How to Replace Brake Pads on Electric Scooters

1. Step 1 of 5

   Determine if the Pads are Worn Out

   Examine the pads through the caliper viewing window. If the lining thickness is less than 1.0mm, or if you hear a grinding noise, they must be changed. Prepare the scooter on a workbench and turn off the power.

   Schematic FIG. 1DIYPEV Technical Lab

   Looking at worn brake pads inside the caliper with low remaining lining materialReference Blueprint Schematic

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2. Step 2 of 5

   Unmount the Brake Caliper

   Use a 5mm Allen key to loosen and remove the two mounting bolts holding the caliper assembly to the fork or rear bracket adapter. Lift the caliper off the disc rotor, taking care not to twist or strain the brake cable housing.

   Schematic FIG. 2DIYPEV Technical Lab

   Unscrewing mounting bolts to separate the caliper from the rear wheel frameReference Blueprint Schematic

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3. Step 3 of 5

   Remove the Worn Brake Pads

   On Xiaomi scooters, the pads are circular and held by magnets. Push them out from the center slot using a small flat tool. On calipers with rectangular pads, use needle-nose pliers to straighten the split cotter pin, pull the pin out, and slide the pads and spring clip out together.

   Schematic FIG. 3DIYPEV Technical Lab

   Pulling the worn round brake pad disc out of the magnetic piston seatReference Blueprint Schematic

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4. Step 4 of 5

   Push the Piston Back and Clean the Housing

   As pads wear, the piston moves outward. Before inserting the thicker new pads, use a flat screwdriver to gently push the piston back into the caliper body. Spray the caliper inside with isopropyl alcohol and wipe away black brake dust residue.

   Schematic FIG. 4DIYPEV Technical Lab

   Using flathead screwdriver tip to push caliper piston back inside the chamberReference Blueprint Schematic

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5. Step 5 of 5

   Install the New Pads and Re-mount

   Place the new pads (and spring clip, if applicable) together and insert them into the caliper. Ensure the friction material faces the rotor. Replace the split pin and bend the ends to lock it. Slide the caliper back over the rotor, loosely screw in the mounting bolts, and align the caliper.

   Schematic FIG. 5DIYPEV Technical Lab

   Screwing the caliper assembly back onto the frame over the steel rotorReference Blueprint Schematic

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Brake Pad Compounds: Performance Comparisons

Choosing the right pad compound is crucial for safety and budget. Small e-scooter wheels spin at high RPMs, generating high temperatures at the brake caliper. If you choose resin pads for a high-speed scooter (30+ km/h), the friction material can overheat and fail under emergency braking. Semi-metallic or ceramic compounds are highly recommended for commuter and high-performance electric scooters.

Semi-metallic pads are made from a mix of copper, iron, and bronze fibers bound with resin. This metal content helps conduct heat away from the friction interface, preventing heat fade. Ceramic pads use durable clay-based compounds mixed with copper fibers, which maintain stopping force at extreme temperatures and wear down very slowly, protecting your braking system.

The Importance of Piston Resetting

A common mistake made by DIYers is skipping the piston reset step. If you do not push the caliper piston back, you will find it impossible to slide the caliper back over the steel rotor. When pushing the piston back, do not apply pressure directly to the face of the piston with a bare metal tool to avoid scratching or cracking the piston seal. Instead, leave the old pads in place, insert a flat screwdriver between them, and twist the blade to force the piston back safely.