What is the consumption of an electric scooter? This is a question to consider before purchasing this two-wheeled vehicle. To answer it, we will first teach you how to calculate their electric consumption. This way, you will be better able to anticipate the charging costs. By optimizing the use of an electric scooter, you can not only extend the range but also reduce your energy bill. Let's get into the details!
The consumption of an electric scooter
Electric scooters are appealing due to their low energy consumption compared to traditional means of transport. On average, they consume between 0.1 kWh and 0.5 kWh per full charge, depending on the battery capacity and motor power. Here’s how to calculate your consumption.
How to calculate the consumption of an electric scooter?
To calculate the electrical consumption of your electric scooter, the formula is simple: battery capacity (Wh) ÷ voltage (V). With this, you will be able to estimate the amount of energy needed to power the vehicle.
Let's take the example of an electric scooter equipped with a 300Wh battery with a voltage of 36V. If we apply the formula above, we then obtain the result of 8.3Ah. The higher this value, the more energy the battery can store and the more autonomy it can offer.
Compared to other means of transport, the electric scooter proves to be very economical. Over 100 km, it consumes an average of €0.18 of electricity, which is 10 times less than an electric car and 50 times less than a thermal vehicle.
What is the average consumption according to the models?
The consumption of an electric scooter varies according to the range and characteristics of the device.
For entry-level models, we generally deal with small capacity batteries (around 250Wh), which limits their range but also reduces their energy consumption. Next, for mid-range models, we find batteries ranging from 300 to 500Wh, with a good compromise between range and consumption. Finally, there are high-end models that incorporate batteries of 800Wh or more, with a range exceeding 100 km. However, in return, the electrical consumption is higher.
Besides the battery capacity, the power of the motor is also a key criterion. A 250W motor consumes less energy than an 800W motor. To save energy and relieve the battery, adopt a smooth driving style and avoid sudden accelerations.
How much does it cost to charge an electric scooter?
One of the main advantages of the electric scooter is its low energy cost. Depending on the price of the kWh and the battery capacity, a full charge costs on average a few cents. The factors to consider in its calculation are the frequency of use and the energy capacity of each model.
Calculation of the cost of a full charge
As we have seen, the cost of a full charge varies according to the price of the kWh and the capacity of the battery. In France, the average price of the kWh is about €0.271. Thus, for an electric scooter powered by a 250Wh battery, the charge costs €0.6. For a more powerful model, for example, one with 1000Wh, the cost rises to €0.25.
The annual cost according to the frequency of use
The cost of charging over the year varies depending on your charging habits. With daily use of a 300Wh scooter, charging will cost you about €2 to €5 per month, or €24 to €60 per year. But if it's for occasional use, with a charge every two or three days, the annual cost drops to around €20 per year. And if it's for intensive use, with two charges per day, the bill can reach €54 per year.
What are the factors that influence the consumption of an electric scooter?
The autonomy and consumption of an electric scooter vary according to different factors. These include the rider's weight, the type of terrain, and the overall maintenance level of the device. These elements play a central role in the performance and efficiency of the machine. Let's take a look at all of this together.
The weight of the driver or the load carried
The weight of the user directly influences the energy consumption of an electric scooter. The heavier the user, the more effort the motor has to exert to turn, and the more the battery is used. The same goes for the loads you carry; the heavier they are, the higher the consumption. For example, with loads of 100 kg, the scooter can consume up to 20% more energy than with loads of 60 kg. And this difference is even more noticeable on uphill journeys or when you make frequent accelerations.
The type of terrain and driving conditions
The type of terrain and weather conditions also have an impact on the range of the electric scooter. On rough roads, with slopes or uneven surfaces, the battery is more stressed than if you were riding on a smooth and flat surface. Similarly, if you ride in the rain or in cold weather, the battery's efficiency is reduced, leading to a significant decrease in range.
The tire pressure and general maintenance of the electric scooter
With under-inflated tires, rolling resistance is greatly increased, which forces the engine to exert more effort than average. The consequence: higher energy consumption. To avoid energy losses, it is recommended to regularly check the pressure of your tires.
