Battery technology has come a long way and electric scooters are now becoming very popular. But what about the battery? What is the best lithium battery for e-scooter companies?
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about electric scooter batteries including battery packs, voltage, capacity ratings, battery manufacturers, battery management system (BMS), C-rate, and more!
What are electric scooter batteries and what do they do?
The battery is one of the most important components of an electric scooter. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all perform the same basic function: to store energy and provide power to the electric motor. Not all batteries are created equal. Some batteries are better suited for certain applications than others.
There are many different types of electric scooter batteries available on the market, but most of them fall into one of two categories: lead-acid or lithium-ion.
How to choose the right lithium battery for e-scooter?
The first step in choosing the right electric scooter battery for your needs is to determine the voltage you need.
The next step is to determine the capacity of the battery you need.
Once you’ve determined the voltage and capacity of the battery you need, it’s time to contact a reliable battery manufacturer for a battery that meets your needs.
Tritek is a professional OEM of LEV battery, which is with more than 12 years of experience. We design and produce the complete intelligent lithium battery pack for light electric vehicles, including the smart BMS and battery.
Let Tritek manufacturer help you achieve business success, please contact us today to get started. Our team of experts would be happy to help you with your battery needs.
Click on the photo to discover more about our electric scooter batteries.
Electric scooter batteries types
Lead-acid batteries
Lead-acid batteries are the type of electric scooter battery and they come in two main varieties: flooded lead-acid and sealed lead-acid.
Flooded lead-acid batteries are the older type of battery and they require periodic maintenance to keep them in good condition. Sealed lead-acid batteries are newer than flooded lead-acid batteries and don’t need any maintenance. They are also safer because they can’t spill acid if they are damaged.
Lead-acid batteries have a lower cell voltage (2V) and a lower energy density than lithium-ion batteries. They also have a shorter lifespan (usually around 300 cycles). However, they are cheaper than lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries
The Li-ion batteries are the lightest on the market, which makes them very attractive to electric scooter manufacturers.
Lithium-ion batteries have a higher cell voltage (3.6V) and a higher energy density than lead-acid batteries. Moreover, they have a longer lifespan (usually around 500 to 800 cycles).
Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular type of electric scooter battery and they come in two main varieties: NCA and NCM.
NCA – Nickel-cobalt-aluminum
Triple elements – Ni, Co, Al
Advantages：
- Highest power density and energy density
- Good cycle life
- Low self-discharge
Anode – LiNixCoyAlzO2
Cathode – Graphite + Si
NCM – Nickel-cobalt-manganese
Triple elements Ni, Co, Mn
Advantages：
- High power density
- Long cycle life
- Low cost
- Balance
Anode – LiNixCoyMnzO2
Cathode – Graphite
Comparison of energy density：
NCA18650 224Wh/KG (Panasonic GA)
NCM18650 150Wh-220Wh/KG
There are also batteries such as lithium iron phosphate and nickel-metal hydride batteries, but they are not as often used as the previous options.
Discover more about battery types
Cell Manufacturer
There are many different cell manufacturers which are suitable for electric scooter batteries on the market, but some suppliers are more popular than others.
Typical manufacturers and materials for electric scooters include:
Chinese typical big players: CATL, BYD…
NCM cells manufacturers: LG, SAMSUNG, CATL, and others
NCA cells manufacturers: LG, SAMSUNG, Panasonic, CATL, and others
Battery Packs
Most electric scooters come with a battery pack consisting of two or more individual batteries. The battery pack is made up of individual cells that are connected in series and/or parallel to create the desired voltage and capacity.
Voltage
The voltage of an electric scooter battery pack is determined by the number of cells in the pack and their voltage rating. The voltage of an electric scooter battery pack is usually between 24V and 48V.
When fully charged, each cell in the battery pack will have a voltage of 4.2 volts however, the standard voltage of each cell is 3.6 volts.
Capacity Ratings
Capacity ratings are a measure of how much energy a battery can store. The higher the rating, the more energy the battery can store.
The capacity of an electric scooter battery pack is usually expressed in amp-hours (Ah). A higher Ah rating indicates a larger capacity. For example, a 12-volt, 15-Ah battery pack can store up to 180 watt-hours of energy. The battery capacity is usually between 9Ah and 30Ah.
Battery Life
Electric scooter battery life is typically between 300 (for lead-acid battery) and 500 (for lithium-ion battery) charge cycles. This means that they can be charged and discharged a total of 300 to 500 times before they need to be replaced.
