Why Your Electric Scooter Is Slower Than Usual (And How to Fix It)
Your electric scooter doesn’t feel as fast as it used to? You’re not imagining it — but don’t worry, it’s rarely a motor failure. Speed drop is a common issue, and in most cases, it’s fixable in under 10 minutes.
Here are the most common reasons your electric scooter might feel slow — and what you can do to bring that speed back.
1. Low Tire Pressure
What It Does:
Low tire pressure increases surface resistance, making it harder for the motor to push you forward — even on flat ground.
What to Check:
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Inspect your tire PSI (most scooters sit between 40–50 PSI)
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Use a pump with a gauge
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Inflate both tires evenly
👉 How to Pump Scooter Tires Correctly
2. Power-Saving or Eco Mode Is On
Many scooters include multiple speed modes — and you might be stuck in a limited mode without realising it.
What to Check:
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Is your scooter in Eco or Beginner Mode?
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Most displays let you toggle modes by double-pressing the power button or a specific gear switch
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Set it to Sport Mode or Normal Mode for full speed
3. Cold Weather Riding
Why It Happens:
Batteries perform worse in low temperatures. In cities like Toronto, a 10°C drop can reduce battery output and limit top speed.
What You Can Do:
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Store your scooter indoors when not in use
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Warm it up inside before heading out
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Avoid riding on nearly empty battery in cold temps
4. Battery Level Too Low
Most electric scooters slow down intentionally when the battery drops below 30% to preserve energy and protect internal components.
Solution:
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Charge above 50% for full performance
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Avoid draining the battery completely
👉 How to Maximise Battery Life
5. Dirty or Worn-Out Brakes
Yes — sticky brakes can cause drag, especially if the brake pad or rotor is misaligned.
What to Look For:
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Do you hear rubbing sounds?
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Does the wheel feel tight when spinning?
What to Do:
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Clean brake rotors
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Re-centre the brake caliper
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Adjust cable tension
👉 How to Fix Loose or Tight Scooter Brakes
6. Firmware Speed Limiter
Some scooters are speed-limited by default (especially entry-level models like the Ninebot E22 or E2).
What to Know:
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Some models require a firmware unlock or app pairing to access full speed
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Check your brand’s official app (e.g. Segway-Ninebot, InMotion)
👉 Guide to Unlocking Speed on Certified Scooters
Still Slow? Time for a Tune-Up
Speed issues can also come from:
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Worn-out motor wiring
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Faulty throttle sensors
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Internal water damage from riding in the rain
Final Checklist: Scooter Speed Fixes
✅ Inflate tires to the correct PSI
✅ Exit eco mode and check riding settings
✅ Keep battery above 50% for full power
✅ Avoid cold-weather rides on low battery
✅ Check for brake drag or misalignment
✅ Explore firmware options for speed unlocking
Want your scooter to ride like new again?
👉 Explore Speed-Friendly Models & Upgrades
