Whatever the electric vehicle, range is one of the most important and decisive factors for most drivers when purchasing.
Indeed, when investing in an electric scooter or any other vehicle such as a hoverboard, scooter, or motorcycle, it is essential to inquire about the number of kilometers you will be able to travel.
It is equally important to be aware that many factors can influence the range and speed of your device, especially the outside temperature. We therefore took advantage of the winter period to look into the question of range in this article.
Whatever the time of year, your electric scooter, your electric bike, or your electric scooter offers you many daily advantages. When the winter cold arrives, there is no question of parting with it. You just need to adopt the right habits so that your scooter performs its role without any problem.
The range of an NVEI in winter
Factors that influence the range of your electric vehicle
The battery
- The power of your battery: depending on the types of batteries (lead, lithium, nickel-cadmium…), the range varies and can be more or less influenced by the weather, similar to a combustion vehicle whose full tank will not allow you to cover the same distance whether it is winter or summer.
- The battery charge level: a battery fully charged before use will perform better. Indeed, it will benefit from the surplus added to its nominal value. This is determined by the output voltage of the charger.
- The brand and quality of your battery: there are several battery models with different performances. Sheet batteries will not be as efficient as cells and vice versa depending on usage and how they are arranged.
- The age and type of battery: batteries lose power over the years. Their life cycle is designed to last over 1000 charges and more, but this container loses capacity, and this can happen quite quickly if you do not take some usage precautions.
The charger
It is essential to use the charger provided with your vehicle purchase. It has been specially designed for your product and will help maintain the good condition of your battery. Fast chargers, although more convenient, send higher currents and contribute to battery wear. However, the impact on its lifespan remains minor. It is worth noting that not all products are necessarily compatible with fast charging.
Driving
The style and manner of driving have a direct impact on your vehicle’s range. Frequent stops and sudden braking strain your battery.
Moreover, higher speed reduces the range of the electric scooter. Note that its range also depends on how you use it. Indeed, city driving, unlike countryside driving, requires more braking and acceleration and therefore more energy from your battery.
Carried weight
Overloading must be absolutely avoided because the more weight the vehicle carries, the more the battery is strained and the vehicle’s range is consequently affected.
Road quality
The better the road quality, the better the range of your electric device. Roads with slopes or uneven terrain heavily strain the battery.
Tire pressure
You must ensure that the tire pressure is adequate before starting a trip. Tires with improper pressure reduce your vehicle’s range in winter.
Weather conditions
Weather conditions: batteries do not like extreme temperatures, especially cold.
How to maximize your battery’s lifespan?
The battery is the first element to suffer from winter cold, like any other type of vehicle. To avoid damaging it, here are some essential tips:
- Make sure your battery is not cold before charging it.
- After using your electric vehicle, it is recommended to wait 30 minutes to 1 hour before charging the battery. Charging when hot harms its range.
- Avoid waiting for your battery to be completely drained before recharging, as this damages it and significantly reduces its lifespan.
- Always keep your product in a dry place at room temperature (20°C). Because of low temperatures, you can lose up to 50% of range during use.
- Make sure to charge your battery fully, but only when the battery level is very low. Indeed, your battery’s range tends to deplete faster in winter. However, avoid overcharging.
- When riding, think about adjusting your speed mode according to the remaining battery percentage. Below 30%, favor a low speed or switch directly to eco mode to avoid draining your battery.
So don’t worry if you notice that your electric scooter is less efficient than usual. If you take care of it by following these few tips, your scooter will perform well throughout the winter and regain its range next season.
If not, at Weebot, we have the battery you need for your electric scooter.
Our tips to optimize the range of your electric scooter or other NVEI and drive during cold periods
Prepare your vehicle to face winter
It is important to check the condition of your electric vehicle throughout the year, especially before winter. So to prepare it well for this season, consider having it serviced.
Drive safely
To ensure safety on trips, for yourself and other road users, it is recommended to adopt smooth driving, without sudden movements or aggressive maneuvers. Be extra vigilant and anticipate events in your environment as a driver.
Wear the right accessories
To enhance your safety, favor reflective clothing that will increase your visibility during these darker and shorter winter days.
Also, make sure your vehicle has adequate powerful lighting: red lights at the rear, white at the front, and orange on the sides.
Warmer clothing will also be necessary to protect you from the cold and drive comfortably.
Clean your vehicle
Whatever the waterproof level of your device, it is best to clean your vehicle as often as possible to avoid water intrusion risks that cause rust. There are waterless cleaning products specially designed to enhance your electric scooter without oxidation risk.
A battery is affected below 15°C. So you understand, whether for a Tesla or an electric bike, winter reduces our range.
Of course, you also have the option to extend the range of your scooter with an external battery to reinforce the main battery of your scooter.
It is therefore very important to take care of yourself and your electric vehicle by following all these tips, to continue enjoying riding whatever the weather, and do so with peace of mind.
