E-scooter 101: The Three Types of Electric Scooter Batteries
Check out the three types of electric scooter batteries and important things to watch out for.
The battery is one of the most critical parts of an electric scooter. It determines the range and influences the speed of the vehicle. Therefore, you need basic battery knowledge to choose a ride worth your money.
Below are the three types of e-scooter batteries.
Lithium-Ion
Lithium-ion batteries are the most used because their high energy density makes them ideal for maintaining the portability of electric scooters. Most foldable models use them. Moreover, they have the longest lifespan among the current generation of (electric vehicle) EV batteries.
Samsung’s 72V 21,700 50GB is the strongest lithium-ion battery with a 29.4Ah (2,016Wh) capacity. You can find it in Flash Motors’ premium hyperscooter, Infinity X, which debuted at the Las Vegas CES 2024.
Lithium Manganese
Lithium Manganese are popular for their safety because they can regulate their temperature, thus minimizing the risks of overheating. They also have high storage capacity and output, making them preferable for performance e-scooters, hyperscooters, and other non-foldable models.
Lead Acid
Lead Acid batteries are several times cheaper than their counterparts. However, they have poor energy density. They are mainly used for budget e-scooters, recommended only for those who plan to ride occasionally. Analysts expect them to get phased out soon as electric battery technology advances.
Things to Watch Out for in E-scooter Batteries
There are other things to consider aside from the battery type. Here are the most essential ones.
Voltage Dips
Voltage dips, also called sags, resulting in a 10% or more voltage reduction for as short as a half-cycle and as long as 500ms. This leads to a decline in battery capacity. Various factors can trigger it, including changes in battery chemistry, extreme temperatures, or long rides. Most electric scooters have a Battery Management System (BMS) to prevent dips.
Capacity Ratings
The capacity determines the maximum range of your ride. Calculate the maximum distance you routinely travel to ensure you do not pick one that falls to last a day on a single charge. If you plan to upgrade your engine, check if your current battery can support the new engine in achieving its top speed.
Battery Brands
Electric scooter batteries are a relatively new technology. Hence, only a few brands have proven efficient and reliable. Industry leaders include Samsung, LG, Dynavolt, and Panasonic. Some e-scooter brands like Xiaomi and Segway use generic batteries.
