In general, the Li-ion battery, i.e., in this case, can certainly be considered as the scooter itself and its batteries should be kept dry and warm at a temperature range between 10-20 Celsius.
Tukes (Finnish Chemicals safety Agency) underlines the important attention on its website, focusing more closely only on battery storage. "The battery should not be left in cold storage. The battery also cannot withstand too much heat, such as a boiler room. Cold and humidity or even heat are harmful factors to lithium batteries" Jukka Lepistö, Inspector General of Tukes. In addition, cold and heat can cause the battery to drain, which changes the degree of charging. Cold occasionally also eats the battery quite quickly on the lime lines.
An electric scooter as whole contains circuits, electrical connections and some other sensitive components. Some e-scooters are very well water proofed, but are still not effectively tested by leaving them under the rain. Just bear in mind, always dry over dump.
The charge level of the battery during storage.
During storage, lithium ion batteries should stay on a charging level of ~ 50% . The worst thing that you could do is to store an empty battery and after a month or so it may never wake up again. Another thing to keep in mind is that lithium ion batteries should not be stored fully charged. A fully charged battery eats up the battery capacity and shortens its life. Hence, about 50% charge is ideal. In a steady indoor environment, a good quality li-ion battery could hold the charge levels very well. Occasionally, it's important to check the charge levels to be sure, and batteries should be recharged, if needed.
In numbers, if you have a 36v battery , your storage charging level is 36, and for 48v it’s 48. Most of the scooters have, or at least good brands do offer an option on the led screens to check the exact charge in numbers.
How to improve battery safety and battery life.
Keep these in mind for improving the battery life and for battery safety. Important thing is the charge order. So Charge lithium-ion battery in this order.
Important steps to follow for charge order to improve lithium-ion battery’s life and safety:
- Connect the charger to the scooter and then plug the charger into the socket.
- Follow the opposite order when taking the electric scooter off charging. Remove the plug from the socket and then unplug the charger from the e-scooter. “Charging is the riskiest part when it comes to batteries and electronic gadgets. Most of the risks are related to charging the battery and after charging for a few hours.” Jukka Lepistö, Inspector General of Tukes.
Some sharp but short points that could help you on the way:
- Do not over charge! Take the electric scooter off the charger as soon as possible after the charger light turns green, i.e., when charging is complete. Overcharging reduces lithium battery lifespan and can also pose safety risks. Use a timer to understand approximately when to turn off the charging.
- When playing safe, monitor charging, do not leave any battery-powered device unattended.
- The charger must be intact in every way. Chargers that appear to be damaged or have a damaged cord or connectors may pose a safety risk, hence operate precariously.
- Use only the charger that comes along with the electric scooter or a corresponding high-quality charger alternatively.
- Charge the battery after it cools down. After driving, wait a while before charging the battery again.
- Always charge a new lithium battery fully before driving or using it for the first time.
- Avoid so-called "fast charges", short charges[L1]. Quick charging shortens battery lifespan and eats up battery power. Battery life can also be estimated by the number of charge cycles.
- It is best to charge the battery just before driving. And the optimum range is the 20/80 rule (Not less than 20% and not more than 80%). At least avoid less than 20% charge and keep the battery in stand for longer periods[L2] by 100%.
The above tips are guide values. Not many people can follow all of them for various reasons. But at least, do what you can. In principle, common sense is always recommended when using batteries. High-quality batteries are very resistant [L3] to use, but care should always be taken when it comes to moisture, tossing, and dripping. We want you to be all good, not preach or deny, with all due respect based on our experience.