Getting an electric scooter as a beginner is really exciting, isn’t it? But, like any electronic device, charging them correctly is crucial for having good performance and a long lifespan.
We’re used to charging our phones on the fly, and we might do the same with our scooter batteries. If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place.
To keep your electric scooter running well and make it last a long, a few things you need to keep in mind. It includes using the charger that came with your scooter, charging in a cool, dry place, not in direct sun or extreme heat, don’t overcharge it, replacing the parts if needed, and many more. Remember, charging your e-scooter needs to be at a specific time.
Continue reading, as this article will cover everything about charging your electric scooter. From understanding the battery basics to tips for charging it, you’ll get to know each and every detail.
First and foremost, let’s go over the battery itself.
Types of Electric Scooter’s Battery
Most of the electric scooter uses one of two main types of batteries. Number 1: lithium-ion and Number 2: lead-acid. Each type has its own uniqueness and charging requirements. So, it would be better to understand them first.
1. Lithium-ion Batteries: These are the most common batteries in electric scooters. They’re popular because they’re lightweight, they’re incredibly high-powered, and long lifespan. They charge quickly and don’t lose power when standing unused. But they need careful charging to stay safe and last long. These batteries are often used in the military and aerospace industry.
Even though they’re strong, they aren’t invincible. So, we recommend handling your battery with care since it’s a powerful and intricate piece of technology it is.
2. Lead-acid Batteries: Lead-acid batteries are older and heavier than lithium-ion ones. That’s why, these are not common and not preferred in modern electric scooters. But some cheaper scooters still use them. These batteries need more care, like keeping their water levels right and not letting them fully drain. Lead-acid batteries take more time to charge as compared to lithium-ion batteries.
Also, if you overcharge it by mistake, it can lead to reduced performance and early failure.
When Should I Charge My Electric Scooter?
As a beginner, you have to keep in mind that you don’t let your scooter’s battery get too low before charging it. Why? The reason is that lithium batteries work best when they’re kept charged.
Pro Tip: Keep your charge level above 30% regularly. If you ride when it’s lower than that, like below 25% or 20%, it can make the electric scooter’s lifespan shorter.
Never try charging your scoter right after riding, even though it might feel right. You have to wait at least 15 minutes, as it is highly advisable. When you ride, the battery gets, and charging it when it’s hot is a bad approach. That’s why, wait until it cools down.
Now that we know about the types of batteries and what’s the right time to charge, let’s look at some important tips that one should know.
Important Tips to Charge Your Electric Scooter
As we know, electric scooters have emerged as one of the go-to modes of transportation. But, like with any electronic gadget, you need to care for its battery to make it last.
How can you do it, then? Let’s discuss one-by-one:
Tip 1: Electric Scooter Battery Temperature
A bit like if you’re using your electric scooter in extreme weather conditions, the battery health will suffer. Hot temperatures will cause your battery to struggle, especially when charging. So, always charge your electric scooter’s battery in a cool and ventilated place. Cold temperatures will definitely reduce the capacity of your battery and thus, the range of your e-scooter.
Additionally, we’d recommend charging your electric scooter as close to room temperature as possible.
Note: If you’re using your electric e-scooter in the Arctic Circle, then there is not much you can do about this.
Tip 2: Never Forget to Clean Charger Wires and Point
Clean your battery and its wires with a dry cloth often to prevent leaks. Make sure that it doesn’t have any dust, dirt, or debris. If there’s dirt or dust, it can slow down charging or even stop it from charging altogether.
Be mindful of not using strong chemicals (while cleaning), as they can be harmful. You just need to trust your instincts. If you find anything wrong with your battery, replace it soon.
Overall, by keeping everything clean and connected in the right way, you help your scooter charger faster and last longer.
Tip 3: Only Use the Right E-Scooter Charger
Electric Scooter batteries vary in shapes and sizes. So, there are no universal chargers that fit all. Each e-scooter battery will only be fully compatible with its recognized charger or a third-party charger made for it.
If your electric scooter charger is anyhow lost or damaged, we understand that it can be tempting to use any charger that fits.
