Electric scooters are an excellent way to travel around a park or city, commute to work, or make a quick trip to the convenience store.
Many of these scooters are readily available for rent, so you don’t even need to purchase one to utilize this efficient, eco-friendly transportation option.
However, depending on how long your planned journey is, it’s a good idea to get a feel for just how long one of these scooters can go on a full charge.
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How far can an electric scooter go on a full charge?
There’s no way to get an exact distance for how far an electric scooter will go on a full charge because the distance depends on a number of factors.
These factors include how the scooter was designed, what type of motor and battery it has, how fast you go, what the weather is like, and what terrain you plan to ride over.
However, in general, an electric scooter’s charge will last for about an hour, and a fully charged scooter should be able to take you between 35 and 40 miles.
For example, the Segway Ninebot MAX Electric Kick Scooter has a range of 40 miles.
Scooter Construction
How the scooter was made and what type of parts it utilizes are the most important factors when it comes to how far the scooter will be able to travel on a full charge.
First, the power rating of the motor will make a big difference. Some less expensive scooters utilize a less powerful engine that may have a power rating of 200 to 600 watts.
More powerful scooters will have a motor rated for up to 5,000 watts. Scooters with more power can travel farther or faster, but they’re not as efficient.
The next most important factor is the scooter’s battery. This is the part you’ll charge, and it’s what provides energy for all of the mechanical parts of the scooter.
A good lithium battery may take longer to charge, but it will provide a much longer travel area for each charge. Smaller or less efficient batteries can’t travel as far.
Lithium batteries also tend to be relatively lightweight, which can increase travel distance.
The power train of the scooter also makes a difference, as this helps to create a more efficient ride. A good powertrain will provide optimum power without wasting energy.
Aside from the scooter’s mechanics, it’s also a good idea to consider the design of the scooter.
A lightweight scooter with an aerodynamic design will require less energy to move, so it will be able to go farther on a single full charge.
Each component of the scooter can add weight to the overall design.
For example, a larger motor might be more powerful, offering better travel distance, but it can also add weight, which can lower the scooter’s efficiency.
Speed
How fast you plan to travel can also factor into how far you’ll be able to travel on one charge. Like cars, most scooters have an optimum speed at which they are most efficient.
Although it might seem logical to go faster to travel farther, scooters tend to be more efficient at slower speeds.
Traveling at a medium speed can often prolong the battery life, as the scooter won’t have to work as hard to get up to speed.
Some scooters also feature an eco-boost mode, which can maintain a certain speed and helps the scooter remain as efficient as possible.
Outdoor Temperature
Surprisingly, the temperature you’re riding in can affect how long your battery charge will last. Cold temperatures can sap the battery.
This is because, when temperatures drop, the voltage the battery produces drops as well, which means the battery will produce less energy.
The battery must then work almost twice as hard to propel the scooter, so travel distances can be cut nearly in half in cold weather.
On average, an electric scooter’s charge will last for about an hour, and a fully charged scooter should be able to take you between 35 and 40 miles.
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Terrain
If you plan to ride on smooth pavement, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about how the terrain will affect your battery life and travel distance.
However, if you plan to ride over uneven terrain, rocky or sandy areas, or patches of dirt or grass, your battery life can be drastically reduced.
The engine will need to work harder to travel over uneven terrain like this, so the battery will need to provide more power.
Riding uphill also requires the motor and battery to work harder, so this can also drain your battery more quickly.