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Electric Scooter Battery Cost: The Ultimate Guide

Electric scooters are an excellent way to travel from point A to point B. With these efficient vehicles, you can save money on gas, maintenance, and repairs. However, electric scooters use lithium-ion batteries, which can be pretty expensive. So, what do you need to know about these pricey batteries?

The price of an electric scooter battery depends on its type, quality, and brand, among other factors. However, most scooters use lithium-ion batteries that cost anywhere from $100 to $500. The average price of a new electric scooter battery hovers around $150 to $200.

As you can see, electric scooter batteries aren’t exactly cheap. Thankfully, with proper maintenance and care, you can extend the lifespan of your battery. Let’s take a closer look at the costs of electric scooter batteries, how to replace them, and tips for how to keep them running for as long as possible.

How Much Do Electric Scooter Batteries Cost?

Electric scooter on white background

Electric scooter batteries are one of the main components — if not the main component — of the vehicle. These batteries (on Amazon) vary in price but generally cost somewhere between $100 and $500, with some options coming in much higher.

Most of the popular brands’ batteries come in at or under $200. However, the price of an electric scooter battery depends on a multitude of factors.

What Determines the Battery Cost?

The price of an electric scooter battery depends on the type, quality, brand, manufacturer, and more. The cheapest batteries are lead-acid and cost a little over $100.

The second cheapest option is nickel-metal hydride batteries, which come in around $140. The most expensive and highest-quality batteries are lithium-ion and they cost anywhere from $150 to $500.

Where Can I Buy Electric Scooter Batteries?

Finding an electric scooter battery replacement can be a challenging task depending on your model. Some obscure and lesser-known brands don’t have many compatible options.

More popular and well-known companies make it easier to find spares and replacements. Here are some of the most common places you can buy electric scooter batteries.

  • Bike repair shops
  • Moped repair shops
  • Amazon
  • Walmart
  • eBay
  • Craigslist
  • Your scooter manufacturer

Be sure your electric scooter model is compatible with a new battery or replacement before purchasing. Some electric scooter models lack access to replacement parts.

Contact your model’s manufacturer or owner’s manual for the best results. Also, if you don’t have experience changing lithium-ion batteries, it may be best to leave that job to the professionals.

How to Replace an Electric Scooter Battery

Changing, replacing, and upgrading an electric scooter battery isn’t an easy task. Almost every scooter model will have its battery located under the deck or in the handlebar.

Models with batteries located in the deck are a bit easier to manage, while brands with batteries located in the handlebar will almost always need professional service.

Keep in mind that each electric scooter brand and model has different guidelines for replacing the battery. However, here are some general steps to give you an idea of what you’re in for.

Step 1: Remove the Panel on the Deck to Access the Battery

As mentioned earlier, most electric scooters store their battery inside the deck. To begin, you’ll need to remove the faceplates and panels on the deck of your electric scooter. Be sure to turn off your electric scooter before beginning.

You may need to flip your scooter over or flip it upside down to access the screws. You may also need tools such as screwdrivers, spanners, or Allen keys. The tools you’ll need will depend on your make and model.

Be sure to keep all the screws together to avoid losing a precious piece of your scooter. You can also take a photo of the faceplate beforehand to help you remember how everything goes together.

Step 2: Remove the Battery From the Deck

After you remove the faceplate and panels, you should see the electric scooter battery. There may be wires, cables, and connections covering the battery. You’ll have to remove the battery and these cables to swap out the device.

Remove the cables, wires, and connectors attached to the battery following your manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to take a picture beforehand, so you know how to reinsert them afterward.

Keep in mind that each electric scooter model has a unique design. For this reason, you should always consult your manufacturer’s support page or your owner’s manual.

Step 3: Insert the New Battery

After you remove the old battery, you can insert the new device. Refer back to the photo you took in step 2. Insert the wires, cables, and connections following the image and your manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure each wire is plugged in tightly to avoid loose wires and connections.

Step 4. Close the Deck

Finally, you can close the deck after you’ve inserted the new battery and connected the wires. Take the bolts, screws, and connectors from before and begin inserting them into the frame.

Be sure to use the photo you took earlier to guide you during the process. Screw in the bolts and connections tightly to avoid a loose frame. As always, follow your manufacturer’s guidelines or owner’s manual to prevent damage or injury.

Once everything is attached, you can test your electric scooter to see if everything is working correctly. If you experience an issue, you may need to consult the manufacturer support page or your owner’s manual. Alternatively, you can take your electric scooter to your local shop for an inspection.

What Is the Lifespan of an Electric Scooter Battery?

The lifespan of an electric scooter battery depends on several factors. The capacity, manufacturer, charge cycles, and your riding habits are all going to affect its lifespan.

However, most electric scooters can last around 1-3 years, or about 3,000-10,000 miles (4,828 to 16,100 km). Let’s break down some of the specifics of electric scooter batteries.

Charge Cycles

One of the factors that impact the lifespan of an electric scooter battery is how many charge cycles it has and how many have been used. A complete charge cycle is used when a battery is fully charged, fully discharged, and fully charged again.

The fewer charge cycles a battery has left, the less performance you will receive, and the closer the battery will be to its death. Most electric scooter batteries have a range of 300-500 charge cycles before they start losing performance.

