Before purchasing an electric scooter, be sure to consider the type of brake equipped on the model you’ve chosen. Different types of electric scooters come with different kinds of brakes, which is crucial for enhancing riding safety.
If you’re considering buying an electric scooter that comes with drum brakes, refer to this guide to learn more about this type of brake and why you should consider choosing this brake system.
What is a Drum Brake on an Electric Scooter?
- Drum brakes are a traditional type of brake that has become less common in vehicles such as electric scooters, cars, and motorcycles.
- This type of brake is made up of a cast iron drum and a backing plate assembly connected to the wheel, typically mounted on the rear wheels of a vehicle.
- The hub encloses the drum brake to protect it from external environmental influences.
How Do Drum Brakes Work?
- A drum brake is a braking system that uses a cable connected to the handbrake lever, installed on the wheel to achieve braking action.
- The backing plate supports other components of the brake, maintaining stability. The brake shoes, together with the brake lining, create friction to prevent the wheel from turning. The cylinder contains pistons that push the brake shoes against the drum to stop the wheel.
- Drum brakes have good enclosure, preventing dust, water, and particles from entering, but they can overheat, affecting efficiency. Although less common in electric scooters, it’s still important to be aware of performance issues with drum brakes.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Drum Brakes
Advantages
- They are easy to maintain and typically have a long lifespan. Being enclosed within the hub, they are less prone to damage and provide good performance even in wet conditions, making them a suitable braking system for rainy or muddy environments.
Disadvantages
- Drum brakes are heavier than other types of brakes, such as disc brakes.
- They provide slightly less braking power compared to disc brakes. However, they offer a generally good braking system, just a step below disc brakes.
- They are prone to overheating.
- They can be difficult to remove or repair.
How to Repair Drum Brakes
Steps
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Analysis
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Safety Precautions
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Following basic safety measures not only protects you from potential hazards but also helps extend the life and efficiency of your electric scooter.
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Wear Protective Gear
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A sturdy helmet, durable gloves, and any other appropriate protective accessories recommended by the scooter manufacturer.
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Work in a well-lit area
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Adequate lighting ensures that you can clearly see what you are doing and minimizes the risk of mistakes or oversights during the process.
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Gather the necessary tools and adjust them as needed
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Grease – Helps prevent squeaking and ensures smooth operation of the brakes.
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Clean cloth – Needed to wipe away any dirt or grime from the brake components.
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Locate the controller component
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Remove gears – To inspect the brake assembly.
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Identify the brake drum (the brake drum is part of the brake assembly).
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Adjusting Brake Tension
Loosen Brake Cable
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Determine where the brake cable connects to the drum brake assembly.
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Using a wrench, carefully loosen the nut that secures the brake cable, allowing some slack in the cable.
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Adjust Brake Lever
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Find the point where the brake lever connects to the handlebars.
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Using an Allen key, carefully adjust the position of the brake lever to achieve the desired tension.
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Test the movement of the control lever to ensure it effectively engages the drum brake without excessive resistance.
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Test and Fine-Tune
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Check Brake Response
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Find a safe, spacious area free of obstacles and not obstructing traffic.
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Gradually drive the electric scooter and gently apply the brake.
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Observe how the scooter reacts to the brake. The brake should engage smoothly and provide consistent and controlled stopping.
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If there is brake delay or weak braking, further adjustments are needed.
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Make Final Adjustments
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Find the brake adjustment screw, usually located on the rear wheel hub or brake mechanism.
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Using the appropriate tool, turn the adjustment screw clockwise or counterclockwise gradually to achieve the desired brake response.
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Re-test the brakes to assess the effectiveness of the adjustment.
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Continue making small adjustments until the brakes provide a smooth and controlled stop without any issues.
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The key is to make gradual adjustments, avoiding over-tightening or damaging the drum brake system. Regular checks and fine-tuning of the brake system will help maintain its optimal performance and provide a safe riding experience.
FAQ
What is the Biggest Issue with Drum Brakes?
A major drawback of drum brakes is the reduction in braking force over time. As drum brakes wear, the friction force decreases, resulting in reduced effective braking power.
Are Drum Brakes Suitable for Off-Roading?
Despite being enclosed, drum brakes can still allow dust and other particles to enter and cause damage or reduce their efficiency. Unfortunately, once dust gets inside the brake assembly, it tends to stay there because it’s located in an enclosed space. During off-road riding, the brakes are more prone to getting dirty and damaged due to debris. Therefore, while electric scooters equipped with drum brakes can handle off-road riding, it’s not recommended.
How Often Should Drum Brakes on an Electric Scooter Be Adjusted?
To ensure that the drum brakes on your electric scooter remain in optimal condition, it is recommended to adjust them every 500 to 1,000 miles or when you notice a decline in braking performance. Regular adjustments not only help to ensure optimal braking function but also effectively prevent excessive wear on the brake components.
The Megawheels A6S Pro electric scooter is equipped with a drum brake and an electric braking system, providing reliable and efficient braking power for a worry-free ride.