How to Fix a Stuck Folding Mechanism on JOYOR S5, S8S & S10S

Struggling to unfold your JOYOR S5, S8S, or S10S? A stiff folding mechanism is usually caused by excessive latch tension or a misaligned rubber damper. This guide will show you how to quickly fix the issue and restore smooth folding.

Video Tutorial & Quick Timeline

Prefer watching? Check out our step-by-step video tutorial below. Click any time point in the timeline to quickly jump to the corresponding repair step:

0:00 Correct Technique

0:19 Diagnose Issue

0:37 Loosen Screws

0:50 Adjust Damper

1:13 Daily Best Practice

Part 1: The Correct Unfolding Technique

Before reaching for your tools, ensure you are applying the correct physical technique. The locking mechanism requires tension relief to release safely.

Position Yourself: Hold the steering column with one hand. Grasp the folding lever with your other hand and gently lift it upwards.
Relieve the Tension: Step onto the deck with one foot. Use your hand or shoulder to push the steering column forward forcefully.
Lock it in: Keep pushing forward until you feel the middle metal rail drop completely back into the safety groove.

Expert Tip: Pushing the column forward is the most critical step. It completely removes the mechanical friction from the locking pin, preventing long-term damage to the latch.

Part 2: How to Adjust the Rubber Damper

If you have applied the technique above and the e-scooter remains stubbornly stiff, the issue likely lies in the alignment of the structural rubber damper. Follow these step-by-step visual instructions:

Step 1: Inspect the Damper Indentation

Locate the black rubber damper at the bottom of the folding structure. Look for a small indentation (or groove) on its surface. Ensure this indentation is facing directly towards the folding mechanism to reduce resistance.

JOYOR e-scooter rubber damper indentation orientation

Fig. 1: Ensure the rubber damper groove faces correctly toward the folding structure.

Step 2: Loosen the Fixing Screws

If the alignment is correct but the mechanism is still tight, you will need to adjust the damper's exact placement. Slightly loosen the main centre screw using an Allen key (do not remove it completely), then loosen the adjacent bolts.

Loosening the fixing screws with an Allen key

Fig. 2: Loosen the screws carefully without taking them completely out.

Step 3: Move and Test

With the screws loosened, the rubber damper can now move freely. Physically attempt to unfold the e-scooter so the damper naturally shifts into its optimal, lowest-friction position.

Fig. 3: Test unfolding the e-scooter while the damper is loose to find the sweet spot.

Step 4: Retighten Securely

Once you find that "sweet spot" where the e-scooter unfolds with ease, securely tighten all screws back into place. Precision takes patience; you may need a few trial-and-error runs.

Fig. 4: Securely tighten all bolts once the ideal position is locked in.

Part 3: Daily Folding Best Practices

To ensure maximum longevity and safe daily riding, always follow this routine when folding your e-scooter away:

Place one foot securely on the scooter deck.
Push the steering column forward hard to relieve pressure on the safety latch.
Simultaneously pull the folding lever down.

Upgrade Your JOYOR Experience

Resolved your folding issue and ready for more performance? Explore our complete range of premium JOYOR Modified Parts, including the highly requested JOYOR S5 ABE/PRO Speed Unlock Kit – Controller & Display for higher speed and advanced control!