Electric scooters make life convenient, and the battery is their heart, providing the power to move. Battery life and safety are big concerns for consumers. Today, you'll find lead-acid, graphene, ternary lithium, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), and sodium-ion batteries on the market. Let's look at their differences, pros, cons, and prices to help you pick the best one for your seated electric scooter.

1. Weight Differences

Let's take a common example: a 60-volt, 20-amp-hour (Ah) battery pack (typically 5 individual batteries).

• Lead-acid batteries: A pack of 5 weighs about 60 pounds.
• Graphene batteries: A pack of 5 weighs around 70 pounds (graphene is an upgraded version of lead-acid, and generally, the heavier these two types are, the better their performance).
• Ternary lithium batteries (60V 20Ah): Weigh about 15-17 pounds.
• LiFePO4 batteries (60V 20Ah): Weigh around 24-26 pounds.
• Sodium-ion batteries (60V 20Ah): Weigh about 15-20 pounds.

Weight from heaviest to lightest:

Graphene > Lead-acid > LiFePO4 > Sodium-ion > Ternary Lithium

2. Energy Density & Size Differences

Energy density tells us how much energy a battery can store per unit of weight.

• Lead-acid batteries: 30-50 Wh/kg
• Graphene batteries: 40-80 Wh/kg
• Ternary lithium batteries: 150-250 Wh/kg
• LiFePO4 batteries: 140-190 Wh/kg
• Sodium-ion batteries: 120-160 Wh/kg

Energy Density from highest to lowest:

Ternary Lithium > LiFePO4 > Sodium-ion > Graphene > Lead-acid

Volume (Size) from largest to smallest:

Graphene > LiFePO4 > Sodium-ion > Ternary Lithium

3. Cycle Life Differences (How Many Charges)

Cycle life is how many times a battery can be charged and discharged before its capacity significantly drops.

• Lead-acid batteries: Around 350 cycles.
• Graphene batteries: 600-1000 cycles.
• Ternary lithium batteries: 800-1500 cycles.
• LiFePO4 batteries: 1500-2000 cycles.
• Sodium-ion batteries: 2000+ cycles.

Cycle Life from highest to lowest:

Sodium-ion > LiFePO4 > Ternary Lithium > Graphene > Lead-acid

4. Price Differences

Prices can vary a lot by brand, but here are some approximate costs for a 60V 20Ah battery pack in the US context.

• Lead-acid battery: Around $80-$120
• Graphene battery: Around $110-$160
• LiFePO4 battery: Around $200-$300
• Ternary lithium battery: Around $220-$350
• Sodium-ion battery: Around $250-$400

Price from highest to lowest:

Sodium-ion > Ternary Lithium > LiFePO4 > Graphene > Lead-acid

*Please note: These prices are estimates. Bigger brands often cost more due to better quality and brand recognition, while smaller brands might be cheaper but potentially less reliable.

5. Cold Weather Performance

Battery range drops in cold temperatures. Here's how they perform at 32°F (0°C).

• Lead-acid batteries: Capacity drops by about 30%.
• Graphene batteries: Capacity drops by about 10%.
• LiFePO4 batteries: Capacity drops by about 15%.
• Ternary lithium batteries: Capacity drops by about 20%.
• Sodium-ion batteries: No capacity loss at 32°F (0°C).

Cold Weather Performance from best to worst:

Sodium-ion > Graphene > LiFePO4 > Ternary Lithium > Lead-acid

*Note: These are general figures. Performance can vary by specific battery brand.

6. Charging Efficiency

Let's look at typical charging times for a 60V 20Ah battery.

• Lead-acid batteries: Around 8-10 hours.
• Graphene batteries: About 4 hours with a fast charger.
• LiFePO4 batteries: About 2.5 hours with a fast charger.
• Ternary lithium batteries: About 2 hours with a fast charger.
• Sodium-ion batteries: About 20 minutes with a fast charger.

Charging Time from fastest to slowest:

Sodium-ion > LiFePO4 > Ternary Lithium > Graphene > Lead-acid

*Note: Charging times vary by battery brand and charger power.

7. Safety Differences

Safety is a huge factor for electric scooter batteries.

• Graphene batteries and LiFePO4 batteries use stable materials. They are safer and less likely to catch fire or explode from overcharging or over-discharging. LiFePO4 batteries handle high temperatures well; they might smoke but generally won't catch fire or explode even with overcharging, over-discharging, or short circuits.
• Ternary lithium batteries have lower heat resistance. Overcharging, over-discharging, or internal short circuits can lead to thermal runaway, causing fire and explosion.
• Sodium-ion batteries are a newer technology, and manufacturers claim high safety. However, some consumer tests (like puncture tests) have shown them catching fire and exploding.
• Lead-acid batteries are generally very safe and stable, rarely experiencing thermal runaway or fire under normal conditions.

Safety from highest to lowest:

Lead-acid > Graphene > LiFePO4 > Sodium-ion > Ternary Lithium

8. Long-Term Cost of Ownership (Over 10 Years)

Let's estimate the 10-year cost for a 60V 20Ah seated electric scooter. We'll include the scooter's initial price and battery replacement costs.

• Lead-acid battery scooter:
• Scooter price: Around $400.
• Over 10 years, you might replace the battery 4 times. Each replacement (with trade-in) might cost around $50.
• 10-year total cost: $400 + ($50 x 4) = $600.
• Graphene battery scooter (23Ah):
• Scooter price: Around $500.
• With good care, you might replace the battery twice in 10 years. Each replacement (with trade-in) might cost around $80.
• 10-year total cost: $500 + ($80 x 2) = $660.
• Ternary lithium battery scooter (25Ah):
• Scooter price: Around $700.
• You might replace the battery once in 10 years, costing around $300.
• 10-year total cost: $700 + $300 = $1000.
• LiFePO4 battery scooter (30Ah):
• Scooter price: Around $650.
• You might replace the battery once in 10 years, costing around $250.
• 10-year total cost: $650 + $250 = $900.
• Sodium-ion battery scooter (30Ah):
• Scooter price: Around $750.
• The battery might last 10 years without replacement.
• 10-year total cost: $750.

10-Year Ownership Cost from highest to lowest:

Ternary Lithium > LiFePO4 > Graphene > Lead-acid > Sodium-ion

*(Note: These costs don't include repairs for other parts.)*

9. Recycling Value

• Lead-acid and graphene batteries are mainly recycled for their lead, with a lower overall recycling rate.
• Sodium-ion batteries are still new. Their recycling rate is expected to be slightly higher than lead-acid in the future.
• Ternary lithium batteries have significant recycling value. Metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese can be extracted and used to make new batteries.
• LiFePO4 batteries are recycled for lithium, iron, and phosphorus. This recycling helps reuse resources and is very good for the environment.

Recycling Value from highest to lowest:

LiFePO4 > Ternary Lithium > Sodium-ion > Graphene > Lead-acid

10. Environmental Impact

• Lead-acid and graphene batteries create waste lead and sulfuric acid solutions during recycling, which harm the environment.
• Ternary lithium batteries can release heavy metal vapors and acidic gases during disassembly.
• LiFePO4 batteries produce mostly solid waste and liquid waste during disassembly.
• Sodium-ion batteries are environmentally friendly. They use abundant resources, and their environmental impact is minimal.

Environmental Impact from highest to lowest (more harmful to less harmful):

Lead-acid & Graphene > Ternary Lithium > LiFePO4 > Sodium-ion