As the world steadily moves toward sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options, electric two-wheelers (e-scooters and e-bikes) are gaining massive popularity in India and across the globe. Whether it’s for daily commuting or last-mile connectivity, electric scooters have become a go-to choice for consumers seeking convenience, cost-efficiency, and a greener planet.
But have you ever wondered — how does an electric two-wheeler actually work? What goes on under the hood (or under the footboard, in this case)? In this blog, we’ll break down the core components, working mechanism, and also spotlight some innovative models by GREEN Electric Scooters, an emerging Indian electric vehicle brand known for offering high-range, feature-packed e-scooters at affordable prices.
Key Components of an Electric 2-Wheeler
To understand how electric scooters work, you first need to understand their key components:
1. Electric Motor
The heart of any e-scooter, the electric motor, converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy, which rotates the wheels. These motors are typically either:
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Hub motors (integrated directly into the wheel) or
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Mid-drive motors (connected to the chain or belt drive).
Most Electric Scooters use BLDC (Brushless DC) hub motors, known for efficiency, durability, and less maintenance.
2. Battery Pack
Electric scooters use Lithium-ion (Li-ion) or Lead Acid batteries. Li-ion batteries are more popular today due to their lightweight design, faster charging, and longer life.
GREEN Electric scooters are equipped with high-capacity Li-ion battery packs, delivering impressive range — up to 100 km on a single charge in some models.
3. Battery Management System (BMS)
The BMS monitors the health, voltage, temperature, and charging of the battery, ensuring safe operation and protecting against overcharging or overheating.
4. Controller
The controller acts as the brain of the electric vehicle. It manages the power flow between the battery and motor, based on the input from the rider (via throttle).
5. Throttle & Dashboard
The throttle controls acceleration, while the digital dashboard shows speed, battery level, mode (eco/sport), and more.
6. Regenerative Braking System (RBS)
Some modern scooters, feature regenerative braking, where braking energy is fed back into the battery, improving range and efficiency.
How Does an Electric Scooter Work? (Step-by-Step)
Let’s go through the working process of an electric two-wheeler in simple steps:
1. Power ON
You press the power/start button or use a keyless remote (common in GREEN models like GREEN OXO Neo). The controller activates and gets ready to manage all electronic operations.
2. Twist the Throttle
When you twist the throttle, a signal is sent to the controller. The controller then draws current from the battery and supplies it to the electric motor.
3. Motor Activation
The BLDC motor receives electrical energy and begins rotating. This motor is directly connected to the rear wheel (in hub motors), resulting in smooth and silent acceleration.
4. Real-Time Control
As you change throttle position, switch riding modes (Eco, City, Sport), or brake, the controller dynamically adjusts power output and speed, providing a responsive ride.
5. Regenerative Braking (if available)
When you brake, the regenerative braking system converts kinetic energy into electrical energy and sends it back to the battery, slightly improving your range.