Electric scooters are an alternative means of transport allowing you to move around easily without fear of traffic jams. It is a means of transport that is very easy to use but also respectful of the environment. But how does an electric scooter work? Weebot explains everything there is to know about an electric scooter in this article.
What is an electric scooter?
An electric scooter is an alternative means of transport increasingly used by city dwellers and those regardless of their age. As its name suggests, it is a scooter to which a battery and a motor have been added. There are many brands of electric scooters in the market that have many additional features that make the user's life easier.
Thanks to your electric scooter you can travel long distances without fear of having to deal with traffic jams. It is a vehicle that is very easy to use and which, contrary to appearances, allows you to enjoy a quick and comfortable journey.
The main components of an electric scooter
To better understand how your scooter works you need to know what components it has. Obviously it all depends on the vehicle you choose, but you will always find a battery, a motor, a braking system and an acceleration control on your electric scooter.
Previously, a scooter was simply considered a toy consisting of a board of two wheels to entertain children. Over time, manufacturers have added additional elements that make them the electric scooters we know today.
This development has made the electric scooter much more maneuverable, comfortable and fast than the classic scooters that we may have had in the past. Weebot presents you with all these different additional elements.
The batteries
This is the most important component of your two wheels. It is thanks to the battery that your scooter will have the necessary energy to be able to move freely. Electric scooter batteries generally have a voltage comprised between 24 and 60 volts, with a capacity varying between 5 and 15 amp-hours. Please note that the power of a battery may vary from one model to another depending on the power of the vehicle chosen.
On the market you will most often find lithium-ion batteries which are both efficient and rechargeable.
In terms of function, the battery will be used to turn the engine and therefore operate your electric scooter but also to turn on the rear lights as well as the lighting system of your scooter.
Engine
The motor is also an essential part for the proper functioning of your electric scooter. Once powered, the motor will turn a belt which in turn turns the wheel of your vehicle.
It is thanks to the addition of the motor that classic scooters were able to become electric scooters. The latter works thanks to the battery which will power it and allow the vehicle to move forward.
The accelerator
The accelerator allows you to drive at a speed that you have chosen using a cruise control which allows you to accelerate on your own. The throttle control generally takes the form of a trigger located under the right handlebar of your vehicle. As soon as you start it, your two-wheeler accelerates until it reaches its top speed.
The braking system
Any good scooter has a functional braking system. Many scooters can easily reach a top speed of 25 km/h but there are faster ones which is why a braking system is essential. The brakes must be good enough to stop in any situation. There are different types of brakes on the urban mobility market, however they are most of the time activated using a trigger which will put pressure on the braking system.
How does an electric scooter work?
To know how an electric scooter works, you must understand how the mechanism of its main components works, namely the motor, the battery, the acceleration system and the braking system. It is also thanks to its different components that your two wheels can roll so freely.
Obviously, the mode of use may vary from one model to another. Some models require support on one of its legs to move it forward. But to function, what your vehicle will need is a properly recharged battery. Otherwise, your vehicle will not be able to move forward.
How does the battery of an electric scooter work?
The battery of an electric scooter is the heart of your electric scooter. This is what will allow your engine to operate using an electrical impulse. The battery also powers your vehicle's lighting system, signal lights and your scooter's screen lighting if it has one.
There are different types of batteries on the urban mobility market but the most used remains the lithium-ion battery. They are lighter, more powerful and rechargeable. Like all batteries, they require maintenance to ensure they last long enough. You must therefore adopt the right reflexes to be able to take care of it.
If you want your scooter to have more autonomy, you can add a second removable battery. Please note that the autonomy depends on the brand and model of the electric scooter you have chosen. It also depends on the frequency with which you use your electric scooter, your driving behavior as well as the number of recharges you carry out on your vehicle. On average a battery can last between 1 and 5 years if you take care of it.
How does the motor of an electric scooter work?
The engine is essential to the proper functioning of your vehicle. It runs on battery energy and is used to regulate the speed of your electric scooter. To operate, simply activate the throttle control on your two wheels to start your engine.
By operating the throttle trigger, the engine will rotate the belt which will in turn accelerate the engine. You will therefore be able to travel easily with your electric scooter. Note that some vehicles require momentum with your leg before starting.
How does the throttle control of an electric scooter work?
Once your vehicle is moving, you need to press the throttle control to choose how fast you want to move. By holding it, you can increase the speed of your vehicle until it reaches its top speed. The handlebars of your electric scooter will then be used to steer you in the direction you want.
Although not all scooter models have cruise control, some models do. The limiter can be controlled via the LCD screen of your vehicle using an application on your phone depending on the model. You can then adapt the performance of your two wheels according to the use you wish to make of it.
How does the braking system of an electric scooter work?
It is not uncommon for an electric scooter to be able to reach or even exceed the 25 km/h mark. This is why using a functional braking system is essential. Most often, this braking system is activated using a brake handle, but how exactly does it work?
You will need to press the brake handle, which, once engaged, will in turn pull on a metal cable which will also pull on the brake control. This mechanism will gradually slow down your two wheels until it comes to a complete stop.
There are different braking systems on the electric scooter market: the foot brake, the disc brake and the drum brake. Each braking system works differently for almost the same result:
- The foot brake: you will need to press on the casing located directly above the rear wheel. This mechanism results in a simple and effective shutdown.
- The disc brake: it is the most common among electric scooters. It pulls on the brake cable which acts on the caliper. The pads then put pressure on the disc to slow down your electric scooter.
- The drum brake: It is directly integrated into one of the wheels of your vehicle. It is operated using a trigger located on the left side of the handlebars. This braking system brings your vehicle to a clean stop.
FAQ
How to turn on an electric scooter?
It all depends on your model because the starting mode may differ depending on the brand of your vehicle. Generally, we recommend pressing the power button on your vehicle to start. When it is finally turned on, all you have to do is select the travel mode that suits you and then give your electric scooter momentum before finding your balance to finally ride with it!
What powers an electric scooter?
To function, electric scooters have a battery that powers the motor. The most efficient batteries are Lithium-ion and are generally found on all recent scooter models. As for the engine power, it is most often displayed on the technical sheet of your two wheels.
Conclusion
Perfect for avoiding traffic jams, electric scooters are a very popular means of transport among users. They are easy to use, environmentally friendly and offer significant driving comfort. In addition, just like their use, their mode of operation is easy to understand for all types of users of this vehicle. Please note that if you want to buy an electric scooter without knowing anything about it, our teams will be happy to assist you throughout the purchasing process.