Scooter Cleaning and Care Checklist
Spring has sprung and we’re quickly headed toward Summer! Whether you or your little one has been using their Micro during the Winter months, or had it stored away, now is the perfect time to apply our simple spring cleaning checklist to your Micro scooter. Grab your allen key and turn on your favorite playlist-- it’s time to get your Micro ready for scooting season!
1. First things first, bring your scooter and helmet into a clean area. Inspect your child’s helmet. If you see any cracks or breaks, or if it’s seen major impact, replace it. It’s not safe to ride!
2. If the helmet is looking good, have your child try it on. It's time for a fit check! It should fit snugly onto their head with no slipping, and should cover their head up to about 2 inches above their eyebrows. It should buckle and feel snug under their chin. If the helmet is too small, replace it immediately! Our new Micro Helmets V2 are certified safe for scooting, biking, and more. They also come with a built-in LED light and no-pinch magnetic clip for added safety and comfort.
3. Time for a quick clean! We've found wet wipes to be the hero of scooter cleaning. Using your wipe, go to town on any dirt or grime on the scooter, making sure to avoid the wheel bearings in the center of each wheel. If your scooter is feeling damp, follow up with a dry cloth to prevent any corrosion.
4. While cleaning your scooter, keep an eye out for any cracks or breakage. While this is extremely rare, it’s a good time to look. If you do find that something is broken, look to see if it’s covered under your 2-year warranty. If it’s not, click here to shop our affordable replacement parts.
5. Break out the allen key that came with your scooter (or any no. 5 allen key will do) and tighten up the bolts on your Micro. With the vibrations of riding, you'll want to check this every 2-3 months to make sure your scooter is in good riding condition. TIP: Set a recurring reminder on your phone!
6. Check the size of your scooter. It’s unbelievable how fast kids grow, and while we recommend Mini scooters for ages 2-5 and Maxi scooters for ages 5-12, there is some variance for size and weight. A quick way to measure is to have your child stand on the scooter with both feet. They should both be able to fit one foot in front of the other. If you’re ready to size up, we’re happy to make a recommendation!
7. Check the T-bar as well. The handlebars should feel comfortable resting somewhere between your child’s belly and chest. Inspect the grips to ensure they’ll be comfortable while riding, and are in good condition for the year ahead. If they have experienced wear and tear, you can shop our replacement grips here.
8. Make sure the T-bar does not slide down when riding and is firmly secured by the clamp. If it does not, simply take the allen key that accompanied your scooter with purchase, and tighten the clamp. If you don’t have that allen key, any #5 allen key will do.
9. Check the rear brake. Using your foot, press with moderate pressure, or gently squeeze the brake with your hand. If it squeaks, feels too loose or tight, or you notice that it’s worn, it’s an easy fix! Simply replace the brake with a spare part, found here.
10. Finally, take a look at the wheels. If a wheel shows excessive wear and tear, the axle seems loose, or the bearings are giving too much side-to-side play, it may be time to replace them. Click here to shop replacement wheels.
If your helmet and scooter are in good shape, and you’ve got your Micro squeaky clean, it sounds like you’re ready to ride! Making sure to wear shoes with no dangling laces, take a test ride on a smooth surface, and listen for any rattling, squeaking, or other off sounds. They may indicate that something is loose. If all sounds good, you’re ready to take on the sunshine!
If you have any questions regarding your scooter, reach out to our award-winning customer service for help at info@microkickboard.com