Skateboard Grip Tape Cleaner

Skateboard wall art has become one of the most distinctive ways to showcase personality and style in modern interiors. Whether you're displaying a Bosch Garden of Earthly Delights triptychor a minimalist motivational piece, one question comes up repeatedly: Will the prints fade over time? The short answer is: not if you care for them properly. In this guide, we'll explore why some skateboard art fades, how museum-grade prints differ from standard graphics, and the exact steps you can take to keep your wall art looking gallery-fresh for years—or even decades. Why Do Some Skateboard Prints Fade? Fading happens when prints are exposed to elements that break down ink pigments. The three main culprits are: 1. UV Light Exposure Sunlight is the #1 enemy of printed art. Ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate ink layers and cause chemical reactions that degrade color molecules. This is especially true for cheaper dye-based inks used in mass-produced decks. 2. Poor Quality Inks Not all inks are created equal. Standard skateboard graphics often use dye-based inks that are vibrant but unstable. In contrast, archival pigment inks (used in museum-quality prints) are designed to resist fading for 100+ years. 3. Humidity and Temperature Fluctuations High humidity can cause moisture damage, while extreme heat accelerates chemical breakdown. Even indoor environments can pose risks if the air is too dry or too humid. 4. Surface Contact and Dust Unlike framed art, skateboard wall decor is often displayed unprotected. Dust accumulation, fingerprints, and airborne pollutants can slowly degrade the print surface. Museum-Grade Prints vs. Standard Skateboard Graphics Understanding the difference between functional skateboard graphics and art-grade prints is crucial. Feature Standard Skateboard Graphics Museum-Grade Skateboard Wall Art Purpose Designed for skating—durability under grip tape Designed for display—longevity and color accuracy Ink Type Dye-based (vibrant but fades quickly) Archival pigment inks (fade-resistant) Substrate Standard maple with clear coat Premium Canadian maple with protective finish UV Protection Minimal or none Often includes UV-resistant coatings Expected Lifespan 1-3 years under indoor conditions 50-100+ years with proper care DeckArts produces art objects specifically designed for interior display, not skating. Each piece uses premium Canadian maple and archival-quality printing to ensure your investment doesn't fade, chip, or deteriorate over time. How to Prevent Your Skateboard Wall Art from Fading Now that we understand why fading happens, let's focus on what you can do to preserve your art. 1. Avoid Direct Sunlight This is the golden rule. Placement matters: Never hang skateboard wall art directly opposite windows or under skylights where direct sun hits the surface daily. Use UV-blocking window film: If your room gets a lot of natural light, consider installing UV-protective window film. It blocks up to 99% of UV rays without darkening your space. Rotate your display: If you have multiple pieces (like a Byzantine neon trinity triptych), rotate them between high-light and low-light areas every few months. 2. Control Indoor Climate Temperature and humidity control are essential for preserving wood and ink integrity. Ideal temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C) Ideal humidity: 40-60% relative humidity Use a dehumidifier or humidifier depending on your climate. Excessive dryness can crack the wood, while too much moisture can warp it. 3. Dust Regularly with a Microfiber Cloth Dust buildup isn't just cosmetic—it can trap moisture and pollutants that degrade the print. Use a dry microfiber cloth: Gently wipe the surface weekly. Never use harsh chemicals: Avoid glass cleaners, ammonia-based products, or rough sponges. These can scratch or strip protective coatings. For stubborn spots: Lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water (not tap water, which contains minerals). 4. Keep Away from Heat Sources Fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents can cause localized heat damage. Maintain at least 3-5 feet of distance from any direct heat source. Avoid kitchens and bathrooms where temperature and humidity fluctuate rapidly. 5. Consider UV-Protective Coatings or Frames If you want maximum protection: Apply a UV-resistant spray: Some art conservators recommend archival UV-protectant sprays for unframed pieces. Always test on a small area first. Frame with UV-protective glass: For high-value pieces like the Albrecht Dürer Adam & Eve diptych, consider a custom shadow box frame with UV-filtering acrylic. Cleaning Your Skateboard Wall Art Safely Proper cleaning extends the life of your art significantly. Step-by-Step Cleaning Process Remove loose dust: Use a soft brush or dry microfiber cloth. Spot clean only when necessary: Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with distilled water. Wipe gently: Use circular motions with minimal pressure. Dry immediately: Use a separate dry cloth to remove any moisture. Inspect the edges: Check for peeling or lifting along the print edges—this can indicate humidity issues. What NOT to Use Alcohol or acetone: Will dissolve ink and protective coatings. Bleach or harsh cleaners: Can discolor wood and prints. Paper towels: Too abrasive for delicate surfaces. Excessive water: Can seep into wood grain and cause warping. Mounting and Display Best Practices How you hang your skateboard wall art also impacts its longevity. Use Proper Mounting Hardware Wall anchors or studs: Skateboard decks are heavier than framed prints. Always use appropriate wall anchors or mount directly into studs. Avoid adhesive strips: These can fail over time and may damage paint or drywall. Level hanging: Use a level tool to ensure even weight distribution. Create a Gallery Wall with Strategic Spacing When displaying triptych collections or multiple pieces: Space pieces 2-4 inches apart to allow air circulation. Use a grid or salon-style layout for visual impact. Anchor the arrangement with a central focal piece like Caravaggio's Medusa. How Long Will Museum-Quality Skateboard Art Last? With proper care, museum-grade skateboard wall art can last 50 to 100+ years without noticeable fading. Here's what impacts longevity: Print quality: Archival pigment inks (like those used by DeckArts) are rated for 100+ years under museum conditions. Wood quality: Premium Canadian maple is naturally resistant to warping and cracking. Environmental control: The better you control light, humidity, and temperature, the longer your art will last. For comparison: Standard poster prints: 5-10 years before noticeable fading Canvas prints with UV coating: 20-30 years Museum-quality skateboard art: 50-100+ years Signs Your Skateboard Art Needs Attention Even with great care, you should periodically inspect your art for signs of damage. Warning Signs to Watch For Color shifting: Blues turning gray or reds becoming pink Surface cracking: Fine lines appearing in the print or coating Warping: Deck edges lifting or curving away from the wall Peeling: Print edges separating from the wood surface Discoloration patches: Yellow or brown spots (often from moisture or UV exposure) If you notice any of these, consider: Relocating the piece to a more suitable environment Applying a fresh UV-protective coating Consulting a professional art conservator for restoration Special Care for Specific Art Styles Different art styles may require slightly different care approaches. Dark and Detailed Prints Pieces like the Fallen Angel or Baroque cherubs with deep blacks and rich shadows: Show fading less obviously but are still vulnerable Benefit from matte protective coatings to preserve depth Bright and Vibrant Designs Colorful pieces like the Pink Banana Pop Art deck or Berlin East Side Gallery triptych: Fade more noticeably in direct light Require stricter UV protection and regular rotation H3: Minimalist and Text-Based Art Clean designs like BEAST crocodile texture or motivational text: Show dust more readily due to large solid-color areas Need frequent gentle cleaning with microfiber cloths Investing in Quality: Why It Matters When you buy skateboard wall art, you're not just purchasing décor—you're investing in a piece that should last decades. The True Cost of Cheap Alternatives Budget skateboard graphics from mass retailers may seem appealing, but: Fade within 1-3 years Use low-quality wood that warps or splits Lack protective coatings Require frequent replacement Over 10 years, buying three cheap decks at $50 each ($150 total) costs more than investing once in a premium DeckArts piece that lasts 50+ years. What You Get with Premium Skateboard Art DeckArts pieces offer: Canadian maple construction: Naturally durable and warp-resistant Museum-grade archival inks: Fade-resistant for 100+ years Protective finishes: UV-resistant coatings included Collectible designs: Timeless art, not trendy graphics Built for walls, not wheels: Every piece is an art object, not sports equipment Browse the full collection of skateboard wall art objects designed for longevity and impact. