Knee Deep in Currie

Monster Scooter Parts has been filling the warehouse shelves with a huge number of OEM replacement e-bike and electric scooter parts for all of those Currie Technologies brands like eZip and IZIP. We have also been updating our lists of spare GT, Mongoose, and Schwinn scooter parts. Even though these last three brands have been out of production now for a few years, there are enough of them out there still running to warrant us maintaining an astonishing range of OEM spare parts. Perhaps that is a testament to the quality of their build; all those discontinued models still out there years after their production runs have ended.

We have recently acquired a massive new warehouse and are quickly filling it up with batteries, chargers, tubes, and tires, and just about every other component of any eZip and IZIP electric scooter or bicycle. If it is a part for any Currie Technologies electric vehicle, Monster Scooter Parts is going to have it. That is a lot of Currie; that is a lot of parts.

Among the myriad of new eZip and IZIP parts in our inventory is this little curiosity; a set of two wheel bearing caps for those big direct drive electric scooters like the superlative eZip E-1000, IZIP I-1000, and Schwinn S1000.

And how about this jewel, the Deck with Kicktail for the eZip 4.5 electric scooter. In a warehouse of inner tubes and battery chargers, this colorful beauty really stands out. The eZip designers really did a fine job with the graphics on this one.

When I was a kid, I would delight in visiting my cousins in South Carolina and riding around on their horses. For some time afterward I associated "currie" with what you did to a horse's fur after the day's riding was over. A few years later on a visit to Germany I learned that currie was a pungent and golden-yellow spice that the locals liberally dumped onto their knockwursts after giving them a thick coat of catsup. (Try it some time, it's delicious.) With the growing popularity of South Asian restaurants and cuisine, "currie" took on an even different connotation; that of a succulent melange of meats and veggies stewed together into a hot and spicy concoction best served over a bed of rice.

Today "currie" means Currie Technologies, the parent company that produces some of the best-known electric scooters and e-bikes ever made.

So even though Monster Scooter Parts can't help you brush your horse, spice up your otherwise ho-hum hotdog, or prepare a toothsome gastronomic stew of epicurean proportions, we can help you keep your Currie Technologies made electric scooter or e-bike on the road with almost every eZip, IZIP, GT, Mongoose, or Schwinn scooter part that there ever was.

And now I'm hungry.

www.monsterscooterparts.com/

Hey, Why Didn't I Think of That!

Monster Scooter Parts sells A LOT of scooter parts, hence our company name. As a recognized global leader in the replacement parts industry, our inventory of scooter goodies (from the common to the rare & esoteric) continues to expand like mushrooms in a well-manured field, so does our need for additional warehouse space to hold it all. We are constantly finding new items to offer our customers; everything from a 384-3M/12 Drive Belt for the Pulse Charger to the ever-so-popular GS Moon Scooter Pull Start for all of those 2-stroke scooter and pocket bike engines out there. If it is a scooter part, then Monster Scooter Parts will either stock it or we will do our best to find it for you.

But every once in a while we find some little known item that is so useful and practical, so unique or novel, or perhaps just such a magnificent a piece of modern engineering that we all pass it around in unabashed admiration, all the while exclaiming a collective; "hey, why didn't I think of that!" The latest example of this stop-you-in-your-tracks greatness in gadgetry to join our inventory is the Alvey XLR USB Charging Adapter, a simple but infinitely functional connector that allows the user to operate or recharge their USB device by way of their scooter's 12 or 24 volt electrical system.

What makes the Alvey XLR USB Charging Adapter so special is that it was designed especially for use with the scooter's battery charger system. The male XLR connector on one end plugs directly into the scooter's charging port, while the female USB port (the other end) accepts the standard USB male connectors found on your mobile device's cable. USB-ported electronics have been on the market for some time now, as well as XLR connector hardware; however this is a brand-new, innovative product that did not exist for the scooter user until now.

