Budget-friendly electric scooter charging in Africa
What's the story
Electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular across Africa as a cheap and green way to get around.
Despite their advantages, one big challenge for users is finding affordable places to charge them.
This article provides a bunch of handy tips and strategies for locating and utilizing cheap electric scooter charging options across the continent, making life a bit easier for e-scooter riders.
Community hubs
Locate community charging hubs
Several African cities now boast of community charging hubs, allowing e-scooter enthusiasts to power up their rides for way less than what private stations charge.
These hubs operate on a membership model, offering unlimited access for a small monthly fee.
By becoming a member, one can save a ton on charging costs while helping to grow sustainable urban mobility solutions.
Solar power
Utilize solar-powered stations
Given the plentiful sunshine Africa enjoys, solar-powered charging stations offer a green and cost-effective solution for electric scooter users.
These stations utilize solar power, significantly reducing electricity expenses tied to charging.
Keep an eye out for these stations in public spaces such as parks, shopping centers, and around government buildings.
Off-peak savings
Take advantage of off-peak discounts
Electricity rates fluctuate throughout the day, just like traffic. Prices are lower during off-peak hours when fewer people are using electricity.
Many charging stations provide lower rates during off-peak hours to incentivize usage during times of reduced demand.
By strategically planning your charging sessions during off-peak hours, usually late at night or early in the morning, you can benefit from lower costs and avoid the congestion of peak times.
Business partnerships
Partner with local businesses
Certain local businesses in your vicinity would be more than happy to have you charge up your electric scooter on their premises, either for free or for a very small fee. They see it as a way to contribute to green initiatives or improve customer service.
Restaurants, cafes and retail stores are the most likely candidates. Don't be shy, ask around and you may be pleasantly surprised.
Subscription models
Explore subscription services
Many service providers are now offering subscription-based models, which provide unlimited access to their network of charging stations for a fixed monthly fee.
Although the initial costs may appear higher compared to pay-per-use services, subscriptions can potentially offer significant savings for regular users.
By researching available plans and estimating your average monthly usage, you can easily determine if this cost-effective model is the right choice for you.