Electric scooter brake pads: When and how to replace them
The brake pads on an electric scooter need to be replaced when their friction material (the layer of friction bonded to the metal backing) reaches the minimum thickness specified by the brake manufacturer, when they have been contaminated by oil or brake fluid, or when they have overheated to the point of glazing. On a heavy and fast machine, they wear out much faster than on a bicycle: regular checks are essential. The replacement process itself is simple, provided you follow a few cleanliness rules and properly "bed in" the new pads.
The essentials
- Check the thickness of the brake pads at least once a month, and more frequently if you ride often or on a track.
- Replace them according to the minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer, and always in pairs on the same caliper.
- A brake pad that has come into contact with oil or brake fluid cannot be cleaned; it must be replaced.
- The type of brake pad (organic or sintered) affects the bite, heat resistance, and wear of the brake disc.
- New brake pads need to be properly bedded in before applying heavy braking.
Recognizing when brake pads need to be replaced
- Thickness: Examine the caliper with a flashlight, or remove the brake pads. The manufacturer specifies a minimum pad thickness; if the thickness is below this level, the pads need to be replaced.
- Metallic noise: A squeaking or rubbing sound often indicates that the brake pads are worn out and the backing plate is rubbing against the disc. Stop riding: the disc can be damaged very quickly.
- Weakened braking even though the lever feels firm: this could be due to glazed brake pads (which appear smooth and shiny after overheating) or contaminated brake pads.
- Lever that extends further on some brakes: the pistons need to extend further to compensate for wear.
- Uneven wear between the two brake pads or on the edges: this indicates a misaligned caliper or a piston that is not sliding smoothly.
Organic, sintered, or semi-metallic
| Type: | Composition: | Key Features: | Weaknesses: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organic (resin) | Fibers and fillers bonded by a resin | Excellent cold braking performance, quiet operation, and gentle on the brake disc | It wears out faster and is less resistant to high temperatures |
| Metal frit | Agglomerated metallic particles, pressed and heated | Endurance, heat resistance, performs well in the rain | It's louder, uses the brake disc more, and tends to get a bit hotter |
| Semi-metallic | A combination of the two | A balance between bite and durability | Compromise, indeed |
Always check that the chosen brake pad is compatible with your disc: some discs are not designed for sintered pads. Our Hope Tech 4 V4 sets are supplied with three sets of Hope brake pads: green Racing (original fit), purple E-Bike, and red All-Conditions, to adapt the braking performance to the intended use.
Changing brake pads, step-by-step
The specific procedure varies depending on the brake type; refer to the manufacturer's manual for details. The general method is:
- Accessing the Caliper. On many brakes, the pads can be accessed from the top of the caliper without removing the wheel; on others, it is necessary to remove the wheel or the caliper.
- Remove the pin or screw that secures the brake pads, then remove the pads and their spring, noting their position.
- Push the pistons back into the caliper, gently and straight, using a plastic tire lever or the designated tool. Never use a screwdriver, as it can damage the pistons. Monitor the reservoir on the brake lever: as you push the pistons back, they will force fluid back into the reservoir.
- Clean the caliper with a suitable product (such as isopropyl alcohol), ensuring there is no grease or lubricating spray near the brake disc.
- Install the new brake pads along with their spring, reinsert the pin and its safety clip.
- Pump the lever until you feel a firm contact point, then check that the wheel rotates smoothly without rubbing.
Do not touch the brake pads with your fingers: the oils from your skin are enough to degrade the braking performance. If the lever feels spongy after the change, a brake bleed is necessary.
The break-in period: don't skip it
A new brake pad and a new disc have not yet achieved a perfectly matched surface. The break-in period deposits a thin layer of material from the pad onto the disc, which optimizes the braking performance. Without this break-in period, the braking is noticeably less effective initially, and brake pads that get too hot too soon can glaze over.
- On a safe and clear stretch of road, perform a series of progressive braking maneuvers, gradually increasing the pressure, without coming to a complete stop.
- Allow it to cool down between uses.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the brake pads if they are provided.
Contaminated pads: no refunds
A drop of brake fluid during bleeding, a lubricant sprayed on the chain of another machine, or a greasy cleaner: the pads will absorb the product and will never regain their grip. Replace the pads and clean the disc with a suitable degreaser. If the disc itself is marked, scored, or rubbing, see our guide on scoured brake discs.
Workshop tip
Always have an extra set of brake pads for each of your brakes: the references vary from one caliper to another and are not always available in stores. After a track session or a long descent, check the remaining thickness: a heavy scooter can wear out a set of brake pads much faster than you might think. All our braking products are in the electric scooter braking category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should the disc be replaced at the same time as the brake pads?
Not always. The disc should be replaced if it's below its minimum thickness, warped, cracked, or deeply scratched. A disc in good condition can be kept and reused after being cleaned.
My new brake pads are squealing, is that normal?
A slight noise during the break-in period is common. A persistent whistling sound often comes from contaminated brake discs or pads, a misaligned caliper, or a type of brake pad that is inherently noisy, such as certain sintered pads.
Why does one brake pad wear out faster than the other?
A piston may not be moving as smoothly as its counterpart, or the caliper may not be parallel to the disc. Clean the pistons, realign the caliper, and have the brake system inspected if the problem persists.
Can you install bicycle brake pads on an electric scooter?
If they match the caliper exactly, then yes: many electric scooters use bicycle calipers. In that case, choose brake pads designed for high loads and high temperatures.