Mastering Hills: Can Your Electric Scooter Go Uphill?

For prospective riders eyeing the electric scooter scene, the burning question often revolves around conquering inclines. Picture residents in Asheville, NC, navigating the windy streets or San Francisco locals braving the world-renowned steep hills. In an era where electric scooters are becoming a staple for daily commutes and quick errand runs, the ability to ascend hilly terrains becomes a pivotal concern, especially for those residing in elevated landscapes.

The Short Answer: Yes, Electric Scooters Can Go Uphill!

Yes, electric scooters are designed to tackle inclines, ensuring a smooth and efficient ride for users. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that, like any feature, there are nuances to consider before embarking on your uphill journey.

Climb Angle

As a rule, the steeper the hill is, the harder it is for the electric scooter to do the climb. There are several factors that determine whether your electric scooter can go uphill or not. The most important factor of them all is the climbing angle. For less powerful electric scooters, an angle greater than 18° is considered too steep to climb. For premium eScooters, on the other hand, that angle could be child’s play.

But there are other factors to consider.

Weight

Two people with significant weight differences could ride the same electric scooter and have differing success climbing the same incline. The less weight a scooter has to carry, the less work the motor has to do. So it’s essential to check the maximum weight capacity of your eScooter before you purchase. Also, heavier scooters tend to have a higher maximum weight capacity.

Battery and Motor

Just like any electronic, your electric scooter must come packed with a powerful battery to store the significant power you will need. The battery and the motor have a direct impact on the performance of the scooter. The more powerful they are, the better the performance.

If you happen to live in a hilly area and you’re considering buying an electric scooter, consider a scooter with a powerful battery and motor. An electric scooter powered by a long-lasting battery and high-torque motor at 250 watts or above will be perfect for you.

Tires

Tires with proper grip and adequate size are crucial to an uphill climb. Having bald or small tires can make climbing more difficult or impossible in some cases. The electric scooter you buy should have grooved, treaded tires. Ideally, a scooter’s tires should be 8.5 inches or larger. Smaller tires might cause excessive load and undue stress on the motor.

Suspension

Having an electric scooter with a suspension can help you go uphill with ease when compared to a scooter with no suspension. When you are climbing a hill, your body tends to exert more weight on the rear wheels of the scooter to balance itself. A suspension in the scooter ensures that the load exerted on the back of your scooter is not fully transferred to the wheels. An e-scooter with a rear suspension ensures you can enjoy a comfortable city ride and climb hills with confidence.

With electric scooters growing in popularity, many manufacturers skimp on production costs by using low-grade components. This results in an electric scooter that can only work on even, level pavement.

If you find that you want a more robust riding experience, then consider our suggestions. Find an electric scooter made from a reputable company, known for using premium-grade materials. Powerful motors. Efficient batteries. High-tread tires. If you do that, you’ll be climbing — and conquering — steep hills in no time.

Need help finding the perfect electric scooter? Check out our eRideable Buyer’s Guide.

Although electric scooters have been around since 1996, they have only recently flooded a number of large American cities. And the numbers are fairly impressive. Bird, the biggest player in the electric scooter rental market, has scooters in dozens of cities at an estimated value of $2 billion. With so many scooters entering the market (and surely that number will grow), it’s important to consider the operating and product quality standards that apply to this mode of transportation.

One of the most frequently asked questions about electric scooters is where you can drive the eScooter. Should you drive an electric scooter on the sidewalk, a bike lane, or with the general traffic? A fairly straightforward question, one that should have an equally straightforward answer, right? Unfortunately, it doesn’t.

The answer is . . . it depends.

Become Familiar With Your Local Laws. Electric Scooter Laws Vary From State to State.