No one can deny that we all live in an electronically connected world. How many of us today have become virtually dependant on our mobile phones, our GPS units, iPods and other MP3 players, as well as a myriad of other USB-ported digital electronics? However only a very few currently marketed electric recreational scooters such as the Razor iMod offer a wired-in connection. To this writer's knowledge, no currently produced mobility scooter or power chair offers a 12 - 24 volt XLR to USB charging and playing system as original factory equipment.

Simple in design and extraordinarily easy to use, the Alvey XLR USB Charging Adapter can both provide the electric power to operate or recharge those ubiquitous devices that have become a necessity in today's hooked-up, wired-in society. One caveat though; because the Alvey XLR USB Charging Adapter uses the scooter's female XLR battery charger port, it can only be used when a scooter or power chair is in its stationary "recharge" mode.

All in all, the Alvey XLR USB Charging Adapter is a product whose time has certainly come. Short of splicing and jury-rigging a home-built male XLR to female USB port system for your recreational scooter or power mobility chair, this clever adapter is just the ticket to staying connected. It may be premature to declare the Alvey XLR USB Charging Adapter as the Tech Marvel of the Decade, but it just may get the Monster Scooter Parts award for Most Useful Little Item of the Year.

www.monsterscooterparts.com/

Don't Overcharge Those Scooter Batteries!

Modern scooter batteries are designed to be as maintenance-free as possible, and the days of grandpa topping off the battery acid level with distilled water has been relegated to the proverbial dustbin of history. What with Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), GEL, and Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) designs; the proper care and feeding of your scooter's electrical system has been rendered about as trouble-free as it can get. However --batteries being batteries-- even these modern marvels of stored up go-juice require frequent recharging. When performed correctly (and as soon as possible after using the scooter), charging a set of scooter batteries is about as complicated as plugging in the right amperage trickle charger with automatic cut-off and disconnecting it at the end of its proper recharge cycle. However it may be nearly impossible to fully charge an old battery that is nearing the end of its usable lifespan, or perhaps has seen too many seasonal extremes of hot summers and cold winters. It may be tempting to try and force a charge that the marginal battery doesn't want to take, but this is a self-defeating and often a dangerous thing to do. An inherent issue with almost any type of rechargeable battery, whether it sparks your Jazzy, your Vespa, your car or your MP3 player, is the problem of overcharging. Too much charge can cause heat and pressure to build up to inside of the battery until it deforms the exterior case. Automotive and marine batteries --which are in fact just larger versions of scooter batteries -- have been known to burst after being grossly overcharged. Although I wonder if the tales of overcharged iPods and mobile phones causing house fires are more urban myth than fact; even these small lithium-ion examples might reach combustion temperature under the right circumstances. There are several ways your battery may try to tell you that it has been overcharged. Depending on your scooter model, very often the batteries themselves are hidden away under decks and panels, so it is a good idea to visually inspect them at the time of every recharge session. If your scooter battery is exhibiting any of these four symptoms, overcharging is probably the culprit.

• Won't Hold a Charge
  Overcharging a battery will degrade the lead plates between the cells, causing the electrolytes to evaporate, reducing its ability to hold the charge. Reduced electrolytes further increase the heat inside of the battery, which boils off even more electrolytes in a vicious cycle ad infinitum.
• Overheats
  As the lead plates degrade from the overcharging process, internal electrical resistance increases. This resistance is felt as excessive heat on the batteries' plastic case. This increase in heat further evaporates the electrolytes, causing even more destruction to the cells.
• Leaks & Residue
  Scooter batteries are supposed to be fully sealed and all but leak proof. The heat and pressure from overcharging can cause the outer case to crack and leak acid. Often corrosive "salts" are visible around the seams.
• Warped, Swollen, & Busted
  The most obvious sign of severe overcharging is a battery's case that has been warped, rounded, bloated or bulging. Excess heat and pressure inside of the battery can eventually split the case wide open, spilling acid. In extreme cases, a single spark from a bad electrical connection or even static electricity can ignite the explosive gas and spoil your whole day.

