As a popular choice for modern urban travel, electric scooters have a suspension system that plays a vital role. A good electric scooter suspension will spell the difference between a bumpy ride and an e-scooter that’s fun to ride.
When you buy an electric scooter online, choosing an e-scooter with a good suspension will give you a comfortable and stable ride. Check out this electric scooter guide to learn more about suspensions, you can make informed decisions when choosing an electric scooter that meets your specific needs.
What Is An Electric Scooter Suspension?
An electric scooter suspension system is any combination of technologies—springs, swingarms, rubber bushings, etc. -- that suspend the scooter's deck above the road. When the scooter hits a bump, the e-scooter suspension system compresses to absorb it, then rebounds back to its original position.
Why Is Suspension Important In Electric Scooters?
# Shock-absorbing Ability
Electric scooters experience shocks and vibrations in various road conditions, including bumps, uneven surfaces, and obstacles. The main function of the suspension system is to absorb and minimize these shocks and vibrations, thereby providing a smoother, more comfortable ride. Effective shock absorption reduces rider fatigue, enhances ride stability, and improves safety.
# Terrain Adaptability
Different terrains and road conditions significantly affect the riding performance of electric scooters. The suspension system helps the scooter adapt to various road surfaces, such as potholes, rough terrain, or hilly areas. It mitigates the perception of road bumps, maintains the stability of the scooter, and ensures excellent control and maneuverability.
# Riding Comfort
The presence of a suspension system significantly improves the riding comfort of electric scooters. It reduces the body's jolts and vibrations during the ride, minimizing the impact on joints and the spine, thus reducing rider discomfort and fatigue. Enhanced riding comfort allows riders to enjoy longer rides without physical discomfort.
# Safety & Stability
A well-designed suspension system enhances the safety and stability of electric scooters. It reduces the scooter's body sway caused by road bumps, minimizing the risk of loss of control. A stable suspension system ensures firm contact between the wheels and the ground, providing better traction and maneuverability, thus enhancing the scooter's stability and cornering ability.
What Are The Types Of Electric Scooter Suspensions?
1. Spring Suspension
This is one of the most common types of suspension systems. They use metal coils or springs to absorb shocks and keep the ride smooth. The spring compresses and expands to reduce the impact of potholes and uneven road surfaces. The spring suspension system is simple and low-cost, suitable for daily urban commuting.
(MUKUTA 10PLUS adopts spring suspension system)
Advantages of spring suspension:
- Effective in absorbing shocks and providing a smoother ride.
- Simple design, resulting in cost-effective production.
- Suitable for moderate terrain and everyday urban commuting.
Disadvantages of spring suspension:
- May not provide optimum comfort on rough or extremely uneven terrain.
- Requires regular maintenance and occasional replacement of worn-out springs.
2. Adjustable Twist Suspension
The adjustable twist suspension system is MUKUTA's latest proprietary advanced shock absorber. The system realizes the adjustment of the shock absorption effect through adjustable twist springs and dampers, and the rider can adjust the hardness or softness of the shock absorption system according to personal needs and road conditions.
(MUKUTA 9PLUS adopts a twist suspension system.)
Advantages of adjustable twist suspension:
- Advanced Shock Absorption Capacity: Adjustable twist suspension systems generally have high shock absorption capacity, which can effectively absorb and dampen different types of shocks and vibrations. It provides a smoother, more stable ride with less impact and fatigue on the rider's body.
- Large up-and-down Range: The adjustable twist suspension system can provide a large up-and-down travel range, that is, the suspension system has a large adjustable range.
- Easy Adjustment: The rider can easily change the preload force of the twist spring or the damping force of the damper by turning the knob or adjustment bolt. This easy adjustability allows the rider to make quick and accurate adjustments to get the best shock absorption according to actual needs.
- Ease of Replacement: Adjustable twist suspension systems typically consist of multiple components, such as twist springs and dampers. These components are relatively independent, making replacement and repair work relatively simple. If one of these components fails or needs to be replaced, riders can more easily maintain and replace them, reducing repair time and costs.
Disadvantages of adjustable twist suspension:
- Irreplaceability: Due to its unique performance, it does not support customers to DIY.
