Not all batteries are the same
Electric scooters are here to stay. More and more people discover how fast and easy it is to move around a big city using a means of transport economical, reliable and ecological. These are Personal Mobility Vehicles that have different types of rechargeable batteries, their main element, which offer different advantages of charging, conservation and autonomy.
It is very important to know them thoroughly, since when buying an electric scooter it is quite common that we find some batteries or others. These, in general, tend to provide a different autonomy range, but they are also used to being made up of more or less resistant, more modern and usable materials.
In this sense, the truth is that their powers are not the same either. Regardless of being newer or more current technology, it is possible that some are still being manufactured with units Older. It is not something new in the electric segment, since it even tends to happen in the latest generation electrified cars.
Some, if any, are for scooters, and others for hoverboards, among other types of electric vehicles where they can be attached. The batteries will have certain dimensions that you will have to measure to see if they fit your scooter.
Factors to consider
As a source of energy, you should know that, although batteries are a key component in the electric scooter, the truth is that they also directly affect the reliability and functionality general of it. For this reason, and as we will show you below, it is highly remarkable that, when choosing yours, you consider all the options.
For instance. Many Asian manufacturers of skates rated at 1,000 watts and above carry 12 amp 12 volt units as standard. But they are batteries that have a very high discharge current, and of which in the European 12 amp formats this current is lower. This would create a accelerated wear battery life, as well as short-term deterioration.
There are several types and technologies for their manufacture, some older than others. Each with its advantages and disadvantages. Although today there seems to be a clear dominator in the market due to the benefits it has, it is proper to say that with high demand comes high supply.
With more and more people trying to find a type of battery for electric scooters, the companies that make them have multiplied. This means that, currently, users have several options to choose the one that best suits their characteristics, operation and, of course, the vehicle itself.
In this regard, it is crucial now that we attend to a series of factors that will be the ones that will show us why we opt for some energy storage equipment or others. We will recognize them well for their performance and for the use that they drive and provide to the scooter. But also for other signs that will mention its best functionality in this regard. These can be practicality or safety.
- Performance. Performance is an important aspect when you decide to bet on the batteries of a scooter of these characteristics. Concepts like speed, power and autonomy come in here.
- Security. On the safety side, the battery is heavily involved with the brakes. As a general rule, they are installed depending on the power of the engine and the type of unit that we place. Disc brakes are the best compromise when it comes to bite strength and lightness.
- Practicality. The variant that works best has a lot to do with the system that practices the VPN functionality. For example, if the scooter is foldable, we have to consider a more current technology battery. Most electric scooters have the option of folding, some are easier to store, while others fill more space.
- Capacity. The more load capacity (Ah), the longer they will last. But also its weight will be greater.
- Voltage. It is the maximum cargo storage volume. It will decrease according to the conditions of the device (climate, terrain …)
Batteries for electric scooter
As we mentioned before, in the market we can have several types of which, depending on their use, utility and functionality, will be better prepared and in better consideration to adapt them to our scooters. These, woven from them different types. it can be cheaper, short-lived, or long-lasting.
It is this characteristic that it will do because we choose between a type of battery that is the most appropriate for it, and of course, from what we will benefit in a greater or lesser sense throughout its journey. These are those of lithium (the most modern and the ones that are being used the most in the different segments), those of Lead, Nickel-Metal Hydride and Gel.
For example, if what we require are batteries durable To be able to enjoy our electric scooter for years, the best option is lithium batteries. These are the ones that offer the longest charge cycles. However, if we look for something more cheap (even if this entails sacrificing power), the best option will be for the lead ones.
Lithium
The most modern type of battery is the lithium-ion battery. Its appearance has been a real revolution in the electric scooter market. Today, almost all the electric scooter brands that flood our streets use this type of technology. In their favor we find many benefits because they will make our driving completely efficient. But there are also some negative points compared to others.
And it is that these have a great energy power and a quick charge. In fact, they are fully charged in about two or three hours, taking advantage of between 80% and 90% of that charge in use. This is essential for many manufacturers and users, increasingly focused on greater utility, longer travel time and shorter loading time.
One of its most favorable points is that they do not suffer the so-called memory effect, due to a poor use of the battery charge when it is not fully charged. They have a life of about 3000 cycles or charges, compared to gel that operate between 300-500 charges. Its duration of between 7 to 10 years. In return, they are marketed with higher prices of the four variables. This, in turn, makes the electric scooter more expensive with them.
Nickel-metal Hydride
Nickel metal hydride batteries, known as Nickel batteries, have been around for a long time, and when it comes to electric scooters, more so. They are comparatively lighter than lead acid batteries, and they are lighter and more advanced. However, they are also more expensive
NiMH batteries tend to be created specifically for the electric scooter that comes with them. It is also important to know that although these types of batteries are more expensive, they are also 30% lighter than typical lead batteries and last longer than a normal lead battery. Their best feature is that they have a good load capacity, which means that the scooters that carry them have greater autonomies.
Of lead
In the event that we prefer to choose batteries cheap, lead / AGM batteries are indicated as the Hermetic AGM battery of 12 volts and 5 amps, regulated by a VRLA safety valve with a weight of 1.5 kilos, and that has more than 800 real cycles of charges and discharges.
As such, they are beneficial to the neediest pockets. Or what is the same: if we are looking for something cheap, these will be the right ones. Being the type of battery used in cars, they were the first types of battery to be used when electric scooters emerged.
Even today, batteries are still most popular use in many of them due to their great power. Its main drawback is its weight and its large size.
Gel
For its part, and probably one of the batteries that we have ever been able to use, these are referred to as one of the most favorable alternatives to lithium batteries. Especially for their price, but their comfort also makes them very distinctive. Unlike the previous ones, these do not need to be kept in an upright position.
Gel batteries are also characterized by their deep discharge cycles since they can reach up to 800 life cycles. Its operation is based on a battery with low voltage, causing it to lose strength and power from 65% charge. As for its autonomy, it can work between about 15 or 20 km.