The best charge for almost any battery is a slow trickle charge which cuts off automatically when the desired charge is reached. On the other hand, the worst charge for a scooter battery is a boost or jump from one of those high-amp automotive chargers. A boost charge is far too "hot" for the relative low-amp batteries found on most small scooters, and will probably damage the batteries as much as rejuvenate their power. It cannot be stressed enough that getting a good scooter battery recharge starts with having the correct battery charger for your scooter. If in doubt, read your ownwer's manual. www.monsterscooterparts.com/

Parts for Scooter Performance - Roller Weights

Parts for Scooter Performance - Roller Weights If you are considering new parts for scooter high-performance, then upgrade your scooter parts 'must-have list' with a set of roller weights tailored to your riding needs. A set of new weights is an inexpensive addition that will enhance your scooter's acceleration and speed performance. Usually one of the easiest modifications that a scooter owner can do, a pack of six of these little rollers will make a big difference on how your scooter behaves in traffic. Most modern motor scooters use the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) system that provides the smooth transmission gearing in the popular twist & go style of scooters. Roller weights are an essential part of the CVT variator, using centrifugal force to push outward and change the gear ratio. A lighter roller will require higher RPMs (and create more rapid acceleration) but will cut down the top speed. This may be preferable for urban stop and go riding where acceleration speed is of more concern than overall highway speed. A heavier set of rollers will do the opposite; the lower engine RPMs needed to push the weights means a smoother, if less rapid acceleration. However the same physics involved will generate a higher highway speed. Think of the lighter weights for the city streets and the heavier ones for the open road; helping to make it sort of a 'town or county' decision that is best suited to the rider's personal requirements. Although the weight of the rollers can be changed to achieve the desired performance, the external size must remain the same as that installed at the factory. Each CVT variator is designed to use a single roller size, with different weights being the only adjustment. Roller weights are identified by their external dimensions in millimeters, and their weight in grams. As an example an 19x17-11 roller is 19 millimeters in diameter, 17 millimeters in width, and weighs 12 grams. Whether your choice is for a heavier or a lighter set of roller weights, try getting the very best quality weights available. Prima brand standard roller weights and Dr. Pulley sliding roller weights are two of the highest rated scooter parts brands currently available, and either will do an exceptional job. Something as simple as these aftermarket parts for scooter owners to install are an inexpensive and positive upgrade to any scooter's CTV unit. For more information on roller weights, or any other parts for scooter performance, visit the experts at Monster Scooter Parts. Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Recycle that scooter battery!

Battery Disposal and Recycling

Monster Scooter Parts cannot over-state the vital importance of recycling your old scooter batteries. Perhaps it is an unfortunate drawback of living in our modern technology-driven society, but today every one of us generates more and more hazardous waste. Even the small AAA and button-batteries found in hearing aids and personal electronics like television remote controls add to an ever-increasing mountain of toxic trash. The average sealed lead acid (SLA) scooter battery weighs about 9.3 pounds; other than the plastic case, most of that weight is in the form of lead "cells" and sulfuric acid. In order to prevent these very toxic items from polluting the environment, it is now required by law to recycle your batteries. Beginning in 1996 with the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act (Public law 104-142), and further addressed by numerous laws in almost every US state and Canadian province, strict regulations govern the disposal of all battery types. The good news is that 97% of all old batteries are turned into new batteries, and this helps to keep the cost of new scooter batteries down. Instead of allowing these hazardous materials to end up in the landfill --where the toxic soup of mercury, lead, and sulferic acid will eventually leak into your community's water supply-- proper battery disposal is essential. Many areas (but unfortunately not all) have a local or municipal recycling center that will accept used batteries; however this is not always convenient for the user. Recycling Batteries at Monster Scooter Parts: Monster Scooter Parts will accept used SLA scooter batteries from our customers as long as they are correctly packaged. The best container to use to ship your old recyclable batteries is the same shipping box that you recieved with your new batteries. You can even pre-pay the return shipping when you purchase your new batteries. Additionally, we strongly recommend using the USPS Priority Flat Rate Box shipping method, as it is in our experience, the safest, most efficient, and cost effective way to send batteries. Packaging Instructions:

