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How to fold an electric scooter in seconds

E-scooters have taken urban commuting to a peak in the USA. I understand the convenience and freedom it offers. One of the basic skills for any rider is learning how to fold it promptly and effortlessly. Well, if you are heading into a cafeteria, boarding public transport, or storing it at your residence, knowing how to fold your electric scooter is a game-changer. In this guide, I will walk you through the steps, share some personal experiences, and provide useful tips to make the process hassle-free.

Basic Knowledge:

Before getting deep into the folding process, it is important to know the basic parts of your vehicle that play key roles in the folding mechanism. 

Note: Most models have resembling components.

The folding mechanism in an electric scooter is one of the features that is mostly liked. It is comfortable to drive and requires less effort to fold, it is an ideal choice for any beginner and professional, like going to school or work. It does not even require parking as it can be carried away easily. My niece is very fond of my electric scooter, she also purchased a new one. One day, I saw she was struggling, to lift the electric scooter on the staircase. I wondered what was wrong with her, why she was not folding her electric scooter to handle it. She was unaware of its folding mechanism and how to fold and unfold it. Most people get confused with these techniques so let me guide you on “how to fold and unfold an electric scooter properly?’ without much hassle. Folding an electric scooter is simple, but it is important to follow these steps : You must always remember that electric scooters might have different folding mechanisms, but the folding process is similar. The folding mechanism can be classified into: Hinge base Telescoping Screw-based Lever or latched-based Before you start folding your electric scooter make sure the scooter is not in use. It would be dangerous to fold the scooter while in motion, turn off the electric scooter before folding it. Don't fold your scooter while it is charging. Most folding mechanisms have some security features so it won't fold if you accidentally hit the folding clasp. A few models have to pull out the security screw, others have a small switch that has to be held down to open the clasp. Open the clasp or clamp on the stem, some clamps are very tight and you must apply force to open them. This might not exist in some scooters. Many have another security lock to prevent accidental folding. Search for an additional switch or button, sometimes the clamp is already open but the stem is not folded down. In this case, push the clamp a bit more to unlock the last blocking mechanism. Slowly fold down the stem by moving the steering column towards the deck. In a few models, there is a locking mechanism to fix the stem to the deck, some have a clamp on the deck and a dedicated hole on the handlebar that will attach. Move down until a click sound has been heard(note that some electric scooters lack this feature of the handlebar getting connected to the deck). To unfold it you have to do vice versa (reverse engineering). Some basic problems users generally face: The folding mechanism stuck, unable to fold the scooter. The probable reason behind this may be dirt or debris that entered the folding mechanism due to unfavorable terrain(or off-road). This can block the mechanism. Not to worry, just clean the area around using a cloth or brush. If the electric scooter has not been folded for a long time, then there are chances that the mechanism will not work properly. Use lubricate like oil or spray mostly available on Amazon. If the above methods do not work, show it to the specialized repair shop for better assessment. Conclusion - Folding an electric scooter is one of the important features of an electric scooter, it helps in easy storage and transportation. Keep the moving parts of the folding mechanism clean and lubricated, to maintain a good condition of the locking or folding mechanism.

  • Handlebar Stem:  A long perpendicular metal tube that connects the electric scooter with the front wheels. 
  • Lever: Safeguard the handlebar stem during riding and release it for folding.
  • Folding latch or hook: Attach the handlebar stem to the deck when folded.
  • Deck: The platform you stand on while you ride the scooter.

 

 

Safety is first:

Make sure that your e-scooter is turned off before folding it, as it prevents accidental throttle movements. An incident occurred when my scooter unexpectedly rushed forward while I was trying to fold it.

Remove the key or detach the fold lock before folding your electric scooter.  

Different types of the folding mechanism :

Folding Mechanism Descriptions
Hinge base mechanism Such a mechanism is composed of large hinges on the stem or deck of an electric scooter that enables one to fold it. 
Telescoping-based mechanism Such a mechanism is located as a latch on the fender, connected to the handlebar once completely folded.
Screw-based mechanism Such a mechanism comprises a screw that needs to be rolled out before folding an electric scooter. This also acts as a safety feature, which prevents accidental folding. 