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Will my skateboard wall art fade if kept indoors? With proper care—avoiding direct sunlight, controlling humidity, and using quality prints—museum-grade skateboard art will not noticeably fade for 50-100+ years indoors. Can I hang skateboard art in a sunny room? Yes, but take precautions: use UV-blocking window film, avoid direct sun exposure, and consider UV-protective coatings or framing. How often should I clean my skateboard wall art? Dust weekly with a dry microfiber cloth. Deep clean only when necessary using distilled water and gentle wiping. What's the difference between art-grade and skate-grade decks? Art-grade decks use archival inks, premium wood, and protective finishes designed for wall display and longevity. Skate-grade graphics prioritize durability under grip tape, not fade resistance. Can faded skateboard art be restored? Minor fading can sometimes be addressed with professional restoration or UV-protective recoating. Severe fading usually cannot be fully reversed. Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Art Investment Skateboard wall art is more than décor—it's a statement, a conversation starter, and when done right, a lifetime investment. The key to preventing fading lies in three core principles: Buy quality: Start with museum-grade prints on premium materials. Control the environment: Manage light, humidity, and temperature. Maintain regularly: Dust, inspect, and care for your pieces consistently. Whether you're displaying a single statement piece like Botticelli's Birth of Venus or building a gallery wall with diptych and triptych collections, proper care ensures your art stays vibrant and impactful for generations. Ready to explore fade-resistant, museum-quality skateboard wall art? Browse the full DeckArts collection and discover art objects built to last. submitted by /u/DeckArtsCom to r/skateboardarts [link] [comments]

Or should i look for something different.. Idk someone just told me I should get some griptap cleaner cuz mine is a bit dirty but idk what too get! submitted by /u/MassivePresent4672 to r/NewSkaters [link] [comments]

Dead pedal for texture reference, but wrapped after. Same as skateboard and very effective against rainy shoes. No more slip and great throttle modulation. I give it 10/10 submitted by /u/Kuya10 to r/Miata [link] [comments]

** Content Warnings: ** family conflict, emotional manipulation, raised voices, minor physical harm (ear pulling), medical device mention, housing instability, anxiety. Episode 5 • Derivative ✦ The bathroom light hummed like it had opinions. Janna leaned into the mirror until the glass fogged her breath back at her and parted a curtain of blue-black hair with two fingers. There they were; faint, blooming low at her collarbone: ghost marks shaped like last night’s almost. Heat rose before she could kill it. Hair down. Curtain closed. Olive beanie next, stretched the way a favorite lie stretches to fit new trouble. She tugged it low. No invitations. No yanking. Not today. Toothpaste foam, mint and chalk, the quick metallic spark when she nicked her gum. Rinse. Watch the water spiral away like it had someplace better to be. The mirror threw her face back: boxy jaw, half-lidded stare, the tiny cleft in her chin everyone assumed she drew on. A tiny ghost of a smile ran through it and vanished. She thumbed the fluorite pendant at her throat. Always cool until the after-warmth slid in. She pressed it to the pink seam of her chest scar; a quiet ritual: touch stone, feel the faint give of old tissue, wait for the click. There. The small, polite vote her pacemaker cast for life: click… and the inner tide answering like water finding a shore. Some mornings the rhythm lined up. Others it didn’t. Today it flirted with sync and then… didn’t. She breathed until her pulse obeyed. Heavy paws scuffed the hall. A soft mrrrp angled under the door. “You’re nosy,” she told the wood. The door nudged wider anyway. Holly shouldered in—black-smoke fluff, tail like a feather duster—and made figure-eights around Janna’s calves like the bathroom rent was hers. Janna scooped the cat for exactly one breath of face-in-fur and set her down before Holly could file a claim. In the kitchen, oil hissed. Garlic, day-old coffee, lemon cleaner that tried too hard. Tala’s voice arrived first—bright, brittle hostess pleasant. “There she is. The birthday girl. Yesterday. How was your big night, Janna Rose? Quiet, I hope.” “Wild.” Janna leaned in the doorway, hands in her coat pockets, beanie’s shadow low. “I jaywalked.” Tala didn’t laugh. She almost never did when Janna meant it. “Mmm.” A plate scraped the counter a little too hard. “I pray you made wise choices. Breakfast?” Garlic rice, a fried egg, two slices of spam; a love language plated like a test. Marino looked up from his mug. His eyes had Janna’s edges. He tipped his chin, a hello they both understood. “Ingat, anak,” he said, then softer: “Eat.” Janna sat. Fork, egg, salt. She pretended not to feel Tala’s gaze hook and unhook; hairline, collar, olive knit armor. Pan hiss. Fridge kick-on. Under it, a bassline in her head from last night’s slow song: wordless, low, private ache. Don’t mess this up. Don’t— “Did you thank the Diazes?” Tala sang, paper-sweet. “For throwing you… what was it? A small dinner?” “Yeah.” Janna chewed, swallowed, held the deadpan steady. “Marco cooks like he’s trying to bribe God. Star bought a mountain of squishpillows and overdrafted her account. Normal.” Tala’s smile didn’t make it to her eyes. “That girl needs discipline.” Her gaze slid back to Janna’s throat like a cat testing a gap under a door. “And you. You need… boundaries.” “Same,” Janna murmured at the plate. She cleared dishes, washed, set each one in the rack upright with defense-level efficiency. Click. The pacemaker chimed along with tiny votes of confidence. Marino, gently: “You work today?” “Yeah.” She slung her bag. “Double. Fill then register. Big day for capitalism.” “Text if you need a ride.” “Give me your schedule,” Tala said, wiping at a spotless counter. “We can talk tonight. About your… habits.” The pause was not kind. “Can’t wait.” Janna kissed two fingers and tapped the air near Marino’s temple. She nodded at Tala because it was easier than not. Holly flopped to block the door, belly up. “You’re dramatic,” Janna told the cat, stepping over with careful heel-toe. Outside, Earthni was overexposed and pretending not to be tired. The Subaru coughed twice, then remembered how to be a car. Janna drummed the wheel while it reconsidered life. The bassline in her head came dressed as a good idea. She killed it with talk radio; no soundtrack today. Visor check. Hair down, neck covered, beanie straight. Fluorite tucked where it could sit against skin. She tapped once; the pacemaker answered. Click. Okay. We’re doing this. Three lights she always hit. The pumpkin-festival banner flapping itself to death over the intersection. The alley unicorn skull spray-painted over a traffic cone. She cut into Earthni Mart’s lot, parked under the eucalyptus with a shade footprint barely big enough for a hood. Phone check. Tom: missed call. Star: a cat hugging a bigger cat—love u