Replacing the battery on an Ergorapido

How to replace the battery in your Ergorapido?

Ergorapiod Lithium BatteryIn general you do not replace the battery – even if you really want to due to the batteries epedemic failures. The batterypack is integrated into the hand unit of the 2-1 battery vac, and it usually simpler to replace the entire hand unit.

This seems like a rather bad solution, especially since there seems to be almost an epedmic issue with bad batteries and low run time on Ergorapido. There are many comments and many issues reported on failing batteries, and the vacuum losing power after very short usage.

This should of course not be accepted – and best is to go back to the retailer or directly to Electrolux and demand your money back – or a new vacuum. It seems as Electrolux is aware of the issue, and quickly will give you a replacement (but why haven’t they fixed the problem?) [Australia call  +61 1 300 363 640, UK  +44 (0) 3445 610 643, andmany more of course]

Most battery deterioration would be on one of the older models with NiMH-batteries, which gets decreasing performance over extended use. That is unfortunately a feature of this battery type.

Newer models use Lithium batteries (18V), and they shouldstay powerful for longer, and you would hopefully not need to look at replacing those batteries, unless you are a heavy user. That is the same battery technology used in power tools etc, and in Tesla’s Powerwall. For example, the latest versions are only availale with Lithium batteries. They also have better performance, and some other improvements over previous models. See here, e.g.. However, there are also still a lot of problems reported on the Li-batteries.
[Note, the all batteries could also wear out quicker if you expose them to extensive heat or sunlight, see table 3 here]

Secondly, the cost for replacing the hand unit is not a huge saving vs. getting a brand new Ergorapido. (Bad engineering solution…)

See here for a historical overview of the models.

But it is still possible to replace the batteries in your Ergorapido if you want to. It is not something I would try myself, but you can see how it is done in the below video, if you want to give it a try. Or you can buy a new handunit only.

29 thoughts on “Replacing the battery on an Ergorapido

  1. I have different batteries in my ergorapido, 6 yellow Electrolux 1600. Can I buy these? Could gang these myself

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  2. Thanks , model number is 1002, the batteries are about 1 1/4 x 7/8″. I just got myself a new ergorapido el 2029 and this one works very good. But still I would love to get the old one going for the garage etc.
    Looking forward to hear back from you. Thanks again

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  3. Yes, got 2 of the old ones, hate to throw these out….I see online some models use the AA ones (which are easy to get) but the batteries in mine I did not find as of now. I will keep on looking. Service would sell the battery unit for 60-70 plus shipping, rather buy a new w. 2 year warranty for a few $$ more.
    Thanks again

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  4. “any battery deterioration would be on one of the older models with NiMH-batteries” and then some humbug comparison to the Tesla batteries.
    Well our ZB2904X with Li-Ion batteries now last 5 minutes on a charge after 4.5 years.
    Li-Ion batteries deteriorates just as any other batteries and keeping the battery at full charge (in the charging station) in room temperature is actually causing the battery to degrade considerably every year (20% or so).

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  5. The problem with Electrolux Ergorapido 2904 lithium battery is the cheap implementation. One of the very basic things about li-ion batteries is charging needs to be contolled on individual cell level. Otherwise they will go out of sync, some cells will overcharge while some are not fully charged. Ergo, This will break the battery rapidly. The control circuitry is really simple and cheap, but it may be less beneficial to Electrolux business model to do it wrong.
    I recommend that any lithium battery gizmo you buy,, check that it has easily replaceable battery and (if possible) that it has a proper charging control circuit. Typically this is done inside the battery.

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    1. I am not sure about the model you mention, since it is from a previous generation, not the ones currently sold.
      For the Ergorapidos currently sold, this is definately not true. The battery cells are controlled individually, and balanced to get the same charge.
      For older models, I am not sure, but seriously doubt your statement.

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  6. ergo rapido plus, lithium battery pack, crap service life – only getting a few minutes use after 2-3 years light usage – analysis above sounds spot on!

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  7. I have an Electrolux Ergorapido. I turned the plug off at the wall as I went overseas for 5 months. When I arrived home again I switched the plug back on but my vacuum cleaner did not work. I think the battery has given in. Could you please let me know if there is any way my vacuum cleaner can be repaired. I might mention that I purchased this vacuum cleaner in Norway. Sure Service in South Africa has advised me that they are unable to find a new battery. Could you please assist me.