C-rate
C-rate is a measure of how fast a battery can be discharged. It is expressed in terms of the capacity of the battery. For example, a battery that has a C-rate of one means that it can discharge its rated capacity in one hour.
Most electric scooter batteries have a C-rate between 0.5 and two.
Battery Management System
Most modern electric scooters have built-in battery management systems – providing battery protection. The BMS is responsible for monitoring the condition of the battery and making sure that it is never overcharged or discharged. It also protects the battery from excessive heat and short circuits.
Most BMS systems will cut off power to the battery when it reaches a predetermined voltage or Ah rating. This prevents the battery from being damaged and allows it to be used safely in an electric scooter.
The functionality of BMS allows not only to improve the operating mode of rechargeable batteries but also to maximize their lifetime.
Learn more about BMS protection
What is a good lithium battery for e-scooter?
Essential parts for a good lithium battery for e-scooter include:
- Fire-proof shell
- Integrated wiring
- Smart BMS
- Insulation layer
Performance of electric scooter lithium battery:
- Charge temperature: 10-45℃
- Discharge temperature: -20-60℃
- Battery life: 500 cycles
Features of electric scooter lithium battery:
- Good consistency: free of charge for 6 months
- Low self-discharge: deep sleep mode for storage
Learn more about electric scooter battery TK0007
Tips for extending the life of your lithium battery for e-scooter
There are a few things you can do to help extend the life of your lithium battery for e-scooter. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to get the most out of your battery:
- Don’t let your battery run completely flat. Try to avoid letting the battery level drop below 20%. This will help keep the cells healthy and extend their lifespan.
- Avoid extreme temperatures. Don’t leave your battery in direct sunlight or in freezing cold weather conditions. This can damage the cells and reduce their lifespan.
- Keep your battery clean. Dirt and dust can build up on the cells over time, which can affect their performance.
These tips should help you get the most out of your electric scooter battery and keep it in good condition for longer.
Troubleshooting tips for common problems with lithium battery for e-scooter
If you’re having trouble with your electric scooter battery, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most common problems and their corresponding solutions:
- Your electric scooter isn’t holding a charge: This could be due to a number of factors, including a damaged battery, a defective charging port, or a malfunctioning BMS. Try cleaning the ports and connectors with a soft cloth.
- Your electric scooter won’t start: This could be due to a number of factors, including a dead battery, a defective switch, or a disconnected cable. Try pushing the scooter to see if it will start moving; sometimes this can help jump-start the motor. If that doesn’t work, check the connections and cables for damage.
If that doesn’t work, contact your battery manufacturer.
Safety certifications
So, what kinds of certifications that a safe e-scooter battery needs to conform with? Through Tritek manufacturer’s thousands of internal tests and hundreds of external verification on our premium batteries, we found below certifications were needed:
- EN15194:2017
- UN38.3
- UN-package
- UL
- CE
- FCC
- CB
- ROHS
Learn more about safety certifications
FAQs lithium battery for e-scooter
How can I prolong the life of my electric scooter battery?
To prolong the life of your electric scooter battery, avoid discharging it below 20% capacity and always use a charger that is compatible with your battery. Also, try to keep the battery cool and dry.
Can I use any type of charger with my electric scooter batteries?
Some chargers are specifically designed for certain battery types. Be sure to use the correct charger for your batteries.
My electric scooter isn’t getting very good range lately. Could it be my batteries?
It’s possible that your electric scooter’s battery life has decreased and needs to be replaced. However, there are other potential causes for poor range as well.
Can I use my electric scooter batteries in another device?
It depends on the battery type and the device. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.
How can I tell if my electric scooter batteries need to be replaced?
If your electric scooter isn’t getting the range it used to, or if it’s having trouble starting up, then your batteries may need to be replaced. You can also check the voltage and % remaining of your batteries using a battery tester. If either of these values is lower than what’s listed on your battery pack, then it’s time for a replacement.
What should I do if my battery becomes swollen?
If your battery becomes swollen, discontinue use and contact the manufacturer for a replacement.
Is an electric scooter battery waterproof?
Yes, many electric scooter batteries are water resistant, so you don’t need to take extra care when riding in wet weather. Tritek lithium battery for e-scooter is waterproof, that is why you can stay calm when your scooter might get wet.
Are lithium batteries safe?
The answer is yes！
Learn more about the safety of lithium-ion batteries
Thank you for reading! We hope that the information was useful to you.
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