• Step 1: Carefully pack the batteries tightly and securely to prevent shifting inside the box.
• Step 2: Seal the box securely.
• Step 3: Label the outside of the box: "Non-Spillable Battery".
• Step 4: Ship the properly packaged and labeled batteries to our recycler's address below:

Monster Scooter Parts ATTN: Battery Recycling 26262 Three Notch Road Unit 24 Mechanicsville, MD 20659 www.monsterscooterparts.com/

Selecting a Scooter Battery

Selecting a Scooter Battery Electric power chairs and mobility scooters have enhanced the lives of millions of people, but a mobility scooter is only as good as the scooter battery that powers it. Designed to be durable and dependable, almost any mobility scooter battery will eventually need replacement. Today, almost all electric mobility devices use a 24 volt system consisting of an electric scooter battery pack made up of two 12 volt units linked together. The differences in batteries can be attributed to two factors; composition, and amp hour ratings. There are several terms that are generally used to designate the differences in electric scooter battery composition. These refer to the physical size and properties of the batteries themselves, and do not relate to power output or between-charge longevity. Any of these modern types will give excellent service as long as they are properly charged. Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Batteries Unlike the old wet cell monsters of the past that could be "topped-off" when required, today's SLA batteries are maintenance-free, completely enclosed units where the electrolyte liquid (the battery acid) is completely sealed, which accounts for the term "sealed lead acid" as its common designation. Maintenance-free not only means no additional acid ever needs added, it also means that the electrolyte liquid cannot "boil out" or evaporate from out of the cells. The superiority of SLA batteries has long been recognized, and almost any mobility scooter battery used today is an SLA-type battery. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries With a technology originally developed for military aircraft, AGM batteries use a fiberglass like mat to hold the electrolyte in a stable and spill-proof suspension that isn't as prone to suffering low voltage when exposed to cold temperatures. An additional advantage of the AGM system is the relatively quick recharge time. This is often the best possible type of battery for most scooters; however they may be damaged by being over-charged. Being hermetically sealed units, all AGM batteries are SLA batteries, but not all SLA batteries are AGM batteries. Gel Batteries The electrolyte in a gel-cell battery is not liquid, but is a gelatin-like semi-solid mass. Perhaps best known for being the preferred type of motorcycle battery, the gel battery offers several advantages over their AGM counterparts for scooter and power chair users. Not containing liquid, the gel battery will continue to work perfectly even if turned completely upside down. Without liquid acid, the gel battery produces no fumes and is the safest battery type for power chairs and scooters that are used primarily indoors. Additionally, a longer lifespan can be expected from a gel-cell. U1 Batteries The U1 is currently the most common size of mobility scooter battery. Note that the U1 designation refers only to a common universal physical dimension; 7.71" length, 5.16" width, 7.23" in height, and can apply to SLA batteries of both gel and AGM construction. U1 power chair and electric scooter battery packs are commonly found with ratings ranging from 31 amp hour to 35 amp hour. There are also half-U1 batteries available in a variety of ratings. Amp Hour Rating The amp hour rating of a scooter battery is an indication of travel range and between charge longevity. A higher or lower amp hour rating will not affect the battery's lifespan, nor will it change the scooter's top speed. Any mobility scooter will operate with the same U1 battery pack as any other. Think of an amp hour rating as an indication of the time length of a usable charge, but not necessarily its strength or volume. Some mobility battery chargers use a low voltage sensor which will not allow it to active if the voltage of the power chair battery pack is significantly below 24 volts. Attempting to use a fully charged 12 volt mobility scooter battery and a very low charge battery may not power your mobility scooter. For this reason it is very important to replace your scooter's battery pack as a single unit; that is, to change both batteries at the same time instead of only installing a single new battery harnessed up to an older one. For more information on selecting a scooter battery, visit the mobility experts at Monster Scooter Parts. Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Electric Scooters - a quick overview

