When the temperature plunges and things get super cold, it can have a negative effect on the battery in your scooter or moped.

The cold weather causes the chemical reactions within the battery to slow down, reducing its overall power output. As a result, you may experience difficulty starting your scooter or moped or notice a decrease in its performance.

Also, an older battery may appear to be perfectly fine, and your moped or motorcycle will start with ease during warmer months, but when the weather gets colder, it can very quickly go flat or not work as effectively.

What to do if your moped or motorcycle battery freezes

Step 1:

If possible, wait for the temperature to get warmer outside, or remove the battery from the scooter or moped and bring it inside the house. This will allow the battery to gradually warm up.

Step 2:

Once the moped battery has warmed up (this may take several hours if it is very cold), charge the battery using a battery charger. If you don’t have a charger, skip this and go to step 3.

Step 3:

Put the battery back in the moped or motorcycle and start it up. If it starts great, if it doesn’t start, go to step 4.

Step 4:

If the moped or scooter doesn’t start after putting the battery back in, the following could have happened:

• The battery hasn’t warmed up enough, so you may need to keep it inside for longer.
• Cold weather can drain the battery, which is why it may need to be charged.
• Or, the battery may have completely died, in which case it will need replacing.

Bonus Step

If your scooter or motorcycle starts, it would be a good idea to ride it around for at least 20 minutes to put some charge back into the battery. It would also be a good idea to get the battery tested by a local mechanic, as cold weather can cause the battery to degrade over time.

Can moped and scooter batteries freeze?

While it is rare for moped and scooter batteries to freeze, extreme cold temperatures can still have an impact on their performance. The freezing point of most battery electrolytes is well below freezing temperatures, so the chances of a battery actually freezing solid are slim.

However, the cold weather can still cause the electrolyte to thicken and become less effective at conducting electricity. This can lead to reduced power output and difficulties starting the vehicle.

What are signs a moped or scooter battery has frozen?

If you think your moped or scooter battery is frozen, below are the signs you can look for:

1. Cracks on the casing of the battery. If this is the case, be careful you don’t get any fluid on you.
2. When you move the battery, there is no sound of fluid moving around inside.
3. If your battery is frozen, you may see that the sides are bulging.

Will a scooter or moped battery work after it has frozen?

If you suspect your moped or motorcycle battery has frozen in the cold weather, once it has thawed out, two things could happen:

1. The moped battery may not work at all, in which case you may need to charge it or replace it.
2. If the scooter or motorcycle starts, it is likely that the battery will be weaker as a consequence of being frozen, so it may not work for long.

How long does it take for a moped or motorcycle battery to unfreeze?

When a battery freezes following cold weather, if possible, it can be helped by bringing the frozen moped battery inside and allowing it to warm up gradually. This may take several hours, depending on how cold it was, but it is advisable to allow the battery to warm up gradually to avoid any further damage.

How to look after a moped or scooter battery?

Taking care of your battery in the first instance will help prolong its life. There are some steps you can follow to help:

• Keep the battery warm where possible. If you have a garage or an area that is covered and less exposed to cold temperatures, this may help to prevent the battery from becoming too cold.
• Ensure the battery is fully charged. If you take a lot of short trips, this can have a negative impact on the charge in the battery. A fully charged battery will perform better in the colder weather.

Tips to prevent a battery freezing

1. Cover the scooter or motorcycle during cold periods. If cold weather is forecast, it might be a good idea to cover your scooter or motorcycle with a cover you can typically get from Amazon. They are typically inexpensive and will help to insulate it from the cold.

2. Keep the moped battery charged. A fully charged battery is less likely to lose power during a cold period. Keeping the battery charged using a charger you can get from Amazon will help to keep it topped up with charge and reduce the chances of going out on a cold morning and finding your moped or motorcycle doesn’t start.

3. Store your bike in the garage. If you are fortunate enough to have a garage, keeping your moped in there at night will help reduce the possibility of battery problems.

4. Remove the battery. This tip is not going to be possible for most people who use their moped every day to commute, but removing the battery each time you need to use your scooter can be another way to stop the cold weather from affecting your battery.

5. Use a battery maintainer. Using a battery maintainer for your moped or scooter is a great way to look after your battery. You can buy them from Amazon, and they help to keep your battery charged up and ready to use and prevent it from losing power.