Electric skateboards are lightweight and flexible, making them great for both commuting and leisure. However, after prolonged use, minor problems are inevitable, such as sudden power failure or reduced battery life. There’s no need to rush to customer service; you can usually fix these issues yourself by following these simple steps. Below are 5 common troubleshooting methods for frequent problems, with simple steps and straightforward explanations that even beginners can understand.
5 Common Troubleshooting Methods (Essential for Emergencies)
1. Immediately pull over to a safe area on the side of the road after a power outage. Do not attempt self-inspection in traffic or crowded areas to avoid accidental falls or collisions.
Power Failure Troubleshooting:
Sudden power failure, unable to start (Required tool: 1 dry cloth)
Scenario: The board suddenly shuts off while riding, or there is no response after turning it on, and the indicator lights do not illuminate.
Self-inspection steps:
- Connection Check: First, turn off the power, open the battery compartment cover, and check if the battery plug and the internal connection plug of the e-board are loose, blackened, or rusted (i.e., oxidized). If loose, re-insert and secure the buckle; if oxidized, wipe it clean with a dry cloth before reconnecting.
- Battery Check: Remove the battery and charge it with the original charger. Observe the charger indicator light. If it shows a full charge but the board still cannot start, repeat step 1; if it continuously shows charging but the e-board has no response, there is a problem with the battery, and you should contact customer service.
- Switch Check: Some e-board switches may have poor contact due to collisions or wear. Press the switch several times to see if the indicator light responds.
Important Note: Do not wipe the connectors with a wet cloth, as this can cause a short circuit and damage internal components.
2. Do not force yourself to ride until the battery is completely depleted after experiencing reduced range, to avoid being stranded midway. It is recommended to plan your route.
Range Issues:
Suddenly reduced range, rapid battery drain (no extra tools required)
Scenario: Previously able to ride for more than 15 kilometers, now only able to ride a maximum of 5 kilometers, or the battery level drops from full to low very quickly.
Self-check steps:
- Environmental Check: Low temperatures can reduce the activity of lithium batteries. If the recent temperature is below 10℃, a reduced range is normal, and it will recover when the weather warms up. Additionally, frequent uphill riding and carrying loads exceeding the skateboard’s rated weight will also consume more power; adjusting your usage habits should help.
- Charging Check: Use the original charger and ensure sufficient charging time (generally 3-6 hours). If the charger shows a full charge prematurely, the charger is likely faulty; try replacing it with one that matches the original specifications.
- Battery Aging: If the skateboard has been used for more than a year and the range continues to decrease, it means the lithium battery is naturally aging (lithium batteries can be charged approximately 500 times before their performance deteriorates). This situation cannot be resolved through self-checking; contact customer service to replace the battery.
Common Misconception: Frequently plugging and unplugging the charger will not speed up charging, but will instead damage the battery life.
Read: 13 Winter Riding Mistakes That Can Damage Your Electric Skateboard
3. If the electronic brake fails, immediately turn off the skateboard’s power and use your feet to slow down and stop. Do not continue riding to avoid loss of control and accidents.
Brake Emergency:
Electronic brake failure, no deceleration response (Required tool: 1 flashlight, optional)
Scenario: When the brake lever is pulled, the skateboard does not decelerate, or the response is delayed, indicating that the electronic braking function has failed.
Self-check steps:
- Signal Interference Check: First, check for strong signal interference sources nearby, such as high-power routers, walkie-talkies, high-voltage electrical boxes, etc. After moving away from these devices, restart the skateboard and remote control to test if the brake function is restored. Electronic brakes rely on wireless signal transmission, and strong interference can cause signal interruption.
- Solder Joint Inspection: Use a flashlight to illuminate the skateboard’s signal receiver (usually near the main board) to check if the solder joints of the receiver’s wiring are loose or detached, or if the wire insulation is damaged. If detached solder joints or damaged wiring are found, do not attempt to solder them yourself; contact after-sales service for professional assistance.
- Distance Check: Confirm whether the distance between the remote control and the skateboard exceeds the signal transmission range (most electric skateboard remote controls have an effective range of 10-20 meters). Try again after moving closer to the skateboard (within 1 meter). Also, check the remote control’s battery level; low battery power can weaken the signal and affect brake response.
Warning: Do not disassemble the signal receiver or solder the solder joints yourself, as this may damage electronic components; do not use a non-original remote control, as signal incompatibility may lead to brake failure.
4. Slipping can easily lead to loss of balance and falls. Stop in a safe area first before troubleshooting, and avoid checking the problem while turning or accelerating.