We’ve talked before about the complexities of electric scooter laws in the U.S. You can take a look back at our previous article, “Are Electric Scooters Legal?”, for a detailed look on the subject. But let’s revisit the basics here, with some added bits:

• In California, you can only ride an electric scooter in a bike lane, or on the right-hand side of the road, next to the curb. You cannot ride an electric scooter on a sidewalk. Furthermore, if you are crossing an intersection, you must walk the scooter across.
• In Texas, you can ride an electric scooter on the road with the traffic, in the bike lane (if there is one available), or on the sidewalk. Riding on the road or using the bike lane are preferable over riding on the sidewalk. That said, in Austin, Texas there are some stretches of sidewalk that are off-limits to scooters, so do your research before you ride!
• In Colorado, riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk is the only option. The law considers an electric scooter to be a toy, and therefore scooters are prohibited from riding in a bike lane or with general traffic.

In Washington, DC, riding a scooter on a sidewalk is prohibited when a bike lane is available. You are however permitted to operate an electric scooter on any sidewalk that is overseen by the National Park Service. With such a mish-mash of rules and regulations involved with riding an eScooter, our final advice remains unchanged:

• Check the website of your state Department of Motor Vehicles first. You might be able to find information there, not only about state laws but also local municipalities. Larger cities such as NYC and San Francisco will also have info on the city website.
• If you can’t find it online, just ask the local police. It’s better to talk to them now on the phone rather than after they’ve handed you a citation!

General Laws and Full-Size Electric Scooters

With so much variety, the responsibility is on you to follow the law wherever you are. Fortunately, there are a few general laws that you can expect to be consistent from state to state. For example,

• You are not required to wear a helmet if you are 16 or older.
• At age 16, you are allowed to drive on a public road.
• You also cannot drive a full-sized electric scooter on a sidewalk or bike path.
• A full-sized electric scooter, also known as a street-legal scooter, can travel up to 65 miles per hour and is designed to drive on the road.
• If you are operating a scooter that is 50cc with a top speed of 30 miles per hour or higher, you are required to have a valid driver’s license.
• In addition, annual registration is frequently required for full-sized electric scooters.

Electric and Hand Signals

Whether you are riding your electric scooter on the road or the bike lane, it is important to communicate to other motorists around you. First, consider mounting turn signals on your handlebar. This type of turn signal looks very similar to those mounted on a motorcycle, where the light signal blinks when the rider flips a switch. Do a quick search online, and you’ll find a variety of turn signal models under $15 that are easy to install.

Be advised, not all models of electric scooter are easy to operate one-handed, so hand signals can be problematic. Electric signals are strongly advised in this case.

If you choose not to mount electric signals on your handlebar, then you should use gestures that indicate direction and intent.

• To signal that you are stopping, extend your left arm out and bend your arm down at the elbow.
• To signal a right-hand turn, extend your right arm perpendicular to your body. That is, point in the direction you are turning.
• To signal a left-hand turn, raise your left arm perpendicular to your body.

So you want to up your swag? Of course, you do. After looking through our eRides, how could you not? By now, you’ve decided an electric scooter suits your swag best and may have picked out the model that’s right for you. But the age-old question remains: where should I buy my ride?

If it bears the SWAGTRON® name, it’s going to have the quality and swag that you deserve. To help you find the best deal out there, we’ve put together a list of the best places to buy SWAGTRON electric scooters, with some things to consider for each.

1. Can I Buy SWAGTRON Electric Scooters Online?

The short answer is yes. But given the number of online marketplaces and retailers to choose from these days, that doesn’t narrow it down much. The digital universe has plenty of sellers to choose from, but we don’t recommend handing over your hard-earned cash to some random “vendor” whose inventory is really just odds and ends in his garage. Better to buy from a reputable seller so that you know what you’re getting, and even then it’s best to be careful. With that in mind, here are some online suppliers you can look to for your SWAGTRON merch:

• Amazon. They supply everything else in the universe, so why wouldn’t they carry SWAGTRON, too? You can find our products sold directly through Amazon’s site, but just be careful to make sure you buy from a vendor with a high rating. It’s worth the extra expense.
• Best Buy. We’re friends with this all-purpose tech store too, so you can find our rides here also — though there’s no guarantee they’ll have the exact eScooter model you’re looking for.
• Walmart. You can buy your groceries, your clothes, your car parts, and just about everything else life demands at Sam Walton’s place, and you can get one of our electric scooters here too — but again, no guarantees as to model.
• Costco. Yeah, they’re considered the “bulk store,” but they’ve routinely sold exclusive SWAGTRON models before, made especially for their members. The exclusive models also came with swag benefits not found anywhere else.

