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Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
We’re excited to celebrate Unagi’s 5th Anniversary, and we want you to join the fun! To thank you for your support, we're hosting an exclusive $10,000 Airbnb giveaway. No purchase necessary—just enter for your chance to win! Hurry, the giveaway ends on 10/4/2024!
In today’s fast-paced world, finding an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation is crucial. E-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban landscapes. Unagi stands out not only for its superior design and performance but also for its affordability and unmatched rental program.
While e-scooters have been gaining popularity due to their convenience and relatively low cost, they have been getting more attention lately for another reason: battery fires. It's important to understand the potential dangers associated with the battery technology that lies at their core.
In South Carolina, electric scooters exist in a sort of legal gray area. There's no statewide legislation that specifically addresses them.
Understand which personal electric vehicle is best, the choice between an electric bike or electric scooter might already be made for you by some critical factors, including portability and storage capacity.
How to get more battery range for your riding buck! How much energy, how long, and how fast is down to your battery. In the age of the urban scooter, it can sometimes be your money or your battery life!
When you're checking out electric scooter batteries it pays to know the difference between power density and high energy density. Your battery charge capacity versus your battery's output voltage. You don't want rides slowing down half-way or suddenly cutting short.
You may know the average electric scooter battery is a Lithium ion battery. But modern electric scooter batteries are upgrading and improving all the time. Unagi Voyager, for example, has a battery charging time cut by an incredible 50 per cent. And sodium batteries are tipped to be the next step in sustainable and ethical energy storage for a new generation of electric scooter.
In this quick guide to electric scooter batteries... we'll make it real easy for you to get a handle on what you really need to know before picking battery replacements - or going right ahead to buy or subscribe to your scooter of choice.
Let's charge this one up...
Straight off, yes! Not all electric scooters have the same battery capacity or energy output. Which will impact scooter performance - speed, range and reliability. Battery performance also includes your scooter motor, lights and handlebar controls.
When it's time to replace your e scooter batteries, you need to know which replacement battery pack to buy. Different batteries, and battery brands can have different battery specifications. Which may affect your daily scooter performance and lifespan.
First, the TWO types of battery most often used to power electric scooters.
Type 1 - refers to a traditional battery, such as the lead acid battery, which is generally cheaper to buy but has a lower energy density and a shorter lifespan.
Type 2 - refers to more advanced batteries, such as the lithium-ion battery with a higher energy density, faster charging and a longer life span.
Next, a quick rundown of 3 basic battery terms you often read or hear about.
Voltage is simply a measure of the force - or intensity - of an electric current when it flows through a circuit. Just like water pressure affects how water flows along in a pipe, and is then released.
Electric scooter motors are generally rated with one of the following voltage values:
The higher your battery voltage the faster and longer your scooter will travel. It will also improve hill climbs and capacity to carry heavier loads.
It should be noted that a battery's actual output voltage - known as Full voltage - may be around 0.5V below the voltage claimed by the battery manufacturer - referred to as the Nominal voltage.
This is because of operating conditions, such as electrical resistance or the battery management system.
A further type of voltage is called the Cut-off voltage - the level at which the battery cannot be discharged or risk permanent damage.
Voltage output can sometimes be temporarily affected by a phenomenon known as - Voltage Sag.
C-rate measures how quickly a battery can be discharged, based on its maximum capacity.
Most portable batteries are rated at 1C - known as a "one hour discharge" - which means the entire battery will discharge in one hour.
Examples:
Many electric scooter batteries have a C-rate of 0.5 - 2
Amp hours (Ah)
Batteries are also rated in amp hours (Ah):
The amount of electrical charge (measured in number of amps) that can be supplied within one hour.
The higher the number of amp-hours, the greater amount of energy stored. This gives longer mileage and range.
Battery capacity is rated in Watt-hours (Wh):
As with amp-hours, higher battery watt-hours means more energy stored, to produce a longer range.
To calculate watt-hours (Wh): Battery voltage x Amp-hours.
