How Do E-Scooters Charge? (All You Need To Know)

Electric scooters are famous because they are economical, fun, and easy to maintain. However, one of the major steps to keep the vehicle in great shape is charging the battery.

The correct charger and proper charging procedure are crucial to prolonging the scooter’s lifespan and preserving the battery’s health.

However, it is best to know how the scooter charges to understand why every step and component is essential.    

Electric scooters charge by plugging a compatible charger into a power source and connecting it to the vehicle’s charging port. The power source always applies a higher voltage than the vehicle’s battery produces. This mechanism helps the electrical current flow through the scooter’s battery in opposite directions from the positive electrode to the negative.

In this article, I will explain how electric scooters get charged, how long a charged scooter lasts, and if a scooter’s battery charges while riding.

You’ll also know how far an electric scooter can go on a full charge.

How Do Electric Scooters Get Charged?

How Do E-Scooters Charge

The electric scooter charges by getting its battery filled with electrons moving from the positive to the negative electrode.

Most electric scooters contain lithium-ion batteries like those found in hoverboards, laptops, mobile phones, etc.

When connecting the vehicle to a power source, the outlet applies a higher voltage than the scooter battery produces.

For example, if the battery has a 37V output voltage and a 42 input voltage, the charger will have a 42 V output voltage and a 100-240 V input voltage.

This system makes electrical current flow through the battery in opposite directions while you charge it—the electrical current moves from the positive to the negative electrode.

In the end, the battery gets filled with these electrons and enters the fully charged status. It discharges when you use the scooter.

However, it is best to know how to get the vehicle charged to achieve this status. 

You can follow the steps below to charge an electric scooter.

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#1. Plug the Charger Into the Power Outlet

Unless the vehicle’s manual states otherwise, it is advisable to plug the charger into the power source before connecting it to the scooter.

This method is the best way to protect the charger and its output capacitors. It is normal for the charger to get hot while charging the vehicle. 

However, if anything goes wrong, like a short circuit, only the charger will get affected. 

In addition, you can protect the charger by positioning it on an uncovered edge on a non-flammable surface to get enough airflow.

Although, it is best to check the manual to know the correct charging procedure for your vehicle because it may vary in different models and brands.

#2. Connect the Charger to the Scooter’s Charging Port

After connecting your charger to a power source, power down your vehicle, then remove the protective cover on the charging port.

Blow out the dust from the charging port and connector. Then, connect the charger to the vehicle’s charging port.

It is essential to pay attention to the charger’s connector direction. Most scooter chargers connect in only one direction, but some designs can go in both directions.

#3. Leave It to Charge

The scooter should display a notification to indicate its charging status. For example, it will show a red indicator light while charging and a green light when the battery is full.

An electric scooter with a built-in battery display or voltmeter will display the battery’s status. However, it may be less than 100% when the indicator light turns green.

You can continue charging the scooter until it reaches 100% if you want to ride a long distance. But, it is not healthy for your battery health.

Operating your vehicle when the battery is between 30% and 80% is advisable to prolong the battery’s lifespan.

Disconnect the scooter after charging, and unplug the charger from the power outlet. Even if your vehicle has built-in overcharge protection, you should unplug it.

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How Long Does a Charged E-Scooter Last?

A charged electric scooter lasts an average of two hours in normal mode. However, riding at full speed in the fastest mode can make it last for an average of 50 minutes.

Some scooters can last up to six hours when riding in power-saving mode. The duration depends on the vehicle’s mode when you are riding.

At the same time, a fully charged scooter may last longer or shorter in different modes based on several factors.

The determining factors include the battery’s design and capacity, the frequency of usage, the terrain where you use the vehicle, and the charging pattern.

For example, a high-quality e-scooter battery will last longer than a low-quality design. However, this may reduce over time as the battery life depreciates.

Furthermore, riding on smooth flat surfaces uses less battery power than riding on rough hilly terrain.

Lastly, the scooter may not last long if you don’t charge it properly. Poor charging pattern reduces the battery’s lifespan and gradually destroys the battery.

Does a Scooter Battery Charge While Riding?

A scooter battery doesn’t charge while riding because you need to power it off before charging. In addition, charging while riding is dangerous for the vehicle’s health.

Charging with the power on reduces the charging speed, depreciates the battery’s lifespan and capacity, and eventually damages the battery.

The scooter battery heats up during a ride and charging it increases the heat. This overheating can damage the cells within the battery. 

Therefore, it is best to avoid charging with the vehicle powered on and wait for at least 15 minutes after a ride to let the battery cool to room temperature.

However, if you need the scooter soon and you can’t afford to wait for it to charge fully. Then, you can charge the battery to a level that will last for your journey.

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The scooter battery doesn’t need to fully discharge before charging it. At the same time, you don’t need to charge it fully to use the vehicle.

However, you should avoid letting it discharge below 30% to maintain its battery health and prolong the scooter’s lifespan.

In addition, you can decide to fast charge the scooter if you need it sooner. However, there are some disadvantages to using this charging method.

The table below outlines the pros and cons of fast-charging an electric scooter.

ProsCons
It requires a shorter charging time.It puts a lot of strain on the battery.
It is ideal for when you are in a hurry.The battery life depreciates faster.
You can easily prevent overcharging.Fast chargers heat the battery.
It makes charging convenient.It reduces the amount of charge the battery can hold.

How Far Can an Electric Scooter Go on a Full Charge?

Electric scooters can go an average of  35 to 40 miles on a single charge. However, depending on the battery type and e-scooter design, it can be farther or shorter.

For example, some scooter design allows them to travel as far as 75 miles on a single charge. In addition, such scooters are more efficient and well-equipped with long-lasting batteries.

On the other hand, some scooter designs can only do shorter ranges on a single charge. Scooters within this range often have low-capacity batteries.

However, some factors can influence any scooter’s range, regardless of the battery type and design.

Such factors include the rider’s weight, speed, scooter’s battery life, riding terrain, elevation angle, weather conditions, etc.

For instance, riders that weigh less will cover a longer distance than those who weigh more. In addition, rougher terrain will use more power than smoother terrain.

Riding in rough terrain will make the scooter battery depreciate faster. Your riding speed will also determine how far the scooter goes.

Riding at a slow speed lasts longer than when you ride at a fast speed. However, you can charge at every stop to boost the battery for when you continue the journey.

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