It doesn’t really matter which one you’re looking at. The point with all digital marketplaces and online retailers is the same: you may be able to save a few bucks, but the selection isn’t a given. You’ve bought online before, so you get how this works: you usually have no trouble at all, but if the product has passed through other hands between the manufacturer and you, there’s always some risk.

2. Can I Buy My Electric Scooter Locally?

Supporting local businesses is important. But it’s also difficult to do sometimes. Especially when it comes to electric rideables that, for many, are still considered “niche.” If you can find a mom-and-pop eRide shop, you’re more than welcome to support them. Many riders love the touch factor and personal rapport they build when they buy local but finding an electric scooter provider near you is dependent upon your location. And, because the little guy has to compete to survive with the giants, we can’t guarantee they won’t have to charge you a bit more to stay afloat.

3. Can I Buy My Electric Scooter From SWAGTRON?

We thought you’d never ask! Buying directly from the manufacturer is often the best way to guarantee the quality product you deserve, and it’s a sure bet in getting the exact electric scooter that you had your heart set on. You’re also more likely to get warranty protection that online retailers may not supply. This keeps you from having to worry about what that guy on Amazon meant when he said your ride was in “acceptable” condition, and it ensures your electric scooter comes the way you’re expecting.

If you know you want an eScooter but haven’t chosen a specific one, you have all the more reasons to buy straight from us, as our website lets you browse and compare the full selection of our models. And if you still need more help, our quality customer support knows the eRide industry inside and out, and we’ll do everything we can to put you on the eScooter that’s right for you.

Have Swag, Will Buy

From online marketplaces to local eRide experts, you’re sure to find SWAGTRON products wherever swag and speed are sold. Many of these places offer a solid selection of our electric scooters with minimal risk of a damaged product, but it’s still important to buy from a trusted vendor. Given that we’re the ones making our product, we’re pretty sure that’s us. Warranty protection, complete selection, personal attention — why not get your swag straight from the source?

We think we’re the best suppliers of our eScooters, but we’re okay with it if you’d like to get your swag another way. What really counts is that you find the electric scooter of your dreams.

It’s easy to understand why the air-filled tired was a welcome development for people who regularly used bikes. Early bicycle tires were made of leather or solid rubber. Because of that, riding a bicycle could be rough and uncomfortable. Pneumatic tires made bicycles easier to manage and a lot more pleasant to ride. Undoubtedly this helped increased the bike’s popularity.

But pneumatic tires aren’t all sunshine and roses. They require maintenance—more so than solid rubber tires—which includes inflating the tires properly. And that’s where valves come in. Valves open to let the tire receive air and then remain securely closed, maintaining the correct pressure.

Schrader and Presta Valves

The everyday bike rider may never think about bike valves until it’s time to inflate their tires or the valve needs repair. But knowing a thing or two about valves could be helpful for bike owners. Once you have even a basic understanding, you’ll know how to handle them and what to shop for when purchasing a take-along pump.

Schrader and Presta valves are two valve types used on pneumatic bicycle tires. The valves are part of the tire’s inner tube, but it’s possible to use the valves with tubeless tires, as well. The typical Schrader valve is shorter and broader than the Presta valve, although longer Schrader valves are available. The Schrader valve’s short and chunky appearance is like a valve on a car tire, and for that reason, Schrader valves are also known as “car” valves. The Presta valve is long and thin, with a threaded screw arising from the top. The entire outside of a Presta valve may also be threaded.