Example:
Unagi Voyager comes with a 36 volt battery and 10.0 Amp hours
(Battery voltage): 36 x (Amp hours): 10.0 = 360 watt hours (Wh)
This means a single charge can deliver:
and potentially:
Many riders usually refer to the efficiency of electric scooter battery life and performance by the number of watt-hours (Wh). Which can also help to you to better identify the right scooter type for your riding needs.
| Watt hours (Wh) | Scooter Class | Rider Type | Range | Charge Time (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130 - 650 | Entry level, Budget, Commuter | Novice | 16-40 kms (10-25 miles) | 2.5 - 6 |
| 650 - 1000 | Intermediate, Commuter | Experienced | Up to 48 kms (30 miles) | 4 - 9 |
| 1000 - 3000 | Performance | Sports | Up to 150 kms (90 miles) | 8 - 12 |
The above figures may vary according to factors including: types of batteries, specific battery capacity, brand, and charger type.
There are 3 types of batteries which will be most likely fitted to your electric scooter:
Starting with the most widely used scooter battery.
You may have noticed that most electric scooters are equipped with Lithium-ion batteries.
Li-ion batteries were fitted to 75 per cent of all electric scooters in 2023, according to market research by US-based, Global Market Insights.
It reflects an increase in their use by a massive 500 per cent over the last ten years (Source: Avicenne Energy, Circular Energy Storage Report, 2018-25).
Simply because they have:
You may have read or heard about Lithium-ion batteries catching fire. This happens when the temperature of the scooter battery heats up beyond its maximum rated energy storage level. The temperature of its immediate surroundings also rises, known as an exothermic response.
This triggers an uncontrollable chain reaction called thermal runaway, where the excess heat impacts adjacent cells in this brick like battery pack.
Today, many electric scooter brands, such as Unagi, install modern battery management systems(BMS), which are designed to monitor and prevent the likelihood of battery failures, such as:
An e scooter battery is made up of rows of individual, tube-shaped cells.
Many e scooters made for urban commutes are fitted with a type called 18650. This refers to their size in millimeters:
18650 cells have a longer lifespan but are more responsive to temperature rises. Larger size 21700 cells can now often be fitted to scooters intended for the long range (96 kms/ 60 miles) rather than the average urban daily commute.
Each of the battery cells, contains:
(i) Anode - which is positive (+), and the other called:
(ii) Cathode - which is negative (-)
The two terminals are set in a liquid called:
Between the two terminals is a:
Charge-carrying lithium particles - these are the ions - travel back and forth in the electrolyte between the 2 electrode conductors.
This movement causes the battery to release electrons - invisible, sub-atomic molecules which carry electricity - and create the charge for the battery to power the scooter.
Each battery cell operates:
Lithium-ion batteries do have a longer lifespan than an earlier version containing pure, metallic lithium, which had to be replaced after one single charge. Current versions contain Lithium-ion compounds that enable multiple charging cycles.
Eventually, the battery cells will start to lose charging capacity and storage efficiency.
| No. of charge/discharge cycles | No. of miles | No. of Years | Loss of capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 - 500 | 3,000 - 10,000 | 1 - 3 | 20 per cent |
| 1,000 - 2,000 | 5,000 - 12,000 | 2 - 4 | 30 - 40 per cent |
IMPORTANT: The above values are approximate only and will vary according to:
When it's time to finally replace electric scooter batteries, it's important you know that Lithium-based batteries come in a variety of types.
The most common Lithium-ion batteries also used by electric scooter manufacturers include:
A high-density, high power capacity battery in a lightweight format. This not only reduces scooter weight for improved riding speeds and portability. It also offers the possibility to use swappable batteries to double energy storage capacity and range.
The LiPo battery comes in an aluminum foil “pouch”, with a reduced size of around 13.2cm (5.1in) x 7.6cm (3in) x 0.71cm (0.25in). Traditional lithium-ion batteries are usually contained in a rectangular steel or aluminum casing of around 32cm (12.6in) x 7.4cm (3in) x 4.5cm (1.7in).
