How to quickly detect whether the electric scooter motor is shaking
Introduction
As a convenient and environmentally friendly short-distance transportation tool, electric scooters are loved by more and more people. As one of the core components of electric scooters, the operating state of the motor directly affects the performance and safety of the scooter. Motor shaking not only affects the riding comfort, but also may cause damage to other components and even cause safety accidents. Therefore, for international wholesale buyers, when purchasing electric scooters, it is very important to master the method of quickly detecting whether the motor is shaking, which helps to ensure product quality, improve customer satisfaction, and avoid after-sales disputes and economic losses caused by motor problems.
Causes of electric scooter motor shaking
Motor phase loss: When one phase of the three-phase circuit of a brushless motor or brushless controller cannot work, a phase loss will occur. Phase loss is divided into main phase phase loss and Hall phase loss, which are mainly manifested as motor shaking, weak rotation and loud noise. The cause of phase loss is usually that the Hall plug is not plugged in properly or the main phase line plug is loose, and the phase sequence of the motor and the controller does not match.
Hall element failure: The Hall element plays an important role in signal perception and transmission in motor operation. If the Hall element itself is of poor quality, the installation position is inaccurate or it is subject to external interference, such as water ingress, vibration, etc., its output signal may be unstable, causing the motor commutation disorder and jitter.
Motor installation problem: If the motor is not installed firmly, during the driving of the scooter, due to vibration and other reasons, the relative displacement between the motor and the body will occur, which will cause jitter. In addition, the motor shaft and the scooter’s wheel hub shaft are not concentric, which will also cause the motor to jitter during operation, and may also be accompanied by abnormal noise.
Bearing wear or damage: The bearing is an important supporting component of the motor, and its quality directly affects the running stability of the motor. If the bearing is worn or damaged, the motor will produce radial or axial movement when rotating, causing the motor to jitter, and as the degree of wear increases, the jitter will become more and more obvious.
Rotor imbalance: If the mass distribution of the motor rotor is uneven during the manufacturing process, or the parts on the rotor are loose or fall off during use, the rotor will be unbalanced. When the rotor rotates at high speed, the unbalanced weight will generate centrifugal force, causing the motor to jitter.
Controller failure: The controller is mainly responsible for controlling the running speed and power output of the motor. If the controller fails, such as chip damage, software program error, circuit short circuit, etc., it may send out wrong control signals, resulting in unstable motor operation, jitter, weak acceleration or sudden deceleration and other abnormal conditions.
Battery failure: The battery provides power to the motor. If the battery capacity is insufficient, the voltage is unstable or the battery management system fails, the motor will not get a stable power supply, resulting in intermittent jitter, insufficient power and other problems, especially when starting or climbing.
Methods for detecting electric scooter motor jitter
Auscultation method: By using tools such as a stethoscope or a screwdriver, place one end against the motor housing or related parts, and the other end close to the ear, and listen carefully to the sound during the operation of the motor. Under normal circumstances, the sound of the motor should be smooth and uniform. If you hear a regular “cluck” or “buzzing” sound, and the frequency of the sound is related to the speed of the motor, then there is a high probability that there is a motor jitter problem. For example, when the motor is out of phase, it will emit a low and irregular “buzzing” sound; when the bearing is damaged, you may hear a crisp “clucking” or “hissing” sound.
Observation method: When the electric scooter is running, observe the operation of the motor and its surrounding components. If the motor is found to have obvious shaking or swinging, or the body of the vehicle vibrates irregularly, then the motor is likely to have a jitter problem. At the same time, you can also check whether the connection lines between the motor and the controller, battery and other components are loose, damaged or abnormally hot, which may cause abnormal operation of the motor and cause jitter.
Vibration tester detection method: Using a professional vibration tester, placing its sensor on the surface of the motor or specific parts of the scooter, such as the frame, handlebars, etc., can accurately measure the vibration frequency and amplitude generated when the motor is running. By comparing the measurement results with the vibration parameters during normal operation of the motor, it can be determined whether the motor has excessive jitter. Generally speaking, the higher the vibration frequency and the larger the amplitude, the more severe the motor jitter.
Hall signal detection method: Use professional Hall signal detection equipment to detect the output signal of the Hall element of the motor. During the operation of the motor, measure whether the voltage signal output by the Hall element changes stably within the specified range. If the voltage signal jumps, is missing or unstable, such as the jump voltage of a phase Hall signal is normal for a while and abnormal for a while, it indicates that the Hall element may be faulty, which may cause the motor to shake.