The Anatomy of a Schrader Valve

A Schrader valve designed for tires is partially-wrapped in rubber. The top portion of the valve is threaded, allowing it to accept a dust cap. The threaded portion also makes it easy to fit a pump head over the opening. The valve comes with a spring-loaded center pin that serves as a check valve, meaning that it only permits air to flow in but not out.  When filling the tire with air through the Schrader valve, the pump forces the valve open by exerting pressure on the center pin. The Schrader valve is simple to use and constructed so that a typical gas station air pump can serve as an air source.

The Anatomy of a Presta Valve

The Presta valve has a slender threaded metal body. The threaded body makes it easy to secure the valve to the rim using a special nut. The Presta valve requires unscrewing a nut at the top to inflate the tube. Opening the nut requires care to avoid unscrewing the entire core because that will allow air to escape from the tire suddenly.

Special pumps are designed for Presta valves. It’s essential to follow instructions when using a take-along Presta valve pump because when the tire is unstable, it’s easy to damage the valve. Attaching a Schrader adapter to a Presta valve makes it possible for a bicyclist to pump air from a gas station air pump. Since Presta valves come in different lengths, it’s crucial to consider rim depth when purchasing a tube with Presta valves. When a bicycle has deep rims, it needs tubes with longer Presta valves.

Is a Schrader Valve Better Than a Presta Valve?

In the end, the decision of which valve you use may come down to the manufacturer’s preference. Presta valves have some advantages that make them complement high-end and performance bikes. The air pressure in the tire itself creates a strong seal, so there is no need for a check valve. Presta valves allow for higher tire pressures and are lightweight, contributing to a smoother ride. A Presta valve’s slim size means that the hole where it fits inside the rim is smaller, making the rim stronger.

However, Schrader valves are standard on many bicycles and scooters, including SWAGTRON’s® eRideables. They’re much more convenient for the casual or occasional rider, letting them add air pressure at any gas station without worrying about adapters or losing the valve core. The sturdy construction of a Schrader valve makes it a good choice for children’s bikes. Schrader valves also work well on mountain bikes, although you might find some mountain bikes with Presta valves. The typical air pressure gauge is designed for use with the Schrader valve but adding a Schrader adapter to a Presta valve makes it possible to use the gauge with a Presta valve.

So, you’ve taken the plunge into adding some outdoor activity to your life. You even deserve extra kudos for incorporating technology with fitness by investing in a SWAGTRON® electric scooter.

The thing is, though, if you want to retain your street cred, you’ll also need to clean your electric scooter on a routine basis. Performing regular maintenance not only keeps it looking its best but also helps preserve optimal performance.

Basic Steps for Cleaning Your Electric Scooter

Whether you’ve decided to give SWAGTRON a try as a commuter eScooter, a go-to resource for easy on-campus transportation or as a kids’ kick scooter, you’ll need to practice the same basic cleaning guidelines.

It’s not difficult. But setting up a regular schedule will help you remember each step and practice it with care. The idea is to incorporate cleaning into your riding routine. Remember, there’s a fine line between riding in a classic vehicle that inspires awe and one that causes onlookers to gasp in shock.

Cleaning Supplies

It doesn’t take much to keep your scooter clean and dust-free. You can keep your supplies in a well-organized spot that won’t take up much space.

• Two buckets: they can be any size; one is for warm, soapy water, and the other is for clean water
• Mild dish soap
• Long-bristle unused paintbrush
• Three microfiber cloths

Clean Your eScooter in 7 Easy Steps

1. Cover the battery charger port and wrap the speed control components with waterproof material.
2. Combine dish soap with lukewarm water in one bucket, and fill the other with only lukewarm water for rinsing.
3. Wipe down the handle grips and controllers with a dry microfiber cloth. They don’t get too dirty as a general rule; however, if they appear to have some build-up, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe it away carefully.
4. Wipe down the footrest, suspension, kickstand, fenders and lights with a soapy cloth first and rinse it with a damp cloth from the clean water bucket.
5. Wipe away excess debris from the deck and tires using the brush.
6. Use a damp soapy cloth to wash off your electric scooter’s wheels, deck, tires and brakes. Follow it up with a rinse of clean water using a soft damp cloth.
7. Use a clean microfiber cloth to dry each of the areas thoroughly. It preserves the effectiveness of the components and eliminates surface water.

