Get the Most Out of Your Electric Scooter: Tips for Battery Maintenance
Electric scooters are becoming more and more popular, which means that more people are likely to experience dead batteries at some point in time. Scooter battery maintenance can be tricky, but there are plenty of ways to keep your electric scooter running smoothly and make sure your battery stays charged as long as possible. The following tips on scooter battery maintenance will help you get the most out of your electric scooter, saving you both time and money.
Tips for Maintenance
Once you’ve picked out your perfect electric scooter, it’s important to take good care of the battery so that it lasts as long as possible before needing replacement. Batteries are one of the most expensive and essential components of an electric scooter, so taking care of them will save you money in the long run and help ensure you have access to your beloved transportation tool at all times. Here are some tips on getting the most out of your electric scooter’s battery, ensuring that you keep up with its proper maintenance to save money over time.
Stay off it when you are not using it
If you are not using your scooter, try to stay off it. The last thing you want is to have a flat battery when you need it. If you're going to leave your scoot sitting for an extended time, charge it up again before storing it away. This way, the battery will be at its optimum charge when you get back on and start riding again. Make sure to use a trickle charger instead of plugging it into recharge. Trickle chargers keep the power flowing slowly, which reduces strain on the battery's cells and prolongs its life span.
Store it properly
An electric scooter is a convenient way to zip around town, but you'll get even more use out of it if you store it properly. Here are a few tips to help you keep your battery healthy and working well.
- Charge your battery fully before storage.
- Remove the battery from your device, and store it in a dry, cool place with low humidity levels.
- Keep your batteries away from high heat sources like radiators or fireplaces. - Avoid storing batteries near water such as pools, sinks, or lakes.
- Batteries will discharge during long periods without use; when they are not being charged they need to be stored at 40% capacity.
- If you're storing them at a 40% charge, recharge them every 3 months.
Keep an eye on your battery
It's important to keep an eye on your scooter battery. The voltage should be between 12.6 and 14 volts when it's fully charged, so it's important to keep track of how much charge you're getting. You can monitor this by checking your battery voltage periodically with a voltmeter or multimeter, which most auto parts stores will rent out for a small fee. If the voltage falls below 10 volts, you'll need to recharge your battery as soon as possible. If it gets too low, there could be issues with short-circuiting and permanent damage could occur.
Avoid extreme temperatures
Avoid riding your electric scooter in extreme temperatures. Riding an electric scooter in weather conditions that are either too cold or too hot can put undue strain on the battery and reduce its lifespan. The ideal temperature range for riding an electric scooter is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a place where this is not possible, wait until your local climate cools down or warms up to make sure you're maximizing battery life. To avoid electrical issues with your electric scooter no electrical power, always be prepared with at least one fully charged spare battery so that if one goes out while you’re out and about, you have another ready to go. Additionally, take care not to let the batteries run completely dead before recharging their batteries last longer when they are recharged frequently rather than waiting until they’re nearly drained before charging them back up again.
Clean your connectors periodically
Electric scooters are now one of the most popular modes of transportation, especially in dense cities where traffic can be an issue. They're economical and environmentally friendly but to get the most out of your electric scooter, you'll need to clean the connectors periodically. Check out this quick video on how to keep your connectors clean! How often should I charge my battery?
Charging your battery too often or not often enough will damage it and shorten its life span. A good rule of thumb is that a healthy battery should only be charged after each use; however, if you find yourself needing more power between charges, it might be worth checking with an expert as there may be something wrong with the electrical system.
Don't leave it plugged in when not charging
To prolong your electric scooter's battery life, be sure to unplug it when it's not charging. Leaving an electric scooter plugged in when it's not charging will cause your battery to overheat and will shorten its lifespan. Even worse, leaving your battery constantly plugged in can lead to a fire. When you're done riding or charging, wait at least 30 minutes before plugging it back in. It should be fully cooled down by then. You can also store your electric scooter in a dry place with plenty of ventilation and cover the charge port with electrical tape to prevent dirt from getting inside. If you want to go one step further, use distilled water instead of tap water for regular cleaning because tap water contains minerals that will corrode components on your electric scooter.