banana. Marco: You good? Need lunch? Jackie: Drink water, chaos goblin. Papa: Good day, anak. In breath, out breath. Texts: ❣️ to Star. Bring me something that isn’t beige to Marco. Water acquired to Jackie. Love u. Will be late to Papa. Tom’s name she stared at until the screen went dark. “Later,” she told the empty car, which could have meant him or her. She pocketed the phone, pushed the door, walked into the fluorescent day. Inside, Cassie would already be humming at verification while Janna slid back into the groove she knew; no funny business, just work. She palmed the pendant one last time, felt the tiny click inside answer like a friend knocking from the other side of a shared wall, and went to the bench. ✦ The pharmacy had its own weather. Cool air bleeding from the immunization fridge. Paper-dry labels that stuck to gloves. Citrus cleaner in tile grout that never gave up. Janna rode the rhythm she knew by muscle memory: scan, print, count by fives, snap-cap, bin. The work clicked. So did the small device under her sternum; quiet ticks in time with her hands. “Maple, Kelly,” she called, because the system loved last names more than people—sliding a discreet brown bag to the plexi. “Medicated shampoo. Twice a week. Don’t drink it unless you want to fight a wizard.” Kelly snorted, paid, floated off. Next: a compact little man with a beak nose and eyes too wide. “Dennis Avarius,” he whispered, and then louder, “I mean—Ludo, picking up for Dennis.” “Hydrate,” Janna said, passing the bag like contraband. He solemn-nodded and scurried. Scanner sang. Printer squeaked. Cassie drifted by, set a cold water at Janna’s elbow, murmured, “Answer the phone on the second ring or it will summon a demon.” “Too late,” Janna said. “I already know one.” A tap at the window: skateboard helmet hooked on one finger, lean against plexi like it was a locker; Jackie Lynn Thomas, smile soft as summer. Cassie flicked a hand without looking up. “Five minutes. Break bench.” They slipped into the narrow staff alcove by the side door. Low sun painted the concrete. Cart wheels murmured beyond the wall. Janna peeled a glove, then the other, tucked them away so her hands had something to do. Jackie sat, elbows on knees. “You good? You ghosted the cake and Irish-exited the group chat with a thumbs-up. That’s… a choice.” Janna considered the mask. The bit. The lol, I’m fine, capitalism. She let her shoulders drop instead, told the truth in small, sharable pieces. “I kissed Tom,” she said. “Then I freaked out and left. That’s the whole movie.” Jackie’s brows climbed. Not judgment, data intake. “Huh. Was it bad?” “It was good.” Janna grimaced, at herself mostly. “Embarrassingly good. Teeth clicked first try; he adjusted, because of course he did. Then I heard my heart get loud and my brain tried a mid-update restart. I panicked. Did the Janna thing.” “What’s the Janna thing?” “Run. Say something snarky. Pretend I don’t have a body. Dopamine rude.” Jackie nodded like she’d been handed the weather. “Do you want him?” “I want… to not melt when people are nice to me. To not be a science experiment when it’s my own feelings. To not mess him up.” A beat. “And maybe I want him,” she added, small. “Keyword maybe.” Jackie nudged Janna’s sneaker. “You can want him and still move at your speed. That’s legal. You talk to him?” Janna shook her head. “He called. I stared at his name and turned my phone face-down because I’m a champion.” “Text something true and small,” Jackie said. “I liked it and I panicked. Or I need a minute, not a breakup. Don’t ghost. Ghosting makes people write whole movies without you. You don’t get to edit those.” The fluorite was warm under Janna’s thumb. Click. “Ay naku. Sparkles would write him a haiku.” “Sparkles writes a haiku for the toaster.” Jackie grinned. “You don’t have to be Star. You just have to be legible.” Silence folded in, easy. A delivery truck downshifted out front. The intercom coughed an aisle special and cut. Janna traced a chipped line in the bench paint with her nail. “You ever feel like everyone else got a handbook?” she asked. “How to say the right thing instead of hiding in an air vent?” “All the time.” Jackie’s smile tilted. “Then I remember the handbook is practice. Some people are sparks. Some are slow matches.” She angled a look over. “You’re a slow match, Banana. That’s not wrong. It’s how you burn.” Janna snorted. “You’re disgustingly well-adjusted.” “Don’t tell anyone. I have a rep.” Jackie reached without asking and straightened the crooked tie of Janna’s smock. Tiny, grounding. “Skate Thursday? No pressure. I’ll bring extra pads for your heart.” “I’ll pretend to fall on purpose. For the bit.” “There you go.” Jackie popped up, helmet salute. “Text him. Drink water. Do your gremlin ritual after shift. Thrift loop, shrine raid, whatever. Ground yourself.” “Second Wind,” Janna admitted. “Five minutes. In and out.” “Uh-huh.” Jackie side-eyed. “Five minutes in gremlin time is forty-five in Earth time. Pace yourself.” Back at the counter, Cassie hoisted a clipboard like a torch. “Alive?” “Allegedly.” Janna tugged gloves on. Her phone buzzed: Tom: voicemail she didn’t open. Star: three hearts and a sparkles. Marco: need anything? Janna typed: Snacks later. No dragons. Last hour ran on rails. Insurance portal crashed and resurrected. The P.A. begged shoppers to take mercy on closing. Janna finished the C-II count with Cassie, double-signed the log, peeled the last of a stubborn label roll into neat coils. “Take the deposit,” Cassie said, sliding the locked bag. Voice softer: “Then go touch grass. Or whatever gremlins touch.” “Dusty lamps. Chaos.” Lavender evening outside. Strip-mall neon yawning on, one sign at a time. Across the lot, Second Wind glowed like a weird little lighthouse. The pacemaker clicked, steady. Janna scratched beneath the beanie, smoothed it down, smiled at no one. “Five minutes,” she told herself, heading for the door she always tried to slip past the bell. ✦ Second Wind smelled like dust, lemon cleaner, and stories that hadn’t been told yet. The bell tattled anyway. Janna let the pharmacy cadence drain out of her bones and switched to gremlin pace: slow, hunting, eyes low. Click. The pacemaker kept time. She breathed and counted in fives because Tara had accidentally taught her how to pray. An old TV in the corner tried to manifest a goat. The goat winked. She winked back. Aisle two: picture frames, half cracked, all haunted. Aisle three: coats from eight planets. She dragged fingers down a navy greatcoat; it hummed in a key she didn’t know and warmed her palm. Tempting. She moved on. Bootsteps. Familiar cadence. Jacket she recognized before the face. Tom. He’d ditched the hoodie for a short jacket that made him look like he knew what he was doing. Bad assumption, charming line, still worked. He spotted her over a teetering tower of board games. “Hey,” he said, like hello and question had decided to share a word. Janna kept her expression neutral, the way you hold a cat you’re not sure wants to be held. “Hey, Hot Topic. Shopping for a cursed toaster?” He lifted his hands. Palms open. “I—uh—came for a toaster. Breadcrumb possession. Also maybe for… you. To apologize. Properly.” She pretended to examine a cracked snow globe with a tiny screaming Mewman trapped inside. The water sloshed teal. Her heart did not. “Apologize for what?” she asked. Flat. Safe. “For pushing,” he said, careful. “On your birthday. I read the porch wrong. I’m sorry.” She slid the globe down and finally gave him her eyes. Three of his tried very hard not to look desperate. Golden retriever demon. Ugh. “It wasn’t just you,” she said. “I liked it and my brain panicked. I do that. I’m not great at the whole feelings app.” Something unclenched in his shoulders. Not relief, permission to breathe. “Okay. That helps.” “Don’t get excited.” Heat threatened her ears under the beanie. “It was… good. Embarrassingly good. Teeth clicked first try; he adjusted, because of course he did. Then I heard my heart get loud and my brain tried a mid-update restart. I panicked. Did the Janna thing.” He huffed a laugh. “Yeah. I heard your heart, too.” He winced at himself. “Not in a creepy way. Demon