There are several reasons why it may be a good idea to upgrade the battery on your e-scooter to a larger model. For instance, you may wish to expand the range you can travel on each charge, or boost the potential speed your scooter can achieve.
You can swap the battery on an electric scooter with a bigger one that offers allows you to ride for longer distances, or maybe even hit higher speeds. Larger batteries, however, can be costly, and they increase a scooter’s size and weight, making it harder to maneuver.
This technical guide covers all you need to know about electric scooter batteries, including the pros and cons of the three primary types and how to determine which one is the best fit for you.
What Are the Best Electric Scooter Batteries?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Lithium-ion batteries are great because they last longer and they’re light, but some batteries hold a longer charge, and that may be more important to a buyer. LG, Samsung, and Panasonic are great battery brands to consider for your scooter.
Without question, the best battery around is the Razor 12 Volt 7Ah Electric Scooter Replacement Battery by VICI Brand (on Amazon). It is extremely robust and incorporates the latest AMG technology. When it’s time to replace the battery for your electric scooter, check out all the brands and manufacturers that provide AMG batteries.
No brand currently includes a new wire harness as part of their battery kit. Most major brand manufacturers provide poor aftermarket batteries that don’t include cables, connectors, and wiring harnesses.
Most brands’ wiring harnesses and other components are offered individually as 12-volt scooter batteries, rather than in a box of two 12-volt 7Ah batteries.
One other detail you should be aware of here is that we’re talking about batteries for bigger, more robust electric scooters (sometimes called electric street bikes) like this one from the Razer Store (on Amazon).
Can I Put a Bigger Battery on My Electric Scooter?
You can change the battery size and power on your electric scooter, but first you should identify your scooter’s specific needs and how much power it can handle.
It’s vital to have a basic understanding of your scooter’s electrical components and how to customize it in order to boost its speed or range between charges.
To begin with, there are two critical characteristics of an electric battery that you should be familiar with: voltage and amperage per hour.
These two factors determine the wattage, and the wattage of your electric motor determines its power. So, at the end of the day, you need to increase the amps and volts if you want to increase the speed.
Voltage affects the maximum revolutions per minute (RPM) of a DC electric motor, and amps affect how quickly you can speed up to the maximum RPM. Increasing the voltage of your scooter’s engine will allow it to accelerate more quickly while increasing the amperage will result in slower acceleration.
How Does Voltage Work with Multiple Batteries?
Voltage is increased when batteries are linked in series (end to end). Paralleling the batteries increases the amperage. By connecting batteries in series and parallel, the amperage and voltage are increased.
When connecting multiple batteries, it is critical to use the same type. Otherwise, when one battery pack becomes depleted, it will begin charging from the remaining batteries. This method of charging lithium batteries is not recommended.
As an example, suppose you now have a 36-volt battery with a 6,000 mah capacity. Connecting the battery in series with another 36-volt 6,000 mah battery increases the peak speed significantly.
By connecting a second battery in parallel, you may quadruple your overall range. By connecting four batteries in parallel and series, the range and power are doubled.
You must, however, check that the electric motor can handle the increased power levels and that the controller doesn’t burn out. Otherwise, those parts will also need to be upgraded. A 350-watt DC motor can handle up to 1,000-watt loads.
Typically, manufacturers design scooters to be more competent than their official capacity rating. The issue is that you may need an improved cooling system to prevent your scooter from overheating.
Which Batteries Are Safe for Electric Scooters?
Before acquiring a new battery, it’s critical to understand which types of batteries are compatible with your scooter model, and the voltage required (usually 12 volts). In most cases, electric scooters are powered by one of three different batteries. Each variant has its own cost and expected lifespan, which is measured in charge cycles.
1. Lithium-ion batteries
In terms of cost, lithium-ion batteries are the most expensive of the three kinds of battery, but they also have the longest life span. A lithium-ion battery has a life of up to 1,200 charge cycles.
These batteries are also the lightest of the three kinds, which means they can help you conserve energy while you’re riding your scooter.
2. Sealed lead-acid batteries
Sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries are the most common battery used in electric scooters, accounting for around 80% of all e-scooter batteries. SLA batteries, in contrast to the lead-acid batteries that are commonly used in ATVs and boats, are sealed and therefore leakproof.
Sealed lead-acid batteries are the least expensive of the three battery options, but they also have the shortest life cycle. A sealed lead-acid battery may still survive up to 300 charge cycles before needing replacement, as long as it’s properly cared for and maintained.
Lithium-ion batteries last about three times long than SLA batteries.
3. Nickel-metal hydride batteries
Concerning cost and longevity, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are at the center of the pack. This type is significantly lighter and lasts longer than an SLA, but that means it’s also more expensive. NiMH batteries also require a full discharge before recharging.
Do Certain Batteries Give More Power in an Electric Scooter?
For operating an electric scooter, most lithium-ion, sealed lead-acid, and nickel-metal hydride batteries are virtually interchangeable.
That said, higher voltage batteries typically allow your scooter to use more power and go faster. Lighter batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, also allow your scooter to increase speed since they’re not as burdensome.
Sealed lead-acid batteries provide higher power, however, they don’t offer the charge cycle capacity of the lithium-ion batteries.
If you have a 36v electric scooter battery capable of 500w, you may use it with a 48v, 1,000w electric scooter. Lithium-ion batteries may be connected in series to achieve a greater voltage, but they can’t withstand the same number of charge cycles as the lead-acid batteries.
Beyond this, the only significant difference is that Lithium-ion batteries can explode if overheated or punctured, which is why you should carefully follow the charging and storage directions for your specific battery.
You can also switch easily from lead-acid to lithium-ion batteries by charging lead-acid batteries at a maximum of 14.2 volts (for a 36v pack) and lithium-ion batteries at 4.2 volts per cell (for a 18640 pack).
Battery Life and Cost
Without a doubt, a good battery is the most critical component of your scooter. If you plan to ride your electric scooter for an extended period, you’ll need a high-quality battery. If your scooter battery dies within a few months, it’s an indication that you have a low-quality scooter battery and should replace it.
The longevity of a scooter battery varies widely and is determined by three key factors: the battery’s quality and type, how the battery is used while charging, and what you do with it while charging. The most popular battery variety is the sealed lead-acid battery, which typically lasts between three and five years.
Many variables can affect the cost of battery charging, including the number of amp-hours required by your battery, the temperature at which you are charging it, and even the season. Typically, a 12-volt battery costs $2 and charging the battery costs $.40 per kilowatt-hour.
Finally, electric scooters are powered by batteries. They deliver power to the engines, and the complex electronics found on modern electric scooters closely monitor their output voltages. Should the scooter fall below a certain charge level, it will come to a halt to keep you safe.
Choosing the right scooter battery for your gadget can be tough. With a wide range of products to choose from, it’s especially difficult to determine the best fit for you. Start by checking out the highly recommended Razor 12 Volt 7Ah Electric Scooter Replacement Batteries (on Amazon).