EGO Fail - Charger Dies, Cheapest Replacement Now 3x The Price

geosta on 12/02/2025 - 11:54
Last edited 21/02/2025 - 16:52

So I bought into the Ego tools system in October 2021 and have been a big fan of them, but that all changed on the weekend. I went to charge one of the batteries and it wouldn't charge. So then I tried to charge a different battery, and it also wouldn't charge. So I tried my third battery, and it wouldn't charge. So I moved the charger to a different point point, and none of the batteries would charge. So I moved the charger into the house onto a different power circuit, and same result - dead charger.

So I look it up and find that the charger only has a 3 year warranty, which seems a bit crap, but fine, I'll buy a new one.

Turns out, Ego have discontinued their standard charger (previously $89). They have also discontinued their rapid charge (previously $140). So now, the only charger that is available from Ego is their turbo charger, for $230.

And now I'm really regretting buying $2,500+ worth of Ego tools.

For anyone considering Ego tools, I would suggest looking at something else.

EDIT UPDATE

A small clarification to the above, and an update.

Prior to posting the above, I had called Ego Customer Support and they confirmed that the only charger available to purchase was the Turbo charger and that I was SOOL in respect of a warranty replacement for the original charger.

I posted the above, and then wrote an email to their Customer Support email address. To their credit, they responded within 15 minutes of my email, and offered me a replacement charger for free. I didn't want to post anything until I the matter was resolved, but I received the new charger today.

So I'm very happy with the outcome in my particular case, but I think my point still stands, the only option for a like-for-like replacement charger after the warranty period ends is either at the discretion of Ego, or to go for a third-party charger. I'm very wary with batteries (given the number of house fires caused by substandard batteries and chargers these days) so the fact that the only genuine charger available is ridiculously expensive is a shame.

We'll see how long the new charger lasts, hopefully more than 3 years. I imagine at that point the batteries will start failing anyway and it will be time to re-evaluate the entire range.

Home & Garden EGO Tools

Comments

  • skid on 12/02/2025 - 11:59
    +9

    I'd try to source a charger second hand.

    • geosta on 12/02/2025 - 12:04

      I will, but I don't think I should have to for a product range that's still being sold right?

  • Protractor on 12/02/2025 - 12:00
    +14

    So EGO really is a dirty word.

    • jv on 12/02/2025 - 12:02
      -1

      If Jesus had an EGO he'd still be alive today…

      • SYLTB on 12/02/2025 - 15:12

        …with or without Maria Magdelana?

        • jv on 12/02/2025 - 15:13

          Don't you believe what you've seen or heard…

          • SYLTB on 12/02/2025 - 15:16

            @jv: I believe in science. I mean, I think, w/o Maria he would not have been happy.

  • jv on 12/02/2025 - 12:01
    +1

    discontinued their rapid charge

    $100 here…

    https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/23896596826609664

    • geosta on 12/02/2025 - 12:05

      Yeah there are a few second hand ones around but as I said above, I don't think I should have to source one from outside their retail network for a product range that they still sell. I don't think that's unreasonable.

      • Protractor on 12/02/2025 - 12:16
        +1

        Contact them and ask for a deal based on your experience, or plan B 'perhaps' find an electronics repair place who might be able to quote and or fix. My gut feeling is if it expired early, then perhaps the newer chargers have addressed whatever underlying flaws the earlier ones had. It may be a short term $ pain, for a long term gain?

        Also ,it would probs be obvious but, is there a reset button tucked away somewhere?
        Maybe this has an built in external / internal fuse that might have blown?
        I recommend sparky /tech for any internal components work

      • jv on 12/02/2025 - 12:41

        Yeah there are a few second hand ones around

        "Brand New In Box W/Tags!! Never Used."

      • boomramada on 12/02/2025 - 14:03
        +2

        This is nothing OP, what is not reasonable is the the replacement cost of the actual battery :)

      • brendanm on 12/02/2025 - 14:35
        +6

        You don't have to. You can choose to buy the charger that they sell. You don't want to, so you also have the option of buying a used one.

        I doubt you'd have any luck under ACL, as 3 years for an $89 charger is probably considered fine.

      • EightImmortals on 13/02/2025 - 09:31

        Do you want a charger or don't you?

  • Russell Dupsumtucka on 12/02/2025 - 12:09
    +1

    Can you buy the standard or rapid chargers from Amazon or from an overseas website for cheaper?

  • snuke on 12/02/2025 - 12:12
    +1

    I knew they discontinued the $150 one, didn't realise they did the same to the standard charger, that's bloody stupid.

    I just sold two of the Rapid chargers on market place for $100 each. I still have three that we use.

    They still sell kits with the standard and rapid chargers too.

    Edit - they still offer them in Europe - https://egopowerplus.eu/products/batteries-chargers
    So it's a decision by Chervon Aus it seems to stop them.

