Knowing how to charge your electric scooter properly is a major factor in getting the most from your e-scooter and making it last longer. You might think that charging an e-scooter is straightforward. In fact, it is. However, many riders don’t know how to charge e-scooters the right way. So, this simple guide lists down tips, facts, and reminders to help you charge your e-scooter and make your battery last.
How to charge your electric scooter properly
Here’s a quick guide on how to charge electric scooters.
1. Prepare your e-scooter for charging
First of all, make sure your e-scooter is ready to be charged. Turn off your e-scooter power, remove its protective cover, prepare its charger, and place it near a plug. Make sure that the port and connector are free from dust and first. Also, check if there’s no damage to the charger or the port before plugging them in.
2. Connect the charger into the wall
Once everything is set, start by connecting the charger to the wall first. Make it a habit to plug the charger into the wall before connecting it to the e-scooter, as this will protect the charger and output capacitor. Since chargers become hot while charging, make sure to put them on a non-flammable surface. Moreover, place the charger in a way that will not loosen your connection or tie a knot in the cables.
3. Check if it’s charging
Once the e-scooter is plugged in, check if the light indicator is turned on. Check on the light indicator once in a while to see if it’s completely charged. However, you don’t know how to do this if you know how long your battery should charge. While charging, experts say that it’s best to partially charge your e-scooter up to 80% of full charge since it will increase battery life significantly. Keep this in mind when charging your e-scooter.
4. Unplug as soon as it is charged
As soon as you see the light indicator turn green, unplug your charger from the wall immediately. Overcharging is not recommended as the battery capacity will be affected. Aside from this, avoid using your e-scooter after charging. Instead, wait for at least five minutes to ride it. Since your battery may still be hot from charging, avoid riding your e-scooter in this condition. Give it a few minutes to cool down before riding.
Electric scooter charging FAQs
Get your facts straight with these frequently asked questions on electric scooter charging.
How long should you charge an electric scooter?
Electric scooter charging time is often indicated by the manufacturer. It’s best to follow these charging times, especially if you will do a full charge. However, in general, it takes between four to 20 hours to charge an electric scooter. The charging period greatly depends on the battery capacity and the charger.
Regular commuter electric scooters usually take an average of four hours to charge since they have smaller batteries. Meanwhile, off-road or high-performance e-scooters like the Mearth GTS Series take up to 6 hours to charge since they have powerful batteries.
How long do batteries last?
Electric scooter batteries can last from one to three years. That’s 500-1000 charge cycles. However, the battery life of your e-scooter greatly depends on how you use and take care of it. Do you often charge your e-scooter battery or do you let it drain out? Draining it out will harm its capacity. Simple practices like these can affect your e-scooter battery life, so be mindful of how you use your e-scooter.
How can you maximise your battery life?
Here are some tips to make your e-scooter battery last:
- Don’t drain your battery and avoid overcharging.
- Charge it regularly.
- Use an original and correct charger for your e-scooter.
- Don’t ride it after charging.
- Don’t store it in an extremely hot or cold area.
Learn more tips to maximise your electric scooter battery life.
Can you overcharge an electric scooter?
Most riders are charging electric scooters overnight since it’s convenient and ready for riding in the morning. While this is a practical thing to do, many riders tend to overcharge their batteries when doing this. As previously mentioned, it’s best not to overcharge your e-scooter as it can damage the capacity of the battery. The extra charge will cause the plating of metallic lithium, which blocks the flow of ions and electrons, causing it to degrade.
Why should you store partially charged batteries?
Some experts recommended charging your battery at near-full if you will be storing it for a long period. This means don’t completely charge your battery and leave it at around 80% full. While storing, the battery cells continue to lose charge. So, if it’s below 2.7 volts/cell, the battery greatly depletes and becomes unstable. Take care of your e-scooter battery by storing it with a bit of charge.
How much do electric scooter batteries cost?
Damaging and replacing our e-scooter batteries will be the most expensive part of maintaining your e-scooter. The price will depend on the size and power of your e-scooter battery. It can range from $160-$350 or more depending on the model and manufacture, too. So, if you don’t want to spend a lot on your e-scooter batteries, make sure to take care of them properly to avoid damaging your batteries.
Keep the tips above in mind to take care of your electric scooter and battery while charging. For more electric scooter guides, feel free to browse through Mearth’s blogs. You’ll find tons of helpful tips and insights to help you care for your e-scooter properly.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of electric scooters, charging mechanisms, and battery maintenance, I've had hands-on experience with various e-scooter models. I've closely followed developments in the electric mobility industry, staying informed about the latest technologies and best practices. My knowledge extends to the nuances of battery chemistry, charging protocols, and the impact of different charging habits on overall battery health.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
1. Preparing Your E-Scooter for Charging:
- Turn off the e-scooter power.
- Remove the protective cover.
- Ensure the charger, port, and connector are clean.
- Check for any damage to the charger or port.
2. Connecting the Charger:
- Plug the charger into the wall before connecting it to the e-scooter.
- Place the charger on a non-flammable surface to dissipate heat.
- Arrange cables to avoid knots or loose connections.
3. Monitoring Charging:
- Check the light indicator while the e-scooter is charging.
- Aim for a partial charge, ideally up to 80%, to enhance battery life.
4. Unplugging Safely:
- Disconnect the charger as soon as the light indicator turns green.
- Avoid overcharging, as it can negatively impact battery capacity.
- Wait for at least five minutes before riding to allow the battery to cool down.
Electric Scooter Charging FAQs:
a. Charging Time:
- Charging times vary, typically ranging from four to 20 hours.
- Factors include battery capacity and the type of charger.
- Commuter scooters may take around four hours, while high-performance models may take up to six hours.
b. Battery Lifespan:
- E-scooter batteries generally last one to three years (500-1000 charge cycles).
- Lifespan is influenced by usage patterns and maintenance practices.
c. Maximizing Battery Life:
- Avoid draining the battery completely and overcharging.
- Charge the battery regularly.
- Use the correct, original charger.
- Refrain from riding immediately after charging.
- Store the e-scooter in moderate temperature conditions.
d. Overcharging Concerns:
- Overcharging, especially overnight, can damage battery capacity.
- Metallic lithium plating can occur, blocking the flow of ions and electrons, leading to degradation.
e. Storing Batteries:
- Some experts recommend storing batteries at around 80% charge for extended periods.
- Battery cells lose charge over time, andmaintaining a partial charge helps prevent excessive depletion.
f. Cost of Electric Scooter Batteries:
- Damaging and replacing e-scooter batteries can be the most expensive maintenance aspect.
- Battery costs range from $160 to $350 or more, depending on the size and power of the battery, as well as the model and manufacturer.
In conclusion, proper charging practices and battery maintenance are crucial for maximizing the lifespan and performance of electric scooters. By following the outlined tips and understanding the nuances of charging, riders can ensure a longer-lasting and more efficient experience with their e-scooters. For those seeking more insights and guidance, exploring resources like Mearth's blogs can provide valuable information on caring for electric scooters.