Instead of the conventional liquid electrolyte, a LiPo battery contains a polymer electrolyte. This is a high conductivity gel, and not a true, lithium polymer solid.
It also has a polymer separator between the two electrodes, which will shut down the battery if it starts overheating during charging or discharging.
A combination of nickel, manganese and cobalt with both high capacity and output. Most Lithium manganese batteries are blended with nickel and cobalt oxide (NMC) as an active cathode material, which boosts energy and prolongs life span.
It's also the safest of the lithium-ion range. The presence of manganese:
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries use lithium iron phosphate for the cathode and metal-backed graphite carbon as the anode. They're used in electric scooters because LFP batteries can deliver the required high load currents and resilience. They also have better thermal and chemical stability than lithium-ion batteries, which prevent extreme temperatures and improve battery safety.
LFP batteries, which are cobalt-free, can have a considerably longer cycle life than other lithium-ion battery types, Typically more than 3,000 cycles, and under optimal conditions, over 10,000 cycles.
The slow discharge rates - around 2-3 per cent per month - means LP batteries can hold their charge for longer over time.
Overall, the battery chemistry has a lifespan 2-3 times longer than NMC batteries, which is both cost effective and more sustainable.
Lithium batteries are also used in smaller devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. And each has a slightly different battery configuration and chemistry, which modifies capacity and output, including:
*INR stands for Li-NiMnCoO2 -“Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide - which can maintain a balance between high capacity and high discharge rate. And is ideal for high performance e scooters that demand considerable power and long battery life.
LMO batteries are also one of the safest types. Manganese lowers resistance, allowing high output and low temperatures. This reduces thermal runaway and fire risk.
NCA (lithium, nickel, cobalt aluminum) and NCM (nickel, cobalt manganese) batteries provide exceptional levels of performance with:
Invented in 1959, the lead acid battery was the first of its kind. They were known to instantly produce both high current and high power storage. As a result, they were the most common and low cost vehicle batteries available.
There were two main types of sealed lead acid batteries:
Today, you will mostly find sealed lead acid batteries powering mobility vehicles and just a few electric scooters, specifically, low-cost children's scooters.
However, you may opt to use sealed lead acid batteries because of the following benefits:
Compared to lithium-ion batteries, the sealed lead acid battery has:
All electric wheelchair and scooter batteries are rated at 12 volts and are usually fitted (and replaced) in pairs, which gives a 24 volt output - now a minimum energy rating for a viable urban scooter.
NiMH batteries - as they're often called - are commonly found powering a variety of consumer electronics, typically digital cameras. Or where there is a demand for instant high energy consumption, such as children's toys.
The NiMh battery has a specific energy of 30–80 Wh/kg, which is higher than the lead acid battery.
Key advantages include:
As a mature technology, there is a downside:
An electric scooter's battery can still be made with mature technologies, sometimes called a Type I battery. This simply means this battery type has been reliably in use for many years. Components and functionality may not always match up to the higher voltages, storage capacity, range and sustainability, constantly developed for today's personal transportation needs.
Today, the lithium ion battery can be found powering most electric scooters. But will the road soon be running out?
Battery manufacturers constantly upgrade their product's safety, reliability, efficiency and sustainability. A new generation of high capacity battery aims to meet increasing demand for higher density storage, faster charging, longer range and lifespan.
So what new battery technology could soon be driving you faster, for longer?
In 2022, a Taiwanese scooter maker revealed its first prototype for a lithium-ceramic, solid-state swappable battery. Boasting an estimated capacity of 2.5kWh, it beats out a swappable lithium-ion battery with liquid electrolyte, currently with a capacity of around 1.7kWh.
To date, solid state batteries can be used in small electronic devices such as smart watches. Mass-market production for electric vehicles, including e scooters, may only be around the corner.
It's important to know the difference between 2 types of solid state batteries:
- which is different from -
How it works
Solid state batteries are made with non-flammable, inorganic solid electrolytes to:
A solid electrolyte also has a greater ability to generate a charge because there is:
This means that a solid electrolyte battery can have a:
- as well as a -
Another example of using solid electrolytes to produce higher density in a lithium battery include:
How it works
In this combination, oxygen molecules present at the positive (+) electrode react with the positively charged lithium ions to form a white, solid granular material known as lithium peroxide (Li2O2). Electric energy is then created by the electrons drawn from the electrode.
