How to Extend the Life of your Electric Wheelchair Battery

Improper maintenance and charging of your battery can lead to a number of problems - your battery life can be shortened, your warranty can become invalid - and there can even be explosions. In this section we look at how to avoid these problems, and how to get the most out of your battery.

Types of Battery

The maintenance of your battery depends on the type you have.

There are two types of mobility wheelchair and scooter batteries, both of which have to be deep traction batteries.

1. Sealed Lead Acid/Glass fibre Mat Mobility scooter batteries.

The first is the "AGM" (Acid Glass fibre Mat) also known as SLA (Sealed Lead Acid). Due to the recent improvement in performance over the years, this is the type now most often fitted to new wheelchairs.

Charging

As with all modern deep traction batteries, these should be charged after use. The first charge after buying the battery should be for at least 16 hours

The battery will need to be used and recharged at least ten times before it will reach maximum capacity.

These AGM or SLA type of battery will have an increased life if they are not allowed to fall below 50% of their capacity.

However, when they are fully discharged the batteries will rapidly wear them out.

Getting your Money Back

You need to be aware that if the batteries have not been maintained properly your warranty will be invalid i.e. if you have been fully discharching your battery.

When batteries are used in this fashion they are considered a consumable: a good that naturally wears out, such as a tyre.

2. GEL mobility Scooter Batteries

The second type of deep traction mobility scooter battery are the Gel Batteries.

Charging

These will have the same charging regime as AGM (SLA) batteries, but can be discharged regularly to 80% of their capacity without detrimental affect. These batteries charge at a lower voltage than the AGM(SLA) deep traction mobility scooter batteries.

Temperature

Please note that temperature has an effect on the usable capacity of batteries - freezing or very cold temperatures can reduce the capacity by up to 30%, but this is temporary, and the full capacity will return when the temperature rises.

Mobility Wheelchair Battery Chargers

Safety

Most modern mobility scooter/power wheelchair chargers will normally charge both types of battery, but this should always be checked, as an AGM only charger will quickly damage a Gel battery.

In the worst instance, the use of the wrong charger could cause a battery to explode.

A Gel only charger charging an AGM (SLA) battery will cause the battery to lose capacity quickly, but the battery can often be recovered by subsequent use of the correct type of charger.

Charger capacity

Chargers should be at least 10% of capacity of the battery, but not greater than 20%. For example, if your battery has a capacity of 30 amp, a charger of 3 - 6 amp should be used.

Generally, chargers should be disconnected from the batteries when charging is complete, especially if the power source is turned off, to avoid any discharge back through the charger. A completely flat battery can not usually be recovered by re-charging.

If in doubt...

It is important to read the manufacturer's handbook to see their particular recommendation in each case. If ever in doubt about the type of charger, take professional advice from a dealer.

A Safer Option

Some manufacturers and dealers now always fit AGM9SL batteries as standard, as they are a safer option where charging is concerned. 90% of new portable scooters supplied today have AGM(SLA) battery chargers.

Please check on receipt of your charger, as sometimes those supplied are not the ones indicated in the handbook accompanying the mobility scooter.

Mobility Scooter Battery Transport

Worried about travelling with your mobility transport? Don't be: most mobility scooter batteries are of a type that can be flown, as they are both sealed and non-spillable.

Follow these rules and your battery should have a long and productive life.