Slipping Problem:
Tire slippage, unstable gliding (Required tools: 1 small tire pressure gauge, 1 bicycle pump)
Scenario: Slipping easily occurs even on flat surfaces, and the vehicle shakes noticeably when turning or accelerating.
Self-check steps:
- Tire Pressure Check: Insufficient tire pressure is the main cause of slipping. The recommended tire pressure for electric skateboard tires is between and -3 bar. Use a small tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure; if it’s too low, inflate it with a bicycle pump (the inflation port is usually on the side of the tire); excessively high tire pressure will also reduce grip, so adjust by releasing some air.
- Tire Inspection: Check the tire tread pattern. If it’s worn smooth, it will lose its anti-slip effect, and the tire must be replaced; if there is mud, sand, or oil stains, rinse it clean with water and dry it before riding.
- Road Surface Check: Wet and smooth surfaces (such as tiled floors or roads with standing water) inherently have poor grip, so slipping is normal. Simply switch to a dry asphalt road.
Common Misconception: Do not over-inflate the tires to prevent slipping. Overly hard tires will reduce riding comfort and may even cause a blowout.
Also read: How Do Electric Skateboards Actually Work? Everything You Need to Know
5. Avoid forceful acceleration to prevent motor overload and damage. Troubleshoot the problem before resuming normal riding.
Power Issues:
Weak start, slow acceleration (no extra tools required)
Scenario: The skateboard requires a push to start after turning it on, or the acceleration is sluggish and doesn’t reach normal speed.
Self-check steps:
- Battery Check: At low battery levels, the skateboard automatically limits power, resulting in weak starting power. Charging the battery fully will restore normal function.
- Load and Road Surface: If the load exceeds the rated value, or if starting on steep slopes, grass, gravel, or other soft surfaces, the skateboard may lack power. Reduce the load and try again on a flat surface.
- Motor Connection: Turn off the power and check if the motor and internal connection plugs of the skateboard are loose. If they are loose, re-plug and secure them. If the connecting wires are damaged or aged, do not attempt to fix them yourself; contact customer service.
Caution: Do not repeatedly try to force a start by turning the power on and off, as this will increase the burden on the motor and battery.
After-Sales Service Guide: These situations require official after-sales service
Prohibited Operations List:
Do not disassemble the battery yourself, cut the brake cable for temporary repairs, charge with a non-original charger for extended periods, or disassemble core components. Otherwise, you will lose your warranty and may cause safety hazards.
If the problem persists after the above self-check, or if you encounter the following issues, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Contacting the official after-sales service is safer and will preserve your warranty:
- Motor abnormal noise or vibration: If the motor makes strange “hissing” or “humming” noises while gliding, or the e-board vibrates violently, it is likely a motor bearing or internal component failure.
- Battery swelling or overheating: If the battery casing bulges, becomes unusually hot during charging, or leaks or emits strange odors, there is a risk of fire. Stop using it immediately and contact after-sales service.
- Core control component failure: If the e-skateboard frequently shuts down automatically, the indicator lights flash erratically, or it doesn’t respond to the remote control/handle, professional repair and replacement are required.
- Short circuit or smoke: If any part emits smoke or sparks, immediately disconnect the power, move away from the board, and contact after-sales service immediately.
- Core component damage: If the motor shaft is broken, the frame is deformed, or the braking system is completely failed, original parts must be used for replacement. Do not use non-original parts.
Warranty Boundary Reminder: Disassembling core components yourself, using non-original parts, or causing damage through misuse (such as collisions or water damage) will void your warranty, and repairs will be at your own expense.
Convenient After-Sales Service Methods:
- Contact customer service through your original purchase channel: Find “After-Sales Customer Service,” upload a description of the problem, pictures/videos, and a staff member will respond within 24 hours.
- Official Customer Service Hotline: Call the brand’s official customer service hotline, clearly explain the problem, and customer service will guide you through the process.
- Offline Partner Service Points: Check the brand’s official website for the nearest authorized service point. Bring your electric skateboard (within the warranty period) to receive professional repair services.
Final Thoughts
Most minor electric skateboard malfunctions are caused by poor contact, improper usage habits, or minor wear and tear.
By following the above self-check methods, 80% of problems can be solved independently, saving time and hassle. Remember to regularly wipe the connectors and check the brakes and tire pressure to reduce the occurrence of malfunctions. If you encounter problems with core components, don’t try to fix them yourself; contacting the official after-sales service is the safest option.