Lever or latched-based mechanism		 Such a mechanism is located as a latch on the fender, connected to the handlebar once completely folded.

It would be best if you always remembered that electric scooters might have different folding mechanisms, but the folding process is similar.

Step-by-step instructions for folding an electric scooter:

Pressing the power button for a long time to turn it off the e scooter.

Before you start folding your electric scooter make sure the scooter is not in use. It would be dangerous to fold the scooter while in motion, turn off the electric scooter before folding it. Don’t fold your scooter while it is charging.

Most folding mechanisms have some security features, which help the user from the automatic fold of an electric scooter even if accidentally hitting the folding clasp. For example, a few models have to pull out the security screw located at the end of the stem, others have a small switch that has to be held down to open the clasp.

Pulling the security screw to fold the e scooter.
Opening the clamp to fold the stem of an e scooter.

Open the clasp or clamp on the stem, some clamps are very tight and you must apply force to open them. This might not exist in some scooters. Many have another security lock to prevent accidental folding. Search for an additional switch or button, sometimes the clamp is already open but the stem is not folded down. In this case, push the clamp a bit more to unlock the last blocking mechanism. Slowly fold down the stem by moving the steering column towards the deck. 

In a few models, there is a locking mechanism to fix the stem to the deck, some have a clamp on the deck and a dedicated hole on the handlebar that will attach. Move down the stem until the sound of a click has been heard (note that some electric scooters lack this feature of the handlebar getting connected to the deck). To unfold it you have to do vice versa (reverse engineering).

After folding the e scooter, connect the stem to the deck of the e scooter

Useful tips for problem-solving for users:

Issue – The folding mechanism is stiff, stuck, or unable to fold the e-scooter.

Solution – The probable reason behind this may be dirt or debris that entered the folding mechanism due to unfavorable terrain(or off-road). This can block the mechanism. Not to worry just clean the area around using a cloth or brush. 

Issue – If the electric scooter has not been folded for a long time.

Solution – Chances are high that the mechanism will not work properly. Use lubricate like oil or spray mostly available on Amazon.

Note: If the above methods do not work, show it to the specialized repair shop for better assessment. 

Personal Recommendation:

  • Practice in a secure place: Practise in a safe, open space to get used to the process then try to fold your scooter in the public area.
  • Keep tidy: Regular cleaning and maintenance will protect the vehicle from dirt, and debris, which can help in smooth operation.
  • Carry Accessories: Use a carrying strap or bag for easier transportation of a folded scooter. 

FAQ

  1. What is the folding mechanism of an electric scooter?

    The folding mechanism is one of the important features that allows the handlebar stem to be quickly and securely collapsed to the deck, making the electric scooter more compact and comfortable to carry. 

  2. Are all the electric scooters foldable?

    Almost all electric scooters are foldable but the folding mechanism can vary from model to model. There are several folding mechanisms like, hinge-based, telescoping-based, screw-based, lever-based, or latched-based.

  3. What is the weight of the folded electric scooter?

    The weight of the folded electric scooter ranges from 55 lbs to 220 lbs depending on the model and its features. Lighter models are more portable than heavier ones as they often offer more robust performance and battery life.

  4. How to carry a foldable electric scooter?

    After locking the handle to the deck, you can lift it by its handle. You can also use the carrying strap or bag for easier transportation.

Conclusion

Folding an electric scooter helps the user to carry it along with them, to any place even when you travel. It helps in easy storage and transportation. Keep the moving parts of the folding mechanism clean and lubricated, to maintain the good condition of the locking or folding mechanism. With practice, you will be able to fold and unfold the scooter quickly and effortlessly.

 

Joe Marshal

Hey there, What's up? I’m Joe Marshal. I would like to introduce myself as a passionate rider exploring the world with my travel partner. I inherited it from my father. I have been riding since childhood as I enjoyed the thrill of riding an e-scooter as my hobby. I began to spend hours researching about the electric scooters being obsessed with understanding each detail like their design, functionality, and impact on our environment. I started this project to dedicate my expertise to helping others discover the benefits of these eco-friendly rides. My main motive is to explain things easily to everyone with my practical knowledge and advice as I could not get it when I was a beginner.

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