The best bearings for an electric scooter wheel
Electric scooters have become a part of modern people's lives. Some use this type of vehicle for walking, while others even commute to work every day. Like any other type of equipment, electric scooters require maintenance and repair. This article will tell you what are the best bearings for the wheel of an electric scooter, as well as how to make a replacement. The part is an important part, as it is installed on the wheels for fast and smooth operation, without any problems.
If the rear or front wheel of a scooter starts to behave strangely, such as making a noise or humming, this is where you need good bearings.
Why do I need bearings on my electric scooter?
Such parts are important for electric scooters as well as for skateboards or roller skates. They help with the distribution of the load in motion and are responsible for the smooth and smooth running of the wheel.
You usually need 2 bearings for each scooter wheel. But before buying new parts, it is recommended to check this point with your dealer or on a specialized forum.
It is essentially a circular element that is mounted in the center of the wheel and uses balls to separate between the rings. This results in less rotational friction as well as even load distribution. All of this helps the wheels run smoothly, without any bumps or jerks. If you notice that your electric scooter is starting to perform poorly, or at all is not goingbe sure to take other factors into account as well.
What should I pay attention to when buying?
There are several factors to keep in mind when looking for bearings for an electric scooter. The following will list the most basic ones:
Material
Many different materials are used for manufacturing, such as stainless steel, chrome steel, titanium, ceramic and others. It is important to know that each material has its positive and negative aspects, but some of them, such as steel and titanium, are more durable.
Size
They come in a variety of sizes, but the most common are models that are 22 mm or 608 mm in diameter. They can be used not only on electric vehicles, but also on roller skates and skateboards.
Closed or open type
Some users believe that the best bearings for a scooter are the sealed models. They have protection on both sides. They are able to hold grease inside, do not let dust, water, moisture and other contaminants inside, cause rust or damage to the elements. They have a long service life. The dust shields can be steel or rubber, no difference. The latter are just more convenient to take off.
How to choose the right bearings?
Most wheels on a scooter have a diameter of 100 or 110 mm. But some models have a diameter of 125 mm. Many users do not think about which bearings are installed in most scooters. When the transport fails, this question becomes very relevant. Most scooters have single-row bearings, the size of which is designated in the international format "608". Therefore, if you need to buy a new bearing on a scooter, look for models marked "608". In turn, this marking is divided into several other varieties and complemented by letters.
- 608 ZZ or 608 2Z - This model has a strong stainless steel duster on both sides.
- 608 Z - There is a metal duster on one side only.
- 608 2RS, 2RSH, 2RS1 - The version with a double-sided dust cover, which is made of metal and rubberized. It has protection against moisture.
- 608 RS, RSH, RS1 - rubberized protection on one side.
- 608 - This kind of protection is not provided.
If you need a part with full protection against dust and moisture, you should choose products that are protected on both sides by rubberized metal. This type will last a long time and withstand heavy loads.
It is important to know one more thing, many people seeing the ABEC marking on the package think that this is the brand name. However, it stands for accuracy grade. If you decipher the letters, it means American Bearing Engineering Committee. The abbreviation is complemented by numbers from 1 to 9, and the higher the number, the better the quality of the bearing.
How to replace the bearings on a scooter wheel
Replacing the bearing on an electric scooter is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. It is easy to know when it is time to change the part. This procedure should be carried out if the following has happened:
- The scooter stopped picking up speed, it is not moving smoothly.
- Part is worn out or broken (you can hear a distinctive knock or friction).
- Oil leaks became noticeable near the bearing location.
To learn more about how to remove a wheel, see here. Some users try to knock on the surface, thereby knocking the part out, but this is not necessary. If you don't know how to remove a bearing from a scooter, here's a quick tutorial.
- Unscrew all the fasteners on the wheel.
- If it is the rear wheel, it is the easiest to remove. If it is a motor-wheel, you have to be more careful. We recommend that you watch the disassembly video.
- Lift the old bearing with a flathead screwdriver and it will come out without any problems.
- After that, you need to put a new part and tighten the nut.
Such simple actions will allow you to replace the worn element of the wheel, and continue to enjoy walking on an electric vehicle.
Can the old bearing be repaired?
It is not always necessary to replace the old part. Sometimes the wheel cannot turn properly because the bearing grease on the scooter simply dried up. This will require treating all elements with a special compound.
Some users believe that you can lubricate with "WD", but this is strictly forbidden. There is a special grease for bearings called "Lithol-24". There are also many other names that are ideal for lubricating the elements of the wheel.
If you do not know how to lubricate the bearing on an electric scooter, it is very easy to do if you follow certain tips. The first thing to do is to remove and disassemble the wheel. Part is protected by anthers, so you need to pry carefully with a flat screwdriver to get the part. For prevention, you can wash the bearing with gasoline. This will clean dust and dirt from the part.
To avoid problems in the future and significantly increase the service life, the best solution is to put a new part.
Top 5 bearings for electric scooters
Next you can read our short review of 5 bearings that you can buy on AliExpress or Yandex Market.
