At EZbike Canada, lithium-ion batteries are the primary component that allows us to power our electric kickscooters, bikes and unicycles. They provide us with a form of sustainable electric transportation that revolutionizes urban commuting. 

Lithium-ion batteries, found in all EZbike products, are extremely power efficient, low maintenance, and safe compared to other batteries like lead-acid. However, lithium-ion batteries can be expensive, and therefore require proper care to ensure their longevity.

Why do I need to maintain my scooter battery?

Like other lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, they require maintenance and care through storage at specific temperatures, battery charging techniques, techniques for long-term battery storage during winter, and updating battery firmware. 

If users don’t follow these guidelines for lithium-ion battery maintenance, they risk the longevity of their battery life, and encountering battery issues that can be critical and dangerous.

What is the ideal operating and storage temperature for a lithium-ion battery?

Lithium-ion batteries should be stored in an environment that ranges between 0 degrees celsius to 40 degrees celsius (32 degrees fahrenheit to 104 degrees fahrenheit). However, when riding the scooter, the battery is able to ideally operate between -10 degrees celsius and 45 degrees celsius (14 degrees fahrenheit to 113 degrees fahrenheit). And when charging, the battery should be between 0 degrees celsius and 35 degrees celsius (32 degrees fahrenheit to 95 degrees fahrenheit). 

If users don’t follow the battery temperature ranges outlined for riding, storage, and charging, they risk permanently damaging the battery. Such as, if the battery is too hot, it can risk damage to the Battery Management System (BMS) which controls and monitors the performance of the battery pack. And if the battery is operating in an extremely cold environment, this can result in a reduction of battery performance, less battery range, and the battery pack not charging properly.

How should I charge my battery?

For any electric scooter, bike and unicycle, their batteries have a lifespan of approximately 500 to 1000 cycles. One cycle is considered to be charging from 0% to 100%. There are two ways that users can charge their battery. Owners can charge their battery directly from the scooter, or they can remove the battery from the scooter and charge it in their home. However, users must be aware that even when they aren’t using their scooter, some battery functions remain active. Such as, the Battery Management System (BMS) will continue to monitor the battery pack for overheating, battery cell balancing, and battery discharging to prolong the life of the battery pack if it hasn’t been used for more than 2 weeks. 

Users should ensure that when they are charging their battery, the power adapter that is connected to the battery pack is placed in an open and non-confined space to disperse heat when charging. And, the battery pack should be between 0 degrees and 35 degrees celsius (32 degrees fahrenheit to 95 degrees fahrenheit). Some scooters manufacturers offer app connectivity with their products so that riders can monitor these details conveniently.

If the battery pack is less than 20% charged, users should charge their battery as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage to the battery pack. If the battery pack isn’t charged, there is a risk that the Battery Management System (BMS) will enter a “sleep state” which will require our technicians to repair the battery. If users encounter a situation like this, they can visit our Toronto or Montreal locations for repairs. It is highly unrecommended that users repair the battery pack themselves, as it poses dangerous risks such as, the battery pack catching on fire which can result in catastrophic damages to the user’s surrounding environment and themselves.

To maintain the lifetime of the battery, it is recommended that if the battery isn’t in use for more than a week, users should disconnect the battery from their scooter and perform a full charge at least once every month. 

How can I safely store my battery?

To maintain the health of your battery pack, users should always remember to store their battery in an environment that is open air, and away from heat sources, open flames, flammable or explosive materials and liquids. Batteries should also be left on a secure, flat surface that doesn’t pose the risk of falling over. The battery pack should also be left in an environment which has a room temperature between 0 degrees celsius and 40 degrees celsius (32 degrees fahrenheit and 104 degrees fahrenheit). 

During winter storage when users may not be riding their scooter as frequently, it is recommended to leave the battery pack at a 50% charge to prolong the life of the battery. Users should check on their battery back once every month, and to perform a full charge on the battery every two months to ensure that the battery pack hasn’t discharged to 0%. If users are caught in a situation where the battery pack has discharged to 0%, they can visit our Toronto or Montreal locations where our technicians will perform a thorough diagnosis on the health and operability of your battery pack. 

Sources:

https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/electronic_components/battery-technology/li-ion-lithium-ion-advantages-disadvantages.php