How to Winterize a Scooter

Vintage scooters need a bit more care than modern scooters since their metal parts suffer corrosion.

Getting a scooter ready for the rainy or snowy season helps avoid some messy problems later on come spring. Your scooter needs to be properly prepped and winterized before being put away to allow for an easy start up again come the next year.

Things You'll Need

• Gas container
• Tire pump
• Tire gauge
• A clean place/shelf for storage
• Rain cover (if the scooter is to be stored outside)
• Screwdrivers

Instructions

1. Open up the side panel on the scooter that exposes the carburetor. Check the fuel valve to make sure it is in the "Off" position. Follow the fuel line to the carburetor and disconnect the line using a screwdriver. Catch any residue fuel with a shop rag.

2. Take the freed fuel line and pull away from the scooter. Put the free end into a small gas container. Turn the fuel valve to the gas tank to the "On" position. Let the gas drain until the gas tank is empty. Turn the fuel valve to "Off" again and re-attach the fuel line to the carburetor. Re-install the side panel.

3. Check the tire pressure on both tires using a tire gauge. Use the tire pump to inflate the tires to proper pressure so they don't deflate during the winter. Replace the tire valve cap when finished.

4. Remove the side panel covering the scooter battery. Disconnect the battery strap holder. Use a screwdriver and crescent wrench to disconnect the battery wiring, starting with the red wire first. Remove the battery and place it on a shelf where it won't get bumped. Use a battery tender to charge it once a month while it is not used in a scooter. Re-install the side panel again.

5. Use a motorcycle rain cover on the scooter if you're parking it outside. Roll the scooter to where it will be parked, choosing a place that won't be too exposed to the elements. Unpack the rain cover and stretch it out over the entire scooter. Pull the sides down so the scooter is completely covered. Secure the bottom strap underneath the scooter so the cover won't blow away on a windy day.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, take your scooter out on a clear winter day after re-installing the battery and adding gas. This allows the scooter engine to warm up and clean out any residue that may have deposited from old gas sitting in the engine.

• Don't leave old gas in your scooter for a long time. Gas tends to turn to a sticky lacquer over time which can be very hard to clean out once it settles in the tank. This lacquer will also gum up the fuel valve, causing problems with gas flow.

References

• Scooter Diva: Winterizing Your Scooter
• Vermont Scooter Club: Winterizing Your Scooter
• The Scooter Lounge: Winterizing

Resources

• Scooterworks: Parts for Scooters