  • JimmyF on 12/02/2025 - 13:01
    +3

    For anyone considering Ego tools, I would suggest looking at something else.

    LOL all that over a charger. Check your Facebook group, heaps of 2nd hand chargers around for a few dollars.

    I'm guessing they are about to update the charger lineup, so have ran the old products out.

    So I look it up and find that the charger only has a 3 year warranty, which seems a bit crap, but fine, I'll buy a new one.

    Complain to EGO under consumer rights and see what they say.

  • stumo on 12/02/2025 - 13:33
    +6

    And now I'm really regretting buying $2,500+ worth of Ego tools.

    I'd have thought with that many tools you would have a stack of chargers gathering dust, like I have.

    Reminds me of my first battery mower the Bosch 36V. I accidentally pulled the battery off the changer when it was in full bulk charge mode. The charger let out a spark and some smoke and it died. A replacement charger was going to cost more than the mower kit, even secondhand.
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/75422

    Luckily for you there are plenty of people with stacks of EGO chargers lying around, so they are cheap and readily available on the secondhand market. Bosch not so much.

    • JimmyF on 12/02/2025 - 15:28
      +1

      I'd have thought with that many tools you would have a stack of chargers gathering dust, like I have.

      Agreed, I've got like 3 chargers for my EGO gear.

    • pegaxs on 12/02/2025 - 16:25
      -2

      $2,500+ worth of Ego tools.

      That's like a whipper snipper skin and 2 batteries with 1 charger if we are talking EGO products.

      • stumo on 12/02/2025 - 16:29
        +1

        You need to hand in your OzB membership card in that case.

      • JimmyF on 12/02/2025 - 20:56
        +1

        That is certainly not $2.5k worth of EGO gear.

        • Aureus on 12/02/2025 - 21:02

          It certainly is, in the world of hyperbole.

          • JimmyF on 12/02/2025 - 21:08

            @Aureus: Yep…. A whipper snipper skin and 2 batteries with 1 charger is not $2.5k today, but wait till we go back to 2021 when the OP purchased it certainly wasn't $2.5k worth back then either.

            You can get a whipper snipper, 2 batteries and a charger for $500 today on sale.

            https://www.totaltools.com.au/186621-ego-power-56v-2-x-2-5ah…

            So yes, certainly a lot of hyperbole being applied.

    • ihbh on 13/02/2025 - 08:54

      Same, replacement charger > $100, but I think the old charger can be fixed in my case. Will take it to a free repair shop for a cheap part when I get some time in the future (trying to be sustainable).

      I have Aldi mower for back and Kobalt for front so haven't had urgent need to fix.

  • freefall101 on 12/02/2025 - 17:35
    +2

    What happened when you contacted them and said your charger died and you can’t find a replacement?

    If they said “sucks to be you” then sure, avoid the brand.

  • zathras on 12/02/2025 - 17:38
    +2

    Should have bought Ozito

    • Switchblade88 on 12/02/2025 - 20:36

      They can't. It might peturb their ego

  • Wiadro on 12/02/2025 - 20:37
    +2

    the fast charger kills high AH batteries, I don't trust mine, so I charge my 7.5ah and 10ah batteries on the standard black charger

  • Bozman on 13/02/2025 - 07:18
    +2

    The new turbo charger is $90 more expensive than the older rapid charger, but is faster. Seems strange to spend $2,500 on tools and worry about $90.

  • Euphemistic on 13/02/2025 - 07:28
    +1

    Youre not far off the 3y warranty. Have you considered contacfng EGO to see if theyll warranty, or provide a discounted replacement because its not far out of warranty?

  • The Hawk on 13/02/2025 - 07:57
    +1

    Find a Promo pack with a new battery or two and a charger for the right price then flog off the tool as a skin only sort of thing?

    Unless you need a hedge trimmer or line trimmer?
    https://www.totaltools.com.au/brands/ego/promo-packs?product…

    both come with two batteries and a charger (and a hat!) at the moment.

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 13/02/2025 - 09:24
    +2

    EGO customer service has been good for me- I had a turbo charger die 2 years out of warranty (purchased in 2020). They still got me to send it in to the warranty bloke, and 2 days later I had a brand spanking new (updated) charger.

    Give them a go, mention that they’re discontinued and how the lack of a standard charger bothers you (politely!).

    Personally, $200 odd for a fast charger is very reasonable, especially given the power output (some 700 watts). Most tool chargers are in this region for mid tier chargers.

    I have more chargers than I know what to do with lol. Most things I buy in a kit because it ends being like buying batteries at 70% retail and a free charger or two.

    I highly recommend their chainsaw- comes in a kit, with charger, and is an absolute ripper! So far everything I have bought has been fantastic and absolutely sharted on the petrol equivalent. I have spent a little more than 2500 though.

  • jonkvh on 13/02/2025 - 19:35

    Vouching for contacting EGO. Give it a try.

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