ears. Sorry.” “Putik,” she muttered, cheeks going traitor. She grabbed a wooden sign: LIVE, LAUGH, LEVITATE. “Cute.” He drifted closer but kept a bench-length of respectful space, like she’d taped off a perimeter only he could see. “I don’t want to make you run,” he said. “I like having you around—even if the price of admission is you roasting me.” “You make it easy.” The edge of it softened. “Maybe I like having you around too. In small, medically supervised doses.” “Copy.” Earnest as a pledge. “We can be whatever speed you want. Airlock pace. Your call.” “Text, not calls.” She flicked her gaze at him. “Loud texting is just calling.” He smiled, real arriving slow. “Can I walk you to your car when you’re done looting? No pressure. I’ll be the guy pretending to care about crockpots.” She checked her own perimeter. The tick under bone stayed calm. “You can walk me to the door,” she said. “After I buy this extremely haunted coat.” “It matches your aura,” he said, then winced like he’d tripped on sincerity. “Not a line.” “Flattering people doesn’t work on me.” “It’s not flattery.” He shrugged helplessly. “Truth leaking out. You’re you. It messes with me in a good way.” “Gross,” she said softly—which, in Janna, meant thank you, stop now before my face commits to color. They orbited a while. She paused at a MIXED HOUSEWARES & MINOR HEXES shelf, flipped a rippling hand mirror face-down. Cleared her throat. “I’m spacing myself. I need room to collect gremlin atoms. That’s not a breakup text; it’s an airlock. You knock; I open when I’m not a biohazard.” “Airlock. Got it.” He nodded like she’d handed him a checklist. “I can knock. Quietly. With a text.” “Text,” she repeated. “Good dog.” He grinned. “I’m more of a three-eyed cat.” “Don’t seduce any lamps while I pay,” she said, pivoting to the register. He held a hand to his heart. “No promises if they have the wavy lava ones.” She let a smile happen, killed it halfway for dignity. Phone buzz: Star: sparkles, how’s the gremlin hunt? Marco: grocery emoji, need anything? Tom’s name hovered under that, unread badge a tiny pulsing vein. Later. Space first. Baby steps. She bought the coat; the cashier bagged it like it might chew through plastic. At the door, Tom matched her pace without touching. Jacket collar up. Evening coming on cool. “Thanks for not being weird,” she said. “I’m extremely weird,” he said. “Just trying to be useful about it.” “Acceptable.” She unlocked the hatchback. “I’ll text. Don’t panic if it’s tomorrow. Or the day after. Or never.” Beat. “Kidding.” Maybe. He backed away hands-up, giving her the last line. “Night, Ords.” She watched him go, felt the gravity he’d joked about, chose not to name it. The fluorite warmed against her sternum. Click. “Slow match,” she told the empty passenger seat. Got in. Drove home. ✦ The Ordonia house smelled like lemon polish and reheated sinigang. Janna eased the door with her hip, thrift bag hanging from two fingers. The old wall clock ticked—stuck—tick—like it couldn’t decide if time was real. Her pacemaker answered with tidy, private clicks. “Where were you?” Tala didn’t look up. Phone face-down beside a mug. Mouth fixed in company smile. “Work,” Janna said. “Then Second Wind.” Neutral weather voice. Marino stood at the sink, dish towel crushed in his hands. A small chin-down—hey, anak. Janna almost nodded back, decided even air might set something off. “Show me your neck,” Tala said. “No.” Janna didn’t move. “We’re not doing checkpoints in the kitchen.” “Janna Rose.” The old name dropped like a plate in another room and woke a softer voice that wasn’t here anymore. Heat crawled Janna’s throat. The beanie suddenly felt two sizes too small. She could laugh the moment down. She didn’t. Tala stood. Two steps closed the gap. Fingers slid through hair the way they’d learned to when Janna was eight and slow. They found the soft behind her ear and yanked. White pain cracked clean. Every little hoop and stud along the cartilage screamed. Janna’s hand shot up on reflex. “Don’t—” Her fingers met Tala’s wrist—not hard, not soft. “Get off.” “Hoy,” Marino warned. Tala didn’t stop. She peeled hair and saw it: the faint mottled half-moons blooming along Janna’s neck, stubborn under concealer. She hissed breath through her teeth. “Diyos ko.” Her voice thinned. “You let him put his mouth on you? That demon boy? Sa bahay ko? Before marriage?” The Tagalog spiked bright. “Ay naku, hindi ko kaya.” Janna dropped her hand first, put space in the gap. The skin behind her ear buzzed like bad electricity. The pacemaker tried to herd her heart back into lane. Click. Click. She pressed the fluorite once—cool stealing edge from heat. “It’s not what you think,” she said. Knowing it didn’t matter. “What I think,” Tala said, smile thin as paper, “is you shame this house. Years of sneaking. Lying. With a Lucitor, from The Underworld!” The words landed like a curse. Her gaze dropped to Janna’s sternum like she could see through cotton to plastic. “Even that thing in you—click click—hindi normal. You are not normal.” “Tama na,” Marino said, leaving the sink. Enough. Tala ignored him, eyes hard. “Do you laugh about this with your friends? Do they clap? Nakakahiya. Your mother—” “Don’t talk about her,” Janna said. Too even. “Always hiding,” Tala went softer and meaner. “You hide your ears, your sins, the devil’s battery ticking in your chest. You think you’re clever. You’re a disappointment, Janna Rose.” The words hit like coins thrown from a crowd. Janna let them. Weather on a horizon: okay, here it comes. The old clock ticked louder. “I’m not a joke,” she said, when it was her turn. “And Tom didn’t do anything to you. This is you.” “I am not your mom,” Tala said, like a mercy she wanted credit for. “Yeah,” Janna said. “I know.” Silence. The fridge motor, the wire between two people tighter than string. Tala’s fingers trembled once on the chair back. Marino’s jaw had gone tight around the thing he wouldn’t shout. “Give me your phone,” Tala said. “Now.” “No.” “You were posting your little pictures. Acting cute. I see everything. Phone.” Janna let the thrift bag swing. “No.” “Then get out.” No shout. No drama. Just a line pressed hard enough to tear paper. “Kung ayaw mong sumunod, umalis ka.” “Anak—” Marino started, helpless. “It’s okay,” Janna said, and almost made it true. She hooked the bag in her elbow and took the stairs. Lemon polish and tamarind rose like a different memory. She stepped over the third stair without looking; squeaks avoided by reflex, and took the next two quiet as a cat. Her door sighed. Paper and dust and eucalyptus. Posters heavier now, thrift frames instead of tacked nails. Bedspread smelling like soap that didn’t make her itch. Holly lifted her head and mrrrped, offended by principle. “Hey, Hol.” Janna scratched big ears, felt the lean of trust. “We’re transferring to the car version of a studio.” She moved like she’d been rehearsing in the back of her skull for months: backpack open. Chargers. Spinny ring tin. Black cami. Socks rolled like tiny planets. Toothbrush in a plastic sleeve she’d stolen off-realm because the dinosaur made her laugh. Beanie adjustment kit. Brush that didn’t eat hair. Top drawer: catch she always forgot, give she always remembered. Under shirts, the polaroid: her mother in a sundress, half-smile that didn’t have to try; four-year-old Janna in an olive beanie too big, laughing at something off-frame. The fluorite she’d left on the desk for morning rituals lay there tonight because she’d rushed. Her throat pricked; the pacemaker ticked hard enough to feel with fingertips. She slid both into the backpack’s inner pocket. Safe. Under the desk, the carrier scraped linen. Holly eyed it, did the math of dignity versus routine, and climbed in with the sigh of a queen boarding a coach. Janna latched the little door. Closet tote swallowed the haunted coat and Docs. She grabbed the coat anyway and shouldered it like armor someone else might believe in. Voices floated up, turned liquid by distance. “…hindi ganyan,” Marino said. Not like this. “She’s working. She’s trying. She—” “Working where?” Tala snapped. “A grocery pharmacy? Para kanino? You saw her neck. Demonyo, Marino. Demonyo. I