Electric vehicles - What? How? Why?

Electric scooters are plug-in electric vehicles running on either 2 or 3 wheels. Normally, the electricity for fuelling the vehicle is stored within in the form of a rechargeable battery that drives 1 or more electric motors. In general, electric scooters are constructed using a step-through frame.

Most electric scooters available in the market as of May 2019 have been powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, but a few of the prior models used nickel-metal hydride batteries too. A few of the electric vehicles also run on an alternate energy source such as a lead/sodium silicate battery. Most modern and upcoming electric scooters are planning to make use of Lithium-iron phosphate and Lithium Titanium Oxide batteries as well.

Most electric scooters are recharged by plugging into ordinary wall outlets, which usually takes about 8 hours to recharge. A few of the premium brand scooters that are powered by CHAdeMO level 2 chargers capable of charging the batteries up to 95% in an hour.

Electric scooters have a better acceleration rate and hence are capable of developing full torque instantly without any clutch. Electric motorcycle’s batteries cannot store as much energy as a conventional fuel-powered vehicle and hence are suited only for short-distance trips. They require very little maintenance and are hence a breeze to maintain. The electricity costs associated with charging an electric scooter is also very low compared to the costs incurred in running petrol, diesel or gasoline-powered vehicle.

The downside of making use of a rechargeable battery is the longer time required for charging it to its full capacity. Even though it can be charged overnight, it will impact your ability to take long road trips, as you can’t charge it anywhere in the middle. However, electric vehicles are very quieter and hence don’t contribute to noise pollution. This is also a blessing in disguise for the riders who can clearly hear approaching danger along the roadside. This is justified by the fact that even at its top-most speed, the whine of e-scooter sounds just like a spaceship, to say the least! Sounds incredible right???