Similarly, proper maintenance of your device (maintenance of brakes, bearings, and electrical connections) helps to maintain optimal performance.
The battery lifespan: How to avoid overconsumption?
Without a good battery, your electric scooter cannot function. Its lifespan directly impacts the range of the device and, consequently, the frequency of your recharges. Understanding how to maximize its longevity will not only help you maintain good performance but also better manage energy consumption over time.
How many charge cycles can a battery withstand?
The battery of an electric scooter is somewhat its heart. On average, it can withstand between 500 and 1000 charge cycles, which equates to several years of use, depending on the frequency of recharging. In other words, each time you recharge your scooter, it counts as a cycle. The more frequently you recharge, the more the battery is likely to lose its capacity over time, which reduces its range.
The impact of battery aging on consumption
As the battery ages, its ability to hold energy degrades. You will notice that even after several hundred cycles, the scooter will take longer to charge and will offer reduced range. This can influence energy consumption, as it will require more electricity to cover the same distance.
How to extend the battery life?
To prevent your battery from degrading too quickly, here are some practical tips: do not let the battery completely drain with each use, avoid leaving it in extreme temperatures (very cold or very hot) for too long, and prefer regular recharges as soon as you reach about 20-30% of remaining charge. These simple actions will help preserve the battery's efficiency and maintain optimal energy consumption.
Improve energy efficiency: Autonomy, savings, and simple tips
Optimizing the efficiency of your electric scooter is primarily a matter of habits and small tips. You can not only extend the battery life but also reduce your energy consumption. Here’s how to maximize each trip while consuming less.
Smooth driving, reduced consumption
The way you drive has a direct impact on energy consumption. Smooth driving, without jolts, helps save energy, while sudden accelerations or harsh braking put much more strain on the battery. So, anticipate turns, maintain a steady speed, and avoid sudden accelerations to save energy without sacrificing your comfort.
Energy recovery: a real asset
Good news: if your scooter is equipped with an energy recovery system, you have an excellent way to optimize your consumption. This technology converts the energy from braking into energy stored in the battery. In short, you recover some of the energy that would otherwise be lost, allowing you to go further without having to recharge as often.
Adjust the settings to consume less
If your model allows it, playing with the power settings or activating an "eco" mode can significantly reduce consumption. In eco mode, for example, the engine power is limited, which is ideal for short trips or flat areas. These small adjustments can make a big difference, not only for your battery but also for your energy bill!
Solar charging for electric scooters: An ecological and practical solution
If you're looking to make your electric scooter even more eco-friendly, solar charging is an option worth exploring. It allows you to reduce your carbon footprint and can be very convenient, especially if you are often outdoors.
How it works ?
Solar charging involves using portable solar panels to recharge your electric scooter. You simply need to plug your scooter into a solar charger, which you can take with you anywhere. It’s an ideal solution for long days out or for those living in sunny regions. You just let your scooter recharge while you enjoy the outdoors.
Advantages: Ecological and economical
The main advantage is of course the ecological aspect: you charge your battery with solar energy, without polluting. Moreover, in the long term, this can save you money on your electricity bill. Good to know: solar chargers are becoming increasingly compact and efficient, so you don’t need to have a huge panel to charge your scooter.
To be taken into account
That said, solar charging can be slower than traditional charging, and it obviously depends on the weather. But for those who like to be a bit more self-sufficient and reduce their environmental impact, it’s an option to seriously consider!
Conclusion
The electric scooter is a vehicle that combines economy and practicality. Thanks to its minimal energy consumption and affordable charging cost, it is an excellent choice for people who need to travel daily in the city. And even with intensive use, the electric scooter remains more economical than an electric car and a thermal vehicle. So what are you waiting for? Take the plunge and buy an electric scooter now for your urban travels. At Weebot, we have a very extensive catalog, ranging from entry-level models to high-end ones.