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September 29, 2008

What are fuel leaks?

 

A fuel leak is a simple problem with a number of causes. Sometimes the lines from the fuel tank to the carburetor simply need to be tightened. When fuel is leaking from the clear overflow line, the carburetor may need to be replaced or a screw on the bowl may require tightening.

A scooter engine may stall if there is a blockage in the engine filter. Blocks or clogs can occur in the air filter or fuel line, so both should be checked. A sluggish engine is often a telltale sign of blockage; before a stall actually occurs, riders should check for possible clogs.

If a scooter stalls while in motion, the rider may be flooding the engine. By holding the throttle wide open, it will flood the engine and cause the scooter to break down. Scooter engines, like car engines, need to be broken in before accelerated to high speeds.

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September 28, 2008

What should I know about the sparkplugs?

The spark plug is a crucial and vulnerable part on your two stroke engine. The spark plug must be clean, and must be replaced promptly when signs of wear begin to show. The condition of the spark plug can tell you a lot about how your scooter motor is running. The spark plug should be a light brown or golden color. If the electrode is white, that can be a sign that your scooter is running too hot. This can be a result of either running too lean, or that the fuel and oil mixture is too lean. If you are running your scooter to rich then your spark plug may be black, covered with gas, oil, or carbon. This should be checked by assuring the electrode has a clean gap of .023 in. If you are having a problem with fouling, just be sure that the gap is clean and free of obstruction, a small piece of fine grit sandpaper usually works well for this. New spark plugs can be purchased at almost any local hardware or auto parts store.

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September 27, 2008

How do you fix scooter throttles?

There are two main types of scooter throttles. One is a twist type, and the other is a hand throttle. Although the throttles are different in operation, they are essentially mechanically the same. When the rider applies the throttle, a cable carries this motion down to the engine. For continued smooth operation it is important to keep this cable clean and free of obstructions.

Should the throttle begin to feel loose and sloppy, the slack can be adjusted on the cable at the handlebars. Simply loosen the lock nut and adjust the cable tension via the adjustment screw. Once the desired tension is achieved retighten the lock nut.

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Ask The Scooter Experts

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September 26, 2008

What are Light Electric Vehicles?

Electric bikes are part of a wide range of Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) that provides convenient local transportation.  Generally designed for one person and small cargo capacity, LEV range, speed, and cost are moderate.  For most of us, the majority of our trips are less than 10 miles - within the range of most LEV.  Clean, quiet, and efficient LEV offers the advantages of an extra car without the burdens of maintenance. Electric scooters start with an adult-sized scooter with air-filled tires - and add a motor and battery. Riding one feels like water skiing on a single ski. Being more agile than bikes, scooters are more fun and adventurous. Due to a wide variety of scooters available and the minimal legislation regarding them, their speeds and range vary dramatically.

 

 

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September 25, 2008

How do I adjust the controller of an electric bike?

Most electric bikes and scooters include four primary parts: the battery pack, the motor, the throttle and the controller.  The controller stands "between" the throttle and the motor and controls the motor.  On small, low-power drive systems, a simple on/off switch or relay may be the only controller.  But for systems using motors rated above 250 watts, a controller generally limits how quickly the motor accelerates and its maximum speed.  The manufacturers set the controllers on all its motors (300, 350, 400, and 600 watts) to limit the LEV maximum speed to 16 mph.

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October 9, 2007

What is the proper fuel and oil mixture for my gas scooter?

Your scooter uses a 2 stroke engine for power. A two stroke engine was chosen for its excellent power to weight ratio. A two stroke engine does not require that you ever change the oil; however it does require that you mix quality grade 2 stroke oil with the gasoline prior to filling your scooters gas tank. This ensures that your engine will remain lubricated and give you reliable service.

To accomplish this you can buy the suitable oil at almost any auto parts store or hardware store. The oil and gas are the mixed together in a separate container before filling the scooter.

The mixture should be done at a 25:1 ratio. Mixing the gas and oil too lean can cause the engine to run too hot resulting in permanent engine damage. Mixing the gas and oil too rich will cause decreased performance and result in a fouled spark plug. By strictly following the 25:1 ratio you can be assured maximum performance from your scooter.

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October 3, 2007

What is the difference between a scooter and a motorcycle?

A scooter is a two-wheeled motor vehicle with a step-through frame. Many modern scooters have their engines located forward of the seat and affixed to the frame.

In contrast to most motorcycles, scooters generally have bodywork, including a front leg shield and body that conceals all or most of the mechanical parts. There is often some integral storage space, either under the seat, built into the front leg shield, or both.

Most modern motor scooters have smaller wheels than motorcycles, between eight and 12 inches (20-28 cm) in diameter (though maxi- and big-wheel scooters may have larger wheels). Most scooters have smaller engines than motorcycles (between 30 cc and 250 cc with a single cylinder, though larger models have twin cylinder 400 to 650 cc. motors).

Most countries have no legal definition for "scooter". In general, 50 cc and under scooters are classified in most states and countries as a moped and are subject to reduced safety restrictions and licensing fees. Scooters above 50 cc are generally legally considered motorcycles, though some states have an in-between definition for motorized bike for scooters and motorcycles between 50 and 150 ccs.

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September 6, 2007

How do I clean my scooter’s air cleaner?

The air filter is used to clean the air going into the engine. Periodic cleaning of this filter is recommended to protect your gas scooter engine against the damaging effects of dirt and abrasive particulates. Your air filter can be located on the front of the engine and the protective cover can be removed with one screw.

When the protective cover is removed the air filter is revealed. You can also see the small workings of the choke and butterfly valve. The filter should be free from dirt and grease and appear clean. If there are contaminants on the filter it can be cleaned in a container of gasoline. Allow the filter to dry before re-installing it into your gas scooter.

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August 30, 2007

Can you give me some safety tips?

To make your riding enjoyable and safe here are some tips to follow that you should follow:
• Wear bright or reflective clothing. Wear a helmet, even if it's not required by law. Be sure the helmet is DOT approved. 
• Don't ride in another motorist's "blind spot."
• Over speeding is a factor in many accidents. Obey the speed limits and never travel faster than your skill level or than the conditions allow.
• Signal well before you make a turn or lane change. Your size and maneuverability can surprise other motorists. Consider using hand signals in addition to your electric turn signals.
• Don't let other motorists surprise you. Use extra caution at intersections, parking lot entrances and exits, and driveways.
• Keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet on the floorboards while riding.

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