Maintenance

Another factor that affects the lifespan of an electric scooter battery is how well it’s been maintained. Obviously, anything that has been treated with proper care will typically last longer.

Electric scooter batteries are no different. Properly charging, storing, and maintaining your battery will extend its lifespan.

Battery Age

Electric scooter batteries also deteriorate with age. The longer you use a battery, the less efficient it will become. Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time, even when they’re not in use. This loss of capacity and the use of charge cycles reduce the performance of your battery over time.

Your electric scooter battery’s life span will be determined by how well you maintain it, charging practices, and how you ride. Somewhere between one and three years of life can be expected, but your mileage may vary. Some riders have reported replacing their batteries yearly or every year and a half.

How to Extend the Battery Life of Your Electric Scooter

Extending the battery life of your electric scooter allows you to travel further distances and keep your scooter in tip-top shape for longer. Every battery must be properly maintained and cared for to ensure its longevity. Thankfully, there are a few different tips and tricks you can employ to extend your battery’s lifespan.

Avoid Fully Discharging the Battery

Avoid fully draining and charging your electric scooter battery. You should aim to keep your battery above 10% at a minimum, and ideally above 40%.

Fully discharging your electric scooter battery causes it to lose one of its charge cycles, resulting in more degradation. You should aim to fully charge your battery before and after each ride.

Always Use the Correct Charger

Avoid using different chargers, accessories, and peripherals. You should aim to use the original charger that came with your electric scooter. Incompatible chargers can cause your battery to degrade faster, resulting in less range and a shorter lifespan.

Not to mention, incompatible parts can be a fire hazard and cause fatal injuries if you aren’t careful. Be sure to contact your manufacturer or owner’s manual for the best results.

Don’t Charge a Hot Battery

Your electric scooter battery is going to be fairly hot after a long ride or commute. You should avoid placing a hot battery on the charger.

Let your battery cool down for around 30 minutes or longer before you begin charging. This will keep your battery out of dangerous temperature zones. Dangerous temperature zones can cause damage to your battery if you aren’t careful.

Charge Your Battery Before Storing

Properly storing your battery is crucial to its lifespan and longevity. Lithium-ion batteries last much longer when they’re stored partially charged, as they drain over time when not in use.

If you aren’t using your electric scooter, leave at least a little bit of juice in it while storing it. You should leave around a 40% charge. You should also charge it monthly if you aren’t using it for long periods of time.

Don’t Charge Your Battery for Long Periods of Time

Be sure to avoid overcharging your battery or leaving it unattended while it’s on the charger. Overcharging a battery may not seem like a big deal, but it can cause your battery to degrade faster.

Most chargers will have an LED indicator to let you know when the battery is fully charged. You should also avoid leaving your battery charging unattended, as it can be a fire and explosion hazard.

Store Your Battery at the Correct Temperature

Besides storing your battery somewhat charged when it’s not in use, you’ll also want to be mindful of the temperature. Higher temperatures can negatively impact your battery’s lifespan and performance. Store batteries between 32°F and 68°F to ensure their performance and safety.

What Are the Easiest Ways to Increase Electric Scooter Battery Range?

Electric scooter isolated

We’ve talked about the types of batteries, their costs, and how to maintain them. However, the most important part might be the effective range and how long you can use the vehicle during each ride. So, how can you get more range out of your electric scooter battery?

Add a Spare Battery

Purchasing a spare battery is one of the simplest methods to enhance your electric scooter range. This solution may not work for every make, model, manufacturer, or budget. However, adding a spare battery to your electric scooter can effectively double the range.

Reduce the Weight

Decreasing the weight of your electric scooter or what you carry can increase the range of your battery. The more weight you ride with, the harder your battery has to work to accelerate and travel. The more power your battery uses, the less range and lifespan it has. Avoid carrying heavy things in your bag if you can to extend your range.

Tire Pressure

Ensuring your tires are properly inflated before each ride is another way to extend your range. Without adequately inflated tires, you’ll be forcing your electric scooter to use more energy, resulting in less capacity. Take a moment before each commute and make sure your tires are inflated.

Change Your Riding Habits

Changing how you use your electric scooter can increase your range as well. Avoiding hills, reducing hard acceleration, and watching for rough terrain can boost your travel distance.

Take some time to watch how you ride and adjust your habits accordingly. Implementing better riding habits is sure to improve your performance, range, and overall safety.

Plan Your Route

Planning your commute is another way you can extend your range. You may be tempted to hop on your scooter and simply ride off into the sunset, but planning your route to avoid hills, rough terrain, traffic, and other elements can extend your range. You can save time, effort, and your battery with a proper route.

Upgrade Your Motor

Upgrading your motor is another way to extend the capacity of your electric scooter. However, this isn’t an easy task and requires a bit of knowledge and expertise.

If you’re very tech-savvy or have prior experience, this may be a suitable option to increase the range of your electric scooter. Otherwise, consult a professional for assistance.

Conclusion

You should be an expert on electric scooter batteries after reading this guide. However, here’s a couple of notes to remind you of what we’ve learned.

  • Most electric scooters use lithium-ion battery packs.
  • The cost of batteries is dependent on the brand, material, capacity, and other factors.
  • Typically, electric scooters batteries are located in the deck or handlebar.
  • The lifespan of an electric scooter battery is around 1-3 years.