium ion batteries have a limited lifetime, regulated by how many time it has been recharged. Over time it will start to lose potency and ability to hold a charge (you’re probably familiar with this from your mobile phone). Here are some tips to maximize the longevity of your electric scooter battery.
1. Mind the temperature
A battery works best at room temperature, 20°C/68F. Below 0°C/32°F and above 40°C/104°F you’ll see the performance drop significantly, although it’s temporary and doesn’t have much effect on the overall life of the battery.
Don’t charge your scooter immediately after riding it. Let your battery cool down first (about 30 minutes or so) before charging. This will prolong the lifespan.
Never charge it in direct sunlight, as the heat might start a chemical reaction that in the worst-case scenario might cause an explosion.
2. Charge frequently to keep the charge between 40% and 90%.
Never let your battery become fully discharged. Every time a battery gets fully drained it wears out faster than it would otherwise.
Charge it anytime it drops below 50%.
Keeping the battery at 100% charge is also hard on the battery, so unless you plan to ride soon after it’s reached 100% charge, it’s better to disconnect the charger when it’s reached about 80% to 90%.
3. Don’t leave it charging for long periods of time
Leaving the battery charger connected for long periods of time is not recommended. Even though your Vig electric scooter has a cut-off mechanism to stop charging when the battery is full, there is still a chance that the battery might get damaged. More importantly, there’s always a risk that damage to the battery could result in a fire, so never leave your scooter charging while unattended.
4. Store your battery for the winter fully charged
Charge the battery fully for storing for the winter. More winter storage tips here.
5. Use only the Vig charger that is designed for your scooter
You might be tempted to purchase a so-called “fast charger”…don’t. Never ever charge with a different volt or charge capacity than your battery is specified for.
6. Use two chargers for fast charging sparingly
The Vig Blade and Blade Pro have dual charging ports, allowing you to charge it faster by connecting two chargers. While convenient, don’t do this every time. Fast charging with two chargers will impact your battery lifespan, so save it for the times when you really need to charge quickly. You can also fast-charge with the 60V variable fast charger.
How long does an electric scooter battery last?
With proper maintenance, your electric scooter battery will have an average lifespan of 300-500 full charge cycles. This is typically 2-3 years for the average rider. The age of the battery is not nearly as relevant as how many times the battery is charged. After several enough recharges it starts to lose its potency.
A full charge cycle means charging a fully discharged battery, i.e from 0% to fully charged 100%. This is rarely done however…most likely, you’ll charge from 30% – 50% full to 100% full. That means you’ll get 600-1000 cycles before the battery will need to be replaced.
If you ride long distances every day, expect between a year and two years before it’s time to change the battery. If you ride less than that and charge it only one or two times a week, it will probably last longer than 2 years and maybe even double that, if you take care of it properly.
When replacing the scooter’s battery, how do I dispose of the old one?
- Do not dispose of your battery in a landfill—which mean don’t throw out in household trash. And absolutely do not dispose of by incinerating. Use your local battery recycling program suitable for lithium-ion batteries. Contact your local waste management service for more information.
- Mishandling of used batteries may do tremendous harm to the environment. You must abide by local laws and regulations to properly dispose of used batteries.
What maintenance is required to be done to my electric scooter?
Other than taking proper care of the battery and keeping adequate pressure in the tires (unless your scooter has solid tires), there’s little maintenance required. This doesn’t mean there’s NO maintenance required however. What you need to do is not difficult but if you’re in no way mechanically inclined, we would suggest taking your electric scooter to a service technician (you can find our network of service technicians who can service your Vig electric scooter here).
We recommend performing maintenance on your scooter every 3-6 months, depending on how often you ride it. The Yrsa is largely maintenance-free, so taking it in for maintenance once a year is more than sufficient.
Motors
Brushless motors like those used in Vig scooters require little maintenance in general but dust and dirt still accumulates inside the motor and requires a disassembly to clean out the dust and dirt. We typically do not use any cleaning solution or degreaser to clean out the internals of the motor. A brush and compressed air is sufficient.
Tires
Most electric scooter tires need to be changed after 1-2 years or roughly 1500km. Unlike car tires, which can last for 50,000km or more, electric scooter tires are not as durable given their small size.
When tires wear out, 2 things come into play. Safety is a concern as tire grip will be compromised. A worn tire thread will not be able to go through wet roads as well as a properly treaded tire.
When tires wear thin, the risk of punctures will be higher too, as sharp stones can easily pierce through the thin walls.
To prolong the life of your tires, always inflate to recommended pressure and NOT the maximum tire pressure printed on the tire.
Brakes
If your electric scooter has disc brakes you need to check the brake pads for wear. If the pad material looks like it is almost gone, it’s time for new brake pads. It is a good idea to check the brake pads when the scooter is new—that way you have a reference for how much pad material they have to begin with (it’s is usually a couple millimeters).
Bearings
Over time, the bearings on the front and rear wheel need to be serviced or cleaned out due to the accumulation of dirt and dust. Remove the dirt and grease with a cleaning solvent. Dry it out and then spray grease into the bearing. We recommend a silicone-based lubricant like Jig-a-Loo, or any lubricant that contains PTFE (do not use WD-40 as a lubricant. WD-40 is a penetrating fluid, it is not a lubricant).
Spray a small amount into the wheel bearings on the front and rear wheels. Wipe off any excess you can from the wheels. If your scooter has disc brakes, take care not to spray any on the brake rotors. This will contaminate the brake pads and rotor surface.
Check and Tighten All Screws
Maintenance time is a good time to tighten any screws that may have come loose. Actually, this is a good thing to do on a frequent basis (monthly is good). It doesn’t take long to do. Any that are loose deserve a new application of Loc-tite.
Cleaning
Water and electricity don’t mix, so you can’t clean your scooter like you would a car. Instead of hosing it down, use a damp rag and water to carefully wipe dust and dirt from the bike. Compressed air canisters are great for cleaning out tight spaces. Stubborn areas of grime or stuck-on insects can be cleaned with an all-purpose cleaner applied to a cloth to wipe it away. The goal is to get the scooter clean without using excess water, taking care to keep moisture away from sensitive electronics and batteries (although you don’t have to worry about that with the Yrsa!).