warned her. I warned you.” “She’s twenty-one,” Marino said, voice rough with something he hadn’t said in years. “Huwag mong idamay si Luzvaminda.” Tala laughed like glass. “Cursed. That woman was cursed. And now—” The rest smeared. Janna’s grip tightened on the carrier handle till the tendons stood. Behind her ear, skin pulsed where fingers had pinched. The old child-flinch rose and passed. She pressed the fluorite through fabric and breathed. Click. Patient as a teacher tapping a board. Backpack. Carrier. Hall. The picture wall: school photos ending sophomore year; Marino’s fishing hat crooked on a nail; a saint whose eyes followed you out of rooms. “Hindi ko kaya,” Tala said below, spent. I can’t. “Anak,” Marino called, not loud. He wouldn’t shame her. Just set the word in the air in case it knew where to land. Janna walked down without touching the rail. At the bend, she almost said I’m sorry to the lemon-polished wall, decided walls didn’t care. Kitchen doorway. Tala’s mouth tightened at the carrier. Marino looked at bag, beanie, eyes, and something quiet in his face folded. “Don’t touch my room,” Janna said to both, to no one. Marino nodded. “Ingat.” Tala’s hand found her mug and found it empty. She didn’t answer. Janna adjusted the beanie with one fingertip; habit more than fix, and walked out. The door clicked, small and civilized. Porch bulb buzzed once and held. Night smelled like cut grass, cooling asphalt, Mrs. Abad’s eucalyptus that always lied about rain. The carrier swung against her knee. Holly mrrrped, then loafed. Her heart tried to sprint. The pacemaker met it, set pace, held. She walked to the Subaru without looking back. ✦ The car coughed, and found its old sewing-machine purr. Janna buckled the carrier like a toddler and steered into a drive-thru that had been a smoothie place last year and a dry cleaner the year before. The sign now read: BURGER PLANET. Two moons. A smiling pickle. Her throat felt raw. Perfect: birthday week plus cold. Great. “Stay with me, Hol.” She tapped the carrier. Holly issued a judicial mrrrp and loafed harder. Speaker crackle. “Welcome to Burger Planet where condiments are a lifestyle—what can I—” “Oskar?” Janna leaned, squinted toward the lit window. Profile. Messy hair. Keytar case leaning behind the soda tower like it paid rent. Beat of delighted static. “Janna Ordonia? Dude. Hey.” “Funding the art with pickle checks?” she deadpanned. “Keytar strings are—okay, not real. But the spirit of strings is expensive.” His grin warmed the wire. “Star-shaped nugget experience?” “Large fries, extra salt. Coffee the size of my regrets. Chamomile tea for a cat.” “We have… water.” “Put it in a cup. For the fluff princess.” “Copy. Second window for illegal hand-offs.” At the window, Oskar slid it open. His visor failed at hair-taming. Glitter smear on his cheekbone like a cosmic scar. “You look good,” he said, startled by his own mouth. “Got banned from Britta’s for beating up Sensei Brantley and stealing secret sauce weekly,” she said. “Had to glow-up for court.” He barked a laugh. “Iconic. Also I put in a good word. Sauce is fine.” He passed the coffee and fries heavy with promise. Slid a water cup through the carrier hatch like bartending VIP. Holly sniffed, decided hydration was vulgar. “You okay?” Oskar asked, the window frame turning confessional. “Heard, uh, birthday. Then a vibe.” “Yeah.” She watched steam fog the lid. “Birthday accomplished. Vibe… canceled.” He didn’t press. Oskar had always been alarmingly gentle for someone powered by nachos and noise. “You want extra honey mustard?” “For medicine.” “For science,” he corrected, dropping two packets like contraband. Knuckles touched. His were cold. Janna’s were steadier than expected. “Stay weird, Ordonia.” “Already under contract.” She rolled away. The mall lot yawned open, sodium lamps dusting everything the color of old bones. She nosed the Subaru into a back corner under a sleepy eucalyptus and killed the engine. Quiet rang in her ears. A dragoncycle coughed in the distance. Fries made a cheap shrine of the cabin. Janna opened the carrier. Holly emerged in precise increments, took her lap with the solemn authority of a prescription cat. Janna fed her a sacramental fry end, tore honey mustard, dunked, ate, breathed. Coffee lit a small sun behind her sternum. Phone face-down on the dash buzzed itself brave. Cold light lifted the cabin. Tom 🔥: I’m so sorry about earlier. Didn’t mean to push. Please talk to me when you’re ready. I’ll give you space. I just… care about you a lot. Star ✨: sending cat hug gif x1000. love u banana. here if u need me 💫 Marco 🥋: You good? Jackie 🛹: Drink water, chaos goblin. Papa 👔: Good night, anak. The coil behind her breastbone drew tight, then loosened with a click. The fluorite rested warm like it had borrowed sun. Janna stroked Holly’s ears with the backs of her fingers and typed: To Tom: I need a little space. Not your fault. I’m just… me. Ellipses popped, vanished, returned. Tom 🔥: Can I call? If not, I won’t. She watched her own reflection resolve in the glass: beanie, shadowed eyes, that faint heat on her cheeks. “Sure,” she said, and answered before she could think herself into a hole. “Janna?” Tom’s voice—cautious warmth. “Hey. I—” “I’m okay.” She rounded the edges. “You didn’t do anything wrong.” He breathed, shaky. “Are you sure? Because I keep replaying and—” “Don’t.” Her breath ghosted the glass. “I… wanted it. Then my brain did the Janna thing. Diagnostics: panic. I bailed.” A porch-step pause. “Okay. Thanks for telling me.” “I’m sleeping in my car tonight,” she added, then decided to leave it there. “Don’t freak. Holly’s with me.” “…Do I ask why?” “You don’t. Not yet.” The coffee had gone metallic. “I just need a buffer. A week?” “A week,” he said, like a spell he intended to keep. “Text me if you need anything. Or dumb memes. Especially dumb memes.” “Always.” “Janna?” “Hmm.” “I’m here.” Simple landed where it needed to. Her chest stopped trying to sprint. Click. Click. “Mahal kita,” she said, so soft it could’ve been signal noise. “What’s that mean?” “Gibberish.” She wiped one eye with the heel of her hand, surprised to find it wet. “Go to sleep, golden retriever.” He laughed, fragile and real. “Night, gremlin.” She hung up before she could wreck the landing and thumbed airplane mode. The cabin dimmed. Outside, eucalyptus whispered a fake rain. Holly kneaded the hoodie at Janna’s ribs, then sprawled, purring in a frequency that resonated with plastic and bone. Janna reclined in small clicks until the world fit. The fluorite under her palm gave a near inaudible chime. Far across town, in a lab with too much glass, a teal line on a monitor spiked, then settled. “Good gremlin,” Janna murmured to the stubborn heart that refused to be only machine. She tugged the beanie down a notch and let sleep take her, the Subaru cooling around her like a small planet holding orbit under two moons. submitted by /u/StarryEyedBfly to r/StarVStheForcesofEvil [link] [comments]

Hi all, I was wondering what you all recommend for paddle cleaners. I was considering buying carbon fiber squares but I am surprised at the prices while I saw a skateboard grip cleaner sell for a fraction of the price. I appreciate all your thoughts and insights. While my skill isn't very high (2.5) I do value maintenance on my equipment. Thank you and happy Friday! submitted by /u/KittoKatto626 to r/Pickleball [link] [comments]