Encoder detection method: For electric scooter motors equipped with encoders, the operating status of the motor can be judged by reading the pulse signal fed back by the encoder. Under normal circumstances, the pulse signal fed back by the encoder should be uniform and continuous. If the pulse signal is intermittent, repeated or the frequency changes abnormally, it means that the rotation speed of the motor is unstable and there may be a jitter problem. It is necessary to further check the control circuit of the motor, the encoder itself and related connection components.
Professional detection equipment detection method: Some professional electric scooter detection equipment, such as the motor comprehensive test bench, can perform comprehensive performance tests on the motor, including the measurement of motor speed, torque, power, vibration, noise and other parameters. These devices usually have high-precision sensors and advanced testing software, which can accurately detect whether the motor has jitter and other potential faults under conditions that simulate actual driving conditions, and provide detailed test reports, providing a strong basis for buyers and manufacturers to evaluate the quality of the motor.
Steps to detect electric scooter motor jitter
Preparation: First, make sure that the electric scooter is fully charged, and choose a flat and solid ground for testing to avoid interference with the test results due to insufficient power or uneven ground. At the same time, prepare the required testing tools and equipment, such as stethoscopes, screwdrivers, vibration testers, Hall signal detectors, multimeters, etc., and check whether these tools and equipment are working properly and whether the battery power is sufficient.
Appearance inspection: Before starting the test, first inspect the appearance of the electric scooter to check whether there are obvious deformations, cracks or collision marks on the motor housing, whether the connection between the motor and the body is firm, whether the screws are loose, and whether the motor shaft is aligned with the hub shaft. If problems are found, they should be repaired or adjusted in time before subsequent inspections.
Auscultation: Start the electric scooter and let it run at different speeds and gears. Use tools such as a stethoscope or screwdriver to auscultate the motor and its peripheral components. During the auscultation process, pay attention to identify abnormal changes in the sound of the motor, such as whether there are abnormal sounds, noises or irregular vibration sounds. If abnormal sounds are found, the running status of the scooter when the abnormal sound occurs should be recorded, such as speed, gear, etc., so as to further analyze and troubleshoot the cause of motor vibration.
Vibration test: Install the sensor of the vibration tester correctly on the surface of the motor or the key parts of the scooter, such as the frame, handlebars, wheels, etc., according to the requirements of the equipment manual. Turn on the vibration tester and let the electric scooter run steadily at low, medium and high speeds for a period of time, while observing the vibration frequency and amplitude values displayed on the vibration tester. Generally speaking, the vibration parameters of electric scooters of different brands and models during normal operation of their motors will be different, but usually the vibration frequency should be within a certain range, and the amplitude should be small and stable. If the test results show that the vibration frequency is too high or the amplitude is too large, and exceeds the allowable error range specified by the equipment, then it can be preliminarily determined that the motor has a jitter problem.
Hall signal detection: For brushless motors, use a Hall signal detector and connect it to the Hall plug of the motor according to the operating instructions of the equipment. During the operation of the motor, detect the voltage value and waveform changes of each phase of the Hall signal one by one. Under normal circumstances, the voltage of the Hall signal should jump steadily between 0V and 5V, and the waveform should be a regular square wave. If it is found that the voltage jump of a certain phase of the Hall signal is abnormal, the waveform is distorted or missing, it is likely that the Hall element has a fault, causing the motor to jitter.
Encoder detection: If the electric scooter motor is equipped with an encoder, use an encoder reader or related detection equipment to connect to the encoder interface. Start the scooter and let it run at different speeds and driving conditions, and observe whether the pulse signal fed back by the encoder is normal. Under normal circumstances, the pulse signal should be uniform and continuous, and match the actual driving speed of the scooter and the speed of the motor. If the pulse signal is abnormal, such as intermittent, repeated or frequency disordered, it means that the control or feedback system of the motor may be faulty, which in turn causes the motor to shake.
Comprehensive test: After completing the above tests, for some suspected motor shaking problems but the cause has not yet been determined, a professional motor comprehensive test bench can be used for further comprehensive testing. Install and connect the motor of the electric scooter according to the requirements of the test bench, simulate various working conditions in actual driving, and comprehensively measure and analyze the motor’s speed, torque, power, vibration, noise and other parameters. Through comprehensive testing, the performance and operating status of the motor can be more accurately evaluated, the root cause of the motor shaking can be found, and a scientific basis can be provided for subsequent repairs and improvements.
