When buying an electric scooter online, always put safety first by looking at the available braking systems in an e-scooter. Adult electric scooters use different and multiple braking systems for safety.
One of the most common brake types you will see is an electric scooter foot brake. It is often the fender located at the rear wheel of an e-scooter. Riders activate it by stepping on the fender to reduce the acceleration or put it to a complete stop. Learn more about this type of brake to know how it adds more safety to your trip.
What is an Electric Scooter Foot Brake?
A foot brake is a hinged fender or mudguard found on top of the rear wheel. When pushed into the rear tyre, it produces friction and helps the wheel decelerate. Most electric scooters today include a foot brake, even on budget e-scooters.
How Do Foot Brakes Work?
Activate the foot brake by simply pressing down on the fender using your foot. It slows down the e-scooter until it stops. A quick and heavy press on the fender puts the e-scooter to a complete stop.
Although it seems easy, using the foot brake means you should always have your foot near it. Practice using it at slow and high speeds. It will be challenging to keep your balance as you press down on the foot brake. Overall, learn how to ride an e-scooter properly to keep yourself safe during trips.
The Advantages of a Foot Brake
The main advantage of a foot brake lies in its simple design. It doesn’t need much maintenance since it only uses a fender to operate. Moreover, it provides enough stopping power for deceleration, especially when climbing downhill. Plus, this makes it a lightweight braking system, perfect for those looking for a portable e-scooter. Overall, it is easy to use, making it a must-have electric scooter brake when choosing an e-scooter.
The Disadvantages of a Foot Brake
Despite its simple design, it is not the best electric scooter brake to use. For one, it doesn’t offer a lot of stopping power. Electric scooter foot brakes are often used as an emergency brake if the primary brake doesn’t work. Plus, it is risky and less effective to use in wet conditions.
Aside from this, riders must learn how to use them, given that you need to get used to pressing down the rear fender while maintaining your balance. In addition, foot brakes can break or wear down since it is crude. They are prone to defects, breakage, and getting stuck. However, these depend on how you use and take care of your electric scooter.
How to Use a Foot Brake
Start by having good posture when riding. Place one foot behind and the other in front. The foot at the back will allow you to reach the foot brake faster and easier. Moreover, riding in this stance offers better balance.
When braking, practice bending your knees slightly. It reduces the impact on your legs and provides better balance while riding. Practice using a foot brake, especially if you are a first-time e-scooter rider. It is not complicated, but it may take some time before you get used to apply enough pressure at the right time.
Use a footbrake with the front or main brake for emergencies for speedy and extra braking power.
How to Repair an Electric Scooter Foot Brake
Follow this quick and straightforward electric scooter brake repair for foot brakes.
Start by turning off your e-scooter. Then, unscrew the bolts and screws on the top or under the deck. If you need to access the wires under the deck, flip your e-scooter to access the underside.
Once you open the deck and see the wires. Look for the wire from the foot brake to the plug and disconnect the foot brake’s power cut-off wire. Then, remove the fender carefully.
After removing the old or broken fender, attach the new foot brake the same way the old one was attached.
Reconnect the foot brake’s power cut-off wire to the hub once the brake is locked in place. Then, place the deck cover back in place and insert all the bolts and screws tightly.
Although repairing a broken foot brake is easy, always seek professional help to avoid damaging your e-scooter or endangering yourself, especially if you are a first-time e-scooter owner.
Which Brake is Safest to Use in a Scooter?
A rear foot brake is a must-have for any e-scooter, even if you don’t use it often. However, it should only be a secondary brake since it doesn’t provide enough power. The safest electric scooter brakes include disc and drum brakes. An electric scooter disc brake, in particular, offers the strongest and safest braking power among e-scooter braking systems. Nonetheless, consider getting an e-scooter with a foot brake to add more safety to your trips.
For more electric scooter guides on electric scooters, check out Mearth’s blogs.
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