Introduction
When you were first introduced to an electric scooter, you were curious about the word “suspension.” When you are browsing and shopping for electric scooters, you will find that the suspension is one of the main marketing messages of various brands and even becomes one of the core advantages of their products. So what is a suspension system? Why is it so important for electric scooters? How can you choose the best suspension scooter? This article will focus on the “suspension” of an electric scooter, where you can find out why different electric scooters and suspension systems offer different levels of smoothness and the best suspension recommendations. Discover everything you need to know about suspension systems.
What is the suspension in electric scooter?
Suspension is the component of the body of an electric scooter that is attached to the wheels and is categorized into front and rear suspension. Its main components usually involve a preload that lifts the suspension and ensures that it stays at the top of its travel, elastic elements (e.g., springs, rubber shock absorbers, etc.) that absorb the energy caused by bumps in the ground through deformation, and dampers that suppress the amplitude of the reciprocating vibration of the elastic element so that the wheel remains on the road.
The main purpose is to disperse the impact force on the wheel to the body through the synergy of these components to avoid transmitting the vibration directly to the rider.
Why is suspension so important for electric scooters? (shock absorb)
The suspension of an electric scooter is a key system for cushioning the impact of the wheels on the asphalt gravel bumps on the road, reducing the vibration of the body and improving riding comfort and controllability. The specific functions are reflected in the following aspects:
Comfort: The suspension system can effectively suppress the vibration and impact caused by riding the scooter on an unstable gravel road, while reducing the amplitude of the vibration of the rider's feet and the scooter pedals, thereby improving the rider's driving comfort. This is especially important in long-distance travel, and the experience of reducing rider fatigue is more obvious.
Safety: The suspension is an important part of the driving of an electric scooter. When encountering rough terrain such as gravel, it maintains the relative center of gravity of the rider, ensuring that the rider will not lose balance due to excessive bumps during driving, thereby maintaining driving stability and safety.
Controllability: In urban travel, we cannot predict whether the terrain is smooth. When encountering loose stones or uneven roads, the suspension helps the scooter better control these obstacles, thereby improving the rider's controllability of the scooter.
What types of suspensions are there for electric scooters?
Different brands of electric scooters have different suspension design configurations, specifically to distinguish suspension types by the materials that make up the main components in the suspension structure. There are four types of suspension most commonly used.
Spring suspension
Pros:
- simple structure, low cost, and easy maintenance due to the non-destructive characteristics of metal springs
- More suitable for urban roads, can effectively filter out small bumps
Cons:
- Single shock absorption effect, unable to adjust the fixed elastic hardness, and obvious vibration when passing through large potholes
- In long-distance travel, long-term uninterrupted use of the spring may cause fatigue deformation, so it is necessary to regularly replace harder or more elastic springs to avoid affecting subsequent normal performance
Hydraulic suspension
The core of hydraulic suspension is to use the hydraulic actuator under pressure and the damping element to work together to absorb the impact and vibration during the scooter driving process. Because of its complex structure and more expensive materials than springs, it is generally designed on high-end performance electric scooters. Some models will be designed with buttons with damping adjustment to control the rebound speed by adjusting the flow of hydraulic oil. Common scooter configurations are divided into rear hydraulic suspension and front+rear hydraulic suspension.
Pros:
- Excellent shock absorption effect, can effectively absorb relatively large impacts such as speed bumps, gravel, etc.
- Adjustable damping can be adjusted according to the rider's weight and driving conditions
- The hydraulic system is stable and reduces the frequency of replacement
Cons:
- The hydraulic device will increase the weight of the scooter itself and is not portable
- The device is complex, if the hydraulic oil leaks, it needs professional treatment, and the maintenance cost is high
Rubber suspension
Rubber suspension mainly uses elastic rubber as a damper and shock absorber to absorb the vibration and impact of the scooter during driving. Because the assembly parts are relatively light, this suspension system configuration is more common in relatively small or light electric scooters. Due to its low cost, the price of this type of scooter is generally low on the market. Common configuration forms are divided into front fork rubber shock absorption and frame buffer rubber.
Pros:
-
Low cost, almost no maintenance cost
- Rubber materials are small in size and light in weight, and have almost no effect on the body structure of the scooter
Cons:
- The shock absorption effect is weak, and it can only absorb small vibrations. The vibration of the large-scale undulating ground is obvious, and the driving comfort is relatively unfriendly
- Rubber is easy to age and has a short lifespan, and needs to be checked and replaced regularly
Swingarm suspension
Swingarm suspension is most commonly used in motorcycle and automobile shock absorption structures. It is essentially a variant of the connecting rod suspension. Its core is to use the combination of "rotating axis + shock absorber" to disperse vibration through the rocker lever structure principle, so it is outstanding for its strong stability and obvious shock absorption effect. This design principle has been adopted by more and more brand electric scooter manufacturers recently, and is generally used in high-performance electric scooters. Common configurations include rear wheel rocker arm suspension (but the rear wheel shock absorber is still hydraulic or spring) and front wheel rocker arm suspension (shock absorber is installed above the rocker arm) and more advanced front + rear double rocker arm shock absorption.
