Whether you have a Kaabo Wolf, an X7 Pro, a Pro V2, or any other type of electric scooter, they’re designed to be efficient at covering short distances and are environmentally friendly.
Source: Electric Wheelers
Electric scooters are considered one of the best options for future commuting in cities or towns where shopping and work are close to home. They’re also a great option for older children looking for a cool way to commute to and from school or between friend’s houses.
Adult electric scooters are perfect for the morning commuter who doesn’t want to be stuck in rush-hour traffic, as they are more than capable of riding safely on shared bike paths or even down crushed gravel tracks.
But what about charging your scooter?
Let’s take a look.
The basics of charging
Electric scooters typically run on Lithium-ion batteries from 24V to 120V, ranging from 150Wh to 750Wh. These batteries typically have a small form factor and are very portable, allowing for easy on-the-go changing of empty batteries for full ones.
Pure electric scooter batteries come in two types: removable and fixed. The removable battery pack allows for portability, and a separate charger plugs into the wall. This option is more common on higher-end electric scooters. However, manufacturers typically offer options for fixed or removable battery packs when you order your electric scooter.
But what about the charging units? Are they a one-size-fits-all deal? Do all scooters charge equally, and are all electric scooter chargers the same? Let’s explore the differences and similarities between scooter chargers and answer the question: Are all electric scooter chargers the same?
Electrical terminology and scooter batteries
There are a few different electrical terms that you need to know before you go out and buy any old scooter charger. Because the electric scooter market is vast and the range of sizes for electric scooter batteries is fairly broad, you have options available when it comes time to replace your kick electric scooter’s battery pack.
Voltage
Voltage, measured in Volts (V) is the electricity that feeds your battery charger. All electric scooter batteries will have a voltage measurement marked on the battery itself and in the instruction manual with your scooter. You must match the number of volts your scooter battery needs with the new battery charger that you buy.
Otherwise, your scooter battery will take far longer than it normally would to charge completely, or it may become damaged if the voltage measurement on the charging unit is too high for the battery to charge.
Amperage
The “amperage” of your scooter battery is measured in amperes and denoted by the letter A. The number of “amps” your battery charger can produce controls how quickly electricity will flow from the charging unit to the battery. Selecting a battery charger with the corresponding number of amps for your scooter battery is essential to maintaining battery health in the long run.
When choosing an electric scooter battery charger, ensure that the amperage number corresponds with the number of amps your electric scooter battery can handle. Pushing too many amps through your scooter battery can cause significant damage by causing the battery to overheat.
Similarly to choosing a voltage that’s too low, choosing an amperage that’s too low will make your electric scooter battery charger inefficient.
Connector-type
Scooter chargers that plug into the wall come in several different types. Each type has a different connector. These connectors are typically made with a plastic or rubberised outer coating and feature 2, 3 or 4 pins to plug your electric scooter battery into.
Depending on the scooter’s model, you must buy a specific connector type. Sometimes, connectors with pins are susceptible to damage as the pins can become bent or broken. Take care when plugging in your electric scooter battery to avoid damaging the battery charger or the battery pack.
Different types of electric scooter chargers
When it comes to electric scooter chargers, there are three different types available for most electric scooters sold today: standard, fast and portable chargers. Most electric scooter batteries can be charged with standard and portable chargers unless your scooter has a fixed battery. In that case, you’ll have to lug it inside and plug it in.
Source: Electric Scooter Insider
Portable chargers are a great option for those with multiple scooter batteries, as you can keep a battery on the charger while keeping a full one in your battery charger.
Standard chargers
This is the basic type of battery charger that will come with your electric scooter. If you need to buy a replacement charger, as you bought the scooter used, and it didn’t come with a charger, or your existing charger is broken, you should be able to find these chargers directly from the manufacturer or via Amazon.
In general, you should be able to buy third-party standard chargers as long as the voltage and amperage match your scooter battery’s voltage and amperage range and they have the right connector type.
Fast chargers
Fast charging has become the industry standard for charging units, from mobile phones to computers. Fast chargers operate at a higher voltage level than standard charging units, allowing your scooter battery to charge faster. Unlike standard chargers, they have a mechanism that decreases voltage when the unit reaches a near-full charge to prevent overheating.
Fast chargers are typically unavailable for scooters that run below 50V, as their battery pack cannot handle the additional voltage that runs through a fast charger. However, for those with scooters 50V or 60V and above, fast chargers can provide a full charge in as little as an hour, with a maximum charge time of three hours. These are perfect options for the on-the-go commuter and those who don’t want to leave their scooter charging overnight.