Let’s dive into some other topics that will likely influence which scooter you choose to purchase Cost When it comes to purchasing an electric scooter, the old adage holds true: you get what you pay forWhen it comes to purchasing an electric scooter, the old adage holds true: you get what you pay for. Generally speaking, higher-priced models provide features, performance, and quality that won’t necessarily be found in lower-priced options. The more money you spend on something, the greater its potential capabilities will tend to be. In other words, don’t expect to be getting any extreme beast scooter for $200 But that’s not to say that entry-level options aren’t a great purchase– after all, not everyone requires extreme performance. If your budget is limited, an affordable electric scooter could still offer plenty of worthwhile features while still giving you a convenient and cheap way to commute. In the end, it’s important to achieve a good balance between functionality and cost–at a price of $400 the electric scooter should at least have: a speed of around 15mph, a range of greater than 10 miles, an IP rating and basic lighting as well as reliable braking for safety. Pro Tip: Filter by speed, and by cost to get the best match Range and Battery Range refers to the distance a scooter can travel before it runs out of battery power. The range of your electric scooter will depend on various factors, including motor power, battery capacity, rider weight, scooter weight, weather, riding mode, and average speed. To give consumers the most accurate and realistic range assessment, we perform rigorous real-world tests on every electric scooter we receive and display the data on our scooter database. To ensure standardization and reliable results-our RG-certified range test is performed by the same rider on the same urban route with frequent stops, rough roads, and uphill climbs in the scooter’s highest performance mode. The 165 lb rider pushes the scooter to its limit, maxing out the throttle and riding until the battery dies completely. There is no denying it, manufacturers have been known to overstate the range of their electric scooters. This is why we advise a cautious rule of thumb to err on the side of caution – take whatever they advertise and divide it by two. Many vendors overstate the actual range of their scooters by up to 30%. To ensure you find the right scooter for your needs, calculate the number of miles you will cover for your regular commute (to and from) and then look for a scooter that can deliver that same amount with a few extra miles left as a buffer. This should give you plenty of leeway in case of unexpected events. You can’t think about range without talking about batteries. In regards to this, two elements come into play: brand and battery capacity. Known brands such as LG, Panasonic, and Samsung tend to be more reliable and have longer expected lifespans than generic brands. When it comes to capacity (the amount of power stored in each battery–typically measured in watt hours (Wh) ); the higher the battery capacity, the greater its range will be. To illustrate this point: the Minimotors Dualtron X Limited has a 5,040 Watt hour LG battery that allows it to reach 86.4 miles of tested range, while the Segway Ninebot Air T15’s branded battery only offers 4.2 miles due to its comparatively lower capacity of 144 Wh. However, like all batteries, your battery capacity (and scooter range) will diminish as time goes by. Most batteries will maintain their integrity for at least 300 to 500 charging cycles, with the best batteries enduring up to 1000 charging cycles before beginning to degrade. Pro Tip: You can bring your charger with you or buy an extra charger to leave at your destination. Some high-performance scooters have dual charging ports, cutting charge time in half when using two chargers. You can also purchase an extra battery for scooters that have a removable battery configuration like the Anyhill UM-2, EMOVE RoadRunner, TurboAnt X7 Max, or Minimotor’s Dualtron Storm. Weight and Portability Portability is very important for scooters because it’s not just about folding the scooter up into a compact package, but also about moving it around when not in use. It is critical that you are capable of not just riding the scooter but also being able to carry or push it if necessary. Most scooters with a reasonable range (>15 miles) will weigh over 25 lbs. Scooters far exceeding 30 lbs will be fairly difficult to carry for long durations, tough having a handle or shoulder strap can help bear the weight. Some scooters have extra wheels or a folded configuration that allow them to be rolled along like the compact, commuter-friendly Fluid Freeride Horizon (13 Ah). However, even with such features, remember that at some point, the scooters might have to be carried upstairs or lifted into a vehicle. Case in point, even the highly portable Glion Dolly has folded dimensions of 37 in by 12 in by 8 in and weighs 28 lbs, which can be awkward for some to carry. If you are in the market for recreational joyriding or beast mode off-roading and not focused on its portability, the weight is not as important a factor as build quality and top speed. But if you need an electric scooter for commuting to and from work daily, the vehicle you choose must be light enough and easy to transport. Every ounce counts, and those few pounds add up over time when you have to carry your electric scooter with you for every outing or over longer flights of stairs. It’s recommended that the scooter should not exceed 30% of your body weight for you to handle it comfortably and with ease. Just think about your commute: Will you need to walk upstairs? Does your destination have an elevator? Do you have permission and space to store your scooter inside (primarily in workplaces)? Do you have alternate transportation when poor visibility and/or inclement weather occur? Are you able to lift the scooter into a trunk? Some conditions, like rainy weather, may also call for you to take public transportation or a rideshare home. Most drivers will allow you to put your scooter in the trunk, but you still need to be able to maneuver it into the vehicle yourself. Pro Tip: For comparison, the average weight of a household standup vacuum cleaner is 12 lbs to 18 lbs, and many have similar dimensions to large folded scooters. Alternatively, visit a sporting goods store and pick up a few dumbbells or kettlebells to test what weight you can comfortably manage. Top Speed When we think about scooters and their top speed, it’s natural to want the fastest ride possible. But most commuters really don’t need more than a max speed of 15 mph. In fact, some municipalities have laws against going over 15 mph on electric scooters, and most restrict scooters from driving on pedestrian sidewalks. And sure,15 mph might seem tame if you’re used to riding in cars, but in reality, it feels much faster on a scooter due to the smaller tire size and zippy acceleration capabilities. If you’re looking for a thrill and are interested in extreme performance scooters, look to the Dualtron X Limited from Minimotors. This electric scooter can hit speeds of up to 60 mph, so it definitely offers some serious power. But remember, with that kind of speed comes great responsibility. If you want to stay safe while getting your thrills, serious safety gear is an absolute must. Pro Tip: It's recommended to wear a helmet when riding your scooter at any speed - although I typically don't, because I stick around 20 mph for my e-scooter rides. Rider Weight The max load or max rider weight is the weight limit that the electric scooter can support. For most scooters, this limit ranges from 220 lbs to 300 lbs. If you weigh more than this, you’ll want to ensure you’re looking at scooters that can support your weight. Not only would exceeding the manufacturer’s specified weight limit be dangerous, but it could also void the terms of your warranty. Keep in mind that even if the scooter is rated for your weight and you’re at the top of the limit, it will be slower and have less range compared to a lighter rider. Not only that, but it can also put an increased strain on your electric scooter’s motors, batteries, and other components, which can lead to premature wear and tear or even damage. Also, consider if you’ll be carrying a backpack or anything else that will add to the overall weight the scooter will bear. While many models of electric scooters will be able to manage up to 220 lbs without major problems, riders who are above that weight should focus on finding a scooter with at least a 500-watt motor – as it will likely have sufficient power for your size and carry more load satisfactorily. Deck The deck of an electric scooter plays a massive role in the overall riding experience. It’s important to consider its size, shape, material, and construction when selecting your ride. First off, you need to