Routine Maintenance for Your SWAGTRON eScooter

Whether you’ve opted for a Swagger 5 Elite electric scooter that easily folds for the city commute, or your kids seem to be permanently connected to the Swagger SK1 electric scooter, you’ll want to keep it running and looking its best.

Monthly cleaning is really all that’s necessary with regular use. After you’ve wiped your scooter down, it’s also a good time to check some key areas to make sure they’re functioning at peak performance.

• Check bolts, brake disc pads, cables and screws to ensure they’re tight with proper movement.
• Check the tire pressure.

Check out the video we made for a better understanding on general maintenance tips for the Swagger 5 Elite.

If you are a bit of a daredevil and enjoy those off or on-pavement feats, such as high jumps and hard landings, you may decide to forgo the typical street model and move right into the SWAGTRON KR-1 all-terrain dirt stunt scooter.

Appropriate for teens and adults, this eScooter is fully capable of maneuvering through loose gravel, dirt tracks and bumpy trails without a hitch. It offers a wide 5-inch deck, chrome Y-bar riser handles and extra-large 8-inch knobbly tires for gripping off-road terrain. SWAGTRON definitely offers the adventurers among us a chance to live out loud.

You may be wondering what the added and more robust usage means in the cleaning department. Ok, that thought may not occur to you until after you’ve tackled the dirt trail, but the result’s the same.

You’ll simply follow the same cleaning steps, but you should do so after each off-road excursion to keep the dirt from building up and affecting the electric scooter’s performance.

So, you may fashion yourself a sophisticate who efficiently commutes between classes on campus or opts for practical and economical transportation to the office, or you might be more of a rebel who lives to feel the wind on your face. Whatever your reason for investing in a SWAGTRON electric scooter, protect your transportation with a regular cleaning schedule.

You’re going on your next out-of-town vacation—either going to another city, state or even country. And of all the things you feel you absolutely must take with you, your electric scooter or electric bike is high on that list. Understandable. After all, it’s become such a crucial part of your daily routine now, and it would be so convenient for sightseeing excursions. Your next few thoughts might turn to carrying the battery with you, too. But can you waltz onto your flight, battery in hand (or in the luggage)?

Unfortunately, in almost all instances, you can’t carry your eBike or eScooter batteries onto an airplane. That’s especially true if they’re lithium-ion batteries. In the U.S., the FAA lets passengers carry along Li-ion batteries at or under 100 watt-hours (Wh) each.

That restriction applies to both carry-on luggage and checked baggage. And it’s not one enforced by the FAA alone; nations all over the world provide airlines with similar guidelines.

Let’s dive into these rules a little deeper and discuss some new technologies already in circulation and under development.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

There are overwhelming odds that your eBike or eScooter is fitted with a lithium-ion battery. Smaller types of this kind of battery, such as those you’d find in cameras, handheld games and laptops, are generally fine to carry onboard a flight. However, when it comes to your eBike or eScooter, the battery understandably is much bigger — to make those long riding hours and high speeds possible.

A consequence of that is greater regulation by airlines, mainly for safety reasons, and that’s where the 100 Wh limit mentioned above comes in.

While some eScooter models for children can have Li-ion batteries with watt-hours that meet the maximum guidelines, those are very rare exceptions. Your average eScooter or eBike battery, especially with enough power to carry a teenager or adult, will go far beyond that.

You can find the exact amperage for your particular model on the battery pack.