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    1. Hi Kaharine, I am sorry but I do not know how to help you. It seems very odd that the battery would give up just standing unplugged (unless it was standing in hot conditions – which destroys all batteries).

      And how to fix it in South Africa, i do not know,

      Sorry.

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      1. These batteries will normally discharge all by themselves. It was a mistake to unplug it. When batteries discharge, they can get picky in recharging. These models have a “bump charge” that gives it a 2 second voltage bump to keep the voltage up where it’s supposed to be. Smart move. Leaving batteries on CONSTANT charge will kill them for sure! Batteries normally wear out. They are a “wear” item, like brakes on your car. These batteries normally charge to full charge, on these vacuums, shut off, then bump charge every minute or so. Letting them get low is a mistake. Once a month, running them almost DOWN, then recharging, is the best way to keep them running the longest. Nickel based batteries all have a memory effect to a degree, some more, some less, so monthly exercise helps keep them fit. Yes, they will eventually die out. Unfortunately, rechargable batteries cannot be ignored. They do require a bit of babysitting.

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  8. “Newer models use Lithium batteries (18V), and they will stay powerful for longer, and you would not need to look at replacing those batteries, unless you are a heavy user.” That is not true. Is just about to throw out a ZB2904X with lithium battery because the battery is completely worn out. Not the rest of the unit however. Once we found out that it was not possible to replace the battery we decided that we would try to find a different manufacturer that respect the earth’s natural resources. So disappointed with Electrolux attitude in this matter.

    Br,

    Martin

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  9. I have a ZB3013 model that after about 9 months would only last 6-8 minutes at full speed, then the power light would indicate low power. I filed a complaint with the reseller and got a refund, no questions asked. No real complaints so far. Still I think it is a waste to throw the thing away, and i am reluctant to buy a new one, even though they are great when they work, because you never know if the next one i get will stop working within the warranty time. Searching the internet, this seems to be a very common problem and after som many models and iterations i cant help but get the impression that this is some kind of failure by design.
    I just cracked mine open, and disconnected the batteries that were 5 spot welded 18650 Samsung (INR18650-15L, 1500mah li-ion 18A constant discharge).
    I placed there in my charger and all of them were more or less fully charged, despite getting low battery just before removing them, so i am pretty sure the problem lies elsewhere.
    I have a fairly large selection of 18560 of different make and model from laptop batteries i have plundered, and i was planning to use some to replace the ones in the vacuum, but i guess there is no point as that is apparently not the problem.

    I find it shameful that Electrolux manufactures products like these, surely they must know that there is a designproblem with them after so many years.
    It would be interesting to see how many of these end up on the trash heap every year.
    What a waste.

    If anyone know how to repair or bypass the built in failure, please let me know.

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  10. I’m really pissed of how Electrolux has manufactured this kind of tool, it works one year, minimul use and now batteries (or something) are dead.
    This was last Electrolux what i bought…

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  11. Our model, number Zb3012, Doesn’t seem to get a mention among the others mentioned here . Is that a problem we have purchased. We have had the unit for about three years with very light use, but now it only lasts five minutes. Where could I get a new battery?

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    1. It is usually not the fault of the chargibg base, it is in the actual cleaner, where either the batteries or electronics have broken. This is a too common fault. I suggest you call your nearest Electrolux/AEG service center or return it to a retailer where you bought it. They are very well aware of the issue….

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  12. “Most battery deterioration would be on one of the older models with NiMH-batteries, which gets decreasing performance over extended use. That is unfortunately a feature of this battery type.”

    Using the cheapest battery possible for maximum profit at the consumers expense is surely a “feature” built in to any battery type, not just the NiMH types.
    Purposefully using this “feature” by Electrolux, specially in a unit that does not have user-replaceable batteries, shows blatant disregard for the consumer and the environment.
    I would happily demonstrate a great feature of my work-boots to any Electolux CEOs’ bottom just for having this irresponsible behavior.

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  13. i have just purchased a ergorapido lithium and have been charging all night still no charge just blinking and wont turn on would this be the basttery and how long should it take for the initial charge

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    1. Sounds like a bad battery from the start, but it could be the charger. Return it immediately and hopefully you’ve learned to stay away from Electrolux products!@
      Kak

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