In recent years, electric scooters have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation in many cities worldwide. With this rise in popularity comes a unique opportunity for enterprising individuals to make extra cash by charging these scooters. But how exactly does that work?
The process is surprisingly simple: companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin hire individuals to collect, charge, and redistribute their electric scooters around the city. As a “charger,” you would be responsible for picking up scooters in need of charging, bringing them back to your home, charging them overnight, and then redistributing them the following day. It’s a flexible and low-stress way to earn some extra income on the side.
Of course, there are some potential challenges to consider. Charging scooters can be a competitive field, and you may need to work quickly to secure the most lucrative charging opportunities. Additionally, some cities have regulations in place that limit the number of scooters that can be on the streets at any given time. But with the right approach, a little bit of effort, and some patience, charging scooters can be a fun and rewarding way to make some extra money while contributing to a more sustainable mode of transportation.
Can You Really Make Money From Charging Scooters?
There are many ways to make money, including Pawns.app, which rewards users for answering surveys and sharing broadband. This lucrative platform is a legit earning opportunity. But can we say the same for charging scooters?
The short answer is yes, you can make money with this gig. Many electric scooter companies, such as Lime, Bird, and Spin, offer programs to people willing to pick up and charge their scooters. These companies pay individuals to locate, collect, and repower the scooters, then drop them off at designated locations around the city.
How Charging Works
In simple terms, to start charging scooters, you will need to download the app of the scooter company you want to work with. After that, you will need to create an account and sign up to be a charger. You will then provide some personal information, such as your name, address, and bank account information, so that the company can pay you for your services.
After you have been approved as a charger, you can start looking for scooters to pick up. The app will show you the locations of scooters requiring a recharge. You can then go out and bring them back to your home or elsewhere and charge them.
Charging the scooters is relatively simple. The scooters come with a charger that plugs into a standard electrical outlet. You will need to keep the scooters plugged in until the charge is complete, which usually takes a few hours.
Once a scooter’s battery is full, you must drop it off at a designated location. The app will show you the location of the drop-off point, which is typically a public space or a business that has partnered with the scooter company. Once you have dropped off the scooters, you will receive payment for your services.
Pro Tips to Earn More Money From Charging Scooters
Some people are just better at what they do, thanks to knowledge and years of experience. Here are some pro tips to help you maximize your earnings from charging scooters.
Invest in the Right Equipment
To earn more money from charging scooters, you need the right equipment. This includes a reliable vehicle for picking up and dropping off scooters and a sturdy and reliable charger that can handle multiple scooters simultaneously. While it may require some initial investment, investing in high-quality equipment will pay off in the long run as it will enable you to charge more scooters in less time.
Know Your Area
To maximize your earnings, you need to know your area well. Find out where the most popular pick-up and drop-off spots are, as well as the busiest times of day for scooter use. This information will help you plan your schedule more efficiently and enable you to pick up more scooters in less time.
Optimize Your Charging Schedule
Another pro tip for earning more money from charging scooters is to optimize your charging schedule. One of the best ways to do this is by charging scooters during off-peak hours. Many scooter rental companies offer bonuses for charging during these times, which can help increase your earnings. You should also look into electricity tariffs offering off-peak energy rates.
Be Strategic About Pick-Up Locations
When collecting scooters for charging, be strategic about the locations you choose. Go to areas with more available scooters, such as popular tourist destinations, universities, or shopping centers. Doing so will increase the chances of finding scooters, resulting in more earnings.
Join Multiple Scooter Rental Platforms
Finally, joining multiple scooter rental platforms is another way to make more money from charging scooters. By signing up for various platforms, you will be able to access a larger pool of scooters to charge, which will increase your earning potential. You should also keep an eye out for promotions and bonuses offered by different platforms, as these can help boost your earnings.
Conclusion
The rise of electric scooters has created a new opportunity for individuals to make money by charging them. Charging scooters can be a flexible and lucrative side hustle for anyone with a few hours of free time each day. With the growing popularity of e-scooters in many cities around the world, the demand for charging services is also increasing, making it a viable income-generating activity.
However, while it may seem easy to make money charging scooters, it is essential to note that it requires dedication, consistency, and some level of investment in charging equipment. It would help if you had a reliable means of transportation, a place to store the scooters, and proper charging equipment.
It’s also important to pay attention to the local regulations regarding the charging of electric scooters, including any permits or licenses required by the local government. You should also take steps to ensure that the charging process is safe and that the scooters are not damaged in your care.
In summary, charging electric scooters can be a viable way to make some extra money, especially in areas where e-scooter companies are prevalent. It might be the right gig for you!
FAQ
Can you charge scooters for money?
Yes, you can definitely make money by charging electric scooters. Many companies such as Lime, Bird, and Spin hire independent contractors to collect, repower, and distribute their electric scooters in different areas around the city. As a charger, you will be responsible for finding the scooters that are in need of charging, picking them up, and taking them to your home or charging station to charge overnight. After charging, you will need to release the scooters back into the designated zones or areas as indicated by the company’s app. It is essential to sign up for the charger program on the app and complete a short training session before you can start charging scooters. Once approved, you will receive a charger kit with all the necessary tools and equipment to get started.
How much does it cost to charge a scooter?
The cost of charging a scooter depends on various factors, including the the type of scooter, the size of the battery, the cost of electricity in your area, and how long it takes to charge the battery. The cost of electricity to charge a scooter is relatively low, as electric scooters use a battery and do not consume much power. However, the number of scooters you charge will have a significant impact on your electricity bill.
In general, electric scooters have batteries with capacities ranging from around 2000mAh to over 10,000mAh. Assuming an average electricity cost of $0.13 per kilowatt-hour (the national average in the United States as of September 2021), the cost to fully charge an electric scooter with a 2000mAh battery would be about $0.01, while the cost to charge a scooter with a 10,000mAh battery would be about $0.06.
As a general guideline, it is recommended to charge scooters during off-peak hours to save on electricity costs. This act will not only save you money but will also earn you more cash as scooter-leasing companies offer higher rates during off-peak hours. It is also essential to invest in multiple chargers to charge more scooters at once and earn more money.