3. Hydraulic Suspension
Hydraulic suspension systems are a bit more expensive than spring suspensions, but they offer a much smoother and more comfortable ride. They work by using hydraulic fluid to dampen shocks, which means that the impact of bumps is reduced before it even reaches your body. This makes for a much more enjoyable ride, even on rough terrain.
(MUKUTA Knight adopts a hydraulic suspension system.)
Advantages of hydraulic suspension:
- Superior shock absorption, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride.
- Capable of handling various terrains, including rough and uneven surfaces.
Disadvantages of hydraulic suspension:
- Relatively complex design, resulting in higher manufacturing costs.
- Potential leakage of hydraulic fluid, requiring occasional maintenance.
- Some models may experience performance degradation over time.
4. Air Suspension
Air suspension systems are gaining popularity in high-end electric scooters. These systems use compressed air to adjust the suspension's stiffness and provide an optimal balance between comfort and performance.
Advantages of air suspension:
- Highly adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune the suspension for different riding conditions.
- Excellent shock absorption, offering a smooth and controlled ride.
- Adaptability to varying rider weights and preferences.
Disadvantages of air suspension:
- More expensive compared to other suspension systems.
- Requires periodic maintenance and potential air leakage checks.
- May add additional weight to the scooter, affecting overall portability.
5. Rubber Suspension
Rubber suspension uses rubber bands to absorb shocks and provides natural support, softness, and malleability, making it perfect for absorbing impact. They are similar in their effect to the spring suspension but are much lighter and more compact, so they do not add much weight or bulkiness to your scooter. However, they can be quite uncomfortable on bumpy roads because adjusting them to absorb shocks of different intensities is difficult.
Advantages of rubber suspension:
- The rubber suspension enhances the riding comfort of the electric scooter and reduces the impact on the rider's body.
- Helps maintain the stability of the electric scooter, which can minimize the sway and shake of the vehicle on uneven roads.
- Rubber materials generally have good abrasion resistance and durability, ensuring continued performance over long-term use.
Disadvantages of rubber suspension:
- Rubber suspension systems tend to be stiffer compared to other materials, which means they may not provide the same level of cushioning as air or spring systems.
- Once a rubber suspension system is installed on an electric scooter, its stiffness and damping characteristics are usually fixed and not adjustable.
- Rubber materials may be affected by ambient temperature. Extremely high or low temperatures may reduce the performance of the rubber suspension system, affecting ride comfort and stability.
Electric Scooter Suspension Maintenance Tips
Here are the maintenance methods for various types of suspension systems found in electric scooters:
1. Spring Suspension
# Regular Inspection
Check the springs for any signs of damage, such as cracks or deformation. Replace worn-out or damaged springs promptly.
# Lubrication
Apply lubricant to the spring joints and pivot points to ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion.
# Adjustments
If the suspension feels too soft or too stiff, follow the manual to make any necessary adjustments to the preload or damping settings.
2. Hydraulic Suspension
# Fluid Check
Regularly inspect the hydraulic fluid level in the suspension system.
# Seals & Leaks
Check for any fluid leaks or damaged seals. Repair or replace the affected components to prevent loss of hydraulic fluid.
# Adjustments
If necessary, make adjustments to the compression and rebound damping settings according to the manual. Monitor the suspension's performance and adjust as needed.
3. Air Suspension
# Air Pressure Check
Regularly inspect the air pressure in the suspension system using a pressure gauge.
# Seals & Leaks
Check for any air leaks or damaged seals. If leaks are detected, repair or replace the affected components.
# Air Chamber Cleanliness
Keep the air chambers clean to prevent contamination or blockages that may affect the suspension's performance.
# Adjustments
If necessary, adjust the air pressure to achieve the desired stiffness and ride comfort. Refer to the manual for proper adjustment procedures.
4. Rubber Suspension
# Inspection
Regularly inspect the rubber dampers for signs of wear, deterioration, or damage. Replace any worn-out or damaged dampers.
# Cleanliness
Keep the rubber dampers clean from dirt and debris that may affect their performance.
# Adjustments
Since rubber dampers are generally non-adjustable, proper maintenance involves monitoring their condition and replacing them when necessary.
*Please Note: the specific maintenance requirements may vary depending on the scooter model and suspension system. Always refer to the manual and guidelines for proper maintenance procedures. If you are unsure or inexperienced with suspension maintenance, it is recommended to consult a professional technician for assistance to ensure safety and optimal performance.