Terri Adams
16/04/2025 • 5 min read
At first glance, the term "rechargeable disposable vape" sounds like a contradiction. Can something be categorised as “disposable” if you can recharge and re-use it? It’s a fair question — and one that many vapers are asking ahead of the upcoming disposable vape ban.
Rechargeable disposable vapes are the latest evolution in vaping, offering the same convenience of traditional disposables with the added benefit of being able to recharge the battery. But does that make them less wasteful? And more importantly — are they still going to be banned under the UK’s 2025 disposable vape legislation?
In this article, we’ll break down what rechargeable disposables are, how they differ from a traditional disposable vape, and what their future looks like in light of changing laws.
A rechargeable disposable vape works like a regular disposable — pre-filled, no setup, ready to go. The twist? You can recharge the battery to finish every last drop of e-liquid before tossing it.
Once the e-liquid runs out, you can still dispose of the device, which is why many people still call them “disposables”. Think of it as getting more life from your vape without the need to refill anything.
Most come with a USB-C or micro-USB charging port, making it easy to top up the battery when needed.
A rechargeable disposable vape device typically consists of three main components:
Battery: The heart of the device, usually a lithium-ion battery, powers the vape. As the name suggests, the battery of a rechargeable disposable vape can be recharged in the event that the battery depletes before the e-liquid. Disposables are especially designed for the battery and e-liquid to deplete at the same time, but individual habits like puff duration and frequency can affect this. A rechargeable battery means you’ll get the best possible performance from your device.
E-liquid chamber: This is where the magic happens. The chamber holds the vape juice, which comes in a variety of enticing flavours. It’s pre-filled, so there’s no need for messy refills. Rechargeable disposable vapes like the Lost Mary BM6000 also utilise a replacement pod system. That means that, when you’ve run out of e-liquid, you can recharge the battery and replace the pod. In some ways, these rechargeable disposables work just like a pod vape kit. The main difference is that pod vapes have a more powerful battery and will last much longer before needing to replace it.
Heating element/coil: The coil heats the e-liquid to produce vapour. Made from metal, it heats up quickly and efficiently, delivering a smooth vaping experience.
Some rechargeable disposable vape devices come with additional features to enhance usability:
Not all rechargeable disposable vapes are created equal. Some may offer unique features or components that set them apart, but the core elements remain the same, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable vaping experience.
Rechargeable disposables offer the perfect middle ground. They're ideal for smokers switching to vaping who want:
Plus, they come in a wide range of flavours, nicotine strengths, and sleek designs — making them a top pick for on-the-go users or those just starting out.
Yes and no.
They’re not quite the same as throwaway vapes. Most disposable vapes are designed for immediate use, are non-rechargeable, and typically last 1-2 days, making them incredibly beginner-friendly. Rechargeable disposable vapes typically last a little longer, primarily because you can charge it up to give you a little more life.
But once the liquid’s gone, the device still gets binned. There are some exceptions to this rule, like the Lost Mary BM6000 which has replacement pods. Even still, no rechargeable disposable vape is fully reusable — the BM6000 battery has a lifespan of 6,000 puffs and no amount of recharging after this will give it life.
For many, it just makes sense to band rechargeable disposables in the same bracket as disposables, albeit with a little extra staying power.
They’re not perfect, but they are a step in the right direction.
While they cut down on battery waste, they still get thrown away after use, which means there’s still plastic and electronic waste involved. These products were mainly introduced to work within new legal frameworks, rather than to solve all environmental issues.
Unlike disposable vapes, a reusable vape allows users to replace coils and recharge batteries, reducing waste and offering a more sustainable option.
Still, making batteries last longer is a small but positive change.
The short answer: it depends on the design. The proposed ban targets single-use, non-rechargeable vape devices, primarily due to concerns about underage use and environmental waste.
However, many rechargeable disposables will still be impacted. Even though they’re rechargeable, most disposable vapes will still be banned if the coil can't be replaced. The upcoming regulations are focused on cracking down not just on non-rechargeable vapes, but also on any device that’s fully disposable, meaning the coil, pod, and battery all get thrown out together.
So, even if a vape has a rechargeable battery, it won’t necessarily escape the ban if it’s designed to be used once and binned, coil included. Bottom line: if the coil or pod can’t be changed, it’s still considered disposable and will be affected by the new regulations.
Many rechargeable disposable vape manufacturers are reformulating their products to meet the upcoming restrictions.
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If you're worried about the ban or just looking for a more sustainable, long-term solution, FREESMO offers a wide selection of pre-filled pod kits which are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and fully compliant with upcoming regulations. Here are our top picks:
The Elf Bar Elfa Pro is an excellent vape kit for those looking to transition from disposable vapes to a more permanent solution. It offers a rechargeable battery and a variety of flavours, ensuring customer satisfaction and convenience.
The JUUL2 offers the same simplicity and satisfaction people expect from disposables — just in a more sustainable and regulation-friendly format. Additionally, a broad selection of vape kits is available, catering to those looking to transition from disposable options to more permanent solutions.
See What’s on OfferIf you’ve been worried about the vape bans, here’s the bottom line: You’ve still got options.
Pre-filled pod kits offer more usage, better battery life, and keep things just as simple while also adhering to the new rules.
A pod vape kit offers a sustainable alternative to disposable vapes, combining the convenience of disposables with the longer lifespan of refillable kits.
The vaping market is changing, but it’s not shutting down. It’s adapting. And that means you can keep enjoying your favourite vapes, just in a smarter, more compliant way.
