E-scooters: what you need to know about the battery
They're appearing more and more in the streets or zooming by: the e-scooter. Like the electric bike, an e-scooter contains a battery that needs to be taken care of. We will tell you how to do that and how to extend its lifespan!
The battery of an e-scooter
Lithium-ion batteries are used for the battery of an e-scooter. These are lightweight batteries that can contain a lot of energy and are rechargeable. Lithium-ion batteries are efficient and have a long lifespan. Of course, they are not indestructible, so you must always take good care of them.
The scooter can have a built-in battery or a battery that you can easily disconnect for charging. The range depends on the brand and model, but on average you can ride an electric scooter for about an hour.
The lifespan of your battery depends on many different factors. How often you go out with your scooter, how you drive, and how often you charge the e-scooter are all determining elements. Generally, it is assumed that the battery of an electric scooter lasts between 1 to 3 years, depending on how frequently the scooter is used.
How do you take care of the battery of an electric scooter?
Just as you can extend the lifespan of the battery of your electric bike, this also applies to the battery of your e-scooter. Here are some tips for you!
- It is important to charge the battery after each ride, even if it's not completely empty. Unlike smartphones, where manufacturers suggest charging only when the battery is fully depleted, the recommendation for e-scooters is quite different.
- If you are going to store your electric scooter for a longer period of time, make sure that the battery is well charged, ideally between 50 to 75%.
- Make sure the tires of your scooter are well inflated; this reduces resistance and makes it easier for your battery to move the scooter.
- Respect the weight limit of your e-scooter. If you do not, both the battery and the scooter itself will suffer. For example, if the weight limit is 100 kilograms, then a ride with two adults is not a good idea.
- Avoid extreme temperatures, both high and low. Do not leave your scooter in the sun, and bring it inside when it’s freezing. Charging your e-scooter in extreme temperatures is also not recommended.
- Is there a forecast of heavy rain or snow? An electric scooter does not like these bad weather conditions. Therefore, don't leave it outside after a ride and check if the battery contacts have gotten wet. Dry them off if necessary.
The battery of my e-scooter seems to need replacing, what to do?
The capacity of the battery decreases. This is the result of chemical crystal formation inside the battery. Charging the battery becomes more difficult until it eventually no longer functions properly. In some cases, the battery does not need to be completely replaced, but just a few new cells are sufficient. It's easy for professionals, so don't try to do it yourself. So, always contact a professional.
If your battery really stops working, then you can opt for a new one. Then go to the dealer where you purchased the e-scooter. Replacing an integrated battery will require more work than swapping out an external battery.
And what about the battery?
If you can remove the discarded battery yourself, then take it to a bicycle dealer or to the recycling centre. If you were assisted by a bicycle dealer in replacing the battery of your e-scooter, then they will ensure that Bebat comes to pick it up. In any case, always notify the park attendant that it involves an e-scooter that still has a battery in it.
Are you unable to safely detach the battery from your e-scooter? If so, you must bring the scooter with the battery to the recycling centre as electronic waste and deposit it at the Recupel point. If you can safely remove the battery from your e-scooter, the battery can be placed in the Bebat drum at the recycling park, and the scooter itself can be deposited in the Recupel section.
Are you launching e-scooters on the market?
As a producer or importer of products with batteries (such as e-scooters) in Belgium, you must comply with a number of legal obligations for used batteries and accumulators. It is not easy to keep track of all these requirements. If you join Bebat, we will ensure that you meet all these obligations.
