Electric Scooter Storage Ideas – Top 10 Tips
How you store your electric scooter has a significant impact on how long it lasts and how it performs. In this article we consider the best electric scooter storage ideas, and offer tips and advice, as well as answer some of your most frequently asked questions.
Proper electric scooter storage is a key part of maintaining an electric scooter not to mention safety for all concerned.
Top 10 Tips for Storing an Electric Scooter Safely
Electric scooters have become a popular mode of transportation, especially in urban areas. They offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around. However, like any vehicle, an electric scooter requires proper care and storage to maintain its performance and extend its lifespan. Here are our top 10 tips for storing your electric scooter safely and effectively.
1 Find the Best Place to Store your Scooter
As for a lot of things in life, location is the number one most important thing in electric scooter storage. The ideal storage spot for your electric scooter should be somewhere indoors, dry, and with a temperature range between 10-30°C (50-86°F). Extreme temperatures (hot or cold) can damage the lithium-ion battery of your scooter, so if you live in the UK or Northern Europe where it can easily get down to 0°C or below in winter this is worth keeping in mind. A shed or garage is perfect for this as storing the scooter in your house carries quite a risk if the battery were to catch fire. If you are concerned that this might happen it could be well worth getting a fireproof electric scooter battery storage bag.
When considering where to store your scooter make sure to avoid places with high moisture, extreme temperature fluctuations, or that might be prone to flooding to prevent damage.
2 Clean the Scooter before Storing
Always clean your scooter before storing it. Remove any dirt and grime from the wheels of your tyres, wipe down the scooter with a damp cloth, and then dry it with a dry cloth or leave it to dry out completely.
This prevents corrosion and keeps your scooter ready for its next ride. This is especially important if you are going to be storing the scooter for a longer period.
3 Check your Insurance
Depending on your insurance and where you choose to store your scooter, you may not be fully insured to store it in certain areas. It’s best to familiarise yourself with the details of your insurance policy for this reason.
Scooters are similar to cars in this respect – you might be insured against theft or damage if your car is parked in your garage of driveway, but not if it is parked in the street.
4 Consider Removing the Battery
If you are going to be storing your scooter for quite a while it’s worth considering removing the battery (provided your scooter has a removable battery). You can then store the battery separately in a bag which is both fireproof and waterproof.
Although it is thankfully not too common, it is possible that an electric scooter’s battery can catch fire. While this usually happens while the battery is being charged, it really isn’t worth the risk, so put it in a fireproof bag to ensure fire safety. This will also help with the maintenance of your battery and extend its life because it won’t be as exposed to any moisture in the air. It also ensures the scooter’s battery is not exposed to any dirt that could potentially damage the battery.
5 Fold your Scooter
If your scooter is foldable then it’s well worth folding it to ensure compact storage but also less visibility for any potential thieves.
You can store any accessories you have (e.g. helmet etc) separately in a bag so as not to attract unwanted attention if you like as well. Depending on how much space you have at home it might be worth considering getting an electric scooter wall mount to hang your scooter from to conserve space.
6 Check your Warranty so You don’t Void it
It’s possible that storing your scooter in certain conditions (particularly extreme temperatures) may void your warranty if your scooter is still under warranty. We wouldn’t recommend storing the scooter outside due to the risk of damage or theft anyway, but you need to be familiar with the terms of your warranty as well to make sure you don’t impair your chances of getting replacement parts. If you have no other choice at least make sure the scooter is covered and protected from rain or too much heat.
7 Check your Scooter For Damage Before and During Storage
Your electric scooter cost you at least a few hundred pounds and can bring you a lot of joy and ease of transport so it deserves regular maintenance even if you are going to store it away for a while.
The main issues you need to look out for any sign of corrosion, dents and scratches or cracks. These might not seem a big deal at the time but they could become a problem in the future and forewarned is always forearmed. Diagnosing potential problems early is always the best way to avoid them becoming bigger problems later on.
We would definitely advise you to run your eyes over your scooter every so often to make sure nothing is wrong with it. This is particularly important if you are using it regularly, but still something you should do from time to time during storage.
8 Make Sure the Tyres are Inflated
If you want to store your scooter for a while, but still be able to bring it out and ride it at a moment’s notice, it’s going to be very important for you that you make sure the tyres are suitably inflated.
You may not have had the misfortune of a puncture but you will still need to make sure the tyres are suitably inflated so that you can use the scooter soon after storing it if you wish.
9 Check for Punctures Before Electric Scooter Storage
If you have been unlucky enough to get a puncture (a slow puncture is a particular pain) it’s better to realise this and deal with it before you store your scooter and the tyre further deflates.
You don’t want to have to replace a tyre (or tyres) which could be expensive and time consuming so identifying punctures early is crucial here.
10 Make sure the Battery Hasn’t Completely Depleted
Keeping your battery at least partially charged before storing it (50% at least is a good idea) will save you time later on when you want to take the scooter out, charge it and ride it again.
Letting the battery completely deplete puts wear and tear on it and ultimately decreases its lifespan so storing your scooter with a battery that is at least half charged is always going to be good idea.
Conclusion
Storing your electric scooter properly is essential for a decent lifespan and performance. By following these top 10 tips, you should ensure that your scooter remains in peak condition, ready for your next ride as quickly as possible.
Proper storage not only saves you from unnecessary repairs but also contributes to extending the life of your scooter. It is also protects your scooter from damage from moisture or dirt, as well as theft.
FAQ’s Electric Scooter Storage
Is it Safe to Store Electric Scooters in the House?
The London Fire Brigade strongly advise people not to store electric scooters in the house due to the risk of lithium ion batteries going on fire. It is much safer to store them in a cool dry place such as a garage or shed.
Can you Keep an Electric Scooter in the Shed?
An electric scooter can be safely stored in a garage or shed as long as it is a dry and cool environment that is neither too hot nor too cold. It’s also advisable to lock the shed or garage to prevent theft.
Electric Scooter Storage Rack?
If you have a lightweight and foldable electric scooter, it would be well worth considering hanging it up on a storage rack to conserve space in your shed or garage.
How Frequently should I Inspect my E-Scooter if I’m not using it Regularly?
Give your scooter the once over at least once a month to make it sure it is in peak condition for riding even if you’re not using it regularly. Check the tyre pressure as well as making sure that there is no sign of corrosion, cracks or external damage. Try to make sure you store the battery separately in a waterproof and fireproof bag.