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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.
Firstly, a crucial word of caution: Batteries, particularly those lithium-ion packs powering your electric scooters, are not to be trifled with as they are highly sensitive, and improper handling can easily lead to fires. Sometimes, a single wrong connection is all it takes. So, if there's an opportunity to purchase a new charger, it's unquestionably the safer route. Chargers are relatively cheap, and using the right one saves you a whole lot of trouble.
With that essential piece of advice out of the way, let's address the reality you might be facing. It's possible that a replacement charger simply isn't available. Perhaps you're dealing with an older scooter model for which chargers are no longer available, or perhaps you've scored a second-hand gem, but it came without the charger. Or, let's face it, maybe you've just misplaced or damaged the original one. Whatever the reason, you're here, possibly in need of a makeshift charging solution.
In such cases, exploring alternative charging methods might seem justifiable.
This task isn't overly complex, but it’s certainly not a walk in the park either. It's intricate and demands your full attention to every electrical connection you make. A single incorrect connection could lead to a short circuit, which at best could kill your battery, and at worst, turn your scooter into a fireball. Also, keep in mind that trying out these methods will void any warranty on your scooter.
Our guide outlines some relatively safe ways to charge your electric scooter without the original charger. If you're new to this and find terms like 'voltage' and 'current' unfamiliar, don't worry—this is the perfect chance to learn. We'll not only walk you through the entire process but also explain the underlying science and clarify key terms to boost your understanding. However, a word to the wise: if you're not entirely confident in your electronic skills, it's better to avoid these DIY methods.
Safety first, always.
These might seem like no-brainers, but they're vital enough to deserve a mention.
Power off, safety on: Keep everything unplugged from your power source while you're playing electrician. You don't want any surprises.
Safety gear: Goggles and gloves are your armor against the quirks of electricity
Tidy workspace, safe workspace: Keep your charging arena clean, spacious, and as far from anything flammable as possible.
Tool time: Gather all the tools you might need. Some that you shouldn't miss include color-coded wires, screwdrivers, pliers, and electrical tape.
Manual to the rescue: If you have the user manual for your scooter, keep it close. It's your go-to guide for the scooter's wiring setup and other technical specifics you might not be familiar with.
Fire safety at the ready: Hope for the best; prepare for the worst. Have a fire extinguisher on standby. A standard ABC or BC dry chemical extinguisher should do the trick.
Battery monitoring: Once you start charging, don't just walk away. Keep a vigilant eye on the battery. If it starts heating up abnormally, swelling, or emitting any gases, disconnect it immediately.
Let's ease into the basics of charging systems and electric scooter batteries and clarify some of those terms you might see floating around.
Let's simplify the concepts of Voltage (V), Amperage (A), and Power (Watts) using an easy-to-understand analogy.
Imagine water flowing through a hose to help visualize these electrical concepts more tangibly. To get water flowing in the hose, you need two things: the water itself and the pressure to push it through the system. In this analogy, the water symbolizes our electrical system, and the tap being turned on is like the wall socket being switched on.
Voltage/Volts (V): is like the water pressure in the hose, driving the water through. In electricity, it's the force driving electric charge through a circuit. Higher voltage means more electrical charge is pushed through, just as higher water pressure pushes more water through the hose.
Current (Amps): is comparable to the flow rate of water in the hose. It shows how much electric charge is flowing through the circuit. A higher flow rate of water (more water per second) is like a higher current, meaning more electricity is flowing through.
Power (Watts): Power combines water pressure (voltage) and flow rate (current) to indicate how much work can be done at any given moment. In electrical terms, power (measured in watts) is voltage multiplied by current, indicating the work capacity of an electrical device.
Power (Watts) = Current (A) * Voltage (V)
The higher the power, the more work can be done by an electrical device, like producing brighter light or driving a motor faster.
Polarity - Don't Flip It: Polarity in an electrical system refers to the direction in which current flows from one point to another. Imagine it as water flowing from the tap, where there’s high pressure, through the hose, to a destination with lower pressure. Similarly, electric currents travel from a point of higher electric potential (positive) to one of lower potential (negative).
Just like a battery has positive (+) and negative (-) terminals, power supplies also have positive and ground (negative terminal of the circuit) terminals. For correct polarity, you need to connect the positive battery terminal to the positive end of the circuit and the negative terminal to the negative end.
Mixing these up - that is, connecting the positive terminal to the negative end of the circuit and vice versa - is like trying to force water to flow back from the hose to the tap, which just doesn’t work. In electricity, such incorrect polarity can seriously damage electrical components or cause short circuits.
Every electric scooter battery has its ideal charging voltage and current. Stray away from these golden numbers, especially on the higher side, and you're asking for trouble.
