Remember Icarus? He flew too close to the sun, and the wax keeping him attached to his wings melted. What’s the lesson here? The sun is sometimes the baddie. Scorching summer days can take a toll on your ride, but with the right know-how, you can beat it. This guide is packed with electric scooter tips and tricks to keep your ride cool and you happy.
Understanding the heat hazards
Before we get into the protection strategies, let's understand why heat is such a troublemaker for electric scooters:
Electric scooter's battery
The lithium-ion batteries can't stand high temperatures. Heat can accelerate battery aging, reduce its capacity, and in extreme cases, trigger a thermal runaway – a dangerous situation where the battery overheats uncontrollably.
In electric scooter batteries, thermal runaway happens when the battery gets too hot, usually from overcharging, damage, or a manufacturing flaw. This heat causes chemical reactions inside the battery that release even more heat. It's a vicious cycle that can quickly get out of control.
Electric scooter's performance
Your electric scooter's motor, controller, and other electrical components aren't big fans extreme heat either. Overheating can sap their power, decrease your range, and leave you stranded with a sluggish ride.
Sunburn for electric scooters
Yes, it's a thing! Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade your electric scooter's paint and degrade its materials, making it look tired and worn out much faster than normally.
Electric scooter sun protection 101:
Ready to give your electric scooter the royal treatment it deserves?
Shady parking
Treat your electric scooter like a vampire and park it in a shaded area whenever possible. Trees, buildings, or even a simple sunshade can make a world of difference.
Cover up
When shade isn't an option, use a protective cover for your electric scooter designed for UV rays resistance and reflectivity. Think of it as sunscreen for your scooter.
Mind the battery:
Avoid leaving your electric scooter (especially the battery) in direct sunlight for extended periods. If you have to, consider removing the battery and storing it in a cooler place.
Tire TLC
Keep your tires properly inflated. High temperatures can cause fluctuations in tire pressure, affecting your electric scooter and potentially leading to flats.
Regular cleaning
A clean electric scooter is a happy scooter. Wash it regularly and consider applying a protective wax or coating to shield the paint from UV damage.
Cool down time
After a long, hot ride, let your scooter rest in a shady spot to cool down before charging it.
Plan your trips wisely
Make detailed plans before going for a ride in extremely hot weather. Considering the state of charge, distance, and climatic conditions, and choose cooler parts of the day to avoid ridining in high heat.
Take it easy
To avoid heat damage, don't push the scooter beyond its limits on hills or rough terrain. If you care about your scooter battery and motor, cut it some slack, from time to time, so it can cool down.
How hot is too hot? So, how can you tell if your electric scooter is feeling the heat?
Most electric scooters have a safe operating temperature range for their batteries. Check your scooter's manual or app to find out the specifics.
Apollo scooter controllers are designed to operate at high temperatures, with a normal operating range up to 108°F (42°C) being considered safe. But the maximum temperature can go higher under certain conditions, such as aggressive riding or steep inclines. For instance, temperatures around 116°F (47°C) have been reported as still within acceptable limits. Plus, the controllers have built-in safety features to avoid overheating, which include reducing power output or temporarily powering down the motor if temperatures get too high
Pay attention to any unusual behavior from your scooter. Reduced performance, a hot-to-the-touch battery, or warning lights could all signal overheating.
What about you?
When riding an electric scooter in extreme temperatures, don't forget about yourself! You're the most important part in the entire equation, if you faint from dehydration, you're scooters performance will be meaningless.
- Use high SPF rating sun creams to protect your skin.
- Wear light-colored, breathable clothing to reflect sunlight and stay cool.
- Drink plenty of water regularly to avoid dehydration and fainting especially while riding at higher speeds.
- If you must ride in extreme heat, choose cooler times of day, take breaks in the shade, and consider shorter routes.
Finishing up
By following these simple electric scooter tips, you can extend the overall lifespan of your ride, even in the hottest weather. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in protecting your investment and ensuring countless miles of scootering fun.
