Maximise Your Electric Scooter Battery Life

One of the advantages of owning an electric scooter is that it doesn't require very much maintenance. Unlike a car, motorcycle, or bike, an e-scooter requires regular trips to the mechanic for replacement or tuning. This makes them a convenient and hassle-free personal vehicle.

If you do not take care of your electric scooter, it could reduce the capacity of the battery and make it die faster. To help you keep your electric scooter battery alive for as long as possible, here are some easy tips:

1. Know your electric scooter’s battery capacity and true range

Know the specs of your e-scooter battery such as the volts (V), ampere-hours (Ah), and watt-hours (Wh). If your manufacturer did not list the battery’s watt-hours, you can calculate this by multiplying the ampere-hours by the voltage.

If you're going to be relying on your electric scooter for transportation, it's important to know how far it can travel on a single charge. This can be different to what the manufacturer claim, depending on your commute.  

There are several factors e.g. hills, rough terrain, or stoppages that can affect your scooter's range, so it might take a few trips to get an accurate estimate. Knowing this information will help you maintain your battery capacity and keep track of its performance over time.

2. Don’t drain your battery

You can prolong an electric scooter battery by not fully draining it. Though some devices benefit from being fully charged then drained, this is not the case for electric scooters. Keep the charge above 10-40%.

Try not to use the fastest speed mode when riding or climbing steep hills, especially when your e-scooter is not made for climbing. Doing these will use more of your battery and can drain your battery faster.

Ultimately, the best way to avoid draining your battery and not having to think about it often is to charge it after every use. This way, you know that your electric scooter always has a charge. Moreover, when you are in a hurry, you can always grab your e-scooter and go since it’s already fully charged.

3. Charge your electric scooter regularly

Always charge your battery to not only avoid a drained battery, but also extend the life of it. Even if you don't think your electric scooter needs it after a full day of use, charge it at night.

When you charge your battery for a long period of time, it will be in its ideal condition. Consider this: A person who eats three times a day has consistent energy and performance throughout the day. In comparison, a individual who only consumes once per day will become sluggish and unable to perform as his or her energy drains throughout the day. It's like to your electric scooter battery in terms of charging - you need to keep it charged at all times!

READ NEXT: Essential Scooter Maintenance Guide 

5. Keep the battery charged even when not in use

Even when you won't be using your electric scooter tomorrow or for a while, don't let it sit there with an almost drained battery. Make sure that it is at least 40-50% charged. Better yet, fully charge it before storing it for a long time.

Lithium-ion batteries tend to last longer when they have stored charge, so charge your battery at least every 30 days if it will not be used regularly or for a long time. This way, your battery can retain its capacity and performance once you decide to use it again.

4. Store your battery or e-scooter at the right temperature

You can extend the lifespan of your e-scooter's battery by storing it at the optimal temperature, which may differ depending on the make and model. Be sure to check your scooter's manual for more specific instructions.

The ideal temperature for storing your electric scooter is the same as what humans can tolerate. However, if the optimal temperature is not written in the manual or specs, just make sure that it’s not stored in a space that’s too hot or too cold. Lithium-ion batteries don't do well in extreme temperatures--avoid placing your electric scooter near sunlight or outside during winter.

6. Use the correct charger for your battery

Although it may be tempting to save money by using an aftermarket charging cable, this could damage your battery and shorten its lifespan. Incorrectly charged batteries can overcharge or undercharge, which will cause long-term problems. Make sure you understand the specifications of your charger before use.

Most companies sell a replacement if your charger dies. In fact, some manufacturers even offer warranties on the chargers, allowing you to have it fixed or replaced for free if it remains within the warranty period. Make sure you get a manufacturer-approved charger if you aren't covered by the guarantee anymore.

7. Avoid overcharging your electric scooter battery

While it’s important to charge your battery regularly, it’s equally important not to overcharge it. Once it’s fully charged, disconnect it immediately from the plug or cable.

Manufacturers share the average or maximum charging time of your battery, so make sure to keep an eye on your battery when time is almost up.

If your battery is charging for an extended period of time, it might be defective or close to the end of its lifespan. When this happens to you, it's time to replace your battery.

Remember these tips

Ultimately, being mindful of how you ride, charge, and store your electric scooter battery will help prolong its life and maximise your electric scooter battery performance. Practice these tips to prolong your battery’s lifespan.

If you're running out of charge, then an external battery pack might be a solution. It won't repair or refill your current battery, but it will add more capacity and power.

How long should an electric scooter battery last?

Before going into the different ways to take care of your electric scooter battery, it is important to understand how long it should last. Typically, an electric scooter's battery will function for 300 to 500 cycles; that is one to three years or 3,000-10,000 miles. However, several factors such as its battery size and watt-hours influence an e-scooter's battery lifespan.

Even if your battery reaches 300 to 500 cycles, it does not mean that the battery power will diminish immediately. The capacity of the battery will lessened over time, which then leads to a decrease in scooter performance. No matter how old or new your batteries are, by taking care of them , you can use them for as long as possible.