Having issues with the brakes

If you have concerns with your brakes, please see below for some basic troubleshooting to fix some common brake issues.        

Brake handle returns slowly or not fully:

A good cleaning of the piston is a simple solution to brakes not popping all the way back or to the throttle not engaging. Phat Scooters® are designed to only allow the throttle to engage if the brake is released. If the brake handle is sticking, it will not allow the throttle to engage. Please follow the steps below:

1. Where the brake handles attaches to the scooter, there is a small piston inside.
2. Using a contact cleaner or brake cleaner, spray inside the small area continuing to move the brake handle back and forth.
3. Spray a few more times to break up any dirt that may have built up.
4. If you have compressed air you can also blow out the cleaners to remove any debris.

            Click the link to be taken to our Phat Scooters® Vimeo page for an instructional video: https://vimeo.com/263674073

 Brake Rubbing/Vibrating:

Phat Scooters® were designed to ride smooth and quiet. A small clicking or popping noise is normal when brakes are applied. This is the sound of the pad going over the holes and essentially de-gassing the rotor surface (technical explanation). 

If there is any noise such as rubbing or squealing on the brakes. Shimming the brake with a few small washers added between the brake caliper and mounting tabs on the frame will add enough space to prevent any further rubbing.  Please follow the steps below:

1. Always clean brakes first with brake clean or compressed air to make sure it is not excessive dust that is causing the noise.
2. Take out the two bolts that hold the brake caliper on.
3. Slide in the thin washer from Phat Scooters® between the frame and the caliper.
4. Hold it in place while the bolt is put back into place.
5. Always start with one washer, test, and then add more if needed.
6. If scooter has been used a while and more than 4 washers are required to stop pad rubbing, then it is recommended to replace your brake pads.
7. If the rubbing continues, remove the caliper and ensure that the two bolts that show through are not sticking out. If the bolts stick out, they will continue to rub.
8. Put the caliper back on and put the bolts back into place.

Click the link to be taken to our Phat Scooters® Vimeo page for an instructional video:

https://vimeo.com/262138956

If the noise is more of a vibrating noise, you may only need to remove the caliper and tighten the allen bolts. Here is the instructional video for completing that process:

https://vimeo.com/293394209

Adding Brake Fluid to Your Scooter:

Should you need to add brake fluid to the brake reservoir, please follow the steps below:

1. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil on the nuts on top of the brake reservoir. Let it sit for a little while.
2. Use a Philips head screwdriver or impact screwdriver, fit it into the nut and then tap the top with a hammer to jar the threads loose that may have solidified.
3. When ready to remove the nuts, use the Philips head screwdriver and give a decent amount of down-pressure while unscrewing the nuts as to not strip them.
4. Remove the cap of the brake reservoir. Do not lose the screws.
5. Remove both rubber cap and rubber gasket to expose where the oil is.
6. Fill the reservoir to the indicated amount needed using DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Do not overfill it. If any drips outside of the reservoir, remember it is corrosive so you will need to clean up with some water or soapy water.
7. Replace the rubber gasket and rubber cap.
8. Hand tighten the metal top piece with the screws you removed in Step 3.

Click the link to be taken to our Phat Scooters® Vimeo page for an instructional video: https://vimeo.com/280270439.

If your problem persists or was not covered in this troubleshooting guide, please email support@phatscooters.comto open a support ticket. To help expedite the process, please provide the following:

1. Your Contact Information
2. Original Scooter Order # (if available)
3. Scooter Model and Purchase Year
4. Description of Problem (attach pictures and videos if possible)

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