Guide
Battery not charging? What to check, and when to stop
Most charging problems have a simple cause. A few are warning signs. Here is how to tell them apart without taking any risk.
Quick answer
Check the wall socket, the charger light and the cable first, and let a hot battery cool before trying again. If it still will not charge, the cause is usually the charger, a connector or fuse, or the BMS after a deep discharge. Stop at once if you see swelling, smoke or a burning smell.
The usual causes
- No power at the socket, or a loose plug in the wall.
- A faulty charger: no light, no fan noise, or it goes to full at once.
- A damaged cable, a loose or burnt connector pin, or a blown fuse on the pack or scooter.
- BMS cut-off after the battery was run flat or left empty for weeks. Many chargers will not start on a pack that has dropped too low.
- Temperature protection: lithium cells should be charged between about 0 and 45 degrees. After a long ride in a Surat summer the BMS or charger may refuse until the pack cools.
- Damaged or worn cells, or water inside the pack after water-logging.
What you can safely check
- Try another wall socket, or plug a lamp into the same one to see if it has power.
- Watch the charger light. Check its label or manual for what each colour means.
- Look at the cable and plug for cuts, melted plastic or dark burn marks on the pins. If you see any, do not use it.
- If the battery is hot, let it cool in the shade for 30 to 60 minutes, then try again.
- If your scooter has a battery switch or key, check that it is on as the manual says.
Stop at once and call us if
- You smell burning, see smoke or sparks, or hear hissing or popping.
- The battery case is swollen, cracked, leaking or too hot to touch.
- The scooter stood in flood water. Do not charge it until it has been checked.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Why is my electric scooter not charging even though the charger light is on?
The light often only shows the charger has mains power. The fault can be the cable, a connector pin, a fuse or the BMS refusing charge.
Can a completely dead lithium battery be revived?
Sometimes, if the cells are not damaged. It needs testing in a workshop; do not try to force charge it at home.
Why does my scooter stop charging in summer?
Heat protection. A hot lithium pack should not be charged. Park in the shade and wait until it cools.
Can I use a different charger to test my battery?
Only one of exactly the same voltage and battery type. A wrong charger can damage the pack or start a fire.
Still not charging?
Bring the scooter and the charger to Simada Naka. Diagnosis is free for any brand, and we tell you the cost before any work.