Get More From Your Mobility Scooter
Your guide to getting the most from your battery.
Without efficient powering your mobility scooter or powerchair won’t be running to its full potential. Mobility Battery Care will ensure your ongoing freedom, with the confidence to travel where you want without losing power.
In-line with guidance from the BHTA (British Healthcare Trades Association) we’ve provided some tips to help with maintaining the life and efficiency your battery.
Charging Batteries
When you charge your battery will depend on which type you have.
Gel batteries are most commonly used to power electric wheelchairs.
Whereas lead-acid batteries are mostly used for mobility scooters.
If in any doubt as to which battery you have or how to charge it please feel free to contact us on 01923 710055.
When to charge gel batteries
- Fully charge new batteries
- Then charge when the battery gauge shows a low charge.
- After around 20 charges, when the batteries have reached full capacity, change to charging them when you have finished using your vehicle at the end of the day.
- Once every 2 months or so, let the battery discharge until the battery gauge shows a low charge before recharging them.
- Never allow your battery to run completely flat.
When to charge sealed lead-acid batteries
- Fully charge new batteries.
- Recharge them at the end of the day once you have finished using your vehicle. If you are unable to do this, charge them once a week.
- Every 2 months allow the batteries to discharge until the battery gauge shows a low charge before recharging them.
- Never allow your battery to run completely flat.
How to charge batteries for your mobility scooter or powerchair
The following advice applies to both types of battery:
- Only use the automatic charger supplied with the vehicle.
- Allow the charger to complete its charge cycle until the green “fully charged” light shows.
- Leave the charger connected and turned on until you need to use the vehicle again. The charger will keep the batteries topped up.
- If you prefer not to leave it turned on, the batteries will not be kept topped up, so you should instead charge once a week.
- Do not leave the charger switched off whilst connected to the vehicle. Some chargers will allow batteries to drain quite quickly if you do this.
- Always disconnect the charger from the mains when disconnected from the vehicle.
General advice on charging
- If the battery gauge shows they are low and you need to go out, you may give them a quick charge to allow you do so. However, we’d recommend that you try not to make a habit of this and instead follow the relevant advice given above.
- Incorrect battery charging will not affect your vehicle, only the life of the battery.
- The cost of fully charging your batteries is minimal.
- Allowing batteries to run low every two months has been found to to rejuvenate them.
Replacing Batteries
If looked after well you can expect your battery to last two or more years. As they get older you are likely to notice their capacity reducing. Once you notice the battery gauge showing a low charge after a day’s use, it’s time to replace them.
Factors Affecting Range
A fully charged battery will provide a different range for each user depending on a number of factors. These include:
Weight of the vehicle or user
Ambient temperature (particularly above degrees Celsius and below freezing)
State of battery charge
Tyre pressure
Terrain
Transporting Batteries
If you are travelling abroad by plane it’s likely that you’ll want to take your mobility equipment with you. In order to do this you’ll need to obtain an IATA Certificate for your battery to show that it is safe to be transported by plane. Alternatively, you may find that your battery is already marked on top with an IATA sticker.
You can obtain an IATA Certificate from your battery or wheelchair supplier.
Storing Batteries
When storing your vehicle for long periods always fully charge the batteries and disconnect them from the vehicle allowing them to drain their charge naturally.
A Few Do’s and Don’t’s
- Do not connect your own lights or other items to your batteries as it may ruin them, especially if 12 volt.
- Do dispose of your batteries through an approved source.
- Do not use a car-type charger for mobility vehicle batteries as this will damage them.
We hope the above helps you to look after your batteries. However, should you have any questions regarding recharging, replacing or with general battery maintenance please feel free to contact us for advice.
At RB Mobility we have many years experience of carrying out repairs and maintenance work to all types of mobility equipment, and are always happy to help.