Electric Scooters - a quick overview Recreational scooters have come a long way since the 'home-made skateboard on a stick' days. Today's electric scooter parts company with its simple kick-scooter beginnings by virtue of its technological sophistication and overall quality. Gaining in popularity by the day, these little electric vehicles are no longer just kids' toys; manufacturers have recently tapped into the urban commuter market with more heavy-duty models designed for adults. In the interest of brevity, electric mobility scooters for the disabled, as well as high-watt electric street-legal motor scooters fall outside of the scope of this brief overview, although many of the same scooter parts are common to the other categories as well. Parts for scooter models are often specific to a single brand or series; however a tire, inner-tube, or scooter battery may be interchangeable across a wide range of makes. Needless to say, a scooter charger to maintain the battery output is likewise usable on a multiplicity of items. Stand up scooters: The traditional stand up scooter is simply a motorized development of the traditional kick scooter. Made by a number of manufacturers, and sold under a host of brand names, these are perhaps the simplest and most basic of all motorized vehicles, even while incorporating refinements such as caliper brakes and pneumatic tires. These quiet and eco-friendly little personal vehicles come in a variety of sizes; from relatively low-watt versions of the stand-up kids' scooters, to superb high watt models expressly made for the adults. Economical to operate, non-polluting and pure joy on two small wheels, the popular electric scooter can be either a great way to have fun on the suburban blacktop, or a viable transportation alternative whose time has finally come. Sit down scooters: The addition of a seat to the electric stand up scooter allows for both a safer, less fatiguing ride, as well as greatly increased wattage, power and speed. From the smaller children's models to full 1000 watt beauties made for grown up kids, these are distinguished by beefier motors, disc brakes, and advanced electronics. Naturally, the bigger the motor, the bigger the scooter battery. With modern AGM batteries and the right scooter charger, these quiet machines are often capable of a top speed of 15 mph depending upon the weight of the rider. Ride-on toys: There are two kinds of recreational scooterists; kids, and those grown ups who haven't forgotten the joys of childhood. Ride-on toys are miniature electric versions of adult recreational vehicles, and may be found in a veritable smorgasbord of models and styles, from miniature go-karts, to ATV quads, dirt bikes, and more. The Razor Pocket Mod miniature electric scooter stands out as one of the most thoughtfully aesthetic offerings in the entire realm of mini-scooters and ride-on toys. These little electric scooters are based on the vintage Lambretta scooters of the 1950s and '60s. Praised in Newsweek, TIME and Teen Vogue, the Razor Pocket Mod is a blend of classic Italian design flair coupled with modern, eco-friendly electric power. Electric bicycles: Closely associated with recreational scooters, electric bikes are found all over the world as the daily transportation of choice for many people. With today's growing eco-consciousness, electric bicycles are finding new favor with both the recreational user and the urban commuter who wishes to say goodbye to the pollution belching demands of the internal combustion engine. Available in both ultra-modern designs, as well as more traditional 'cruiser' styles, these high performance electric bikes are often available with the efficient and environmentally friendly lithium-ion battery system. An attribute common to all recreational electric scooters, is that they are all designed to be fun. Whether intended for older children or strictly as adults-only machines, an electric scooter is all about the ecstasy of movement. Unfortunately many big-box and online retailers do not offer much in the way of customer support after the sale. Parts for scooter repairs are seldom available from the scooter dealers themselves, and must be purchased through an aftermarket scooter parts company. There are currently several reputable mail-order and online scooter parts dealers to fill this necessary and growing niche market If you have more questions about electric scooters or scooter parts in general, visit the electric scooter parts experts at Monster Scooter Parts for more information. Article Source: Hubpages.com