consider the size and shape of the deck. Some offer enough standing room to place both feet flat, while others crowd your toes or require that your heels hang off the edge. A larger deck means more room for maneuvering your feet as you ride, making it easier for beginners or those with big feet. On the other hand, a slimmer design may be better suited for smaller riders or those who want less bulk when transporting their scooter. It’s also worth looking out for any design elements that might take up more space on the deck, like a stem folding mechanism or a rear wheel–these can affect how much room is available and how comfortable the ride will be. You’ll also want to ensure that whatever material they use on the deck provides good traction; often scooters will have grip tape or rubberized grooves just like on a skateboard. Motor Power Adult electric scooters have hub motors, which are brushless direct current (BLDC) electric motors built into the wheels’ hubs. All electric kick scooters have at least one motor, while more powerful ones will have dual motors. Electric motors are rated based on their power consumption, which is expressed in units of watts (e.g., 600 watts). More powerful motors will have greater wattage. Motor power generally starts at 250 watts and goes all the way up to 6270 watts on the Minimotors Dualtron X Limited. Budget electric scooters like the GOTRAX GXL Commuter v2 typically have a motor rating at or below 300W. Budget commuter scooters usually range between 300W-1000W, while mid-range commuter scooters have a motor rating of 500W-1500W. For more extreme performance options like the NAMI BURN-E 2, you’re likely to find a dual motor setup with each motor generating at least 1500W. For adults, we do not recommend anything under 250 watts for daily commuting. This will be adequate for flat surfaces and very small hills. If you live in an area with steeper hills, think about going to 350 or 500 watts. Even with 500 watts, your scooter will slow down on medium-sized hills. Larger motors will not only help with powering up hills, but they will also get you up to top speed more quickly. Suspension Suspension, similar to that in a car, smooths out bumps and indentations in the road and improves ride quality. Without suspension, especially if you are using solid tires, every bump and indentation in the road will be felt while riding. If your commute or journey involves traversing rough terrain, having a scooter with suspension is essential. There are three main types of suspension systems that are typically found on electric scooters: Spring Hydraulic or air piston Rubber suspension. Scooters with the best suspension will have some combination of a spring and piston — a combination called coil-over-hydraulic or coil-over-air. Spring suspension is the simplest type of system, as it uses a coil spring to absorb bumps in the road. This type of system is usually found on lighter electric scooters and is generally affordable, but it provides less cushioning than other types. Hydraulic or air piston suspensions are usually more expensive than spring suspensions but offer increased cushioning and performance. Hydraulic suspensions work by using an oil-filled cylinder. As you ride over bumps in the road, the oil inside compresses, absorbing the shock and providing a smoother ride. Air piston suspensions are similar to hydraulic ones but instead use air pressure instead of oil for their cushioning system. Finally, rubber suspensions absorb shock and vibration using elastomer components (rubber cartridges) rather than steel coils. They tend to be fairly stiff but can easily be adjusted by swapping out the rubber cartridges for softer ones. A well-known example of such technology can be seen in Minimotors and Inokim electric scooters. As the micromobility industry advances, manufacturers continue to innovate. Adjustable suspension systems are becoming increasingly common on scooters, and for riders that do a lot of riding or who simply enjoy customization down to the minor details, this development is incredibly beneficial. With an adjustable suspension system, they can customize their ride based on terrain conditions, the overall responsiveness of the system, and many other factors. The type of suspension you get on your scooter will depend on your budget/price class. While budget-friendly options rarely incorporate any kind of suspension, brands like GOTRAX and Hiboy have recently pushed out scooters with basic suspension systems that can still provide a sort of smooth ride. However, this basic setup cannot be compared to what you get on more expensive models. If you’re prepared to spend more than $1,000 on a scooter, then it’s almost certain that you’ll get some kind of suspension on either the front or rear wheel – if not both! Some scooters, however, are forgoing the use of traditional suspensions in favor of large pneumatic tires. These tires provide a far superior form of damping than small, cheap spring suspensions. An example is the Taur, which uses 13-inch Continental brand tires to roll over obstacles. Lighting Before venturing out after dark, you should make sure that you are properly equipped with the right lighting. A standard white high-mounted front light and red rear light will certainly do the trick. However, if you’re looking to really stand out and be visible then stem and deck lights may give you an even more noticeable edge. Due to the design of electric scooters, they typically do not have very visible rear lights. If you are going to ride at night, strongly consider adding some flashing red rear lights to your helmet or backpack. With the industry moving forward at an impressive rate, it’s only natural that we are looking towards a future where certain lighting features become baseline requirements for all scooters. Luckily, companies like Kaabo and NIU have taken up the mantle and created some truly award-winning headlights that can rival car lights. We also have Taur’s patented projector-beam tail lights, which emit a beam of light onto the rider from behind making it easier to be seen on the road compared to other electric scooters setting new market trends. Brakes A quality braking system is essential for staying safe and in control while riding an electric scooter. Like those on a car or bicycle, brakes are what slow the electric scooter down. Electric scooter brakes can be broken into two categories: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical brake systems are those that rely on a physical mechanism to slow the scooter down and include foot, drum, and disc brakes. The typical 15 mph stopping distance for mechanical systems is 20 feet, with the absolute best being under 10 feet. Foot brakes, which are activated by pushing your foot down on the rear fender, cause it to rub against the rear tire, slowing it down. This type of brake has stopping power but is not as effective as drum or disc brakes. Drum brakes are enclosed inside the wheel hub, are generally lower maintenance than other braking types, and have consistent performance in wet conditions. Disc brakes have the most stopping power and are lighter than drum brakes. They are typically found on higher-end premium commuter and high-performance scooters, but may appear on better quality budget commuter scooters as well. Disc and drum brakes can be the most effective. Electronic braking systems rely on using the motor itself for braking and include strictly electric and regenerative braking systems. Electric and regenerative brakes are the weakest. If you are traveling at 15+mph and need to stop quickly, these alone will not do the job. The typical 15 mph stopping distance using an electronic brake alone is 30 to 40 feet. Mechanical braking systems will offer much stronger braking than electronic systems. However, electronic systems benefit from not requiring any periodic adjustments or maintenance. Many scooters will have a combination of both electronic and mechanical braking systems. For safety reasons, we recommend scooters that have at least two braking systems in case one fails. Tires Tires come in two types: solid (airless) tires and pneumatic (air-filled) tires. Solid