Just for reference, SWAGTRON’s® EB6 eBike battery comes in at 280 Wh, and the readings for most eBike and eScooter batteries play at around that region. Way above the FAA limit.

New Technologies in the Works

As battery technology evolves, it’s possible that hopping onto a flight with your eBike or eScooter battery won’t be an issue anymore.  The most significant advancement in that direction is LiFePo batteries.

While still a type of lithium-ion battery, LiFePo batteries have some key differences from those we previously mentioned, making them more flight-friendly. They have a lower operating voltage and greater long-term stability, which helps them to bypass the reasoning behind the FAA’s restrictions.

New Swagtron® hoverboards come fitted with LiFePo batteries, and some airlines and officiators may have different rules and regulations in place for them than for the Li-ion kind.

Future eBike and eScooter models may start to carry LiFePo batteries, so keep an eye out as product lineups change. Implementation of LiFePo across the board may very well allow you to take a battery with you on your cross-state and international trips.

Always Check Before Packing

We can provide you with a general sense of how likely it is that you’ll be able to travel with your eBike and eScooter battery, but it’s the exact airline you’re flying with that can give you a rock-solid answer.

You can reach out to the airline’s staff via email or with a call and ask them what their official line is on the type of battery you’re hoping to bring along. To make sure you get an informed answer and make it easier for them to give one — give as many crucial details as you can on the battery.

You can find the information written on the battery, and your user manual will explain in greater detail. Most likely, the data they’ll need includes watt-hours, voltage and mAh. Have that information handy when you reach out to them, so you’re able to get an answer that factors in all the important details.

Possible Workaround

If you’re aware of the time and date of your trip, you can always have the eScooter or eBike battery shipped to your destination ahead of time. Freight restrictions are far looser than those airlines have to enforce, so the possibility of shipping your battery wherever you’re headed may be entirely plausible.

Settling the question: you’re not going to be taking your eBike or eScooter battery with you on a flight in the near future. That said, new LiFePo tech may come to eScooters and eBikes, making flying with your battery entirely possible.

Deep inside, most people are just dying to zip around the city on an electric scooter. You might even have a picture in your mind of how cool it would be zooming around on two or three wheels. And thanks to SWAGTRON® electric eScooters, that inner dream can now be a reality.

But getting in trouble with the law can quickly turn your exciting daydream into a nightmare. After all, nothing can spoil your scooter fun faster than finding out that your riding status is not exactly “legal.” So, let’s answer the question that’s on many riders’ minds:

Do I need a license to enjoy my adult eScooter?

Licensing statues for eScooters depend on how each individual state classifies adult eScooters and sets the minimum age of the rider. There’s no federal definition of what an electric scooter is, nor are there regulations concerning it. So it’s up to each state—and in some cases, each city—to make their own regulations.

For example, in Arizona, an electric scooter is classified as an electric bicycle, and its speed can’t go over 20 miles an hour. That’s really not very fast, given that some humans can run eight miles an hour faster! (We’re looking at you, Usain Bolt!)

But because of that requirement, the Grand Canyon State doesn’t place any restrictions on riders and doesn’t require anyone to get a license to ride an eScooter in public. At least there’s a benefit to going slower than Usain.

On the other hand, Iowa sometimes classifies these electronic scooters as mopeds, which means they require riders to be at least 14 years old and have some type of license to use the vehicle in public. However, not everyone who operates an electronic scooter wants to ride one in public, making the point entirely moot. To decide if you need to worry about registering your adult eScooter, take a hard look at state and local laws and how you plan to use your scooter.

Will You Ride in Public?

If you don’t plan to ever take your scooter onto a public path, you don’t have to worry about registering your adult eScooter or concern yourself with any state restrictions. It’s that simple. But you also must make sure to confine your scooter to your own property at all times. The glory of riding on your property, though is, you can ride as fast as you want without worrying about anything but the trees and an occasional chipmunk.