Chargers are typically designed with an output voltage slightly higher than the battery's nominal voltage (the voltage usually indicated on the battery or in the manual) to ensure effective charging. The charging voltage generally matches or is slightly above the battery's full (or maximum) voltage but not to a great extent to prevent overcharging. That's the reason why you often find a battery with a nominal voltage of 36V, but the accompanying charger is rated at 42V, aligning with the battery's full (or maximum) voltage.
Here's a quick note: Nominal voltage represents the average voltage a battery provides during use; it's what you can typically expect when the battery is in operation. Full (or maximum) voltage, in contrast, is the peak energy level the battery achieves when fully charged and not being used. However, this high voltage doesn't last, as it starts to decrease once you start using the battery. The battery's full voltage is normally greater than the Nominal voltage.
When figuring out the correct charging voltage for your electric scooter battery, don't just assume that if the nominal voltage of the battery is 36V, the charging voltage should also be 36V. As previously discussed, the charging voltage is usually higher than the nominal voltage.
To pinpoint the right voltage for your battery, always refer to the user manual or check the specification sticker on the battery. Look for details like "Max. Input Voltage (VDC)", "Max. Charging Voltage", or information under "Power Requirement". This will provide you with the exact recommended charging voltage.
But let's say you're in a pickle and don't have that info at hand.
If you know the nominal voltage of the battery – that voltage that's usually plastered all over the battery – you can use this to estimate the voltage for your charger. Here’s a quick guide:
This guideline applies to most lithium-ion battery packs.
As for current, or amperage, unlike voltage, it’s a bit more forgiving. Your electric scooter will only use what it needs. So, if your charger's serving up more amperage, your battery's just going to shrug and take its usual portion. Therefore, that means the power supply’s amperage should be equal to or greater than what the device requires. However, it's crucial not to use a charger with excessively high amperage, above the limit set for your scooter. Such high amperage could cause the Battery Management System (BMS) of the battery to overheat, which may lead to potential damage to the cells
As for the minimum charging current, it's ideal for it to be within the range of 15 to 25% of the battery's AH capacity. If the current provided is lower than this, it could result in a slower charging process, or, in some cases, the charger might not be effective at all.
In summary, when selecting power supplies or chargers for your electric scooter:
For successful charging and electricity flow, several things are essential.
Firstly, a power source, such as a mains supply, is needed to provide electricity. This electricity makes its journey from the power source to the battery through what we call a conductive path—essentially, this is made up of wires. To effectively carry out the charging process, this pathway needs to be complete and uninterrupted, forming what we call a complete circuit.
A charger is essential in this process. It plays a crucial role in converting AC power (Alternating Current) from the power supply into DC (Direct Current), the type of current that your electronic devices utilize.
But where does all this flowing current go? It requires a destination - typically, a load or resistance, such as a light bulb or motor, which uses the supplied electricity. In the context of charging, specifically, the battery serves as this load.
Chargers are basically AC to DC and voltage converters. Their primary function is to transform the AC power (Alternating Current) from the wall outlet into DC (Direct Current), while simultaneously stepping down the voltage to a level that's appropriate for charging your scooter's battery.
Household AC voltage varies globally, typically ranging from 100V to 240V; for instance, it's about 120V in North America and 220-240V in Europe. However, these voltages are too high for directly charging electric scooters. Therefore, chargers convert this into a more suitable DC range (like 36V, 48V, 60V, 72V) for the battery.
No, they are not the same. Each charger can vary in terms of voltage, ampere rating, and even the types of connectors or plugs used. Chargers are specifically tailored to each scooter model. However, there are instances where some chargers might be interchangeable, provided key aspects like voltage, current, polarities, and connectors are the same.
But it's still vital to double-check and confirm that these specifications perfectly align before using a charger interchangeably to prevent any damage to the scooter or battery and to ensure safety during charging.
Comprehending how positive and negative charges are arranged and interact in an electrical circuit or system is essential since some of the methods we've listed involve connecting the charger's wire to the scooter's battery terminals. A single wrong connection might short out the entire system and destroy the battery.
Fortunately, there's a straightforward labeling and color-coding system in place to assist you in making safe and accurate connections.
Let's start by identifying the polarity of battery terminals and connectors. For batteries, it's simple:
For most modern electric scooters, you'll often come across two types of charger connectors: the DC barrel plug and the XLR three-pin connectors.
Has two main parts:
Important note: Before plugging in your e-scooter, always check the polarity on barrel plug connectors. Usually, the polarity for each part is clearly marked on the cladding or charger adapter, so don't just guess which is positive or negative. Avoid making assumptions about the center being positive and the outer sleeve negative – it could be vice versa. The key here is ensuring that the polarity matches that of your electrical device and your original charger.
Example: This shows that the center pin is positive and the outer shield is negative
And if you want to be extra sure, go ahead and take a little peek under the cladding. Check out the colors of the cables attached to each part of the connector:
This connector features three pins:
Most chargers have the pins numbered, making it easy to identify each. You, however, have to confirm the polarity of the pins on the manual or the information sticker on the charger. Note that there’s also no standard color code for the wiring in XLR connectors, but broadly:
The key takeaway from all this is that when you're setting up your makeshift charging setup, you need to connect the positive from the power source to the positive terminal of the battery and the negative to the negative connection. Remember, swapping these around—connecting positive to negative—is a major mistake you want to avoid.
