How to Turn on the Light of Electric Scooter?

Riding an electric scooter at night or in low light conditions can be risky without proper illumination. Most electric scooters come with built-in lights to aid visibility. However, you need to know how to turn them on correctly and make necessary adjustments. This guide will help you through the steps to turn on the light of your electric scooter.

Checking If Your Scooter Has Lights

“If your scooter has no lighting, you may need to purchase and install third-party lights like these aftermarket LED light kits from CartrimHome.”

Inspecting the Scooter

The first step is checking if your electric scooter model comes with lighting. Visually inspect the front and rear areas of the deck. Most scooters have a headlight and brake light installed. If your scooter has no lighting, you may need to purchase and install third-party lights.

Consulting the Manual/Manufacturer

If uncertain, refer to the user manual that came with your electric scooter. The product details and operation guidance should indicate if lighting is available. Alternatively, check with the manufacturer directly to confirm if your scooter supports lighting features. They can also advise compatible aftermarket lights.

Locating the Light Switch

Finding the Buttons/Switch

Electric scooters that have built-in lights usually have a switch or buttons to control the lights. The most common placements are on the handlebar, just below the display. It may be labeled as “Light”, or depicted with a light bulb icon. The switch allows toggling the lights On and Off.

Checking the Display/App

Some high-end electric scooters may not have a physical switch. Instead, the lights can be operated through the digital display or companion smartphone app. There should be a menu option to turn the lights On/Off. The display may also show a light bulb icon indicating the light status.

Turning On the Lights

Using the Physical Switch

Once you locate the light switch/button, toggle it on to power the lights. Most scooters will turn on both front and rear lights simultaneously from the switch. Pressing it again turns the lights back off.

Using the Display/App

If your scooter settings are digitally-controlled, navigate to the Lighting menu on the dashboard or app. Look for the option to toggle the lights and turn it On. You should see confirmation on the display and powered lights turning on. Turn them Off after the ride the same way.

Selecting Light Types Based on Usage

Headlights – Choose powerful LED headlights (10W or above) with wide beam distance for visibility up to 65ft ahead. Opt for adjustable angle lights to aim beam correctly.

Brake lights – Pick bright red LED lights with attention-grabbing flash modes for conspicuity. Integrated tail & brake lights are ideal.

Deck lights – For illuminating foot area, select waterproof RGB lights with wireless remote to control colors. Strong downward lighting is vital.

Turn signals – Useful for signaling turns or stopping intent. Choose self-cancelling signals that blink 5 times before turning off automatically.

Underglow kits – Adds highlight lighting and trail effects using LED strips with millions of customizable color options.

Matching Light Brightness to Ride Speed

Follow the 1/100 safety rule – your headlight should project beam for your max speed in 10 increments. For a typical 15mph electric scooter, a 150ft throw distance light ensures adequate reaction time. Upgrade headlight wattage if your mods allow higher 20/25mph top speeds.

Adjusting Angle for Maximum Visibility

Point headlight parallel to the ground, slightly angled down to fully illuminate the road ahead without blinding oncoming traffic. Visibility should extend as your line of sight to spot obstacles early. Adjust angles until optimal night riding field of view is achieved.

Adjusting the Light Settings

Brightness/Intensity

Some electric scooters allow adjusting the brightness of the headlight and brake lights. Brighter settings drain the battery faster but improve visibility. Check for a brightness setting under the Lighting menu.

Automatic/Ambient Light Sensor

Higher-end models may have ambient light sensors to automatically turn the lights On/Off based on light conditions. This avoids manually operating the switch every ride. Refer to the product manual on how to enable this auto light feature if available.

Troubleshooting Light Issues

“For advice identifying faulty lighting components, visit scooter forums like the electric scooter subreddit where hobbyists discuss troubleshooting tips.”

Checking Connections

If pressing the switch does nothing, ensure all light housings and cables have a solid connection. Loose wiring can cause lights to malfunction or not turn on. Reconnect any loose connectors.

Battery Charge Level

The scooter battery may be drained, preventing lighting from drawing power. Check dashboard indicators for battery level. Charge the scooter before attempting to use the lights again. Lights may flicker or turn off during a ride with low charge.

Hardware Failure

Faulty light bulbs or malfunctioning circuits can also cause operation failure. Have a qualified technician inspect and identify any underlying hardware issues. The lights assembly may need replacement if damaged internally.

Enhancing Visibility for Safe Riding

Along with built-in lights, you can employ extra reflectors, high visibility gear and caution in low light conditions. Install reflective tape strips on moving parts. Wear reflective jackets and helmets. Ride at slower prudent speeds, use familiar routes and brake early. Stay alert with maximum lighting available.

So in summary, inspect your scooter model first to check light availability. Locate the power switch/menu to turn the lights on, adjust settings as required and troubleshoot any malfunctions. Employing lights and reflectors properly will lead to maximum visibility for safe night riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: My scooter lights are dim even at full brightness. What should I do?

A1: Dim lights with full settings selected usually indicate the bulb is wearing out or covered with dirt/debris. Try cleaning the bulb and lighting housing with a dry cloth brush. Check for corrosion on connectors. If issue persists, replace old halogen bulbs with new higher wattage LED bulbs for brightness.

Q2: Why does my electric scooter headlight turn off intermittently?

A2: An intermittent headlight points to loose wiring causing temporary power loss. Check all light assembly connectors and battery terminal connections to ensure they are fully plugged in without gaps. Use cable ties to firmly secure wires RUNNING to the headlight unit to prevent vibration/dislodging.

Q3: Can I install third-party lights on my scooter if it has no built-in lighting?

A3: Absolutely, most electric scooters provide installation points to add external lights conveniently. Choose compatible LED light strips, display panels with mounting straps for the deck. Waterproof light bars can also attach to stems. Always follow manufacturer guidelines on customizing additional lights.