The thrill of zipping around town on your electric scooter. There’s just something liberating about that! But, while the fun lasts, an important aspect often goes unnoticed – charging.
Electric scooters run on batteries, which must be charged correctly and efficiently to ensure longevity and optimal performance. And to do this, using the original charger is essential.
Remember the adage, “the right tool for the right job”? Well, that applies to charging your electric scooter battery too! It isn’t just about increasing battery lifespan or getting the most out of your scooter; it’s also about safety.
You Need to Know About Voltage (V) And Amperage (A) Before Charging
Grasping the principles of voltage (V) and amperage (A) is essential when powering up your electric scooter, much like being aware of the appropriate type of gas for your automobile.
Let’s take a minute to demystify these two key players in the charging game.
Voltage, quantified in volts (V), can be perceived as the electrical power that drives the current through the circuit — akin to the water pressure in a pipeline. It’s the potential difference between two points in an electric field. The higher the voltage, the greater the force or ‘pressure’ that drives the charge carriers through a circuit.
Most electric scooters for adults, such as the Varla Eagle One or the Varla Pegasus, operate at a specific voltage, typically 36V, 48V, or 52V, and it’s critical that the charger you use supplies the correct voltage. Should the voltage of the charger be excessively high, it could lead to an intense surge of current into the battery, resulting in overheating, and in extreme cases, it could even instigate a fire. If it’s too low, your battery may not charge at all or so slowly that it becomes impractical.
On the other hand, amperage, measured in amps (A), refers to the volume of electricity or the current flowing from the battery to your scooter’s motor and other components. Think of it as the rate of electron flow or the ‘quantity’ of electricity. It’s like the amount of water that flows through the pipe.
Every electric scooter battery has a specific amperage or current rating, which the charger should match. If a charger provides more current than the battery’s rating, it can cause the battery to overheat, damaging the battery cells and reducing its lifespan. On the contrary, if a charger supplies less current than needed, your battery will charge, but it will take much longer.
To paint a picture, imagine filling a swimming pool with a fire hose versus a garden hose. The fire hose will fill the pool quickly but could damage the pool due to the intense water pressure. Conversely, the garden hose won’t cause any damage but will take significantly longer to fill the pool.
That’s why using the original charger specifically designed for your electric scooter model is vital. The manufacturer has ensured that it provides the correct voltage and amperage to safely and efficiently charge your scooter’s battery without damaging it or reducing its lifespan.
The Risks of Using Non-original Chargers
Electric Scooter Batteries Damage Risk
Original chargers are explicitly designed for your scooter’s battery, ensuring they deliver the correct voltage and amperage. A non-original charger is a good, cheaper alternative, but it can risk causing irreparable damage to your battery, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Relevant Charging Components Risk
Each component in an electric scooter’s charging system has unique properties. These components, including capacitors, resistors, and diodes, work best when used per the specifications defined by the motor scooter manufacturer. Using a non-original charger could result in these components being subjected to conditions outside their working range, leading to failure or damage.
Fire or Other Hazards Risk
The most severe risk of using a non-original charger is the possibility of a fire. If a charger not designed for your scooter’s specifications is used, it could cause the battery to overheat, leading to a fire or even an explosion in extreme cases.
Ensuring Optimal and Efficient Charging by Using Original Electric Scooter Chargers
When you use an original charger, you’re not just ensuring safety but also providing your scooter charges efficiently. It means that your motor scooter battery charge is done in the right amount of time, and your electric battery scooter gets the optimal energy it needs for your next ride. It’s like feeding your motor scooter a healthy, balanced diet!
How to Identify Original Electric Scooter Chargers
Original chargers usually come with brand logos or specific model numbers on them. Some also have unique physical characteristics that are difficult to replicate. For example, the Varla motor scooter charger has a specific plug design and brand logo. You can always contact the manufacturer or authorized dealer to confirm if you need clarification.
Tips for Correctly Charging the Scooter With the Original Charger
Let Your Escooter Cool Down Before Charging
After a ride, especially a long one, allow your scooter to cool down before plugging in the charger. This ensures that the heat generated during the ride doesn’t affect the charging process.
Ensure That Your Escooter and Charger Are Dry
Electricity and water don’t mix. Always ensure that your scooter and charger are dry before charging. This reduces the risk of short-circuiting or electrocution.
Charge in a Safe and Dry Environment
When it’s time to charge, pick a safe and dry place. Please keep it away from flammable materials to minimize risks in the unlikely event of a fire.
Turn Off Your Scooter While Charging
Ensure that your scooter is switched off when you charge it. This prevents any possible interference with the charging process.
Plug the Charger Into the Power Outlet First Before Connecting It to Your Scooter
This sequence ensures the charger establishes a stable connection with the power source before connecting to the scooter.
Avoid Overcharging Your Battery
Charging beyond the recommended time can cause the battery to overheat, reducing its lifespan and potentially leading to a fire hazard.
Do Not Interrupt Frequently Until Fully Charged
Avoid unplugging your off road electric scooter before it’s fully charged. Interrupting the charge frequently can decrease the overall lifespan of the battery.
Remember, the proper charging practices ensure your electric scooter stays with you for the long haul, performing at its best while keeping you safe. Stick to the original charger, follow the charging tips, and let the good times roll!
Final Words
Now, you might be wondering, “Why all these precautions? Isn’t charging supposed to be simple?” Yes, charging is simple, but it is crucial to do it correctly. The guidelines mentioned are not just for properly charging your electric scooter but also for ensuring the safety and longevity of your scooter.
So, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Your electric scooter is a marvelous piece of technology. It’s designed with intricate systems to make your ride smooth and enjoyable. The battery and charging system are vital parts of this setup. They need the proper care, and that’s where the original charger comes in.
Remember the last time you saw a friend’s phone battery draining too fast, and they said, “Oh, it’s because I’m using a cheap charger.” That’s precisely the case with electric scooters too. Using a non-original charger could result in less efficient charging, leading to poor performance and shorter rides. And nobody wants that.
Take the Varla Eagle One, for example. This high-performance scooter is built for speed and range. But to keep it running like a champion, it needs the right fuel. This fuel comes from its battery, and to charge this battery, you need the original charger.
The same goes for the Varla Pegasus. This fantastic scooter is designed for urban commuting. It deftly navigates you through bustling city traffic, making your journey to your destination a breeze. But again, to ensure its reliable performance, the original charger is the key.
The bottom line is, just like you wouldn’t put the wrong fuel in your car, you shouldn’t charge your electric scooter with the faulty charger. Always go for the original charger explicitly designed for your scooter. It ensures the correct voltage and amperage, giving your battery a reasonable charge. This way, your electric scooter can serve you longer and safer, allowing you to enjoy those thrilling rides without worry.
We hope this article has given you a better understanding of proper charging for your electric scooters, mainly using original chargers only. It’s not just about getting your scooter ready for the next ride but also about safety, efficiency, and longevity.