Precautions for detecting electric scooter motor shaking
Safety first: Safety is always the most important thing during the motor shaking test. The tester should wear necessary safety protection equipment, such as gloves, goggles, etc., to avoid injuries caused by motor operation or other unexpected situations during the test. At the same time, before starting the electric scooter, ensure that the surrounding environment is safe, without obstacles or people approaching, to prevent accidents caused by the sudden start of the scooter.
Follow the operating procedures: Various detection tools and equipment have their specific operating methods and precautions. When using them for motor jitter detection, they must be operated strictly in accordance with the equipment manual and relevant operating procedures. For example, when using a vibration tester, ensure that the sensor fits tightly against the surface of the object being tested, and avoid generating interference signals around the sensor; when using a multimeter to measure the motor line voltage, pay attention to selecting the correct gear and range to prevent damage to the multimeter and motor line, etc.
Environmental factors: The detection environment will also have a certain impact on the accuracy of the motor jitter detection results. For example, testing in high temperature, low temperature, humidity or electromagnetic interference environment may cause changes in motor performance and deviations in detection data. Therefore, when conducting the test, try to choose an environmental condition that meets the standard requirements, such as an indoor environment with a temperature of 20℃~25℃ and a humidity of 40%~60%, and stay away from strong electromagnetic field interference sources. If it is unavoidable to test in a special environment, the impact of environmental factors on the test results should be noted in the test report, and corresponding compensation measures or correction methods should be taken to ensure the reliability of the test results.
Multi-point detection and comprehensive analysis: In order to more comprehensively and accurately detect whether the electric scooter motor has a shaking problem, multi-point detection should be performed on different parts of the motor and related connecting parts of the scooter. For example, during the vibration test, in addition to setting sensors on the surface of the motor, vibration measurements should also be performed at the frame, handlebars, wheels and other locations. By comprehensively analyzing the vibration data of multiple measuring points, the range and degree of motor shaking can be more accurately judged, as well as whether the shaking will affect the performance of the entire scooter. In addition, when analyzing the test data, factors such as the operating status of the scooter and the load condition of the motor should be considered comprehensively to avoid misjudgment due to single data or one-sided analysis.
Regular maintenance and care: The motor shaking problem may sometimes not be caused by a fault in the motor itself, but by the lack of regular maintenance and care of the motor, which leads to the gradual accumulation of problems such as component wear, dust accumulation, and moisture. Therefore, during daily use and management of electric scooters, the motor should be regularly maintained and cared for, such as cleaning the dust and impurities on the surface and inside of the motor, checking the lubrication of the motor bearings, and tightening the motor connection screws. Regular maintenance and care can not only prevent the occurrence of motor jitter problems, but also extend the service life of the motor and improve the overall performance and reliability of the electric scooter.
How to avoid motor jitter problems on electric scooters
Select high-quality suppliers : For international wholesale buyers, choosing an electric scooter supplier with good reputation and production qualifications is a key step to avoid motor jitter problems. When selecting a supplier, you should conduct on-site inspections and evaluations of its production facilities, technical strength, quality management system, etc., and require the supplier to provide detailed technical parameters, quality inspection reports and relevant certification certificates of the product. At the same time, check the supplier’s market reputation and customer reviews, understand the quality of its products and after-sales service, and give priority to those suppliers with stable product quality and perfect after-sales service to cooperate, so as to reduce the risk of purchasing products with motor jitter problems from the source.
Strict quality inspection : When purchasing electric scooters, a strict incoming quality inspection system should be established, and each batch of products should be sampled or fully inspected, with a focus on checking the quality and performance of the motor. Inspection items include the appearance of the motor, installation firmness, rotation flexibility, noise, vibration, etc., as well as compatibility and matching with components such as controllers and batteries. Professional quality inspection agencies or technicians can be hired to conduct quality inspections, and the products can be carefully tested and evaluated in accordance with relevant national standards, industry standards or quality requirements agreed in the contract. For products that do not meet the quality requirements, they should be resolutely returned or the supplier should be required to make rectifications to ensure that the purchased products are of reliable quality and have no potential problems such as motor jitter.
