How to Test Electric Scooter Battery

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Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:11 PM

If you are wondering how to test a top-performing electric scooter battery, you are not alone. An e-scooter battery determines just how long you will be able to ride before needing to stop and charge. In other words, you will want to make sure your battery is operating properly.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • You can easily perform a number of tests on your electric scooter’s battery to ensure it is operating at peak efficiency.
  • Purchase a voltmeter or a multimeter to perform the test, though you may have to open up your scooter to get at the battery’s connection wires. A digital multimeter could shorten this process.
  • You should also perform best maintenance practices on your scooter’s battery to minimize repair risks.

Benefits of Testing an Electric Scooter Battery

If you regularly test and maintain your battery, you can expect to see some long-term benefits. The battery could last longer, for instance, and will operate at peak efficiency. You will not have to buy a replacement for years and your scooter will continually reach a desired maximum range. And if you enjoy doing DIY repairs or building from DIY kits, then learn how to wire an electric scooter.

Insider Tip

If you regularly test and maintain your battery, you can expect to see some long-term benefits.

How to Test Electric Scooter Batteries

There are a number of simple steps you can take to test and positively maintain your lithium battery.

Use a Voltmeter or Multimeter

You can purchase a voltmeter or a digital multimeter. Voltmeters and multimeters are relatively inexpensive and do a great job at giving you pertinent data regarding your battery. The battery testing process is relatively simple, but you may need a hex wrench or a screwdriver to open up the battery casing so you can plug the voltmeter into the appropriate cables. We recommend going with a digital multimeter if you want to avoid opening up the scooter, as digital multimeters can often perform wirelessly. Each scooter boasts a different design, so you may have to look up a tutorial for your specific scooter so you can adequately use a voltmeter or multimeter to test the battery.

Insider Tip

We recommend going with a digital multimeter if you want to avoid opening up the scooter, as digital multimeters can often perform wirelessly.

Test Your Scooter’s Maximum Range

You can perform a slightly less accurate test by simply measuring your scooter’s maximum range over a period of time. We recommend checking the scooter’s range during a clear day and on a smooth road that lacks an incline. Separate these tests apart by a couple of months and review the data. If the maximum range did not decrease on the second test, your battery is likely still operating at peak efficiency. If you noticed a steep decline in the maximum range, it may be time to perform some troubleshooting.

Use Best Scooter Battery Practices

You can help ensure your battery remains in great condition by regularly using the best scooter battery practices. Try to avoid ever fully depleting the battery and try to cap the battery’s charge at around 90 percent. When not in use, store the battery in a cool, dry place, such as a closet. And when conditions are cold, you may need to test your e-scooter electric choke.

Warning

The battery testing process is relatively simple, but you may need a hex wrench or a screwdriver to open up the battery casing so you can plug the voltmeter into the appropriate cables.

F.A.Q.

Can you replace a scooter’s battery?

You can replace a scooter’s battery, though the replacement process will vary depending on the make and model of your scooter. Additionally, make sure the replacement battery can successfully integrate with your e-scooter.


Is replacing a scooter’s battery worth the cost?

This depends on the individual, though it must be noted that scooter batteries can be rather expensive. As a matter of fact, replacement batteries tend to cost as much as one-quarter to one-third of the price of the scooter itself.


Are electric scooter batteries safe?

Yes. In the early days of electric scooters, cheaply made lithium batteries caused a number of issues, including fires. These issues have since been resolved.



STAT: If you are storing your scooter for a longer time, charge the battery to around 60% at least once a month. (source)

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