ELECTRIC SCOOTERS ARE SAFE IF WE KNOW HOW TO USE THEM: HOW TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN THE BATTERY AND WHY CHEAP PURCHASES FROM ABROAD DO NOT PAY OFF

Published: February 28, 2026 | Reading time: 7 min

Lithium-ion batteries are the heart of every electric scooter and electric bike. They provide us with long ranges, fast charging, and incredible mobility. Recently, the media has frequently reported on e-vehicle fires, which can quickly create a false impression and unnecessary fear of this excellent technology of the future. But let us reassure you: electric vehicles are statistically extremely safe.

A fact that might surprise you: an extensive analysis by the agency AutoinsuranceEZ, based on data from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), showed that gasoline and diesel vehicles are statistically significantly more prone to fires than electric vehicles. For classic internal combustion vehicles, about 1,529 fires are recorded per 100,000 vehicles sold, while for electric vehicles, this number is only about 25 per 100,000 vehicles.

So, where is the problem when we hear about an e-scooter catching fire? It is almost always a combination of two factors: severe negligence in maintenance or—even more frequently—the purchase of unverified, extremely cheap counterfeits of brands such as KuKirin, Engwe, Dualtron, VSETT, Kaabo, and others. In this article, we reveal how to take care of your battery so it serves you safely for many years, and why you should avoid platforms like AliExpress, Alibaba, and GeekBuying.

1. Care and safety: How to keep the battery in top condition?

High-quality lithium-ion batteries from renowned manufacturers (e.g., Samsung, LG) are equipped with advanced smart management systems (BMS – Battery Management System). This system acts as your personal security guard: it prevents overcharging, short circuits, and overheating. The phenomenon known as "thermal runaway" occurs rarely—usually only when these protective systems are absent (in cheap copies) or the battery has been severely damaged.

The silent battery killer: "Undervoltage" (Deep discharge)

Did you store your electric scooter in the basement in the autumn with an empty battery and find in the spring that it won't turn on at all? This phenomenon is called undervoltage or deep discharge. The voltage of individual cells drops below a critical limit. For safety reasons, the BMS system then permanently shuts down the battery. Even when turned off, the electric scooter consumes minimal energy to power the electronics.

Why is it dangerous and how to prevent it? The chemistry inside over-discharged cells begins to degrade. Forced charging of such a battery with non-original chargers is extremely dangerous and can lead to a short circuit. If you are not using the electric scooter during winter, charge the battery to approximately 50% to 60%, store it in a dry place at room temperature, and check it at least once a month, topping up the battery level if necessary.

2. False savings: Why AliExpress and GeekBuying can cost you dearly?

In times of general price increases, we are all looking for good deals. When you see an e-scooter on a Chinese online platform that offers incredible specifications on paper for half the price of one in Slovenia, it seems like a dream opportunity. But the truth is much darker. We have already written about this in detail in our previous article, where we explained that a "cheap" electric scooter is often the most expensive in the end—both from a safety and financial perspective.

Why should these platforms not be trusted?

• Danger of fake batteries: Sellers advertise top brands. In reality, under the plastic wrap, there are often the cheapest, recycled cells equipped with a non-existent or very primitive BMS system that does not protect the battery from overheating.
• No necessary certificates and manuals: Such vehicles usually do not have proper CE certificates, which are mandatory in the EU. Also, vehicles purchased directly from China almost never have original user manuals translated into the Slovenian language. Although this may seem like just a bureaucratic hurdle, it is actually a safety risk. Without clear instructions in your language, you can easily overlook key information about:
  • The correct sequence of connecting the charger (should it be plugged into the wall or the electric scooter first?).
  • The meaning of light indicators on the battery (what does a flashing red light mean?).
  • Weight and incline limits that the motor can safely handle, etc.
• Customs and tax trap (Financial shock): Packages from outside the EU are subject to strict control by the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (FURS). If a customs officer determines that the product does not have the appropriate CE declaration of conformity, the product is not allowed onto the European market and can even be destroyed at your expense. If it passes, you face high costs for VAT, customs procedures, and potential anti-dumping duties. The savings vanish in an instant.
• Insurance company turns its back on you: If such an uncertified product were to cause a fire and damage to your home, a Slovenian insurance company will not cover the damage. Suing a Chinese seller is a mission impossible in practice.

3. Summary: When is the battery warranty NOT honored?

With regular and proper maintenance, you will not only sleep peacefully, but you will also maintain your warranty. While the battery is a consumable item that naturally loses capacity over time (which is not a subject for a claim), at eVolt.si (and all authorized service centers), you will lose your warranty in the following cases of negligence:

1. Undervoltage (deep discharge) due to neglect, which our diagnostic system can easily detect.
2. Ingress of water or moisture into the battery compartment (riding through deep puddles, washing with a high-pressure cleaner).
3. Mechanical damage to the battery housing due to severe impacts (consequence of an accident).
4. Use of a non-original charger or a charger with the wrong voltage.
5. Unauthorized tampering with the electronics, battery, or software modification ("tuning") of speed.

At evolt.si, we want electromobility to bring you nothing but joy, freedom, and fuel savings. By choosing a high-quality electric scooter, following safety tips, and avoiding suspicious Chinese online stores, you can be completely worry-free.

Sources and professional literature for further reading

• AutoinsuranceEZ & NTSB (2025/2026): Gas vs. Electric Car Fires (Statistics show that internal combustion vehicles pose a significantly higher fire risk than electric ones). Retrieved from National Transportation Safety Board databases.
• Slovenian Consumers' Association (ZPS) (2025): Safe use and charging of e-scooters and the dangers of purchases from third countries.
• Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (FURS) and TIRS: Online purchases from outside the EU and import of goods without appropriate CE marking and conformity assessment.
• Firefighting Association of Slovenia (2025): Prevention and measures when using lithium-ion batteries in households.
• UL Solutions (2026): Micromobility Fire Hazards & The Importance of UL 2272 Certification.