With a solid grasp on the charging process now under our belts, let's explore some relatively safe methods to charge your battery when the original charger is nowhere to be found.
Before we proceed, a critical reminder: resorting to any kind of makeshift charging method is almost certain to void the warranty of your electric scooter. It's a risk that needs careful consideration, especially if your scooter is still under warranty.
And here's a handy tip: Before you start disconnecting any part of your e-scooter, take a photo. This will serve as a visual guide for reassembling everything correctly. If you can, label each part too.
If you've lost your electric scooter's original charger, one option is to find a compatible charger designed for other electrical devices that matches the voltage, amperage, and connector type for your electric scooter. These chargers are often readily available:
Laptop chargers usually sit in the 11V to 20V range, which is low for most lithium-ion batteries in most electric scooters (typically 36V and up). But, if your scooter sports a smaller 12V battery like those found in kids' scooters or models running on lead-acid batteries, you might just match a laptop charger, particularly if they have a barrel-type charging setup.
You can also look for an adjustable AC/DC switching power adapter that allows you to set the output voltage of the charger to match that of the battery you are charging. These adapters have an operational range of, say, 3-36V, so you'd need one where the maximum output matches or exceeds your battery's maximum voltage. Many of these chargers come with multiple connector options, so you can choose one that matches your electric scooter's DC port.
If you have a non-functional charger, you can make use of parts of it to create a new charger. In this method, you mainly need the charging connector. Here's how:
If you have trouble determining the polarity of the power supply cable, especially if the wires have similar colors, you can use a voltmeter to determine the positive and negative sides of the power supply. Here's a short video to show you how to determine the polarity using a voltmeter: How to quickly determine the polarity of your DC power supply with a multimeter.
If you don't have the original charger's connector, determine the type you need for the connection, and you can easily find a replacement in most electrical shops or online marketplaces like Amazon, as long as you have the right measurements or are sure about the exact connector you need. If you're unsure, you can take your electric scooter to an electrical shop and try out different connectors to ensure they fit.
If you're unable to charge your electric scooter through the charging port, direct battery charging is an alternative. However, it's not the most advisable method as it involves a bit of complexity and tediousness. This process requires connecting the charging cables directly to the battery, which necessitates opening up the scooter to access and disconnect the battery.
Let's start with the basic steps that you will probably have to do in this procedure.
Now with the battery out, you can proceed to charge the battery using:
When using an adjustable DC power supply (bench power supply), it's good practice to set all your settings before connecting it to the battery.
Most bench power supplies come equipped with an LCD screen and intuitive controls, making it straightforward to adjust these settings
Note: When you connect the battery and see the voltage reading drop, you might be tempted to adjust the voltage back to the figure you had set. However, it's crucial not to adjust the voltage dial after the battery is connected. Doing so doesn't change the voltage displayed on the screen, but it silently increases or decreases the maximum voltage you had previously set . The true impact of these adjustments only becomes apparent once the battery is removed.
Every electric scooter requires a specific charger tailored to its battery, ensuring the correct voltage, current, and polarity. Lost your original charger? The first move should be to get a replacement directly from the manufacturer or dealer. These usually come under $60, which is a small price for peace of mind. But if the manufacturer's out of stock, you can check Amazon for some generic options. They may not be top-of-the-line like the original, but they're definitely a safer bet than rigging up something on your own.
Using an incorrect charger can be highly problematic. Even a single mismatched parameter can result in severe consequences, from a fried system and a ruined battery or worse, setting the stage for a fireworks show you didn't plan.
It's also worth noting while the methods we've discussed are relatively safe for charging, it's important to remember that using non-manufacturer chargers will immediately void your scooter's warranty. This is a situation you want to avoid, especially if your scooter is new.
So, if you're in a situation where you're waiting on a replacement charger, or it's just not available yet, think twice before using a stop-gap charger. It's not worth risking your warranty. A neat alternative? Rent an electric scooter for a while. Unagi's subscription program lets you hop on a Unagi Model One for as low as $39. It's a scooter that stands out with its top-notch build, feather-light design, and performance that packs a punch — boasting a 20 mph speed and a 12-mile range. Plus, it offers the convenience of mobile connectivity for easy customization.
This subscription comes with Netflix-style flexibility-you're not locked into anything long-term and can change or cancel whenever. Unaig also throws in three-day express delivery at no extra cost. And if something goes wrong, they've got you covered with a replacement scooter, pronto, minimizing any downtime. They even throw in theft insurance, just in case.
Choosing this option can effectively cover your needs while you wait for your scooter's charger, ensuring you don’t compromise your warranty or safety.
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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