Depending on which VMAX model you purchased from the VX2 or VX3 series, you have either a E-Scooter or two-brake E-Scooter at home. But what’s the reason behind the different number of brake levers, and how does braking E-Scooter work on your E-Scooter ? That’s what this blog post is all about, as we’ll explain the braking system and the fascinating topic of regenerative braking:
As a general rule, every E-Scooter in E-Scooter VMAX VX2 and VX3 series is equipped with a mechanical drum brake at the front and an electronic regenerative brake at the rear.
These braking systems are controlled differently depending on the model. On the LT models of the VX2 and VX3 series, a single brake lever activates both brakes simultaneously:When the brake leveris pulled, a brake cable connected to the front drum brake is tensioned. At the same time, a sensor is activated, which triggers the rear regenerative brake.
On the ST and GT models of the VX2 and VX3 series, you have two brake levers at your disposal. As before,the left brake lever activates both brakes simultaneously. The right brake lever now allows you to selectively engage the regenerative brake on the rear wheel. This allows you to better control the braking force yourself and helps prevent wear on the mechanical brakes. Riding downhill is also much more comfortable, as the regenerative brake lets you control your speed effectively, and you also gain a bit more range thanks to energy recovery 😉. By the way, this is very well illustrated by the VMAX Connect app. Just try regenerating a bit while going downhill, and in the app under “Details,” you can see how the input power drops into negative territory.
It is important to note, however, that the regenerative brake is not a parking brake; rather, it is designed solely for energy recovery and to gently reduce speed.
Please note that this system is designed to prevent you from gaining speed while going downhill, not to bring you to a stop as quickly as possible. It takes 8–9 meters to come to a complete stop.
So if you want to slow down to a stop or need to make an emergency stop, please use both braking systems.
But how do these two braking systems actually work?
Drum brake:
In a drum brake, the brake drum is firmly attached to the wheel and rotates along with it. Inside this brake drum, which is firmly E-Scooter to the E-Scooter via the brake anchor plate, there are two brake shoes, a spring, and a wheel cylinder. The outward-facing brake shoes do not touch the inside of the brake drum; instead, they are pressed inward by springs connected to the wheel cylinder.
When you squeeze the brake lever on the handlebars, a cable tightens, causing the wheel cylinder to expand. As the wheel cylinder expands, the springs are pushed outward, pressing the brake shoes against the inside of the brake drum. This friction between the brake pads applies braking force to the brake drum and, consequently, to the connected wheel, causing the wheel to slow down. When you release the pressure on your brake lever, the brake retracts, and you can continue riding without braking ;)
Regenerative braking:
With the regenerative braking system, the VMAX’s motor acts as an energy-converting generator during braking. You activate the braking process by pulling the left or right brake lever. This triggers a sensor that activates the regenerative braking system in the electric motor.
In general, electric motors generate torque—which causes the tires to rotate—by applying a voltage to an electromagnet within a magnetic field, thereby creating the Lorentz force. During braking with a regenerative brake, this kinetic energy is converted back into electrical energy. This is achieved by using the rotational energy of the wheel to move an electrical conductor in the motor, which now functions as a generator. The resulting induction generates an electrical voltage and thus energy. Theelectrical energy generated is fed to the battery, recharging it so you can E-Scooter a longer ride on your VMAX E-Scooter .
Nevertheless, a regenerative braking system E-Scooter turn your E-Scooter into a perpetual motion machine, because energy is lost as heat due to electrical resistance during every conversion.
That was our blog post on the topic of brakes and braking systems for your e-scooter. We hope you found it helpful and now know a little more about your e-scooter’s brakes.
We’ll catch up again next time,
Your VMAX Team.
