Types of brakes and brake pads used in electric scooters

In this post, we will tell you a bit about the types of brakes used in electric scooters, as well as the types of brake pads used in them.

There are 3 main types of brakes that are used on electric scooters:

1. Mechanical brakes
2. Hybrid Brakes
3. Hydraulic brakes

1. The first type are - mechanical brakes - this is the most widely used braking system. Mechanical brakes are characterized by uneven operation during braking, which largely depends on the quality of the brake caliper (the element at the disc that moves the blocks), as well as the quality of the brake cable and its armor.
Uneven running translates into a heavy brake feel.
The force involved in pressing the brake handle (handlebar element) translates to a lesser extent into the braking force than in other systems. This is due to the losses in the friction of the line against the armor, and in the case of poor-quality lines, in its stretching.
These brakes require frequent adjustment and 'pulling'.
If we want to improve such a system at a low cost, we should focus on the selection of good quality lines and armor, as well as on lubricating (e.g. with olive) the middle of the armor in order to make the system work evenly and reduce the friction of the line against the inner part of the armor. This type of brakes is recommended for slower scooters due to the weaker braking force, which is not only caused by a less effective system (armor, cable), but also, in most cases, by a smaller braking surface (smaller brake pads).

2. The second system is hybrid brakes. It is an attempt to obtain smooth operation of hydraulic brakes and their force, at a relatively low price slightly higher than mechanical brakes. cables, presses the pistons in the caliper.
This system is slightly better than the mechanical one, but still significantly different from the hydraulic system.
From our experience and our customers, we do not recommend such a system.
When installing such a system, you will still not be satisfied with the braking quality, and you will have to deal with servicing the brakes.

3. The third system is the hydraulic brake system.
These are the most modern solutions used in electric scooters. This system was initially used in the automotive industry (cars and motorbikes), and later it was also introduced to the bicycle world.
Electric scooters with hydraulic brakes ensure the greatest safety and comfort of use. Once the system is properly deaerated, it should not require servicing for thousands of kilometers.
Hydraulic brakes are characterized by a very smooth braking force, a good ratio of the pressure of the brake handle to the braking force of the caliper on the disc.
The system has neither a brake cable nor an armor. A brake hose is used here, which contains oil (usually mineral, less often synthetic). By pressing the brake handle on the steering wheel, we cause an increase in pressure in the system, which in turn translates into clamping of the pistons in the caliper and braking with brake pads against the disc.

And since we are talking about brake pads braking against the disc ... then we will tell you a bit about the types of pads used in electric scooters.

Each of the brakes (calipers at the disc) has two brake pads, one on the side of the disc. The blocks are identical (only turned to each other by 180 degrees).
It has been assumed that the pads are sold in pairs, ie in a set with a caliper, because this is also how they are changed during the service.

There are 4 main types of brake pads used in electric scooters:

Resin pads are characterized by soft braking and low wear of brake discs. They are the standard blocks used in electric scooters. It has been assumed that these pads wear out the fastest, although our experience shows that it largely depends on the way the scooter is used, as well as the quality of the pads used.

Semi-metallic bricks are centered between metallic and resin bricks. By using these pads, we obtain better braking power with longer service life. Semi-metallic blocks brake much better than resin ones, and they do not need to be heated like metallic ones.

Metallic blocks are intended for people who like aggressive driving. We do not recommend them for novice users. Pads to use their full potential when braking