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[MadVlrus]

Hello. This is my first post here. I bought this Scooter second hand: http://zerobikes.nl/e30texas.php

It has gone only 2300km in about 4 years. Their tech support says that it's damaging to the battery if it isn't constantly used. But he also said that if the scooter has been standing still for a long time, then the battery needs to "wake up". (not sure how long that takes or how or why)

As a result, battery is lacking the promised 70km range. (it goes 40-50km, then cuts off) Another battery (from second scooter) is even worse... it works fine at first, but cuts off as soon as you try to give more boost. (problems with low voltage)

1) What battery chemistry is likely used in this scooter? It says "Lithium-eon" on it, which I feel is just marketing name for Lithium-Ion? Battery is 60V and 5A... charger is 71.1V and 5A.

2) Can I use this OptiMate device to 'save' my lithium cells? (I can take the battery apart and 'save' individual cells) http://www.amazon.com/OptiMate-Lithium-battery-charger-maintainer/dp/B007GRGUJU/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_i

Apparently OptiMate does miracles... but is it only for one specific type of Lithium battery (LiFePo4)? Are there similar products for other types?

3) Are there any other techniques I can use to save it? There are services out there and special chargers, so I know it is possible. Will shaking it, hitting it, freezing it. Fully charging the battery and then plugging the charger back in perhaps?

4) If I open the battery and replace the damaged cells... what should I pay most attention to when buying my Lithium cells/packs? Would any of these two be a good choice?
http://www.onlybatteries.com/showitem.asp?ItemID=17520.128&cat1=27&uid=2015
or
http://www.onlybatteries.com/showitem.asp?ItemID=17217.128&cat1=84&uid=2121

5) shouldn't all lithium ion batteries have similar properties? How come for one maximum charge is 5A and for some it can be as low as 1A?


Thank you for taking the time to read this... I deeply hope we can have a constructive discussion about this!

[MadVlrus]

This seems like a very good video on why Lithium batteries become 'dormant' and how to fix it.


Do you guys think this also applies to the cells inside scooter's battery?

[MadVlrus]

Shame there isn't a single response... I thought it would be an active forum. Ah well... I'm going to leave replies and share results for future generations. (lol)

It turns out OptiMate Lithium battery saving charger also works with Lithium-Ion and not just LiFePO4. Customer support says that taking out the cells and 'saving' them 3 at a time, will work. Which is fantastic!

I'll keep you posted on how successful it has been.

[Richard230]

I think the reason that you didn't get an immediate response is that no one reading your message so far has an answer to your question.  Another resource that you can try is:  http://www.elmoto.net/

They spend more time looking at dead batteries than we do.