What does it mean to be a responsible consumer? It’s knowing your rights and limitations, especially when it comes to warranties. If you’re buying – or intend to buy – a quality electric scooter, you need to know and be aware of what the warranty covers – or does not.
It’s not because you’re expecting that your electric scooter could have factory defects or flaws but, you know, just in case.
Generally speaking, portable e-scooters are well-built and perform according to their specifications. However, if your unit is indeed defective, it’s important to be acquainted with your retailer or manufacturer’s warranty inclusions so you will know if you can have it replaced, repaired, or refunded.
Different e-scooter brands and models have different kinds of warranties, although there are common inclusions and information that would prove useful for you to know.
To know more all about electric scooter warranties, read on:
What is a warranty? A warranty is a written guarantee that a retailer or manufacturer issues to the customer who buys their product. The warranty promises to refund, repair, or replace a defective product bought. Warranties are required by the government to protect the consumers’ rights.
Concerning electric scooters, the warranty period covers three months up to 12 months. There are some brands that offer up to two years of warranty. Unlike other products, However, compact electric scooters are frequently prone to wear and tear, or damage, so the warranty period is shorter.
When does a warranty take effect? The warranty period usually starts as soon as you purchase or receive your e-scooter. There are warranties though that take effect only after you have registered with your retailer or manufacturer. Actually, it would all depend on the store’s warranty policy, so it is better to read the policy carefully.
What does an electric scooter warranty cover?
An electric scooter warranty covers defects on the following components:
Battery, motor, controller, throttle, brakes, suspension, LCD screen, and dashboard.
What does an electric scooter warranty NOT cover?
You need to understand and remember that most e-scooter brands do NOT cover repair or replacement of, nor refund on the following parts: Wheels, flat tyres, fender, damage to the deck, handlebar, or chassis, surface or paint damage, including missing screws nuts or bolts. The reason why these components are not included is that they are easy to replace and repair. Take note too, that only damages caused by the manufacturer’s mistake will be acknowledged.
What about Return policies?
In addition to repair, replacement, coverage, non-coverage, effectivity, and return policies are also included in electric scooter warranty policies. Most e-scooter brands offer a 14 or 30-day return policy. So, if you want to return your lightweight electric scooter, you must return it within the return period.
Otherwise, ‘change-of-mind’ returns may not be honored, unless there is something wrong with your e-scooter. Note that the shipping fee for returning a product is shouldered by the customer. Then, some brands may charge a re-stocking fee of around 10 percent of the price.
How does one claim an electric scooter warranty?
E-scooter brands have different ways for how customers can claim their warranty. But before anything else, make sure that you are buying from a reputable brand or official e-scooter distributor to ensure that you will receive a warranty for your top-performing electric scooter.
You must have customer contact support. Warranty policies provide an email or phone number to contact when you need to avail of their warranty service. Start by reaching out to the retailer or manufacturer and describe the defect.
You must provide proof of purchase. If your claim is valid, customer support will need proof of your purchase and also, in some cases, proof of the defect. So, never throw away your official receipt and have an image or video of the malfunction ready to submit to the brand.
What will void the warranty?
A warranty is considered void if the damage or malfunction has been caused by the misuse or mishandling of the electric scooter’s owner. This fine print is stated clearly on a brand’s warranty policy. To avoid having your electric scooter warranty void, read the warranty policy carefully and don’t do anything that will void your warranty. This includes taking good care of your e-scooter and riding safely always.
What if your warranty claim is not accepted?
In case the fault or malfunction is proven to be caused by the manufacturer and your electric scooter is still under warranty, you have the right to claim your warranty. If the manufacturer or reseller does not want to take responsibility for the defect, just persist until you get it replaced, repaired, or refunded. Should the store where you bought your electric scooter not honor your valid warranty claim, know that there are governing bodies and laws in Australia like the Competition and Consumer Act of 2010, Fair Trading Laws, and the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) that protect your consumer rights. You need to understand these laws and the shop’s warranty policy though, before taking action.
Mearth offers the best warranty service
Mearth, the first developer of electric scooters in Australia, respects each consumer and the laws governing their rights to receive quality products and services. Mearth offers two years of warranty for the frame and one year of warranty for the battery, motor, main body, and controller to provide convenience and protection to the customers. This warranty applies to all of Mearth’s electric scooter models, namely the S, RS, and GTS series.
The warranty is only valid if presented to Mearth or its official partner retailers. Also bear in mind that modifications or repairs done by third-party services will void your warranty. You are therefore enjoined to learn more about Mearth’s warranty policy. For any inquiries or concerns about your unit, you can reach our friendly support staff via [email protected]