However, this can be harmful to your battery. And, even if the charger appears to be the same or working, it could be charging the battery improperly.
Note: If you still use a different charger, make sure it has the same voltage as the original one.
Tip 4: Try Not to Fully Run Down Your Electric Scooter Battery
The first thing to remember is electric scooter batteries work differently from those in our mobile phones. We often let our phones die completely before charging them fully, but that’s not the best for scooter batteries.
If you do the same, this could be harmful to your e-scooter battery. Instead, it’s better to charge it at every opportunity you get. This is because all lithium-ion batteries usually last for 500-1000 charge cycles, depending on the brand.
For the longest battery life, we recommend you keep your electric scooter charged above 50%. If you’re only taking short trips and can keep it above 50%, that’s even better.
In short, if you want your battery to last longer, try fully draining it every 5-10 charges.
Tip 5: Don’t Overcharge Your Scooter’s Battery
The lithium-ion batteries are built to stop overcharging. Still, it is best to unplug your electric scooter when it’s fully charged. When you keep it plugged in all the time, it can damage the battery and cause it to wear out over time.
In most of the e-scooters, when the charger’s light turns red means it is charging now. And, when it’s full, the charger lights turn green.
Overcharging can make the battery get too hot. It can make it work less well over time. Also, keeping your electric scooter plugged in unnecessarily for a long time can waste electricity.
Tip 6: Drain It On a Regular Basis
It’s okay to use and charge your battery based on your needs. However, sometimes letting it fully drain can help maintain its capacity.
A common way is to let the scooter’s battery run out completely every 2-3 months. Just ride normally until it stops. Then, charge it back to 100%.
This helps your e-scooter’s battery longevity. Also, it helps the BMS to more accurately reflect your battery capacity on the scooter dashboard.
Note: Please note that it’s not universally true, but it worked for us.
Tip 7: Always Monitor Charging Progress
You should always keep an eye on your electric scooter while it’s charging. Check the battery level and temperature to stay safe and avoid problems like overheating or overcharging.
Electric scooters usually have safety features to help. However, it would be great to watch and step in if needed.
Is there any indicator in a charger? Yes, many new electric scooters have now lights or apps that show how much the battery has charged.
Important Tip: Read The Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Each of our electric scooters includes an instruction manual. It has more information on the ideal conditions for your specific scooter.
Charging too much or too often can make the battery wear out faster, which can hamper your scooter’s performance. It’s important to use the charger recommended by the manufacturer for your e-scooter. So, firstly check your scooter’s manual for how long and how often to change it. This helps avoid any damage to your scooter or battery.
What Are the Safety Precautions During Charging
If you’re not a beginner, charging your electric scooter is something you do often. However, it’s crucial to do it safely. But how? Below we have listed some safety tips that you must remember:
1. Keep it Dry: Make sure the charging point is dry and no water gets near the charger or battery. Remember water can harm both and give you an electric shock.
2. Check for Damage: Before charging, take a closer look at the cable and connector for any damage. It is highly recommended not to use a broken charger for safety reasons.
3. Unplug After Charging: When your e-scooter is fully charged, unplug it from the wall. When you leave it plugged in too long, it can overcharge the battery.
4. Using Stable Outlet: Always plug your charger into a solid. It can be a grounded outlet. Never ever use extension cords or adapters that not be stable.
5. Keep Any Kids Away: When the battery is charging, keep your kids and pets away from the area. It will help you avoid misfortunes or touching the charger.
Conclusion
Let’s conclude this article by saying that, keeping your electric scooter battery in good shape and maximizing its lifespan is not rocket science.
For that, you just need to follow the tips mentioned above which include cleaning the wires and points, cooling down the scooter, monitoring the progress, and a few more.
Above all, the easiest and best advice for charging your scooter is to check your manufacturer’s manual. Again we all know real life will get in the different way and we can’t always stick to the tips above.
But, if can make these tips part of your routine then your e-scooter battery will last longer.
All in all, with proper care and maintenance, your electric scooter’s battery will keep working well for years to come.