If you do plan to ride in public—especially a crowded public area—you need to look up your state’s requirements and make sure that you’ve followed all of your state’s rules before you venture out on your adult eScooter. Some states allow you to ride anywhere if you have a license, and some restrict you to pathways, but every state has rules to follow on this subject. Break the rules, and you might have to pay a fine.

Do You Need to Register?

Once you’ve decided that you’re going to ride in public, look into whether you need a simple license, a license and a permit, or nothing at all for your adult eScooter. Some states, such as Maryland and Kentucky, don’t require you to register your vehicle at all. They consider eScooters to be a separate category from mopeds because eScooters don’t have an automatic transmission. Unfortunately, as is the case in Lexington, Kentucky, this distinction also disqualifies eScooters from use on public streets.

Iowa, as mentioned before, technically considers eScooters to be similar to bicycles and expects riders to follow all bicycle rules of the road.

Is Any Special Equipment Required?

Much like cars require seat belts and motorcycles require a helmet, eScooters can come with similar regulations. For example, Michigan expects all riders to wear a helmet until age 19, whereas in Minnesota, it’s 18. Before you hit the road on your scooter, check out if you need any extra equipment. And if you’re in the market for a helmet, why not go all out with Bluetooth capability and LED lights for safety.

What’s the Age Limit?

It might seem weird to talk about age limits for an electronic scooter. Still, eScooters are considered vehicles and may be limited to age 18 and over without a special permit. In many cases, if you have a driver’s license, your state considers you’re covered to ride an electric scooter. Sometimes, however, you might need a little bit of extra documentation.

For example, if you’re under the age of 18, you might need to get a specific permit that says you’re allowed to operate an eScooter in public. As with all situations, you need to check with your state to see if you have any additional requirements.

An eScooter is a great way to move about in style, especially when the weather is at its best. Due to their extreme popularity, state and local governments are continually enacting new regulations to help keep riders safe. Since eScooter laws are changing all the time, check before you ride. That way, you get all the fun without any headaches.

One of the great things about having consistent live videos on Amazon and Instagram is the ability to deliver helpful product information. Not only to potential and future customers, but also existing SWAGTRON owners. These videos, cohosted by SWAGTRON’s own dynamic duo — David M. and Cyrus M. (no relation) — provide a lot of valuable tips and tricks with everything from our hoverboards and electric bikes to our electric scooters. Such was the case with our ever-popular Swagger 5 Elite eScooter and an important PSA the team recently delivered: “The rear fender is not a brake.”

Watch David and Cyrus explain in this Amazon Live video:

An Understandable Confusion

As scooters grew more popular and ubiquitous, people became accustomed to the standard frame and design language of a standard, non-electric scooter, as well as the basic functions. In other words, if they see a rear fender on a kick scooter or a stunt scooter, you can rest assured that it’s likely a rear foot brake. But with an electric scooter, the brakes are usually in easily accessed around the handle — a hand brake, a button or both. The rear fender of an electric scooter is likely housing important electrical components, including motor connections or brake light connections. Slamming down on the fender with your foot might damage important wiring components.

Aside from fulfilling expected design language and protecting important wiring, the fender also holds the folding hook to keep the Swagger 5 Elite locked in place when folded.

That rear hook connects with the folding latch, located on the handlebar.

This makes folding the Swagger 5 Elite a snap — literally!

So remember, while the rear fender is a lot of things — a mud guard, a familiar design aesthetic, wire shielding — the one thing it’s not, is a brake. And using it as such will not only damage your Swagger 5 Elite, it will also void the warranty.

As always, if you have questions or run into any problems, hit us up. We’re here to help.

— Keep Riding!

So there you were, cruising along, enjoying the weather, pondering the mysteries of life. And then it happened. Some inconsiderate road-dwelling debris jacked up your Swagger 5 Elite front tire. How rude.

Flats. Slow leaks. Eventually, every air-filled tire has to deal with these issues. And while the rear tire for the Swagger 5 Elite has a maintenance-free, airless, honeycomb design, the front tire is pneumatic — meaning, it’s air-filled — and is susceptible to flats and slow leaks. You might find that the front tire doesn’t hold its inflation, which we all know is important to scooter performance. Fortunately, there’s a quick, easy fix.

