People usually notice not the part itself, but a change in feel at the lever or a noise. Below are the symptoms that bring scooters into the workshop, and what usually lies behind them.
015–10 €
Electric scooter brakes weakly
WhyMost often the pads are worn, the cable has stretched, or grease or dirt has got onto the disc. Heavier scooters need much more braking power than light city models, so wear shows up sooner.
Check yourselfSee whether there is still pad material left, and wipe the disc with a clean cloth. Do not spray any lubricants on the brakes.
What we doWe adjust the brakes, replace the pads and, if needed, the cable or the disc.
02from 5 €
Brakes squeal
WhySquealing is often caused by a dirty or „glazed” pad surface, a caliper that is not aligned with the disc, or contaminated brakes. Sometimes the pads are simply worn down to the metal.
Check yourselfCheck whether there are any grease marks on the disc. If a pad is as thin as a sheet of paper, you should not ride any more.
What we doWe clean and adjust the brakes, and replace the pads if they are worn or contaminated with grease.
03from 15 €
Brake disc rubs
WhyThe disc may be slightly bent after a fall, the caliper may have shifted, or the wheel may have been installed incorrectly. Constant rubbing quickly wears down the pads and brakes the scooter even when the lever is released.
Check it yourselfHold the scooter so the wheel is off the ground and spin the wheel by hand – is the rubbing even, or only in one spot? Don’t bend or adjust anything else yourself. If it rubs, don’t ride – bring the scooter in.
What we doWe adjust the brake position, and if the disc is deformed, we replace it.
04from 5 €
Brake lever pulls all the way to the handlebar
WhyThis is a sign that the cable is stretched, the pads are worn, or there is air in the hydraulic system. Braking power drops sharply in this case.
Check it yourselfIf the lever feels soft, don’t ride – bring the scooter in to the workshop.
What we doWe tension the cable, replace the pads, and for hydraulic brakes we adjust and bleed the system.
0510–25 €
Brake cable sticks
WhyCold, moisture and dirt cause rust in the cable housing, and the lever returns with difficulty. A rarer cause is broken or protruding cable strands.
Check it yourselfCheck whether the lever returns to its starting position by itself. If not, it’s better not to ride – the brake may stay clamped.
What we doWe replace the cable and/or housing, and if necessary, the lever itself too.
0615–25 €
Hydraulic brakes feel spongy
WhyThe lever feels soft and only brakes once it gets close to the handlebar – a typical sign of air in the system. The cause can also be a leaking connection or a kinked hose.
Check it yourselfLook over the hose and connections for traces of oil. If the lever feels soft, don’t ride.
What we doWe adjust and bleed the system, check the hose and connections, and replace the pads.
0715 €
Brake lever broken off or loose
WhyAfter a fall, or when the scooter tips over onto the handlebar, the lever can crack and the clamp can twist. Such a lever may fail to hold up under pressure just when you need it most.
Check it yourselfDon’t risk riding if the lever is only partly holding on.
What we doBrake lever replacement – 15 €. After replacing it, we check that the brake works evenly.
08from 5 €
Brakes weaken after rain or puddles
WhyMoisture on the disc and pads briefly reduces friction, while dirt mixed with water quickly wears down the surface. If the brake cable is old, water washes the lubricant out of it.
Check it yourselfAfter riding in wet weather, wipe the disc with a dry cloth and check that the cable moves freely.
What we doWe clean and adjust the brakes, and replace worn pads and the cable with its housing.