Pros:
- Excellent shock absorption and stability, especially for long distances on surfaces with large drops (e.g. steps, steep slopes, etc.)
- High stability and safety for rider control
- Wide terrain adaptability, suitable for both urban commuting and off-road adventures.
Cons:
- Complex structure and high production cost, so the price of electric scooters equipped with this suspension is also high.
- The metal swingarm and multi-links increase the weight of the body, which is not light enough.
In addition to the above commonly used suspension devices for electric scooters, there are also some lesser-used suspension configurations, such as air suspension, which is usually used in customized electric scooters due to its complex structure and consideration of the scooter's own design space.
Front suspension VS. Rear suspension VS. Front+Rear suspension
What is the difference between them?
- Front suspension: configured between the front wheels and the stem of the electric scooter, usually in the form of a fork or swingarm. The main function is to absorb the bumps and shocks of the front wheel, and improve the stability and maneuverability of the handlebar steering.
- Rear suspension: configured between the rear wheel and the pedal of the electric scooter, generally in the form of rocker type or direct-connected type. The main function is to absorb and buffer the impact of the rear wheel landing, reduce the impact felt by the rider, improve riding comfort.
- Front and Rear Suspension: As the name suggests, it combines the functions and roles of the front and rear suspension, absorbing road vibrations in all directions and providing the best balance of handling and riding comfort. Ideal for riders looking for stability and control when riding on variable terrain.
The following table is a performance comparison of the three:
| Type | Front Suspension | Rear Suspension | Front+Rear Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shock Absorption Effect | Acting on the front wheel damping, the cushioning effect on the front wheel over bumps and speed bumps is remarkable. | Acting on the rear wheel damping, it is more effective in damping the rear wheel for landing and climbing. | Front and rear joint shock absorption, complex terrain such as gravel roads, steps, etc. shock absorption effect is obvious. |
| Maneuverability | The fork damping reduces handlebar shake during steering and makes high-speed cornering more stable, but the rear wheel is easy to slip without cushioning. | Rear wheel damping improves grip, and the rear wheels stick to the ground better when loaded, but a hard landing on the front wheels may affect steering precision. | Combining the excellent handling properties of the first two, the front suspension dominates the steering, and the rear suspension assists the tracking. It can effectively suppress the shaking of the vehicle body and improve the dynamic stability. |
| Maintenance Difficulty | The front fork shock absorber is easy to get dusty, and the oil seal needs to be cleaned regularly. | The swingarm bearing is easy to wear and needs to be lubricated regularly. | The maintenance is more difficult than the previous two, and the repair cost is twice that of a single suspension. |
| Applicable | Riders who ride on smooth city roads and value steering control. | Riders who do light off-road riding and carry heavy loads. | Off-road enthusiasts, riders riding on complex roads (mountains, dirt roads), or long-distance riders seeking ultimate comfort. |
Which suspension is the best in e-scooter?
It depends on the purpose of your trip and the scenarios you often use. If your budget is low and you only use it for short-distance urban commuting, you can consider choosing an electric scooter with a single suspension configuration. If your budget is sufficient and you require the use of electric scooters for a variety of purposes, and pay attention to riding experience and safety issues, then a scooter with front and rear dual suspension configurations is more suitable for you.
When you browse this section, congratulations, you have gone through more than half of the journey of fully understanding the suspension in scooters. The material configuration and assembly form of the suspension are certainly very important for the shock absorption performance of our electric scooters, but it does not mean that the factory configuration performance is 100% guaranteed to be fully utilized. The following are some common factors that affect the suspension effect of electric scooters.
Factors affecting the suspension effect
1. Tires
The type of tires and tread patterns used by scooters will affect the stability of the suspension. High-quality tires can greatly improve the riding comfort of riders.
If you want to learn more about the types of tires for electric scooters and how to choose the most suitable tires for you, please read this article: Pneumatic Tires vs. Solid Tires, Which Is Better for Your Ride?
2. Load and center of gravity distribution
Proper center of gravity distribution can ensure the stability of the suspension. In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to whether the weight distribution of the rider is even. Uneven weight distribution will also cause the scooter to be unbalanced, thus affecting the suspension's ability to effectively absorb shock. Therefore, when you focus on the suspension configuration selection of a certain brand of scooter, please first check the body load limit of the brand of scooter.
Want to learn how to purchase a high-quality scooter suitable for heavy adults? Please move to this article: Best Electric Scooter for Heavy Adults
3. Road conditions
Road conditions are also an important factor affecting the stability of the suspension. Compared with potholes, broken or rugged roads, well-maintained, flat and smooth roads can significantly improve the shock absorption effect of the suspension and achieve a smoother riding experience.