Research shows that this type of electrolyte battery could potentially boost energy density to:
Plus, an increase in the amount of energy put in during charging is released as power during discharging. Which means less energy is lost at each recharge.
Currently, an amount of generated energy can be lost as heat which quickly reduces the charge.
Lithium-air batteries are currently also built as "open-cell" , compared to traditional sealed batteries. And also need extra components for delivering the stored charge.
Sulfer, an abundant and cheaply sourced material, is shown to 'store' more energy than a traditional, ion-based battery.
How it works
Here, a sulfur-containing positive (+) electrode is paired with a lithium metal negative (-) electrode. And a sulfur-containing 'active' separator was inserted between the electrodes.
As the ions (charge-carrying particles) pass between the two electrodes, an electronic current is created, capable of three times more capacity.
The active separator maintained also boosted capacity to give:
That's around double the number of charge cycles of a current, electric scooter lithium-ion battery. Which translates to longer battery life and range before capacity reduces.
Tests to make the sulfur separator much thinner and lighter could further reduce overall weight and improve portability.
Sodium is also readily available and low-cost and could be a real alternative to lithium-ion for energy storage.
How it works
A sodium-ion battery is almost identical to the standard lithium-ion type. The difference is:
Sodium-ion batteries are shown to reach levels of energy density comparable to some early lithium-ion batteries with an extended lifespan of:
(Source: US Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), February 2022)
Research also continues into next-generation batteries with reduced fire risk, such as:
How it works
Here, the positive (+) electrode is magnesium - a metal estimated to be 1,000 times more abundant than lithium.
Magnesium metals generally create a highly unstable reaction when used in batteries. When immersed in an aqueous (liquid-moist) environment, a rigid, resistant barrier is formed which blocks unwanted reactions.
Test results have shown significant results. An aqueous magnesium battery can exceed 2.0 - 2.4 v of a typical ion battery with a capacity for 700 plus recharging cycles.
Manufacturers are always testing how to boost battery charge, capacity and lifespan. You can also do a lot to help get the most from your electric scooter battery.
How long your electric scooter's battery lasts depends on the following:
Charging
Riding and storage
How fast you ride, how long you ride, how short your charging time - is mostly down to your scooter battery. You always need to have the right type - no one size fits all. Check the voltage and work hours (Wh). Keep to the original manufacturer brand/spec.
Most electric scooters today are powered by the lithium-ion battery. Further on up the road, you may soon be using lithium batteries using air, sulfur, polymer or sodium.
The demand for higher density, longer storage and shorter charging keeps pushing the frontiers of battery chemistry forward.
Find out more about how to safely charge your electric scooter
In the U.S., most states don't require a license. For those that do, they usually just ask for a regular driver's license or a learner's permit.
Yes, you can bring an electric scooter on a plane, but it needs to have a lithium battery smaller than 100 watt-hours, which most don't.
Manufacturers advise against riding electric scooters in the rain. The main reasons are: water can fry the electronics, make the ride dangerous, and void your warranty.
“Is my scooter legal?” is a question many are increasingly asking. The micromobility industry is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting in the world—with promises for...in addition to abundances of the basics of time and money savings. And with this pace of innovation comes a struggle for regulation to keep up.
So, you're thinking about joining the electric scooter revolution, huh? You've seen those sleek and stylish scooters zipping around town, effortlessly gliding through traffic, and you can't help but wonder: Are electric scooters easy to ride?
In this guide, we'll break down what defines a lightweight electric scooter, why you should choose one, and the top features you should look for.
Want to get the most out of your electric scooter battery and extend your riding adventures? We've got you covered with our comprehensive guide full of maintenance tips and best practices.
*Disclaimer: Unagi, INC. has used best efforts, but does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the below findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States or internationally. Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin…
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