tires are what they sound like, often made of rubber, foam, or other flexible material. There are a few varieties of airless tires, and these include honeycomb, polymer-filled, and solid. Solid tires are inferior to pneumatic tires in every way except that they require virtually no maintenance and cannot go flat. The disadvantage of solid tires over air-filled tires is that they provide poor traction and ride quality; you’re more likely to feel every bump and even stumble over lines of paint on the road (lol). Pneumatic tires or air-filled tires We always recommend pneumatic tires because they give better ride quality (with or without suspension), and their supple rubber performs much better in adverse road conditions (especially in bad weather). Some air-filled tires have inner tubes that can be replaced if damaged; while others are tubeless. The downside to pneumatic tires is that they require more maintenance than the airless variety. Not only do you need to check the tire pressure periodically, but these tires are also prone to punctures (especially the ones with inner tubing). On scooters, it’s often the rear tire that endures the brunt of our weight, and you’ll likely see this where there are more flats. Some manufacturers have devised a solution where the front tire is filled with air, and the back tire is solid. This way, you won’t have to deal with annoying flats as often. Pneumatic tires, with tubes and tubeless, are common in all price classes except the budget range, where tires are almost exclusively solid. Pro Tip: Do not underestimate the improved ride quality you will get with pneumatic tires. They will make a huge difference when going over even slightly bumpy terrain, where the vibrations from the road can make your feet and hands very uncomfortable. Electric scooter wheels come in various sizes ranging from 6 to 16 inches. 6-inch wheels are typically found on kid’s scooters, while 8.5 inches is considered the optimum size for entry-level models. As you move up the performance ladder, wheel sizes will generally increase. In general, bigger wheels are more stable and can roll over obstacles better. However, if portability is your main concern, you should stick with smaller wheels. An 8.5-inch wheel is ideal for portability without sacrificing much in terms of stability, whereas larger diameter options (10+ inches) are preferable for maximum performance, better handling, and off-road capabilities. IP Rating If you’re thinking of buying an electric scooter that’s suitable for all weather conditions, then it pays to familiarize yourself with the IP rating. The two numbers in the rating let you know how well your vehicle can handle dust and moisture; the first character indicates protection from solid particles such as dust and debris, while the second character describes water resistance from rain, splashing, and immersion. The higher the number, the better your scooter will be protected from dust, moisture, and splashes. Not all electric scooters have an IP rating reported by their manufacturers, but if you’re planning on riding in a range of different conditions, then make sure you choose one with an IPx4 rating or above. Currently, the most highly resistant model we’ve tested is the Apollo’s City Pro scooter, which has an impressive IP56 rating! Warranty and Customer Support A warranty will be your lifeline should any problem arise down the road. Many companies offer some type of limited warranty on their electric scooters so make sure to read the fine print to understand what’s covered by a warranty before buying. As part of our RG certified scooter review process, we evaluate and outline warranty offerings, including length of term and inclusions. We also learn about the distributors and scooter brands directly from e-scooter riders. Along with a strong warranty, dedicated and responsive customer support is an excellent benefit when purchasing an electric scooter. As you familiarize yourself with your new device, you may have questions or concerns about how to properly care for and repair it. Exceptional post-purchase customer support is not available from all distributors, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons depending on which brand you buy from where. How Long is an Electric Scooter Warranty? Electric scooter warranties typically vary between brands, but can range from 6 months to 2 years. One of the best warranties we’ve seen is from NIU Scooters, who offer an impressive 2 year warranty on all their scooters, that covers even the most expensive parts–the battery, dash and controllers. Maintenance and Repairs Maintenance can be a hassle if you don’t purchase a reliable scooter with parts that are easily accessible. Fortunately, there are many brands out there that offer excellent build quality and easy-to-find replacement parts. Uscooters, for instance, is well known for its reliability and ultraportable scooters. Look into the company’s reputation and see what other customers say about their experiences with the product. Find out how long it takes for the manufacturer to provide replacement parts and how much the repairs cost. Look for an electric scooter that has a durable frame and components that are built to last. High-quality materials such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel are ideal because they are strong but lightweight at the same time. You also want to diligently avoid models with lots of plastic components, as one rough fall could mean replacement parts at a hefty cost. How Frequent are Electric Scooter Repairs? Even the most durable electric scooters will require upkeep. Our owner survey data indicates that most people have two issues per year or every 600 miles requiring maintenance. The most common parts needing repair are tires (flats, low tread), brakes (brake pads, brake adjustments), and fenders (broken, loose). Preventative Maintenance Proactive tune-ups can save you a lot of trouble in the future. Though most electric scooters don’t require regular maintenance on most of their parts, you may need some on your tires or certain bolts.This can include checking and tightening all nuts, bolts, and screws periodically and checking tire pressure and tread depth. In addition, it is important to check for worn parts or components that may need replacing. You should also inspect wires and cables for signs of wear or damage. DIY Another thing to keep in mind is that there isn’t a good infrastructure in place for electric scooter repair as the industry is just forming, so the best option for regular maintenance and repairs is often doing it yourself. Safety Scooters and mopeds have recently been in the news, not just for popping up worldwide in shared services but for causing serious injuries and even death. If you’ve been in cities with shared scooter services, you know that helmets do not come with the package, and the unexpected surge in accidents is largely happening in the shared scooter market. Often with first-time riders, the most serious injuries involve impacts to the head, which a helmet can mitigate. According to scooter-related injury reports, an astounding 82.7% of falls would have been avoidable had the rider used better technique and worn protective gear like a helmet. This highlights how vital it is for riders to get comfortable with their scooter before heading out on their own, and also to always wear a helmet, as well as other protective gear such as elbow and knee pads, gloves, visibility vests, etc. It’s also important for riders to be aware of potential hazards like uneven terrain or potholes which can cause them to lose control or fall off their scooter if not navigated properly. Learning how to brake safely and effectively is also essential Additionally, staying alert while riding will help you stay safe by giving you more time to react if there are sudden obstacles in your way or unforeseen changes in traffic patterns. It’s also wise to plan ahead by learning your route beforehand so that you can be prepared when dealing with turns or intersections in unfamiliar areas. That wraps up this E-Scooter Guide. submitted by /u/TrevorWGoodchild to r/eScooterATX [link] [comments]