How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Scooter?

There are several factors that determine how long it takes to fully recharge an electric scooter's battery. The exact time depends on the battery size (measured in amp-hours, or Ah) and the charger's output (the amount of electrical current, measured in amps, that the charger can supply). Understanding these helps ensure you have battery power when you need it.

Quick Answer: Electric Scooter Charging Time

 Most scooters with a mid-sized battery can be fully charged in 4 to 6 hours. But larger batteries take longer, sometimes 8 hours or more.

The PostJoy K10 has a 48V 13Ah battery, and PostJoy states the first full charge takes about 6 hours. The GT28's battery is larger at 48V 20Ah (960Wh), so expect a longer charge time; check the current product page for the confirmed figure, as PostJoy doesn't list it in the main spec sheet.

What Determines Charging Time?

Battery capacity is the main thing that affects charging time. The bigger the battery, the longer it takes to fill. You can work out capacity in watt-hours by multiplying the voltage by the amp-hours. 48V x 13Ah gives you 624Wh on the K10, 48V x 20Ah gives 960Wh on the GT28. For a full explanation of voltage, amp-hours, watt-hours, cycle life, and battery care, read the electric scooter battery guide.

Charger output matters just as much, as you can often get different types of chargers. Standard chargers that come with most electric scooters run at 2-4 amps. A 2A charger on a large battery takes considerably longer than a 4A charger would. You can usually see the charger's output printed on the charger unit itself.

There are a few less-obvious factors that also affect charging time. For example, charging from 20% is faster than charging a near-empty battery. Also, older batteries behave differently in the final charging phase. This is because batteries deteriorate with age.

Cold weather slows down charging due to the way it affects the battery's chemistry, and a hot battery from a long ride may charge less efficiently until it cools and goes from its "discharge state". Lithium batteries also taper in the last 10 to 20% of a charge, charging more slowly than the earlier stages.

How to Estimate Your Charging Time

To work out how long it will take to charge your battery, divide the battery's watt-hours by the charger's watt output, then add 10-20% to account for charging inefficiency.

For example, the K10's 624Wh battery with a 100W charger, that's about 6.2 hours; with 15% added, you'll charge the battery in roughly 7 hours from empty. Charging time affects how much practical mileage is available each day, so compare it with the electric scooter range guide. It's a rough guide. Realistically, you don't need to do all this, as the electric scooter manufacturer's stated time is what to go by.

If you don't know your charger's wattage, multiply the output voltage and amps on the label.

How to Charge an Electric Scooter Safely

It's best to use the charger that came with the scooter. Third-party chargers that don't match the battery's voltage and amp specs can damage the battery or cause overheating, which can be incredibly dangerous. You should always buy a replacement charger from the scooter's manufacturer or an approved brand. If you buy a charger from an untrustworthy brand, you can't be sure about what you're getting, which could damage the battery or cause a fire risk. It's not worth the risk to save money on a replacement.

You should always charge your scooter's battery in a dry location and make sure the charging port is dry before you charge it. If you've ridden in the rain, it's essential to let the scooter dry properly before you plug it in. Also, keep the charger in a ventilated spot, as it can get pretty hot; don't cover it or leave it in direct sunlight.

If your charger's cable is damaged, don't use it. And if the battery gets unusually hot, makes strange sounds, or smells odd during charging, unplug it immediately. Contact PostJoy support before using it again, and don't attempt to repair or modify the battery or charger yourself, as it needs to be looked at by a professional or replaced. More often than not, it's best just to replace the charger if any of these things happen.

Can You Leave an Electric Scooter Charging Overnight?

Most riders leave their electric scooter battery charging overnight. The chargers supplied with PostJoy scooters have a battery management system that stops charging when the battery is full, so leaving it plugged in overnight is generally fine. That said, charging in an open, observable space, not a bedroom or enclosed cupboard, is the best way to do it. If something did go wrong, you'd want to know about it as soon as possible so you could take action.

How Charging Habits Affect Battery Life

There are a few things electric scooter owners can do to extend their batteries' lifespan.

One of the things that is often overlooked is that it's good to keep the battery between 20 and 80% for day-to-day use if possible. But don't worry too much if your routine calls for overnight charging or you need a full battery every time you ride. For most commuter scooters, it's not critical.

It's important that you don't leave the battery completely flat for long periods of time. If you store an electric scooter battery at zero for a while, it degrades faster. On the other hand, leaving a battery fully charged stresses its cells, also reducing its lifespan. If you're not riding for a few weeks, leave it charged to around 50% and top it up occasionally. You may notice that the battery has naturally discharged a little when you return to your scooter after a while. Don't worry, this is normal.

Another thing you shouldn't do is plug your battery in as soon as you get home. Leave the battery for about 20 minutes first. This gives the battery time to go from its "discharging state" and cool down. Allowing the battery to settle before charging will help extend its usable life. If you are comparing models rather than maintaining an existing scooter, the electric scooter buying guide explains which battery and charging specifications matter before purchase.

Charging for Commuters

It's common for commuters to charge their electric scooter batteries overnight, which is absolutely fine. Use the route and storage checklist in the guide to choosing a commuter electric scooter. But both the K10 and GT28 have batteries large enough that you won't need to charge every day for a typical city commute. On the K10, every other night is usually enough for a 10-mile round trip.

The K10's removable battery makes top-ups at work easy. You can take just the battery to your desk without the whole scooter, allowing you to get a bit more range for your journey home if you need it. The GT28 doesn't have this option, but it does have a larger battery.

Try not to ride your scooter until the battery is empty. Deep discharges stress the battery more than partial charges do. Of course, this isn't always possible, but it's worth keeping in mind so you don't get into bad habits that cause inconvenience and long-term damage to your scooter's battery.

Charging Problems: What to Check

If the charger indicator doesn't change, check the connection at both ends first. One of the most common causes of charging issues is a loose port or damaged plug. If your scooter won't turn on after charging, it may have had a cycle that didn't complete for some reason. This might not be a problem with the charger, but there may have been a power cut or a circuit breaker tripping.

You should always check damaged or corroded ports on your charger before plugging it in. If the battery gets significantly hotter than usual, stop charging and contact PostJoy support. Don't attempt repairs yourself, as this can be dangerous.

Browse the full PostJoy electric scooter range, or check the K10 and GT28 product pages for the latest charging guidance.

FAQ

How many hours does an electric scooter take to charge? Most take 4 to 8 hours. The PostJoy K10 takes about 6 hours for a first full charge. The GT28 has a larger battery, so check the product page for the confirmed figure. For the wider differences between both models, see PostJoy K10 vs GT28.

Can I charge my electric scooter overnight? Yes. PostJoy scooters stop charging when the battery is full. Charge somewhere you can keep an eye on it, not in a bedroom or enclosed space.

Should I charge my electric scooter after every ride? Not necessarily. Every other day is usually fine if you've used less than half the battery. Keeping it between 20% and 80% is better for the battery in the long term.

Why is my electric scooter charging slowly? A cold or older battery, a low-output charger, or a loose connection are the most common causes. Check both ends of the connection. If it's significantly slower than usual, contact PostJoy support.

Can I use a faster charger? Only if PostJoy has confirmed it's compatible. A higher-amp charger than the battery is rated for can damage it and void the warranty.

Is it safe to charge after riding in the rain? Not until the scooter has dried fully. Let it dry in a ventilated space for a few hours before plugging it in.