Electric Scooter Braking System Selection Guide: Disc Brakes vs. Drum Brakes vs. Expanding Brakes

For enterprises running urban shared scooter fleets or logistics delivery teams, the choice of braking system is crucial. It directly affects how often the scooters can be used and how safe they are. Currently, the main mechanical braking options are disc brakes, drum brakes, and expanding brakes (Zhangsha). Each has its own unique technical features and commercial benefits, and the right choice depends on the specific operating scenario.

Disc Brakes: High-Frequency Braking Performance Guardians

Disc brake systems work by using hydraulic calipers to squeeze rotating discs. Their open structure gives them three significant advantages. First, they have excellent heat dissipation. The exposed disc design allows heat to escape quickly, which is essential for preventing performance loss during long downhill rides or frequent stops and starts. This makes them a great fit for mountainous cities where more than 30% of the roads have slopes. Second, they offer precise force control. They pair well with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) systems, which can adjust the braking force between the front and rear wheels in real-time, reducing the risk of skidding during sudden stops. Finally, they are easy to maintain. The open design lets mechanics quickly check the wear status, minimizing the time the scooter is out of service. However, in sandy areas, the exposed parts can wear out faster. For operations in coastal regions or industrial zones, it’s advisable to add protective covers.

Drum Brakes: All-Weather Cost-Effective Solution

The drum-and-shoe setup of drum brakes provides several commercial benefits. Their sealed design makes them highly resistant to the elements. In areas with high rainfall (annual rainfall >1500mm), they can reduce brake failure-related maintenance by 75%. Economically, they are a great option for mid-sized fleets on a budget, as mass production brings down the unit cost by 40% compared to disc brakes. Additionally, they have a high load capacity. The large contact area between the brake shoes and the drum ensures stable stopping distances, even when carrying loads of over 150kg. To avoid excessive heat buildup during continuous use, it’s recommended to combine drum brakes with regenerative braking.

Expanding Brakes: Phasing-Out Transitional Solution

Although expanding brakes (Zhangsha) have a simple structure, they come with significant drawbacks. Their braking force is inconsistent because only one side of the shoe expands, which can increase emergency stopping distances by 20% compared to drum brakes. Maintenance is also a challenge, as inspecting wear requires completely disassembling the brake, adding 1.5 hours to each maintenance session. Furthermore, they are not compatible with advanced safety features like ABS or smart safety modules, which means they don't meet updated regulations such as EU EN 17128. For fleets using expanding brakes, it’s a good strategy to plan for phasing them out, starting with the scooters that are used for more than 8 hours a day.

Why Choose Our Solutions?

As an ISO 4210-certified braking specialist with over 15 years of experience, we offer solutions tailored to your needs.

Scenario-Engineered Systems

For coastal operations, we provide stainless steel disc brakes with ceramic pads, which offer 50% better corrosion resistance. In mountainous regions, our dual-piston drum brakes, combined with ABS coordination algorithms, can reduce stopping distances on slopes by 18%.