27 May 2021

 man rides through the city on a bike path on an electric scooter

Small electric vehicles have become very popular around the world in recent years. We are not likely to be mistaken in saying that they have conquer pavements and bicycle paths for good. The market for personal mobility vehicles is still growing. Not only electric bikes and scooters are available, but also monocycles, Segway's, Longboards and self-balancing skateboards, which can also be converted to go-carts. The choice is huge, so it will not surprise anyone to say that everyone is able to find something for themselves. Depending on your preferences, the vehicles may have different applications. They are suitable for both typical entertainment and recreational applications.

 smiling couple racing through the city on xiaomi electric scooters

Electric vehicles - for whom?

In the beginning, small electric vehicles were associated with toys for children. Now, with the development of this field of transport, there is a strong predisposition for this type of vehicle to become a common alternative to conventional means of transport. Thanks to the diversity available on the market, we can find not only toys, but also robust vehicles that are ideal as a means of transport to work or university. Undoubtedly, they may prove to be a salvation for those struggling with driving in traffic jams during rush hours. Electric vehicles will also meet the expectations of elderly, who do not have enough strength, but enjoy recreational bike rides. Thanks to the attached engine the ride is much lighter and less tiring. These undoubted advantages have also made electric vehicles come to the tourism sector. They significantly speed up movement, increasing mobility, so they are more and more often used not only by tourist companies, but also by security and uniformed services.

Electric vehicles - environmental impact

A characteristic feature of electric vehicles is the propulsion consisting of one or more electric motors. Unlike internal combustion engines, they are powered by battery power - i.e. they do not emit fumes while driving. This means that using this type of vehicle not only saves on fuel, but also contributes to environmental protection.

 man in a suit is connecting a charger to his electric scooter

How do I choose the right power supply for my vehicle?

It's not uncommon for equipment that is frequently used to break down. Then there is nothing left to do but repair or buy a new one. This is also the case with power supplies. Unfortunately, original power supplies are often very expensive and it is not very profitable to buy them. Fortunately, there are good replacements available on the market, which are not inferior to the original ones and are much cheaper.

How to choose a replacement power supply to fit my vehicle? Many people are facing this question. But it does not have to be a difficult task. Just check the parameters shown on the label on the back of the old power supply (output voltage and current) and make sure what type of plug you have. You should also remember to check the polarity of the socket (where is + and -), as it may vary depending on the vehicle model. For your convenience, here are some of the most commonly used types of plugs and sockets.

 types of popular plugs for charging small electric vehicles

 

 

  • Mini XLR plug, available in two diameters GX16 and GX12.
  • XLR plug, also known as 3 DIN and Cannon.
  • DC plug with a characteristic pin measuring 5.5 x 2.1 mm.
  • IEC 169-2 concentric connector, also called RCA (CINCH).

 

 

What if the original power supply is lost? It's simple. There should be a plate on the side of the vehicle's battery with the parameters of that battery. This information is also given in the vehicle's manual. Depending on what battery voltage is given, we select the appropriate power supply as follows:

  • for a 12 V battery, we select a 14.4 V power supply,
  • for a 24 V battery we select a 29.4 V power supply,
  • for a 36 V battery, we select a 42 V power supply,
  • for a 48 V battery, choose a 54.6 V power supply,
  • for a 60 V battery, choose a 67.2 V power supply,
  • for a 72 V battery, we select an 84 V power supply.

 

 Akyga charger for charging small electric vehicles

Something for custom vehicle enthusiasts

In recent times, the fashion for custom Pedelec (Pedal Electric Cycle), has appeared. Avid DIY enthusiasts create unique designs, often doing everything from scratch. This includes batteries that meet specific requirements. Often in such cases it is difficult to find a power supply with a suitable plug. That is why the Akyga® range includes power supplies without a plug.