Portable chargers
For those with a fixed battery – i.e. one that doesn’t detach from the electric scooter body and frame. However, portable chargers are becoming increasingly popular among daily commuters (as they can charge their scooter batteries at work) and those who use their scooters for everyday use. Portable chargers are often small and light enough to fit into a backpack.
Because of its versatility and maneuverability, a portable charger may incur extra costs. However, portable chargers also come with fast charging options for even more charging power, faster.
Keep in mind that some chargers are designed to also work with an electric bike or electric go-kart, which you might find helpful. And remember, powerful scooters for adults will require more powerful chargers than those in a kid’s electric scooter range.
How to extend the life of your electric scooter charger
Electric scooter chargers can be expensive, so you’ll want to ensure your electric scooter charger lasts as long as possible. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your electric scooter battery charger.
Source: Electric Scooter Insider
Do not overcharge your batteries
It can be easy to forget that you’ve put a scooter battery on your charging unit. Charging your batteries too long – for example, leaving a scooter battery on charge for 12 hours or more instead of the 8 hours the manufacturer lists as the maximum charge time – can cause your battery to overheat.
Overheating can significantly reduce the life of your battery as it exudes all of that extra energy to cool itself down. It also isn’t good for the charger to have so much extra current running through it. Be mindful of when you place a battery on charge and set an alert on your phone to remind you to remove it. You can also buy a fast charger to charge batteries faster and multiple batteries a day.
Charge the battery in a cool, dry place
Your battery charger and spare batteries should always be charged in a cool and dry location. Moisture is the enemy of electricity. Anything that may introduce moisture into the battery ports (the battery itself or the charging ports) should be avoided like the plague.
Take care to charge your battery away from wet surfaces or in rooms where it could get wet, like the kitchen or bathroom.
Do not leave the charger unattended while charging a battery
Sometimes, electrical faults happen, and too much current flows through the battery, charging unit, or both, causing overheating and, potentially, a fire. Do not leave your charger unattended while the battery is charging on the unit, and check the battery often for overheating.
Also, never cover a charging battery with something flammable, or that can melt, like plastic, paper or cloth. This is especially true of fast chargers, as more voltage and amperage constantly flow between the charger and the battery pack.
Unplug the charger when it is not in use
Despite not having a battery on charge, the battery charger is still drawing electricity from the grid and is still generating a current. This can not only heat up the battery charger, potentially creating a fire hazard, but will also cost you money on your electricity bill. Unplugging a charger that isn’t in use is always the best practice.
Troubleshooting common electric scooter charger problems
If you notice problems while charging your electric scooter, the problem may be with your electric scooter charger. Here are some common problems with electric scooter chargers and how to avoid encountering them.
My charger isn’t charging
Make sure your electric scooter charger is plugged into a working electrical outlet. To test this, plug something else into the outlet. If the outlet is working but the charger isn’t, use a voltmeter to test the charger’s electrical output.
My scooter isn’t charging
If your scooter is plugged into a charging port or a new battery is installed after charging via a portable charger, and you notice that your scooter isn’t charging, you need to make sure that the scooter charger is plugged into the charging ports properly. Disconnect the electric scooter from the wall charger, disconnect the battery from its portable charger and check the connectors for signs of damage, including broken housing or exposed wiring.
You should immediately replace the charging unit or battery if you notice any exposed wiring. If you don’t notice any frayed or exposed wires and neither your scooter battery nor its charging unit is working, you may need to replace the battery charger.
How to choose an electric scooter charger
So, you need to replace your electric scooter charger, but you have options for a different charger than the one it came with. Before you dispose of the original charger, note its voltage and amperage information and the type of charger to allow you to choose the correct replacement.
Source: MMB
Modern electric scooter chargers have many features beyond simply charging your battery pack. There are options for automatic shut-off once your scooter battery is fully charged or a visual display that tells you how long your battery should charge and what percentage it is currently at. You can also find scooter chargers that have LED indicator lights.
Your electric scooter may support a mobile phone application with built-in battery level indicators to allow you to keep an eye on scooter batteries that are on charge and the battery that’s presently in your machine.
Fast charging is becoming a more prevalent option among electric scooter chargers as manufacturers recognise the need for quicker charging solutions for everyday users of their electric scooters.
When choosing a replacement charger, you should be able to source one from the manufacturer or a comparative one from a scooter accessories store or online. You must ensure that you choose a replacement charger that is compatible with your scooter’s battery.
Summing up
Not all electric scooter chargers are alike. What type of charger you want depends on what features you want from any replacement charger and the size and limitations of your electric scooter battery pack.
At a basic level, choosing a charger with a matching voltage and amperage is the most important thing, followed by properly caring for your batteries and charger unit. All the other additional features available are secondary to having a capable charger that will provide you with many hours of reliable charging.
