Electric scooters are handy and easily charged ways to get around town, go shopping, or even commute to work. Modern electric scooters have a considerable range and can be used on various terrains. 

But how do the batteries of electric scooters work? What do you need to know to take care of your electric scooter’s battery, and what is the best way to charge it? Keep reading to find out and learn more about what makes these fun and zippy e-rides work.

Where’s the Battery?

As you look at an electric scooter, such as the MotoTec Metro, you may wonder where the battery is located. There’s a fabulous basket, a comfy-looking seat, and well-designed handles, but where’s the battery?

The batteries of electric scooters are typically built into the center lower footrest of the scooter, between the two wheels. It is generally a lithium-ion battery and is both narrow and long. You can use the footrest as you would with any scooter, as the build of the scooter is strong enough to support you and protect the battery. 

Lithium-ion batteries are durable, energy-dense, and can give a greater power output than traditional lead-acid batteries. 

How Do I Charge It?

Your electric scooter should have a charger plugged into a standard home outlet. Ensure your scooter is completely off and the battery has cooled down before charging to avoid damaging the system or hurting yourself.

The charging port should be located at the scooter's base, on the footrest panel's lower sides. Simply plug in your factory charger and connect the pronged end to a wall outlet. 

Most electric scooters will take between 3 and 8 hours to fully charge, with about 5 hours being the industry average.  For example, the GlareWheel EB-C1 takes 3-4 hours to charge. The larger and more powerful the battery, the longer your charge will take. 

How Far Can I Go on One Charge?

Many new electric scooter owners want to know how far they can go on a single charge. This depends on the battery size and power.

Broadly speaking, electric scooters can give anywhere from 12-40 miles of range per charge, a considerable spectrum. For example, the GoTrax GMax Ultra can get up to 45 miles per charge under ideal conditions, but this is at the higher end of the possible range with a vehicle of this size.

This range also depends on where you’re riding your scooter, how many inclines you tackle, and how you use the throttle. More inclines, throttle, and rougher terrain will eat through battery life faster than flat surfaces and more foot power.

How Long Will My Scooter Battery Last?

Your electric scooter batteries should last 300-500 charge cycles (meaning you can deplete it and charge it at least 300 times), or 2-3 years. It depends on how often you use and charge your scooter and how well you care for the batteries.

Make sure you store your electric scooter batteries in a dry, cool place, be careful not to overcharge (meaning once the battery is fully charged, unplug it), and try to keep your battery safe from moisture and dust. All these steps can help prolong the life of your electric scooter battery and give you more ride time overall. 

Conclusion

Your electric scooter battery should be located in the central footrest panel of your scooter and can be charged at home with the included factory charger. 

Turn off your scooter completely to charge. Your charging time should take anywhere from 3-8 hours, and your range can be anywhere from 12-40 miles depending on brand and scooter use. 

Make sure to store your scooter and batteries in a cool, dry place, and keep your batteries away from moisture and dirt. Your electric scooter batteries should last 2-3 years or at least 300 charge cycles.