Why You Should Never Use the Side Stand to Turn Off Your Scooter

You might have heard that you can turn off your scooter by putting down the side stand. While technically possible, this practice should be avoided completely.

The side stand is a safety feature designed to prevent your scooter from rolling when it's parked. When you lower the side stand, the engine automatically shuts off to prevent accidents. However, using it to turn off your scooter can have negative consequences for your battery and even your engine control unit (ECU).

Why Using the Side Stand to Turn Off Your Scooter Is a Bad Idea

Here's why you should always use the ignition key to turn off your scooter:

• Battery Drain: When you turn off your scooter using the side stand, the contact remains 'on', meaning the meter cluster and other electrical components continue to draw power from your battery. This can lead to a drained battery, especially if you forget to turn the ignition key off. This is especially important if you leave the side stand down for extended periods.
• ECU Activity: While the side stand switch doesn't directly impact the engine, your ECU will register this action as an unusual event. This will trigger the check engine light to blink, potentially causing unnecessary worry, even though it's not a genuine error code.
• Potential for Overheating: Keeping the contact 'on' while the scooter is off could lead to overheating of the ECU and other electrical components, potentially causing malfunctions or shortening their lifespan.

Always Use the Ignition Key

To ensure the longevity of your battery and prevent potential issues with your scooter, it's always best to turn off your scooter using the ignition key. This will completely disconnect the electrical system, ensuring your battery remains charged and preventing unnecessary activity in your ECU. By following this simple step, you can help ensure your scooter runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.