Understanding Electric Scooter Battery Types: Features, Longevity, and Uses

Introduction:

The cool features and performance of electric scooters fascinated me as a rider. The main component behind the operations of electric scooters is their powerful Battery! These batteries come in different models and varieties according to their composition and efficiency. You should always be aware of which type of battery is used in your electric scooter and its specifications. The right battery enhances the scooter’s performance, longevity, and power.

Usually, stunt electric scooters and pro scooters are designed for performing tricks and riding on rough surfaces. I personally love the stunt scooters the most because of their high-power batteries. I have shared a short glimpse of electric scooter battery types, their features, capacity, maintenance, storage, benefits, etc. for your reference. Let’s dive into the article below for more insights!

Types Of Electric Scooter Battery:

Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion):

Lithium-ion batteries are popular in electric scooters due to their high energy density and longer efficiency. They have big longevity. It means they can be discharged while riding the scooter and recharged (cycled) on electric current many times. 

Lithium-ion batteries have different kinds of chemicals such as:

1. Lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4): IMR, LMO, Li-manganese
2. Lithium nickel cobalt oxide (LiCoO2): NCO
3. Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2): ICR, LCO, Li-cobalt
4. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4): IFR, LFP, Li-phosphate
5. Lithium manganese nickel (LiNiMnCoO2): INR, NMC
6. Lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (LiNiCoAlO2): NCA, Li-aluminum

 

They can maintain their high storage capacity for cycle durability of 400–1,200 cycles. That means they do not need frequent charging like lead-acid batteries. They have a discharge efficiency of 80–90% and a specific energy of 100–265 Wh/kg. Lithium in the batteries is highly reactive to give up electrons and accumulate electric charge. These batteries are lightweight, fast cooling, and compatible with almost all electric scooter models. 

1. Lead-acid batteries:

These are used in old times at the initial phase of electric scooters. These are the first types of rechargeable batteries ever invented. They were notably used in cars, trucks, tractors, and golf carts. Nowadays, they are found in the premium toddler electric scooter from the Razor brand. These batteries are my personal favorite because of their better performance and longevity.

Lead-acid batteries are becoming less popular in the modern era due to their lower storage capacity, less than 350 cycle durability, and heaviness. They have lesser longevity than lithium-ion batteries. They store less energy as compared to their weight. Lithium-ion batteries have 10 times higher energy density than lead-acid batteries.

2. Lithium-iron phosphate batteries-LPF (LiFePO4)

The LFP battery is highly used for light utility applications like electric scooters, electric razors, electric cycles, power backup gadgets, etc. They have low electrical conductivity, low storage capacity, low cost, low toxicity, well-defined performance, and long-term stability. They are better than lithium-cobalt batteries due to their higher safety and stability for variable temperatures.

They have a cycle durability life from 2,700 to more than 10,000 cycles. Their lightweight nature and high longevity help for better acceleration in electric scooters.

3. Nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH):

These rechargeable batteries are less prone to leaking and are a great substitute for non-rechargeable alkaline batteries having the same shape. They also come in bipolar design which helps to prevent short circuits and sudden upsurge of current. They can cover from 180 to 2000 cycle durations. I used to add these batteries to my e-scooter during my initial practice days to perfect my riding performance and precision during long drives.

 

 

Features Of E-Scooter Batteries:

Battery Management Systems (BMS):

Overcharging or full discharging causes a reduction in battery life and initiates harmful thermal runaway conditions. Battery Management System mainly protects the battery from overcharging and destructing. Batteries may get overcharged if we tend to keep the charger plugged after full charging. It causes sudden bursting of that battery due to reactions of chemicals inside. 

 

BMS controls battery performance, efficiency, voltage supply, temperature fluctuations, and longevity. It disconnects the power supply before full charging. BMS has inbuilt features to detect and show the indicators regarding the malfunctions in the batter. Nowadays overall all electric scooters are compatible with the BMS to sustain the performance and comfort of riding.

 

You must consider some vital points while selecting a BMS, like:

• It should be compatible with your scooter’s model.
• It should be cost-effective and user-friendly.
• It should be able to perform all necessary functions to improve battery performance,
• It should easily integrate into other electric systems like speed controllers, lighting systems, etc.
• It should have a data-logging function to track battery usage patterns.
• It should have assured protection features for your existing scooter’s components.
• It should keep the battery performance at optimal levels for higher efficiency. 

Battery Size And Weight:

Each scooter has limited load-carrying capacity. A heavy electric scooter battery decreases agility and convenience to port them at staircases or doorways. Large-sized batteries support high power and longer riding range while heavier batteries affect riding comfort and scooter portability. 

