If you’ve got a new electric scooter, one of the first things you’ll need to learn is how to charge it properly. Because (and this may shock you) electric scooters need electricity. It’s a really simple task, but there are definitely a few do and don’ts worth knowing if you want to keep your battery in good condition - which will help your electric scooter last longer.
We’ve rounded them up below.
When should I charge my electric scooter?
Try not to let your battery run down too low before you charge it. The reason? Lithium batteries don’t perform at their best when they’re not charged enough.
You should aim to have a battery level no lower than around 30% at all times. If you regularly go for scoots when it’s lower than this, chances are you’ll find yourself going under 15% quite quickly. And running your electric scooter at that low battery level is likely to shorten your battery’s life.
Another thing you should avoid doing, no matter how tempted you are, is to charge your electric scooter straight after a ride. It might seem like a sensible thing to do, but it’s worth waiting a few minutes. Your battery heats up during a ride, and charging a hot battery isn’t recommended. Charging heats up the battery even more, so the cells inside could get damaged. So, wait at least 15 minutes after your ride before you charge your electric scooter. This will give your battery a chance to cool down to room temperature.
Top tip: It’s recommended to fully charge your electric scooter every 2-3 months, even if you’re not using it. This will help preserve the condition of your battery. So, if your electric scooter is safely locked in a shed during those dark winter months, don’t forget about to wheel it out and give it a charge once in a while.
How do I charge my electric scooter?
You don’t need a special plug socket to charge your electric scooter, so you can do it safely at home. And whether for adult electric scooters or kids models, charging your e-scooter couldn’t be easier. All you need to do is follow these simple steps:
1. Wait at least 15 minutes after you’ve ridden your electric scooter.
2. Switch your electric scooter off.
3. Plug the charger into the wall first, then your electric scooter. Switch the plug on.
4. Your electric scooter will now start charging. (The battery will heat up a bit while it’s charging, but it’s nothing to worry about.)
5. When your electric scooter is fully charged, switch the plug off. Disconnect the charger from your electric scooter, then unplug it from the wall.
How long should I charge my electric scooter for?
Obviously it varies between models, but most electric scooters will be fully charged sometime between 2 and 6 hours. Make sure to unplug the charger once battery is full - since leaving it on charge after 100% can lead to overcharging, which may shorten the battery's lifespan. And remember to top up the charge after each use, just to keep the battery charge up above the halfway mark. This will both help prolong battery life and mean your scooter is always ready for your next ride.
How do I know when my electric scooter is fully charged?
Most scooter chargers have a red LED light while charging, that turns green when fully charged. Some models are different, so check your instruction leaflet to see how the charging light works on your electric scooter. Lots of scooters also come with an app, so you can monitor charge levels while watching TV.
Top tip: Switch the plug off and take the charger out as soon as your electric scooter’s fully charged. Most scooters have built-in protection from overcharging, but it’s still a good habit to get into.
Your electric scooter should now be fully charged up and good to go. And before you get scooting, remember to wait at least 15 minutes after you’ve charged it until you use it. This gives the battery a chance to cool down.
How much does it cost to charge an electric scooter?
The cost to charge an electric scooter can vary based on a few factors such as the size of the battery, the cost per kilowatt-hour in your area, and the capacity of the charger. As an example, a typical electric scooter battery has a capacity of about 0.25 kWh. If the cost per kilowatt-hour is 24.5p, then the average cost to charge the battery would be a little over 6p. What a bargain!
How to charge electric scooter without charger?
If you don't have a charger for your electric scooter, you may be able to use a universal charger that is compatible with the battery type of your scooter. It’s really important to make sure the replacement charger is compatible, or you might seriously damage your scooter’s battery.
Where to charge electric scooter?
There are a few places where you can charge your electric scooter, such as at home, in a garage or at a charging station. Some cities also have special charging stations where you can charge your scooter for free or at a discounted rate. You can also check with your local electric scooter dealer or manufacturer for recommendations on where to charge your scooter. Just remember that you shouldn’t be taking your privately owned scooter into publis places at this time. While electric scooters are legal in the UK, they can only be used on private land.