Strengthen user education: In order to extend the service life of electric scooter motors and reduce motor jitter problems caused by improper use, wholesale buyers can strengthen user education and training through product manuals, brochures, online tutorials, etc., and popularize the correct use and daily maintenance knowledge of electric scooters to users. For example, remind users to check whether the connection between the motor and the body is firm before riding, avoid continuing to use the scooter when the motor is overheated or the power is insufficient, clean and lubricate the motor regularly, and do not modify the motor or electrical system at will. By improving users’ awareness of use and maintenance, the incidence of motor jitter problems can be effectively reduced, and user experience and product reputation can be improved.
Regular maintenance and care: Regular maintenance and care of electric scooters is one of the important measures to prevent motor jitter problems. It is recommended that users conduct a comprehensive inspection and maintenance of the scooter’s motor, battery, controller and other key components every once in a while, such as once a month or three months. This includes cleaning the dust and debris inside the motor, checking the wear of the motor bearings and replacing the lubricating oil or bearings in time, tightening the motor’s mounting screws and connecting lines, checking whether the battery power and voltage are normal, and whether the controller parameters are set correctly. In addition, the scooter’s tires, brake system, handlebars and other parts should also be inspected and adjusted to ensure that the entire vehicle is in good operating condition.Thereby reducing the possibility of motor jitter caused by failure of other components.Pay attention to product recall information: Pay attention to product recall information released by electric scooter manufacturers and relevant regulatory authorities in a timely manner to understand whether there are product recalls caused by quality problems such as motor jitter. If it is found that the purchased or sold electric scooters are within the recall range, they should be handled immediately in accordance with the recall procedure, and users should be notified in time to stop using them and carry out free repairs or replacements to avoid personal injury or property loss to users due to product defects, and at the same time help maintain the company’s own business reputation and social image.
Case analysis
Case 1: An international wholesale buyer purchased a batch of electric scooters from a domestic supplier. During the sales process, customer feedback was received one after another. The motor of the scooter had obvious jitter when driving, which affected the riding experience. The buyer immediately contacted the supplier and fed back the problem to the other party. The supplier arranged technicians to test the returned scooters. By using a vibration tester and a Hall signal detector, it was found that the motor jitter was caused by the offset of the installation position of the Hall element, resulting in unstable output signals. After recalibrating and fixing the Hall element, the motor jitter problem was solved. After that, the supplier strengthened the quality control in the production process and added the precise detection process of the installation position of the Hall element in the motor assembly link, which effectively reduced the incidence of such problems and maintained a good cooperative relationship with the purchaser.
Case 2: When purchasing electric scooters, another international wholesale purchaser strictly inspected each batch of products in accordance with the quality inspection standards. In one inspection, it was found that the motors of some scooters had slight jitters when running at high speed. After further inspection, it was found that it was caused by the wear of the motor bearings. The purchaser immediately stored the batch of products separately and communicated with the supplier in time to negotiate a solution. The supplier responded quickly, replaced the new motor bearings for the purchaser, and provided free repair and replacement services for related products. At the same time, the supplier conducted a comprehensive investigation and improvement on the bearing quality of the same model motors on the production line, strengthened the control of raw material procurement and production and processing links, and ensured the stability of subsequent product quality. Through this incident, the purchaser not only solved the motor jitter problem in a timely manner, avoiding potential customer complaints and losses, but also prompted the supplier to improve product quality awareness and production management level, and the cooperation relationship between the two parties became closer and more stable.
Conclusion
The motor vibration problem of electric scooters is a quality issue that cannot be ignored. It not only affects the performance of the product and the user experience, but may also bring safety hazards and after-sales risks. As an international wholesale purchaser, it is very important to master the method of quickly detecting motor vibration. By using auscultation, observation, vibration tester detection, Hall signal detection, encoder detection and professional detection equipment detection, etc., combined with standardized detection steps and precautions, it is possible to accurately determine whether the motor has a vibration problem and find out the reasons behind it. In the procurement process, measures such as selecting high-quality suppliers, strict quality inspection, strengthening user education, regular maintenance and attention to product recall information can effectively avoid the occurrence of motor vibration problems, ensure that the purchased electric scooters are of reliable quality and excellent performance, thereby winning the trust and praise of customers in the fierce international market competition and promoting the long-term and stable development of the business.
Post time: Apr-25-2025