Hello, fellow e-skateboard enthusiasts! If you enjoy gliding through mud and puddles but often skip routine maintenance, it’s time to pay attention. Your skateboard’s three-electric system—comprising the battery, motor, and controller—can face significant safety risks without proper post-ride care.
Why Post-Rain Maintenance is Crucial
Moisture from rain or mud can seep into the battery compartment and cause the controller to short-circuit or leak electricity. In severe instances, this could even lead to fires. Additionally, any leftover dirt and water can accelerate corrosion, drastically shortening your skateboard’s lifespan. One small oversight might render your costly device completely unusable. To prolong your board’s life, follow these essential maintenance tips.
Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide
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Clean the Surface:
- Begin by wiping off all water stains and sediment from the skateboard. Peel back the grip tape slightly—just enough to expose the screw holes—no need to remove it entirely.
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Access the Internal Components:
- Remove the 18 screws from the cover plate and take off the cover. Inspect the interior for any water or sediment, and check the battery’s water damage indicator. If it has changed from white to red, moisture has penetrated, and it’s time to replace the battery. Be aware that water damage is often not covered under warranty.
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Disconnect Power First:
- Always disconnect power to both the front and rear controllers before starting maintenance.
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Battery Inspection:
- Carefully pry up the battery without using sharp tools that could cause damage. Double-check for any signs of water intrusion.
- Remember: dispose of damaged batteries safely. Store them in an explosion-proof cabinet until you can dispose of them properly.
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Drying Out Residual Moisture:
- If you find moisture inside the board, wipe it clean with a paper towel or cloth.
- Handle the controller's signal wires gently, as they are fragile. Using cool air only, dry the internal components. Avoid hot air to prevent damaging sensitive electronics. Blow-dry all connector ports with cool air as well.
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Final Cleanup:
- After drying, wipe down the grip tape and cover plate, and blow-dry the connector ports.
Allow your skateboard to sit idle for 24 hours after these steps to let any remaining moisture evaporate completely.
Reassembling Your Skateboard
Once the waiting period is over, follow these steps to reassemble your board:
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Reconnect Components:
- Reinstall the battery and reconnect all connectors, starting with the left and right controllers, then connecting the front and rear controllers.
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Secure Everything:
- Ensure the signal wires are secured and connect the positive and negative terminals of the cover plate. Organize surrounding wires neatly.
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Test the Board:
- Power it on to check if both sides boot up correctly and the indicator lights function before powering it off again.
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Seal the Cover Plate:
- Finally, replace the cover plate and tighten all screws properly.
Wheel and Bearing Maintenance
In addition to the three-electric system, your skateboard’s wheels and bearings also need regular maintenance, especially after riding through wet conditions. Here’s how to care for them:
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Inspect and Clean Bearings:
- Unscrew the locknuts and check your bearings for rust. Clear out any debris or sediment.
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Test Bearing Smoothness:
- Slide the cleaned bearings onto the truck axle and spin them to check for smoothness. If they feel rough or don’t spin freely, it’s time for replacement.
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Dealing with Rust:
- If the truck axles or wheels are heavily rusted and hard to disassemble, apply a small amount of WD-40 to loosen them. Replace any bearings that are completely seized due to rust.
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Final Checks for Safety:
- Check for any foreign objects stuck in the gears. Inspect the motor’s main gear before reassembling all components.
Key Reminders
- Don’t heavily rely on your skateboard’s water-resistance rating. No electronic device can withstand prolonged immersion or high-pressure washing. A robust post-rain maintenance routine is far more effective than waterproof features alone.
- Regularly inspect sealing rings, wheel axles, battery compartment covers, and gaskets for wear or damage, and replace worn parts promptly to minimize the risk of water intrusion.
Remember, the three-electric system is the heart of your electric skateboard. Neglecting post-rain maintenance can lead to severe safety hazards and costly repairs. Keep these steps in mind, and your skateboard will be ready for many more exciting rides, rain or shine!
Happy riding!
