Electric scooters are fun to ride. But after riding them for a while, you’d need to charge your scooter again. Charging this vehicle is easy. However, there are some standard practices that you must follow.
Correctly charging your scooter will make it last longer. This article discusses safety measures and best practices when charging your electric scooter. Also, we talk about common charging issues and how to fix them.
Know Your Scooter
You should know your scooter model before charging it. These vehicles come in different shapes and sizes. For example, some scooters are compact, while others are designed for comfort. These differences may impact the charging method.
Also, it's vital to know your scooter's charging needs. Often, manufacturers will suggest this information in the guide. Some scooters prefer more power during charge, while others recommend a gentle charge.
After becoming familiar with your model, it's time to locate the charging port on your scooter. It's easy to identify the charging port on most scooter brands. Manufacturers make this detail obvious and may include a charging sign next to it.
Charging Equipment
Before using a charging cable, make sure it's the right one. Avoid using any random cable that fits. We advise you to use a manufacturer-approved cable and charger. You can have a charging station for your machine.
A chosen charging station will ensure your device charges without disturbance. Many scooter chargers are portable. This feature allows you to carry them around if you need a top-up. You can charge your vehicle with:
- A working cable
- An approved charger
- A charging station in ideal condition
Charging Preparations
Check your scooter's battery level before charging. Many models display the charge level for easy reading. Knowing your battery level will help you avoid overcharging or undercharging the vehicle. These actions can damage your battery's health. Don't let the battery level go below 30%. Lithium-ion batteries don't do well at this level.
Also, ensure to use cables that are in good condition. Replace frayed, exposed, or damaged cables. In extreme cases, bad cables may cause vehicle fire. In addition, avoid chargers with higher current ratings than recommended.
Charge your vehicle in a cool, dry place. Room temperature is ideal for this process. Very low or high temperatures can damage the battery. Avoid charging your electric scooter in direct sunlight. Such extreme temperatures can reduce battery life or cause an explosion.
Charging at Home
You can dedicate a particular outlet at home for charging your scooter. This will help your scooter charge without disturbance until it's full. But you must avoid overcharging the vehicle. You can consider buying a smart plug. This allows you to monitor and control the charging remotely. So your scooter stops charging once it’s full. Or you can disconnect it manually.
Finally, charge your scooters in a ventilated area. Avoid very hot or cold areas. Extreme conditions will impact the charging and battery capacity.
Public Charging Stations
Instead of charging at home, you can charge at a public charging station. This option may be handy during emergencies. You can locate a nearby station using an app or a map. Each charging station may have its rules. Follow the local safety rules when charging. Some station-specific rules may include:
Mind the charging time limits: Many public charging stations have time limits. This system helps to accommodate multiple users. Ask if there is a time restriction at your station. This will help you avoid using more than the allowed time.
Park well: Park your scooter in a way that doesn't obstruct other users or create congestion. Also, ensure that the vehicle is placed in the charging area.
Unplug after charging: Disconnect your machine when fully charged or at a certain charge level. This will help others use the facility without delays.
Avoid charging longer than necessary: A charging station is a shared resource. Thus, plugging your device longer than necessary can inconvenience others. You can consider others who are waiting by charging only as much as needed.
Report issues promptly: Report issues such as a faulty plug or display to the station operator. Taking prompt action can help prevent further damage to the facility.
Charging Best Practices
There are several best practices for charging your e-scooter. Consider these key ones:
Choose a suitable charger: Always use the manufacturer-approved charger. This is the golden rule of charging your vehicle. Most e-scooters come with a recommended charger. You can order from the manufacturer if you need to replace the charger. Or you can look up the charger specification and order the exact model.
Find an ideal charging environment: Charging your vehicle under direct sunlight is bad. Instead, find a dry and cool spot for your charging needs. Even a small spill when charging can cause a short circuit or fire.
Use a stable surface: When charging, place your e-scooter on a stable surface. A sloppy surface can cause the machine to tip over, causing damage or injury.
Keep out of reach: Ensure your charger and socket is out of the reach of pets or young children. Little kids can damage your cables in a tug-of-war.
Monitor the charging time: Monitor the charge time once your scooter is plugged in. Avoid overcharging your device. Instead, unplug the connection once it is full.
Don't ride your scooter immediately after charging: Your scooter is fully charged, but you can't zoom off now. Allow your scooter to cool down for a few minutes before hitting the road. Slowing things down is good for battery life and device performance.
Read the manufacturer's guidelines: Manufacturers may suggest model or brand-specific rules. Reading the guide will ensure you get all the essential points.
Turn off your electric scooter when charging: We recommend you turn off your electric scooter when charging. Leaving the gadget on can cause battery discharge.
Plug the charger into the power outlet first: Before charging the scooter, plug into the power outlet first. Then, you can connect to the scooter. This way, only the charger is affected in case of a short circuit or malfunction.
Troubleshooting Common Charging Issues
You may need to fix some charging issues while using your scooter. Consider these common charging faults and their fixes:
Inconsistent charging times: Does your scooter fill up faster sometimes but is slow at other times? Your power supply or charger may cause this irregular charging time. If your power source is constant, the charger may have developed issues. You should consider buying a replacement.
Overheating: A little warmth is usual. But you should disconnect your charger and get it checked if it becomes too hot.
Physical damage: Frayed wires and exposed cables show that your charger needs replacing.
The blinking indicators: Some chargers and scooters have LED indicators. Do you notice unusual blinking patterns? Pay attention to what this sign could mean for your scooter or charger.
Loose connections: Sometimes, your device may stop powering due to loose connections. In such cases, fasten the connection to fix the issue.
Sometimes, it may be best to consult the manufacturer or a professional. Managing a malfunctioning charger is a safety risk and will damage your battery.
FAQ
How long does an electric scooter charge?
Your battery type and capacity will determine the charging time. Also, the charger type will impact this time. Many instruction manuals contain information on how long to charge the e-scooter. But a typical time range is between 3 - 5 hours. Still, some models can take up to 8 hours.
How often do you charge an electric scooter?
The charging frequency depends on how often you use it. Charging your scooter every day won’t harm your battery if you use it regularly.
How do you store batteries properly?
If you don't use your single-track vehicle for a long time, store it at a battery level of around 40%. This will prolong the battery life.
Conclusion
E-scooters are more than just a mode of transportation. These vehicles help reduce our carbon footprints and promote a greener society.
So, it’s vital to charge your scooter correctly. Avoid overcharging or undercharging your scooter. These charging mistakes may cause you to seek a replacement sooner. Please read our guide for similar scooter tips. Also, you can order advanced, low-maintenance scooters on Lexgo!
