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.
- To minimize repair risks, you should also perform the best maintenance practices on your scooter’s battery.
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 the desired maximum range. Testing battery voltage, the type of batteries used, and the battery charge level can all help you determine the best route for maintenance. By keeping up with battery maintenance, you will ensure your scooter remains reliable and performs optimally.
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. So be sure to learn what the lights on your scooter battery charger mean to help you diagnose any potential problem.
For example, if you have a faulty battery, the device may not hold enough energy to reach full power. Make sure your charger is the original one supplied with your scooter and that it is plugged securely into the wall outlet when charging.
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 of 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.
To check the battery pack’s output voltage, use a multimeter. Make sure the battery pack is fully charged, and then connect one lead from the meter to the negative battery terminal and the other to the positive battery terminal. Once connected, read off the output voltage displayed on the meter.
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. Remember to check for defective battery components or a battery leak. It could also be an indication of reduced battery performance.
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. If you have a removable battery, it’s even better: take out the battery if your scooter will be sitting idle for extended periods of time. This will help maintain an average battery life and add years to its lifespan.
If you find that something is wrong with your battery, you can read our guide on how to replace an electric scooter battery to help you solve it. And when conditions are cold, you may need to how to test a scooter’s electric choke. However, if the scooter will not move and the battery is fine, check out our guide on how to disable a kill switch on an electric scooter to see if that is the issue.
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)