Fix Swagger 5 Elite Tire – Quick Jump

1. Gather Tools
2. Clean and Inspect
3. Deflate Inner Tube
4. Remove Valve Core
5. Apply Tire Sealant
6. Spin to Spread
7. Spin, Inflate, Repeat
8. Check Your Work

GATHER YOUR TOOLS

As with any project, start by gathering all the tools you might need. For this fix, you’ll need:

• Tire sealant
• Valve core removal tool
• Tire pump
• Spray bottle full of soapy water
• Microfiber towel
• Needle-nose pliers

CLEAN AND INSPECT

Start by inspecting your tire and rim for damage. Thoroughly wipe down the whole wheel with your microfiber cloth to get rid of any road dirt. Then, remove the valve cap and fill the tire with air.

Flip the scooter on its side and spray the tire rim with the soapy water. Watch for bubbles. Bubbles will form where the leak is.

DEFLATE INNER TUBE

Flip the scooter back to an upright position. Depress the pin inside the valve. Press down on the tire to deflate the inner tube.

REMOVE THE VALVE CORE

Lay the scooter back on its side. Now it’s time to create an opening for the tire sealant application. To do this, use the needle-nose pliers to hold the valve core still. Insert the valve core remover and twist counterclockwise until the valve core is released.

APPLY TIRE SEALANT

Remove the blue cap from the tire sealant syringe and insert the tip of the syringe into the valve. Slowly depress the syringe until it is empty, then use a towel to thoroughly wipe away any excess sealant from the tire and rim. You don’t want it gathering dirt.

Next, you’ll reinsert the valve core. Carefully insert the core, still attached to the valve core remover, and twist clockwise until it is secure.

SPIN TO SPREAD

Spin the wheel several times in both directions to spread the sealant thoroughly around the inside of the inner tube. Flip the scooter back into an upright position and inflate the tire to 60 PSI. Do not over-inflate the tire.

SPIN, INFLATE, REPEAT

After inflation, lift the scooter and hold it sideways. Spin the tire repeatedly in both directions while rotating the handlebars back and forth to thoroughly spread the sealant even more and allow it to move into the cracks.

Check the tire pressure again. If it’s gone down, inflate the tire to 60 PSI again and give it another spin — as you did a moment ago. Repeat this process until the tire stops deflating. Be patient; it might take a while.

CHECK YOUR WORK

Get your bottle of soapy water and spray the rim again to check for leaks. If you don’t get any bubbles around the rim, you’re leak-free!

Give the tire and rim one final wipe down to get rid of the soapy water and any sealant that may have seeped out onto the wheel.

That’s it — you’re done!

If you find that you’re constantly inflating the front tire of your Swagger 5 Elite eScooter more than usual, or that the tire isn’t holding air in it at all, reach out to SWAGTRON customer service and we’ll expedite our tire kit to you. You’ll be up and running again in no time!

Powerful and robust, the Swagger 5 packs a lot of power into its 26-pound frame. But the Swagstrap is more than up for the task!

Attaching the Swagstrap to your Swagger 5 Elite

1. Fold the Swagger 5 Elite:

• Turn the collar counterclockwise to unlock the latch.
• Fold the latch down then pull the stem down towards the deck.
• Line up the handlebars with the rear bumper so that the lock connects to the hook.

2. Loop the Swagstrap’s front buckle around the neck, close to the hinge, then clasp to secure:

3. Pull any excess strap:

4. Lastly, loop the Swagstrap around the bottom of the deck and over-top the stem:

Now you’re strapped up and ready to go!

Carry on with a Swagstrap eScooter Shoulder Strap Today

 
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out to our expert team of customer service specialists. Our team is available via email, live chat or by phone, and is fully staffed in the U.S.