4. Rider preference
Different drivers have different preferences for suspension stability: some prefer stiffer suspension tuning to pursue more precise control feedback, while others prefer softer suspension settings to improve ride comfort. Automakers often need to find a balance between these two needs, and take into account the dual demands of control stability and ride comfort through refined suspension parameter design.
In general, the above factors will more or less affect the effect of the suspension, so the maintenance of the suspension system is also very important, o that it is possible to reduce the chances of suspension damage as far as possible to ensure the normal and continuous performance of the shock absorption effect in the long-term use of electric scooters.
Maintenance of the suspension system of electric scooters
When you find that the electric scooter makes strange noises during riding or feels that the vibration is much more obvious than before when driving over bumpy roads, it is time to check the relevant parts of the suspension system. If it is an electric scooter with spring suspension or rubber suspension, it is necessary to regularly check the tightness of bolts and screws, lubricate moving parts, and replace worn or damaged parts.
The configuration of the rocker arm suspension requires regular lubrication of bearing parts and cleaning of the surface to ensure that dirt and other elements that may clog the suspension are kept out. If it is a hydraulic suspension configuration, it is necessary to consult a professional or repair organization for troubleshooting and repair.
If you're really not sure how precisely to maintain your electric scooter suspension system, it is a wise choice to ask the manufacturer and follow the maintenance cycle recommendations in its instructions.
Recommended: Cost-effective, damping arm suspension configuration—NAVEE ST3 Pro
I'm sure the detailed info above has given you a solid grasp of electric scooter suspensions! Whether you're a pro enthusiast eager to experience top-notch suspension performance and considering an upgraded ride or a newbie just starting to shop for your first e-scooter, the NAVEE model with its uniquely designed damping arm suspension is definitely worth a closer look.
The ST3 Pro electric scooter utilizes a symmetrical front and rear double rocker arm and steering arm assembly design, which extends the real-time damping time and allows the suspension system to dynamically adapt to different bumps, providing an unparalleled smooth riding experience.
(For more details about Navee damping arm suspension, please refer to: https://naveetech.us/pages/damping-arm-suspension)
In addition to the surprising and exclusive suspension features, the performance is also exceptional! With a long mileage of 46.6 miles, the 1350 peak power delivers strong acceleration and uphill capability. Whether you use it for daily commuting to work or weekend light off-road exploration, this electric scooter is a great fit.
If you want to learn more about the different configurations of electric scooters of this brand according to your preferences, please read this article: The Best Electric Scooters You Can Buy in the USA
Conclusion
The configuration of the suspension system is very important for electric scooters. It can greatly improve the overall driving stability and control accuracy of the scooter, thereby adding an extra layer of protection for safe driving. As an excellent solution to the transportation problem of short-distance urban commuting tools, please make a choice based on your daily needs and enjoy a convenient life.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between shock absorbers and suspension?
A: The suspension system consists of shock absorbers (also known as dampers), which are an important part of the operation of the suspension system and serve to dampen the amplitude of the vibrations that occur during the operation of the elastic elements of the electric scooter.
Q: Should I upgrade my front or rear suspension first?
A: It depends on which aspect of the electric scooter's performance you want to improve. If you focus on the handling and steering accuracy of the scooter, you can give priority to upgrading the front suspension. If you focus on driving comfort and stability, you can give priority to upgrading the rear suspension.
Q: Do electric scooters have suspension?
A: Not all electric scooters have suspension. However, a scooter equipped with a suspension system can greatly increase the rider's driving comfort and safety; even bumpy roads can become smooth and stable. Some advanced scooters utilize superior suspension materials and adjustable features to accommodate the rider's weight and riding conditions.
Q: Is suspension necessary on a scooter?
A: Not all scooters require a suspension system, depending on the scenario in which the scooter is being used and the rider's riding needs.
If it's a short commute and the road is flat without too many bumps, then consider a scooter without suspension. But if you want to cross-country or are a larger rider, you need to consider the configuration of the suspension scooter; they can effectively improve the smoothness and safety of driving. Overall, suspension is not necessary for electric scooters but must be a preferred option.
Q: Can electric scooters handle hills?
A: Yes. Electric scooters can indeed handle hills, but their performance depends on several factors, including motor power, battery capacity, weight, and the steepness of the incline. Electric scooters with premium performance configuration can handle more inclined slopes. For example, the Navee ST3Pro can easily handle a 28% slope with a load of 265lbs.
Q: How to adjust suspension of electric scooter?
A: Different electric scooters are equipped with different types of suspension systems, so the adjustment methods are different. It is recommended to check the product manual and consult the manufacturer's advice. It is best to find a professional mechanic to make necessary adjustments.
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