How to Charge a Moped Battery
by Chris GillilandYour scooter relies on a steady electrical charge from its battery to power the ignition system. Usually, this charge is replenished by the scooter's charging system as you make your way across town. However, extended periods of inactivity or multiple short distance rides can eventually drain the battery below a serviceable level. Fortunately, using an automatic battery charger can maintain the battery's power. Because most urban scooter riders do not have the luxury of a garage, where they can roll the scooter up to the charger, you will need to remove the battery.
Step 1
Locate and remove the battery. Most scooters have the battery under the floorboard or beneath the seat. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to disconnect the battery terminals. Remove the negative (-) terminal first followed by the positive (+) terminal. Pull the battery out of the scooter.
Step 2
Connect the battery to the charger, attaching the charger's positive (+) lead to the positive (+) terminal on the battery first. Next, connect the negative (-) lead to the negative (-) terminal. Turn the charger on and allow the battery to charge completely.
Step 3
Disconnect the battery from the charger, removing the negative (-) lead first followed by the positive (+) lead.
Step 4
Reinstall the battery into the scooter. Connect the scooter's positive (+) lead to the battery's positive (+) terminal then connect the negative (-) lead to the battery's negative (-) terminal. Tighten the terminal screws with a Phillips head screwdriver.
References
- "The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program;" The Professional Career Development Institute; 2000
Things You'll Need
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Battery charger
Warnings
- To avoid injury caused by electrical shock, always remove the battery's negative (-) terminal first. Likewise, the negative (-) terminal is always the last to be connected.
- To avoid severe electrical damage, do not install the negative (-) lead to the battery's positive (+) terminal and vice versa.
Writer Bio
An avid motorcyclist, Chris Gilliland has immersed himself into the two-wheeled world while balancing work life and raising three daughters. When he is not managing the parts department of a local, multi-line motorcycle dealership, Gilliland can often be found riding, writing or working on his motorcycle blog, Wingman's Garage.
