Modern electric scooters are a great way to run daily errands and perform necessary commutes to and from the office. They can also be great for exploring your immediate surroundings. Consumers may be wondering, however, just how far their scooter can go before the battery expires.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- On average, an electric scooter will boast a maximum range of around five to 40 miles per charge.
- You can increase this range by buying and installing an extra-large lithium battery pack.
- The range can also be increased by adhering to the maximum weight limit and by making sure the battery is never fully depleted.
A Scooter’s Maximum Range
The distance that can be traveled by scooter on a single battery charge is generally referred to as the maximum range. The average range for a modern electric scooter is around five to 40 miles per charge. This range can also be affected by the tire pressure so learn how to inflate e-scooter tires correctly.
Insider Tip
The average range for a modern electric scooter is around five to 40 miles per charge.
How to Increase the Distance of an Electric Scooter
There are a number of things you can do to really squeeze the best range out of your electric scooter. Here are just a few.
Replace the Battery
You should start with the battery. Many modern scooters allow for battery replacements and many scooter manufacturers will sell larger-than-average batteries for their scooter lines. Extra-strength lithium batteries can offer as much as a twice-fold increase in your maximum distance range. This is helpful if you’re moving to a not so far location and wondering how to haul your e-scooter. Be sure to do your research ahead of time to make certain that your scooter can accept the new battery. Also, replacement batteries can be on the expensive side, often as much as one-third the price of the scooter itself.
Insider Tip
Extra-strength lithium batteries can offer as much as a twice-fold increase in your maximum distance range.
Never Drain the Battery
To maximize your maximum range and preserve your battery, it is a good practice to avoid allowing the battery to ever fully deplete. Every time your battery is allowed to fully drain it could lose a bit of the maximum capacity. We recommend riding until 10 to 20 percent of the battery is left and then bringing it in for a charge. Additionally, you may want to cap out the charge at around 90 percent, as this can also help preserve the lifespan of the battery.
Reduce the Carry Load
One way to increase your maximum range is to simply increase the load that the scooter has to carry. You can do this by trying to avoid bringing heavy items with you as you ride. Try to make your grocery shopping hauls on the smaller side and keep that backpack relatively light. You will also find that the maximum range increases if the scooter begins being used by a child instead of an adult. Also, pay attention to any maximum weight limit the scooter manufacturer has issued.
Warning
Every time your battery is allowed to fully drain it could lose a bit of the maximum capacity.
F.A.Q.
How many times can you charge an electric scooter battery?
Most e-scooter batteries will begin to degrade between 300 to 500 charging cycles. Some of the highly-rated batteries, however, will operate at peak efficiency until 1,000 charging cycles.
Can you replace electric scooter batteries? Is it worth the cost?
You can replace electric scooter batteries, though not every scooter will integrate with every battery. As for the cost, e-scooter batteries can be pricey. Some batteries can cost as much as one-third the price of a brand new scooter.
Can I convert my petrol scooter to electric?
Yes, though not by yourself. The conversion process should be handled by a qualified professional.
STAT: It is estimated that lithium-ion batteries (the most common ones in scooters) last between two to three years or around 300 to 500 charging cycles. (source)