608RS Bones Swiss Bearing Set
A common standard size variety used on many devices such as rollerblades, skateboards, and scooters. It has a high tightness, does not let dust and moisture in. Made of chrome plated bearing steel for high durability. Suitable for most electric scooters. The part has a smooth surface and high quality workmanship. The scooter bearing set consists of 8 parts and also includes 4 more bushings. The model has a low friction force, which ensures a long service life.
Key Features:
- The material is steel;
- Size - 8 x 22 x 7 mm;
- Number of balls - 7;
- Accuracy - ABEC-5.
Pros:
- High quality;
- Suitable for most models;
- Moisture protection.
Cons:
- The duster is only on one side.
Universal bearing pair 608-2RS AXK
The bearing kit is suitable for the Kugoo electric scooter as well as other models. The parts are available in different colors, and the set can consist of 10 or 20 pieces. It is made of steel, which guarantees high durability and long life. It twists well and has ample lubrication, and there is no play between the parts. This model is sealed against dust and dirt on one side only. But, despite this, the service life is long.
Key Features:
- The material is steel;
- Size - 8 x 22 x 7 mm;
- Number of balls - 7;
- Accuracy - ABEC-9.
Pros:
- Quality material;
- High durability;
- Withstands high loads.
Cons:
- Not detected.
ABEC 9 steel bearings for scooter (10 pcs.)
The set of high-strength bearings for Xiaomi electric scooter and many other models is made of steel and is of high quality. The product has a low weight of 115 grams. The diameter of the inner part is 8 mm, and the outer part is 22 mm. The thickness of the body of the product is 7 mm. The model is standard, so it can be installed on almost any electric scooter or skateboard.
Key Features:
- Material is stainless steel/plastic;
- Size - 8 x 22 x 7 mm;
- Feature - 10 pieces in a set;
- Accuracy - ABEC-9.
Pros:
- They look beautiful;
- High quality;
- Well lubricated.
Cons:
- Not detected.
Multicolored bearings 608RS-ABEC 9 (8 pcs.)
The kit supplies 8 pieces of high quality bearings on both the rear wheel and the motor wheel. They are made of high-strength steel as well as engineered plastic. The latest technology allows the parts to withstand heavy loads, which greatly extends their service life. This model has a high accuracy class and is considered one of the best. It can be installed on any electric scooter as well as on a skateboard. Affordable price and excellent quality, make a set of multicolored bearings one of the best.
Main Features
- Material is stainless steel/plastic;
- Size - 8 x 22 x 7 mm;
- Quantity - 8 pieces;
- Accuracy - ABEC-9.
Pros:
- They have a thick, high-quality lubricant;
- There is no backlash;
- Tight to the elements of the wheel.
Cons:
- Not detected.
Bearing with retaining ring for electric scooter
The package includes 8 rear wheel bearings for the scooter. They have a low coefficient of friction and a long service life. The parts are made of carbon steel, which can withstand heavy loads and does not lose quality after a long time. The locking ring makes it possible to securely fasten the elements. Installation is simple, and even a novice user can handle such a task. Standard dimensions allow you to install the part on any scooter.
Main Features
- The material of manufacture is carbon steel;
- Size - 8 x 22 x 7 mm;
- The color is blue/red;
- Accuracy - ABEC-9.
Pros:
- Perfect for all scooters.
- The quality is top-notch.
- It's well coated with grease.
Cons:
- They make a little noise when turning.
FAQ
Do I have to consider ABEC values?
Electric scooter rear wheel bearings are classified by the ABEC system and are usually rated on a scale of 3 to 9. High values mean that the product is manufactured with high precision. However, this does not mean that unrated parts are bad! By the way, if a model has a high value, the cost will also be higher.
How long does it take to change the bearing?
The lifespan of a bearing on a scooter is usually measured in kilometers traveled. The average lifespan is between 500 and 4000 km. If the part is of poor quality, replacement may be needed closer to 500 km. As a rule, parts made of cheap material break faster and are not able to withstand serious loads. Therefore, you should only choose proven components.
What size bearings are needed?
There are different sizes of wheel bearings, but in the case of electric scooters, it's easy to figure out which one is ideal. Most scooter manufacturers use exactly the same parts as skateboards with the standard size 608s. The inside diameter is 8 mm, the outside diameter is 22 mm, and the width is 7 mm.
Can I use a bearing from a skateboard?
Yes, it is allowed to install skateboard parts on scooters because they have the same size.
How many bearings are in the scooter?
Each wheel of the electric scooter is equipped with two bearings. Therefore, based on the average number of wheels (two to four), an electric vehicle can have a total of four to eight pieces.
Useful Video
All of the parts listed in this article are well suited for various electric scooters. They are the best choice among many buyers. They have excellent quality and a good ABEC rating. Most users recommend these models for purchase based on online reviews. To make travel on a scooter safe and bring pleasure, carry out the replacement of parts in time. It is not difficult to change the part, just pull out the bearing, taking into account the instructions in the article.