Battery & range: everything about distance

For many buyers, range is the deciding spec: how far do I get on a single charge? The honest answer is that the quoted range is an ideal figure — real-world distance depends on the battery, weight, temperature and your riding style. In this guide we explain how to read a battery, which factors cost you kilometres, and how to make your scooter last longer.

Wh and V: how to read a battery

A battery's capacity is expressed in watt-hours (Wh). Rule of thumb: the more Wh, the greater the range. The value comes from voltage (V) times capacity (Ah), so a 36 V battery of 10 Ah delivers 360 Wh. In MoveVolt's product specs you'll find the battery Wh, so you can compare models against each other fairly.

• More Wh = usually more kilometres, but also more weight and often a higher price.
• Higher V = often more power and better performance on inclines and when accelerating.

In our Powerful & long-range (35 models) segment you'll find the largest batteries for those who want maximum range; for short city rides a more compact battery is perfectly fine and keeps the weight down. Don't know which capacity you need? Our selection guide works it out for you based on your daily distance.

Which factors affect your range

The quoted range is measured under ideal conditions: a light rider, flat terrain and mild weather. In reality, these factors take kilometres off your range:

• Temperature — in the cold a battery delivers less; in winter the range can drop noticeably, sometimes by tens of percent.
• Weight — a heavier rider or luggage demands more energy and so more from the battery.
• Hills and wind — climbing and a stiff headwind cost considerably more than riding on the flat.
• Tyre pressure — soft tyres raise rolling resistance and cost range; keep pneumatic tyres at the right pressure.
• Riding style — lots of hard acceleration and top speed drain faster than steady, even cruising.

In practice, therefore, allow a margin compared with the factory figure, especially in cold weather or if your route has many hills. Choose your range a little generously rather than exactly, and you'll never end up with a flat battery.

Lifespan and charging tips

A lithium battery lasts longest if you treat it well. A few habits extend its lifespan considerably:

• Preferably charge to around 80–90% and avoid regularly running the battery completely flat.
• For long-term storage, keep the scooter half charged in a dry place, not in freezing cold or a damp shed.
• Always use the original charger and don't charge unattended or near flammable material.
• Don't charge an ice-cold battery; let the scooter reach room temperature first before you plug it in.

That way the capacity stays up longer and you ride for years with a reliable range. Unsure which model fits your distance? Our selection guide filters by range, and you can take a test ride in the showroom to experience it yourself. All models are in stock, with free shipping and a 2-year warranty.