 

The size of the battery is directly proportional to capacity measured in ampere-hour (Ah) or watt-hours (Wh). It helps to improve the driving rate per charge cycle. You should objectively evaluate the size, weight, capacity, voltage, etc. when you buy an electric scooter battery. Take into account legal restrictions, local regulations, mobility preferences, etc. before buying the battery.

Voltage And Current:

Voltage and current play an important role in determining battery performance.  

• Higher voltage batteries need larger conductors having lower resistance to avoid overheating or damage to components. 

1V = 1 Wh / 1 Ah

• Potential difference is the difference between anode and cathode in a circuit. Current is the amount of electricity flowing through the same circuit.
• The maximum continuous discharge (MCD) and pulse discharge ratings should match or go beyond the manufacturer’s specifications for your electric scooter. 
• The amperage rating is the amount of electrical energy that can be supplied at any given time.  This parameter should meet the motor’s requirement to generate needed torque without overload.
• The electric scooter battery should meet these parameters for an efficient and reliable performance.

 

Battery Capacity:

The battery capacity is the amount of power stored inside the battery on a single charge. T is measured in the milliamp hours (mAh) unit. If you use your electric scooter for a longer time in a single ride, its battery should have a large capacity. Small batteries are useful for short rides. Large batteries may have a higher weight than small-capacity batteries.

 

Take into consideration the following key points to decide electric scooter battery capacity:

• Terrain: The battery capacity depends on the type of riding terrain. Hilly areas, rough, and patchy surfaces need high-power batteries for efficient performance. You can opt for small batteries for flat-ground use for the same distance.
• Temperatures: Hot climates increase the runtime of the battery while cold temperatures reduce runtime as compared to standard conditions.
• Distance: Small batteries are ideal for short commutes, leisure rides, etc.  Large batteries are designed mainly for longer rides at your work, school, etc.
• Battery Type: Lead Ion batteries have high capacity and are lightweight. They perform better than lead-acid batteries.

 

Battery capacities have the following AH ranges commonly:

• 5 Ah – 10 Ah: Such batteries are small, less powerful, lightweight, and have a short range of 5 to 15 miles.
• 10 Ah – 20 Ah: These mid-range scooter batteries provide an ideal balance between weight, power, and riding range (from 10-25 miles).
• 20 Ah – 30 Ah: Such high-capacity scooters are more powerful, heavier, and are useful for a longer range (from 25 – 50 miles).

 

C-rate:

C-rate is a parameter that shows how rapidly your electric scooter’s battery gets fully charged or discharged. If you charge a 10Ah battery with a 10A current, it will be full in one hour, and its C-rate will be 1C. C-rate also indicates the battery efficiency.

Battery Packs:

Battery manufacturers assemble hundreds or thousands of 18650 Li-ion cells in series to account for the total voltage to create optimal battery packs. These battery packs are available in 24V, 36V, 48V, 53V, and 60V units. They help to enhance output voltage, amp-hour capacity, and max current for electric scooters. A good quality battery pack can effectively enhance the scooter’s performance.

 

Final Words:

Choosing electric scooter batteries is as important as choosing the right scooter. Even if you are a beginner or a pro rider, a good battery can help you to get a luxurious and comfy riding feel without any strain on riding speed or velocity. Whether it is a lithium-ion battery or nickel hydride battery, your experience will determine how short you charge your scooter’s battery and how long you ride with a fully charged battery. I hope this guide on electric kick scooter batteries has given you helpful insights types, uses, and benefits of batteries.

 

So, get a good battery gear and enjoy your ride!

FAQs:

1. Is electric scooter battery safe to use?

Electric scooters are safe and environment-friendly to ride. They have zero carbon emission, low maintenance cost, and large durability. Modern e-scooter batteries are designed to control overcharging, rise in temperature, sudden discharging, and noise. Scooters from brands like Segway, Razor, Unagi, etc. have pristine features of safety and energy consumption.

 

2. Can you replace electric scooter batteries? Is it worth the cost?

You can swap or replace the scooter batteries after longer use to regain the riding performance. A scooter battery is built to last for a longer time. Lithium-ion batteries are popular for safety and optimal performance.

 

3. How often should I charge my electric scooter battery?

You should get your scooter completely discharged and then charge it fully at one time to maintain its performance. Do not frequently charge your scooter on a slight reduction in battery percentage.

 

4. How can you maximize electric scooter battery life?

Maintain the charging cycles, choose a good battery, clean the interfaces regularly, use good quality wheels to enhance mobility, avoid riding through pit areas, keep your battery away from water and drastic temperature fluctuations,, do not overcharge the battery, etc.